New Super Mario Bros. U vs New Super Mario Bros. 2
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. 2 brings the beloved side‑scrolling Mario experience to handheld gaming, focusing on massive coin collection and fast‑paced levels. Players dash, jump, and power‑up through vibrant worlds while competing for high scores. The game supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, letting friends team up locally to tackle challenges together. With polished controls and a variety of power‑ups, it offers endless replay value for both newcomers and longtime fans.
- Engaging multiplayer co-op support
- Challenging extra game modes
- Fun new power-ups like the Super Acorn
- Charming 2.5D art style
- Engaging coin-collecting mechanics
- Smooth local co‑op experience
- Bright, nostalgic visuals
- Varied level design with hidden secrets
- Similar visual style to previous titles
- Limited innovation over prior franchise entries
- Multiplayer can sometimes lead to chaotic moments
- Limited to handheld platform
- No online multiplayer
- Repetitive music in some stages
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros. U
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Classic Mario platforming reborn with fresh power-ups and multiplayer fun.
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros. 2
View all →Join Mario in a classic 2.5D side-scrolling platform adventure to rescue Princess Peach.
Classic Mario platforming reborn with fresh power-ups and multiplayer fun.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are 2012 Nintendo platformers priced the same, but New Super Mario Bros. 2 focuses on coin-collecting and handheld play, while New Super Mario Bros. U adds new power‑ups and a 2.5D style on the Wii U console.
Key differences
- •Platform: Bros. 2 is handheld‑only; Bros. U runs on Wii U with GamePad features.
- •Core mechanic: Bros. 2 emphasizes collecting up to 999 coins per level; Bros. U introduces the Super Acorn power‑up and glide ability.
- •Multiplayer experience: Bros. 2 offers local co‑op only; Bros. U adds co‑op with GamePad boost mode and higher‑difficulty challenge modes.
Gameplay & fun factor
Bros. 2 centers on coin‑collecting replay loops, a distinct twist from standard platforming.
Platform availability
Bros. U runs on Wii U, offering console controls and GamePad integration; Bros. 2 is limited to handheld.
Price & value
Both cost $59.99 with one‑time purchase; value depends on platform preference.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Bros. U includes GamePad‑assisted co‑op and extra challenge modes, broader multiplayer features than Bros. 2's simple local co‑op.
Content & replayability
Bros. 2’s 999‑coin goal and leaderboards drive replay; Bros. U relies on standard levels plus optional challenges.
Difficulty & accessibility
Bros. U markets family‑friendly accessibility with optional high‑difficulty modes, while Bros. 2’s coin chase can be repetitive.
Graphics & performance
Bros. U’s 2.5D art leverages Wii U hardware; Bros. 2 uses bright handheld graphics but no console‑level enhancements.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. U if…
Buy if you have a Wii U, want new power‑ups, richer co‑op with GamePad, and extra challenge modes.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. 2 if…
Buy if you own a handheld, love coin‑collecting challenges, and want simple local co‑op.
Common questions
Do either game support online multiplayer?
No; both only offer local or same‑console co‑op.
Which game has a higher critic score?
New Super Mario Bros. U scores 80/100, slightly higher than New Super Mario Bros. 2's 77/100.
Can I play New Super Mario Bros. 2 on a console?
No; it is limited to a handheld platform only.