Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Nintendo Redefines 2D Platforming on Nintendo Switch

Super Mario Bros.

Wonder: Nintendo Redefines 2D Platforming on Nintendo Switch The Super Mario franchise's celebrated 2D platformers have captivated fans worldwide for decades, capturing a special sense of nostalgia and joy.

Classics like the NES original and Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels laid the foundation for an evolving series, beloved for its side-scrolling platforming excellence and the iconic adventures of Mario.

In recent years, however, the flow of new 2D Mario experiences slowed, with fans offered only remastered ports, a mobile entry (Super Mario Run), and the creative-focused Super Mario Maker.

That all changed with the launch of Super Mario Bros.

Wonder, Nintendo’s first all-new 2D Mario game in over a decade, released globally for the Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2023. Upon starting the adventure in the Flower Kingdom, players are immediately greeted by refined controls, smooth physics, and responsive movement.

The gameplay retains classic elements like jumping, wall jumping, dashing, and spinning, yet introduces a host of fresh mechanics.

Notably, new power-ups like the Elephant Fruit, Bubble Flower, and Drill Mushroom offer inventive ways to traverse and interact with levels, each delivering a unique twist to puzzle solving and platforming.

These innovations are a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to evolving the series while honoring its traditional roots. Super Mario Bros.

Wonder offers a robust 15-hour campaign for completionists, challenging players to collect every Wonder Seed, conquer hidden stages, master each badge, and purchase collectible Standees.

Importantly, the game’s pacing and level diversity ensure every stage feels memorable—water levels included—a welcome departure from the more formulaic progression of previous 2D Mario titles.

The introduction of badges—special abilities equipped by players—adds a new strategic layer, with 24 distinct badges divided into Action, Boost, and Expert categories.

Some badges, like the Jet Run, notably alter how stages are approached and are likely to make waves in the speed-running community. Progressing through Super Mario Bros.

Wonder hinges on collecting Wonder Seeds, found by exploring levels and interacting with Wonder Flowers.

These Wonder Flowers trigger charming and unpredictable transformations within stages: pipes wiggle, environments reshape, and new opportunities emerge with each discovery.

This playful unpredictability injects fresh energy and replayability, making every level feel like an adventure. Distinct from past entries, Super Mario Bros.

Wonder omits traditional score counters and level timers.

Instead, enemy combos earn players escalating praise—"Good," "Fantastic," and "Wonderful"—before ultimately rewarding extra lives.

The absence of a timer encourages thorough exploration and experimentation, while the removal of the score system modernizes the experience for longtime fans. Local and online multiplayer further extend the game's appeal, allowing up to four players to journey through the Flower Kingdom together.

With 12 playable characters and the removal of character collision, sessions are less prone to chaos—an intentional design choice to streamline cooperative play.

As one reviewer observed, layering each player behind the other avoids disruptive in-game clashes, ensuring smoother multiplayer action. Visually, Super Mario Bros.

Wonder is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant backgrounds, expressive animations, and a wealth of new and familiar characters.

The game runs at a consistent 60fps with minimal load times, particularly shining on the Nintendo Switch OLED model.

Standout features include plant-themed elements, with talking flowers peppered throughout every stage to convey humor and personality to the richly animated world. Ultimately, Super Mario Bros.

Wonder represents a triumphant return to 2D Mario’s roots, revitalized with modern design sensibilities and creative ambition.

It sets a new standard for the platforming genre, combining dazzling artistry, innovative mechanics, and flawless gameplay execution.

For Nintendo Switch owners and fans of the Super Mario franchise, it is nothing short of essential—a masterpiece in every sense.

As the first 2D Mario game following the success of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie, it paves an exciting path for the series’ future.

Super Mario Bros.

Wonder is now available worldwide via the Nintendo eShop and retail stores. A review copy of Super Mario Bros.

Wonder was provided by Nintendo UK.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Mario Switch Super Mario Bros. Wonder Super Mario Super Mario Bros Mario Bros Flower Kingdom Wonder Seeds Elephant Fruit Badges Super Mario franchise Nintendo Direct eShop Super Mario Maker New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Super Mario Run Nintendo UK