New Super Mario Bros. U vs New Super Mario Bros.
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
New Super Mario Bros. U is an engaging side-scrolling 2.5D platform game where players guide Mario, Luigi, and friends through imaginative worlds. Bowser's gang has seized control of Princess Peach's Castle, setting the stage for a classic rescue mission across diverse levels filled with secrets, enemies, and challenges. The game introduces the exciting Super Acorn power-up, granting players the Flying Squirrel ability to glide through stages. Featuring both single-player campaigns and multiplayer cooperative modes, alongside innovative Wii U GamePad features like Boost Mode and various challenge modes, it delivers timeless platforming fun for 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.
- Engaging multiplayer co-op support
- Challenging extra game modes
- Fun new power-ups like the Super Acorn
- Charming 2.5D art style
- 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.
- Similar visual style to previous titles
- Limited innovation over prior franchise entries
- Multiplayer can sometimes lead to chaotic moments
- 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 New Super Mario Bros. U
View all →Classic Mario platforming reborn with fresh power-ups and multiplayer fun.
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros.
View all →Join Mario in a classic 2.5D side-scrolling platform adventure to rescue Princess Peach.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. offers tighter classic controls, more levels and higher critical acclaim, while New Super Mario Bros. U adds newer power‑ups and Wii U GamePad features but scores lower.
Key differences
- •A has 80+ levels across eight worlds; B’s level count isn’t specified
- •A’s critic score is 95/100 versus B’s 80/100
- •B includes Wii U GamePad Boost Mode and the Super Acorn power‑up; A does not
- •A supports up to four local players; B’s multiplayer player limit isn’t stated
- •B’s visual style is similar to earlier titles, while A’s graphics are described as charming but dated
Gameplay & fun factor
A highlights precise controls, varied power‑ups and secret exits, giving richer platforming depth.
Platform availability
Both are paid one‑time titles; platform specifics not provided in the facts.
Price & value
Both list MSRP $59.99, so price is identical.
Multiplayer / co‑op
A explicitly supports up to four local players; B mentions co‑op but no player count.
Content & replayability
A offers over 80 levels and hidden exits; B’s content volume isn’t detailed.
Difficulty & accessibility
B notes accessibility for families and casual gamers plus challenging extra modes.
Graphics & performance
B’s 2.5D art is described as charming; A’s graphics may feel dated versus modern 3D titles.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. U if…
Players who own a Wii U and want newer power‑ups plus GamePad‑enhanced co‑op.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Fans who want the most polished, content‑rich classic Mario platformer with strong local multiplayer.
Common questions
Do either games offer online multiplayer?
No; both focus on local multiplayer only.
Which game has better critical reception?
New Super Mario Bros. has a critic score of 95/100, higher than New Super Mario Bros. U’s 80/100.
Is there a level editor or user‑generated content?
Neither title includes a built‑in level editor.