Super Mario Bros. 3 vs Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Super Mario Bros. 3 takes players on a vibrant journey across eight distinct worlds, each packed with hidden secrets, power‑ups, and challenging enemies. With its innovative map system and diverse level design, the game offers endless replayability for both newcomers and seasoned gamers. Originally released in 1988, this timeless classic continues to captivate audiences with its tight controls, memorable music, and imaginative level themes, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the platform genre.
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.
- Timeless level design
- Rich variety of power‑ups
- High replay value
- Great for co‑op play
- 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 modern accessibility options
- No online multiplayer
- Graphics are dated by today’s standards
- Limited save system using passwords.
- No official multiplayer mode.
- Occasional difficulty spikes in later worlds.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Super Mario Bros. 3
View all →
Dive into the first 3‑D Mario adventure and explore a kingdom of endless platforms and secrets.
Alternatives to Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
View all →
Wario's first solo adventure, stealing treasure and smashing foes
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSuper Mario Bros. 3 is the higher-rated, feature-rich choice with multiplayer and an overworld map, while Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins offers a budget-friendly, single-player retro adventure. The main trade-off is paying more for critical acclaim and co-op play versus saving money for a purely single-player experience.
Key differences
- •Super Mario Bros. 3 costs $49.99, whereas Super Mario Land 2 is significantly cheaper at $19.99.
- •Super Mario Bros. 3 includes multiplayer support and a two-player alternating mode, while Super Mario Land 2 is strictly single-player.
- •Super Mario Bros. 3 features a higher critic score of 92/100 compared to Super Mario Land 2's 82/100 (or 85/100).
- •Super Mario Bros. 3 uses a strategic overworld map for non-linear progression, whereas Super Mario Land 2 features eight distinct worlds and hidden Warp Zones.
Gameplay & fun factor
Super Mario Bros. 3 scores higher at 92/100 and features a strategic overworld map with non-linear progression.
Platform availability
Not specified
Price & value
Super Mario Land 2 is much more affordable at an MSRP of $19.99, compared to Super Mario Bros. 3 at $49.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Super Mario Bros. 3 includes a two-player alternating mode for shared play, while Super Mario Land 2 is single player only.
Content & replayability
Super Mario Bros. 3 features a vast array of hidden warp zones and secret exits that encourage replayability.
Difficulty & accessibility
Super Mario Land 2 uses a password system to save progress, while Super Mario Bros. 3 supports a modern save-state feature.
Graphics & performance
Super Mario Land 2 features a vibrant pixel-art style designed for the Game Boy, while SMB3 graphics are noted as dated.
Choose Super Mario Bros. 3 if…
Players seeking a critically acclaimed, higher-priced classic with multiplayer and a strategic overworld map.
Choose Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins if…
Shoppers wanting a budget-friendly, classic single-player platformer with a password saving system.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is cheaper with an MSRP of $19.99, compared to Super Mario Bros. 3 at $49.99.
Can I play with a friend in either game?
Yes, Super Mario Bros. 3 features a two-player alternating mode. Super Mario Land 2 is single player only.
How do the critical scores compare?
Super Mario Bros. 3 has a critic score of 92/100, while Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins has a critic score of 85/100.