Donkey Kong Country vs New Super Mario Bros.
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Donkey Kong Country launched in 1994 and set a new standard for platformers with its groundbreaking visual style and tight controls. Players guide Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong through lush environments, battling enemies and collecting bananas to save their island home.
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.
- Iconic visual style that still impresses
- Tight and responsive controls
- Rich level variety with secrets
- Co‑op mode adds replay value
- 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.
- Limited to 2‑player local co‑op
- No modern online features
- Save system can be unforgiving on original hardware
- 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.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Donkey Kong Country
View all →
Classic side‑scrolling adventure returns with new challenges.
A classic side‑scrolling adventure starring Diddy and Dixie Kong
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros.
View all →
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. is the higher-rated, feature-rich modern default with 4-player multiplayer, while Donkey Kong Country offers a more affordable, retro 2-player alternative.
Key differences
- •Price: New Super Mario Bros. costs $59.99, whereas Donkey Kong Country is priced at $19.99.
- •Multiplayer capacity: New Super Mario Bros. supports up to 4 players, while Donkey Kong Country supports up to 2 players locally.
- •Playable characters and mechanics: Donkey Kong Country lets players switch between Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong with unique abilities to solve puzzles, while Mario features a wide range of power-ups like the Fire Flower and Mega Mushroom.
- •Critic Score: New Super Mario Bros. holds a critic score of 95/100, compared to Donkey Kong Country's score of 80/100.
Gameplay & fun factor
New Super Mario Bros. features over 80 meticulously designed levels and a critic score of 95/100 compared to Donkey Kong Country's 80/100.
Platform availability
Not specified
Price & value
Donkey Kong Country is priced at $19.99, significantly cheaper than New Super Mario Bros. at $59.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
New Super Mario Bros. supports up to four players in cooperative or competitive challenges, while Donkey Kong Country is limited to 2-player local co-op.
Content & replayability
New Super Mario Bros. includes over 80 levels across eight worlds with hidden secret exits and alternate routes.
Difficulty & accessibility
New Super Mario Bros. features responsive controls for beginners and experts and dynamic camera visibility, whereas Donkey Kong Country boss encounters require pattern recognition.
Graphics & performance
Donkey Kong Country features stunning pre-rendered graphics and dynamic weather, while Mario has charming graphics that may feel dated.
Choose Donkey Kong Country if…
Budget-conscious buyers looking for a classic 2-player retro adventure with stunning pre-rendered graphics.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Buyers wanting a top-tier critic-rated 4-player platformer with a massive selection of levels.
Common questions
Which game is less expensive?
Donkey Kong Country is less expensive with an MSRP of $19.99, compared to New Super Mario Bros. at $59.99.
How many players can play multiplayer together?
New Super Mario Bros. supports up to four players, while Donkey Kong Country supports up to two players locally.
Which game received a higher critic score?
New Super Mario Bros. received a critic score of 95/100, while Donkey Kong Country received a score of 80/100.