New Super Mario Bros. vs Spyro: Season of Ice
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.


New Super Mario Bros. brings the beloved sideโscrolling 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 powerโup combos. Its timeless design appeals to newcomers and longtime fans alike.
Spyro: Season of Ice is the first game in the series not developed by Insomniac Games and the first to appear on the Game Boy Advance. Featuring an isometric overhead perspective, the game retains Spyro's classic abilities like flame breath and gliding while introducing Mode 7 technology for its 3D-style flying bonus levels. Following the defeat of the Sorceress, an evil Rhynoc wizard named Grendor turns the fairies of the Dragon Realms into ice blocks to cure his headaches. Players control Spyro with the assistance of Hunter and Sparx to rescue the trapped fairies across diverse environments and thwart Grendor's plot.
- Tight, responsive controls that feel classic yet fresh.
- Rich variety of powerโups and level designs.
- Engaging multiplayer modes for up to four players.
- High replay value with secret exits and collectibles.
- Brings the classic Spyro gameplay formula to a portable console for the first time
- Retains signature moves like flame breath and gliding
- Uses Mode 7 technology for immersive flying bonus levels
- Features familiar characters including Hunter and Sparx
- Limited online features; focus is on local play.
- Graphics, while charming, may feel dated compared to modern 3D titles.
- No builtโin level editor for userโgenerated content.
- Isometric camera angle takes time to get used to compared to 3D titles
- Lacks multiplayer or cooperative gameplay modes
- Limited visual fidelity on original Game Boy Advance hardware
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros.
View all โAlternatives to Spyro: Season of Ice
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Spyro's first 128-bit adventure to rescue scattered dragonflies from Ripto.

Rescue the stolen fireflies and restore dragon fire in this portable isometric platformer.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. is the safer, higher-rated default with broad multiplayer and side-scrolling action, while Spyro: Season of Ice is a budget-friendly, single-player handheld isometric platformer.
Key differences
- โขPerspective: Spyro uses an isometric overhead camera, whereas Mario features a side-scrolling perspective with a dynamic camera.
- โขMultiplayer: Mario supports up to four players in local cooperative or competitive modes, while Spyro is strictly single-player.Pricing and Critic Score: Spyro is cheaper at $29.99 with a 65 critic score, while Mario costs $59.99 with a much higher 95 critic score.Content Scale: Mario includes over 80 levels across eight worlds with secret exits, whereas Spyro features a rescue mission across multiple worlds with flying bonus levels.
Gameplay & fun factor
New Super Mario Bros. features tight, responsive controls and a 95 critic score compared to Spyro's 65 score.
Platform availability
Not specified in the provided data beyond their initial release contexts.
Price & value
Spyro: Season of Ice costs $29.99, making it half the price of New Super Mario Bros. at $59.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
New Super Mario Bros. offers local multiplayer for up to four players, while Spyro is single-player only.
Content & replayability
Mario offers over 80 levels across eight worlds with secret exits and alternate routes for exploration.
Difficulty & accessibility
Mario features responsive controls suitable for both beginners and experts, while Spyro's isometric camera takes time to get used to.
Graphics & performance
Both have hardware-limited or dated visuals (Spyro on original GBA, Mario compared to modern 3D titles).
Choose New Super Mario Bros. ifโฆ
Players wanting top-tier side-scrolling platforming with local multiplayer and high critic praise.
Choose Spyro: Season of Ice ifโฆ
Retro fans seeking a portable isometric platformer adventure on a budget.
Common questions
Can I play either game with friends in multiplayer?
Yes, New Super Mario Bros. supports local multiplayer for up to four players. Spyro: Season of Ice lacks multiplayer or cooperative modes.
Which game is less expensive?
Spyro: Season of Ice is cheaper with an MSRP of $29.99, whereas New Super Mario Bros. has an MSRP of $59.99.
How do the levels and worlds compare in scale?
New Super Mario Bros. features over 80 levels across eight distinct worlds. Spyro features multiple worlds focused on rescuing fairies from ice.




