Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Launches on Wii U Virtual Console in North America

Nintendo has officially released Mario vs.

Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis on the Wii U Virtual Console in North America, nearly a year after its debut in Europe.

This puzzle platformer marks a pivotal entry in the Mario vs.

Donkey Kong franchise, signifying the series' transition from its platforming roots to a more puzzle-centric experience, and its arrival on Wii U further expands the library of classic Nintendo DS titles accessible to modern audiences. First launched for the Nintendo DS in North America on September 25, 2006, Mario vs.

Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis introduced a new gameplay direction, focusing on guiding miniature versions of Mario and other familiar characters through inventive, obstacle-filled levels.

This approach diverged from the original Mario vs.

Donkey Kong—an homage to the 1981 arcade classic—by infusing elements akin to the Lemmings series, where strategic planning and timing are key to reaching each exit. The game's development was handled in-house by Nintendo Software Technology, a veteran Nintendo studio responsible for several acclaimed handheld and digital titles.

March of the Minis not only received favorable reviews from critics and fans upon its original DS release but also signaled a lasting shift for the franchise, driving subsequent titles to adopt similar puzzle mechanics. On the eShop and the Virtual Console platforms, the Mario vs.

Donkey Kong series has maintained a steady following.

March of the Minis had been available in Europe since late 2015, and its North American arrival allows a broader audience to revisit or discover the series’ evolutionary leap.

Nintendo’s Virtual Console initiative on Wii U continues to preserve and spotlight significant entries from the company’s storied history, with March of the Minis responsible for redefining expectations for Mario-themed puzzle games. Nintendo has underscored its commitment to its legacy catalog by expanding the availability of important games across regions.

The company noted that bringing titles like Mario vs.

Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis to the Wii U Virtual Console is an important step in keeping classic experiences accessible to new players and longtime fans alike. With a reputation for engaging level design and charming presentation, March of the Minis remains a highlight within Nintendo’s DS library now accessible on Wii U.

Fans interested in reliving this transformative chapter in Mario vs.

Donkey Kong history can purchase and download the title via the Nintendo eShop on Wii U starting Thursday, adding to the growing roster of beloved Nintendo games made available through the Virtual Console service.

Nintendo Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Wii U Virtual Console eShop Europe North America