New Super Mario Bros. vs Super Paper Mario
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.
Super Paper Mario is a unique dimension-shifting platformer and action RPG released for the Nintendo Wii. When a mysterious top-hatted villain abducts Princess Peach and forces her into a wedding with Bowser, a rift of dark energy threatens to tear the universe apart. Mario must embark on an epic quest across multiple worlds to collect the pure hearts and stop the impending apocalypse. Blending classic side-scrolling 2D action with a groundbreaking 3D perspective flip mechanic, the game introduces puzzle-solving elements alongside traditional role-playing progression. Players can control multiple characters including Mario, Peach, Bowser, and Luigi, each with distinct abilities essential for overcoming obstacles, defeating enemies, and unraveling the humorous storyline.
- 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.
- Innovative 2D to 3D dimension-shifting mechanic
- Hilarious and engaging storyline with memorable characters
- Multiple playable characters with distinct abilities
- Charmingly stylized paper-craft visual aesthetic
- 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.
- Leans more heavily into platforming than traditional turn-based Paper Mario RPG combat
- Some puzzles can feel obscure without experimentation
- Wii remote controls are mandatory for certain gameplay elements
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros.
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Team up with friends in this cooperative 3D platforming adventure on the Wii U.
Join Mario in a classic 2.5D side-scrolling platform adventure to rescue Princess Peach.
Alternatives to Super Paper Mario
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Join Mario, Luigi, and Toads on a 2.5D side-scrolling platform adventure to rescue Princess Peach.
Team up with friends in this cooperative 3D platforming adventure on the Wii U.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. offers tighter classic platforming, higher critical acclaim, and multiplayer for $10 more, while Super Paper Mario provides a unique 2‑to‑3D shift and story‑driven solo experience at a lower price.
Key differences
- •Super Paper Mario features a 2D/3D dimension‑shifting mechanic and multiple playable characters; New Super Mario Bros. is a pure 2D side‑scroller.
- •Multiplayer: Super Paper Mario is single‑player only; New Super Mario Bros. supports up to four local players.
- •Critical reception: 78/100 for Super Paper Mario vs 95/100 for New Super Mario Bros.
- •Price: $49.99 for Super Paper Mario vs $59.99 for New Super Mario Bros.
- •Content depth: New Super Mario Bros. has 80+ levels with secret exits; Super Paper Mario focuses on story and exploration rather than level count.
Gameplay & fun factor
New Super Mario Bros. scores 95/100 versus 78/100, indicating stronger overall fun and polish.
Platform availability
Both are Nintendo titles; specific platform details are not provided.
Pricing & value
Super Paper Mario costs $49.99, $10 less than New Super Mario Bros.' $59.99 price.
Multiplayer / co‑op
New Super Mario Bros. offers local co‑op for up to four players; Super Paper Mario is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
New Super Mario Bros. provides 80+ levels, secret exits, and collectibles, whereas Super Paper Mario emphasizes story over level count.
Difficulty & accessibility
New Super Mario Bros. features responsive controls for beginners; Super Paper Mario requires Wii remote controls for some actions.
Graphics & performance
Both use stylized Nintendo visuals; no performance metrics are given to differentiate them.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Groups or families seeking classic platforming, high replay value, and strong critical praise.
Choose Super Paper Mario if…
Solo players who want a story‑rich, dimension‑shifting adventure at a lower price.
Common questions
Which game supports multiplayer?
New Super Mario Bros. supports up to four players locally; Super Paper Mario is single‑player only.
Is the higher price of New Super Mario Bros. justified?
It costs $10 more but has a 95/100 critic score, more levels, and multiplayer, offering greater overall value.
Do I need any special controller for Super Paper Mario?
Yes, certain gameplay elements require Wii remote controls.