New Super Mario Bros. U arrived on Wii U in 2012 as a launch title, and it remains one of the clearest demonstrations of why the console mattered. The game takes the familiar formula of the New Super Mario Bros. series and pushes it further, adding a second player, new ways to play, and a mode built around the console’s GamePad. It is a game that understands what the Wii U can do and uses those tools without wasting them.
Trailer, via Nintendo of America.
The Setup
New Super Mario Bros. U follows the same general shape as earlier games in the series. Players guide Mario through a set of levels, collecting coins, avoiding enemies, and reaching the flag at the end of each stage. The core loop is simple, but it holds together with a steady rhythm that feels satisfying after years of similar design.
What sets this version apart is the addition of a second player. A friend can join Mario at any time, and the game adjusts to accommodate both characters on screen without losing pace. This is a small change on paper, but it transforms how the game is played in practice. Levels that were once a solo challenge become a shared experience, and the game rewards cooperation over competition.
The GamePad Mode
The GamePad mode is the headline feature. In this mode, the second screen displays the full level from above, giving the player holding the controller a view of the entire map. Enemies, items, and hazards all appear on this top-down display, allowing the player to plan routes, avoid danger, and find hidden paths. It is a clever use of the hardware, and it adds a layer of strategy that the main screen alone could not offer.
The mode is not required to enjoy the game. Playing with a single player on the TV screen delivers the same levels and the same challenges. But for players who want a deeper experience, the GamePad mode offers a distinct way to approach each level. It is a genuine addition rather than a novelty, and it shows what the Wii U could do when developers took the hardware seriously.
Level Design
The levels themselves are where New Super Mario Bros. U earns its keep. Each stage is built with a clear objective in mind, whether it is reaching the goal quickly, gathering coins, or avoiding enemies entirely. The difficulty rises steadily across the game, with boss fights spaced out to break up the pacing and test the player’s skills.
The game also includes a mode that lets players build their own stages using the same tools the developers used. This mode opens up a great deal of freedom, and it allows players to create levels that rival the official content in quality. It is a bold inclusion for a mainstream release, and it shows a willingness to engage players beyond the finished product.
“The GamePad mode is the headline feature.”
Presentation
The presentation is bright and clean, with a visual style that is instantly recognizable as part of the New Super Mario Bros. lineage. Character sprites are detailed, animations are smooth, and the environments are varied enough to keep each level feeling distinct. The music matches the tone of the action, with cheerful melodies that do not wear thin over repeated playthroughs.
The multiplayer support is the standout feature, and it is worth noting that the game handles split-screen play without slowing down or sacrificing clarity. Both players can see clearly what is happening, and the game manages the action with ease. This is a technical achievement that few games of its era managed.
How It Holds Up
New Super Mario Bros. U does not try to reinvent the genre. It takes the strengths of the New Super Mario Bros. series and builds on them, adding features that make sense for the hardware. The result is a game that is accessible to newcomers while offering enough depth to reward longtime fans.
The GamePad mode is the star, but the multiplayer and the level editor are just as valuable. Together, they make New Super Mario Bros. U a complete package that few other games in the series have matched. It is a game that respects the history of the franchise while looking forward, and it does so with confidence.
The game is not without flaws. Some levels rely too heavily on repetition, and the difficulty curve can feel steep in the later worlds. The GamePad mode can also feel like a novelty rather than a necessity, especially for players who prefer to play alone. These issues do not sink the game, but they do keep it from being perfect.
Final Word
New Super Mario Bros. U is a strong entry in the series and a solid showcase for the Wii U. It uses the hardware’s features without forcing them, and it offers a multiplayer experience that stands out even now. The level editor is a generous addition, and the GamePad mode remains a clever use of the console’s capabilities.
The game is not a revolution, but it does not need to be. It is a refined, polished package that delivers on what it promises. For players who own a Wii U, it remains a worthwhile purchase, and for anyone curious about the genre, it is a good place to start.
New Super Mario Bros. U scores 8 of 10.
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