we’re really only left with a bunch of 2D platformers and other sprite-based games. [Reimecker] wasn’t satisfied with this level of computational complexity, so he ported the 3D game engine ...

Suddenly, I wasn’t playing a 2D game anymore; I was playing a 3D game. The beautiful sprite art? Replaced by equally gorgeous 3D models that look like they’re visiting from the Switch remake ...

As pointed out by Nintendo Wire, it's also worth bearing in mind that Nintendo has applied for similar patents in the past ...

Plus, the contrast between the flat 2D sprites and the more detailed ... oscillate between being in 2D and full 3D. Put simply, a Mario game with the HD-2D art style would feel appropriate ...