New Super Mario Bros. vs Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
Mario returns to his hometown of Mario Land, now taken over by the mischievous Wario. Players explore a sprawling world of themed zones, collect six golden coins, and battle quirky bosses to restore peace. The game builds on its predecessor with richer graphics, new power‑ups, and a larger map, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh platforming experience for both old fans and newcomers.
- 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.
- Rich variety of worlds and level design.
- Memorable power‑ups and boss encounters.
- Bright, colorful pixel art that ages well.
- Easy to pick up for newcomers yet deep for veterans.
- 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.
- Limited save system using passwords.
- No official multiplayer mode.
- Occasional difficulty spikes in later worlds.
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Wario's first solo adventure, stealing treasure and smashing foes
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. is the safer, higher-rated default if you want modern multiplayer and value, whereas Super Mario Land 2 offers a retro single-player experience at a much lower price point. The main trade-off is paying $59.99 for local co-op and 80+ levels versus $19.99 for a classic Game Boy title with a password save system.
Key differences
- •Price: Super Mario Land 2 costs $19.99, while New Super Mario Bros. costs $59.99.
- •Multiplayer: New Super Mario Bros. supports local multiplayer for up to four players (cooperative or competitive), while Super Mario Land 2 is strictly single player.
- •Content scale: New Super Mario Bros. features over 80 levels across eight worlds, whereas Super Mario Land 2 features eight distinct worlds with hidden Warp Zones and a time-attack mode.
- •Save system: Super Mario Land 2 uses a password system to save progress, while New Super Mario Bros. does not mention passwords (it features responsive controls and a dynamic camera).
- •Critical reception: New Super Mario Bros. holds a critic score of 95/100, compared to Super Mario Land 2's score of 85/100.
Gameplay & fun factor
New Super Mario Bros. features responsive controls, a dynamic camera, and a 95/100 critic score compared to Super Mario Land 2's 85/100 score.
Platform availability
Not specified in the provided facts for either game.
Price & value
Super Mario Land 2 costs $19.99 (one-time), significantly cheaper than New Super Mario Bros. at $59.99 (one-time).
Multiplayer / co-op
New Super Mario Bros. supports local multiplayer up to four players in co-op/competitive modes; Super Mario Land 2 is single player only.
Content & replayability
New Super Mario Bros. offers over 80 levels with secret exits; Super Mario Land 2 features eight worlds with hidden Warp Zones and time-attack.
Difficulty & accessibility
Super Mario Land 2 has PEGI 3 (ESRB E), whereas New Super Mario Bros. has a PEGI 12 (ESRB E) rating.
Graphics & performance
New Super Mario Bros. uses a dynamic camera for visibility; Super Mario Land 2 features a vibrant pixel-art style emphasizing its Game Boy roots.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Players seeking local multiplayer up to four players, over 80 levels, and a higher critic score.
Choose Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins if…
Shoppers wanting a cheaper, nostalgic retro single-player platformer experience with a password save system.
Common questions
Which game supports multiplayer?
New Super Mario Bros. supports local multiplayer for up to four players in cooperative or competitive challenges, while Super Mario Land 2 is single player only.
How much do these games cost?
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins has an MSRP of $19.99, and New Super Mario Bros. has an MSRP of $59.99.
How do the levels and content compare?
New Super Mario Bros. features over 80 meticulously designed levels across eight worlds with secret exits, while Super Mario Land 2 features eight distinct worlds, hidden Warp Zones, and a time-attack mode.