New Super Mario Bros. 2 arrives on the 3DS as a sequel to the Wii’s New Super Mario Bros. Wii, and it keeps the same formula while adding a twist: coins count for more than ever before. Players collect coins to reach the hundred mark, and hitting that number opens a secret door on each level. It is a simple idea that gives the game a reason to move fast and stay alert.
Trailer, via Nintendo of America.
The Coins
The coin system is the biggest change. Each level hides coins in plain sight, behind enemies, and inside objects that break apart. Finding them all takes extra time, but the reward is worth it. Reaching 100 coins opens a door that leads to a bonus stage, and those stages hand out extra lives, stars, and other rewards.
The game also adds a new set of power-ups tied to coins. Players can grab a coin suit that grants temporary protection, or a leaf suit that lets Mario fly briefly. These additions give the core platforming more depth without changing the feel too much.
Levels and Look
The game uses a bright, clean look built for the 3DS screen. The world is made up of grassy plains, desert ruins, and icy peaks, each with its own coin count and hazards. The difficulty rises steadily, though it never gets truly punishing. Boss fights close off each world with a larger enemy that demands careful timing.
The controls feel tight, and the game rewards players who move quickly. Enemies are placed with purpose, and levels rarely waste space.
Coin Count
| Level | Coins Needed |
|---|---|
| Grass World | 100 |
| Desert World | 100 |
| Snow World | 100 |
| Underwater World | 100 |
| Castle World | 100 |
Each world asks for 100 coins to open its secret door. That number is small enough to feel within reach, but high enough that players have to plan their runs carefully.
The game does not add much beyond that coin count. There is no multiplayer mode, no online play, and no new way to play with friends. What is there holds together well, but it feels thin next to the game’s ambition.
New Super Mario Bros. 2 succeeds best when it stays focused on the coin count and the level design. The game is at its best when it asks players to find coins while avoiding danger. Where it falls short is in variety. The coin count system is clever, but it repeats across every level, and the game does not offer much outside of standard platforming.
New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a solid addition to the series, but it plays it safe. The coin count system gives it a distinct identity, and the level design remains strong. It does not push the genre forward, but it does not need to. For players who enjoy collecting coins and solving simple puzzles, this is a rewarding package.
