Donkey Kong 64 vs New Super Mario Bros.
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Donkey Kong 64 takes players on a sprawling jungle quest filled with puzzles, collectibles, and humor. Explore vibrant worlds, switch between characters, and battle quirky enemies in a classic Rare masterpiece. The game supports both single‑player and split‑screen multiplayer, offering cooperative fun for families and friends. Its colorful visuals and comedic tone make it a timeless adventure for gamers of all ages.
New Super Mario Bros. brings the beloved side‑scrolling Mario experience to a modern handheld, combining tight controls with vibrant 2D graphics. Players dash, jump, and collect coins across dozens of inventive worlds filled with secrets and challenges. The game supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, letting friends team up to tackle levels together while discovering hidden paths and power‑up combos. Its timeless design appeals to newcomers and longtime fans alike.
- Huge amount of content and replay value
- Diverse character abilities add gameplay depth
- Entertaining humor and memorable soundtrack
- Robust local multiplayer experience
- Tight, responsive controls that feel classic yet fresh.
- Rich variety of power‑ups and level designs.
- Engaging multiplayer modes for up to four players.
- High replay value with secret exits and collectibles.
- Steep learning curve for item collection
- Long loading times on some platforms
- Camera can be difficult to control in tight spaces
- Limited online features; focus is on local play.
- Graphics, while charming, may feel dated compared to modern 3D titles.
- No built‑in level editor for user‑generated content.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. is the safer, higher-rated default with tighter side-scrolling controls, whereas Donkey Kong 64 offers a massive 3D platform adventure with character-switching puzzles. The main trade-off is choosing between a critically acclaimed 2D side-scroller (95 critic score) or an expansive 3D exploration-heavy collectathon (85 critic score).
Key differences
- •Dimension & Perspective: Donkey Kong 64 is a 3D platform adventure across six worlds, while New Super Mario Bros. is a side-scroller featuring over 80 levels across eight worlds.
- •Critical Reception: New Super Mario Bros. holds a higher critic score of 95/100 compared to Donkey Kong 64's 85/100.
- •Character Mechanics: Donkey Kong 64 features five unique playable characters (Donkey Kong, Diddy, Lanky, Tiny, and Chunky) with distinct abilities, whereas Mario relies on power-ups like the Fire Flower and Mega Mushroom.
- •Release Timeline: Donkey Kong 64 was released in 1999, while New Super Mario Bros. launched later in 2006.
- •Age Ratings: New Super Mario Bros. carries a PEGI 12 rating, while Donkey Kong 64 is rated PEGI 7 (both are ESRB E).
Gameplay & fun factor
New Super Mario Bros. has responsive controls and a 95 critic score, while Donkey Kong 64 has a steep learning curve and difficult camera control.
Platform availability
Not specified in the provided data for either game.
Price & value
Both games share an identical MSRP of $59.99 with a one-time paid pricing model.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games support up to four players locally, though Donkey Kong 64 explicitly features split-screen co-op.
Content & replayability
Donkey Kong 64 features six distinct worlds packed with hidden items and secret areas, offering a huge amount of content.
Difficulty & accessibility
New Super Mario Bros. offers responsive controls for beginners and experts, whereas Donkey Kong 64 has a steep learning curve for item collection.
Graphics & performance
Donkey Kong 64 notes long loading times on some platforms, while New Super Mario Bros. graphics may feel dated compared to modern 3D titles.
Choose Donkey Kong 64 if…
Players who want an expansive 3D adventure, character switching, and environmental puzzle-solving.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Fans of classic 2D side-scrolling platformers who want tight controls and high critic acclaim.
Common questions
How much do both games cost?
Both games have a one-time MSRP of $59.99.
Do both games support local multiplayer for four players?
Yes, both games feature local multiplayer modes supporting up to four players.
Which game received a higher critic score?
New Super Mario Bros. received a critic score of 95/100, while Donkey Kong 64 received an 85/100.