What was Paper Mario initially called during development?

Paper Mario was initially called Super Mario RPG 2 during development.

The project began as a planned sequel to Super Mario RPG, Square’s 1996 role-playing game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Nintendo announced the follow-up for the Nintendo 64’s 64DD disk drive, and the working title Super Mario RPG 2 reflected that intended connection.

Development later shifted from the 64DD to a Nintendo 64 cartridge. The game’s visual identity also changed substantially: artist Naohiko Aoyama moved away from low-polygon 3D graphics and developed the paper-like look that became the series’ defining style. The Japanese release was titled Mario Story, while Western markets received the name Paper Mario.

Shigeru Miyamoto produced the original Paper Mario and consulted on the project, while Intelligent Systems handled development after Nintendo’s plans with Square did not continue. The final game therefore became a distinct Nintendo 64 title rather than a direct sequel carrying the Super Mario RPG name.