Super Mario Bros.
Wonder Review: Nintendo Redefines 2D Platforming on Switch
Super Mario Bros.
Wonder, developed and published by Nintendo, is a standout addition to the Nintendo Switch lineup.
Released on October 20, 2023, this highly anticipated platformer marks the first core 2D Mario title on Switch since the popular New Super Mario Bros.
U Deluxe, and it quickly became a critical and commercial success.
Having pioneered the side-scrolling genre for decades, Nintendo set out to reinvent the classic Mario formula, resulting in a platforming experience that feels as vibrant and inventive as ever.
A Foundation of Joyful Innovation
At its heart, Super Mario Bros.
Wonder retains the hallmark platforming action Nintendo is known for, but what truly distinguishes it is the sheer variety and creativity packed into every stage.
From the very first level, it’s evident that Nintendo’s developers set out to imbue every moment with novelty—whether it’s a bold new mechanic, a whimsical visual twist, or clever enemy behavior, the game overflows with surprises.
As one might summarize, whenever it seemed impossible for more surprises to appear, the game consistently proved otherwise.
A New Era for 2D Mario: Beyond the "New" Branding
Super Mario Bros.
Wonder is significant as the first 2D Mario game to drop the "New" prefix, signaling a shift away from the conventions of its predecessors like New Super Mario Bros.
U.
Over time, fans voiced a desire for more originality, and Wonder delivers in spades, feeling more like a direct response to those calls.
The adventure leaves the familiar Mushroom Kingdom for the mysterious Flower Kingdom, leveraging this new setting to introduce imaginative elements.
For instance, talking flowers now populate every stage, offering motivation and companionship in a series traditionally light on dialogue.
The new characters, including Prince Florian, and Bowser’s transformation into a sentient castle, set the stage for an adventure full of charm and eccentricity.
Wonder Flowers and Badges: Fresh Mechanisms and Replay Value
A standout innovation in Super Mario Bros.
Wonder is the introduction of Wonder Flowers, game-changing items found in every main course that completely transform the environment and gameplay whenever collected.
These transformations are always unique, keeping players off balance and eager to discover what will happen next—whether it’s navigating as a Goomba, launching into a musical number, or traversing space.
Alongside these are Badge Challenges, where players equip Badges that modify movement mechanics, such as letting Mario glide, swim faster, or adding extra challenge.
These features not only serve as accessibility options but also enhance replayability, encouraging experimentation and mastery.
Expanded Stage and Enemy Variety
Super Mario Bros.
Wonder expands on the typical Mario structure with new stage types and creative enemies.
From KO Arenas requiring fast-paced action to Search Party stages inviting exploration, each level brings something new.
Blewbirds, Hoppos, and Maw-Maws are just a few of the fresh adversaries that present new platforming challenges, and their sparing use heightens their impact.
The familiar world map concept returns with added flexibility—players can tackle many stages in any order, discover hidden exits, and return for 100% completion.
Revitalized Art Style and Multiplayer Options
Visually, Wonder sets a new standard with expressive animations; Mario and friends are livelier and more emotive than ever, which breathes new life into the series’ aesthetic.
Multiplayer, both online and local, receives a thoughtful reimagining.
While online play groups players together, each enjoys their own progress, with subtle cooperative touches such as placing checkpoints for others or sharing power-ups.
There’s no player collision, removing frustration and highlighting teamwork over competition.
Verdict: A Joyfully Crafted Masterpiece
By the time players roll credits, it’s clear that Super Mario Bros.
Wonder is not just a polished entry in the 2D Mario lineage—it’s one of the best platformers available on Nintendo Switch, raising the bar for the genre.
With its blend of inventive mechanics, visually stunning presentation, and abundant replay incentives, Nintendo once again proves its unmatched capability to surprise and delight players of all backgrounds.
Super Mario Bros.
Wonder is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, and can be purchased both physically and digitally via the Nintendo eShop.
This release cements Nintendo’s legacy as a creative leader in the platforming genre and marks an exciting new chapter for Mario fans worldwide.
Wonder Review: Nintendo Redefines 2D Platforming on Switch
Super Mario Bros.
Wonder, developed and published by Nintendo, is a standout addition to the Nintendo Switch lineup.
Released on October 20, 2023, this highly anticipated platformer marks the first core 2D Mario title on Switch since the popular New Super Mario Bros.
U Deluxe, and it quickly became a critical and commercial success.
Having pioneered the side-scrolling genre for decades, Nintendo set out to reinvent the classic Mario formula, resulting in a platforming experience that feels as vibrant and inventive as ever.
A Foundation of Joyful Innovation
At its heart, Super Mario Bros.
Wonder retains the hallmark platforming action Nintendo is known for, but what truly distinguishes it is the sheer variety and creativity packed into every stage.
From the very first level, it’s evident that Nintendo’s developers set out to imbue every moment with novelty—whether it’s a bold new mechanic, a whimsical visual twist, or clever enemy behavior, the game overflows with surprises.
As one might summarize, whenever it seemed impossible for more surprises to appear, the game consistently proved otherwise.
A New Era for 2D Mario: Beyond the "New" Branding
Super Mario Bros.
Wonder is significant as the first 2D Mario game to drop the "New" prefix, signaling a shift away from the conventions of its predecessors like New Super Mario Bros.
U.
Over time, fans voiced a desire for more originality, and Wonder delivers in spades, feeling more like a direct response to those calls.
The adventure leaves the familiar Mushroom Kingdom for the mysterious Flower Kingdom, leveraging this new setting to introduce imaginative elements.
For instance, talking flowers now populate every stage, offering motivation and companionship in a series traditionally light on dialogue.
The new characters, including Prince Florian, and Bowser’s transformation into a sentient castle, set the stage for an adventure full of charm and eccentricity.
Wonder Flowers and Badges: Fresh Mechanisms and Replay Value
A standout innovation in Super Mario Bros.
Wonder is the introduction of Wonder Flowers, game-changing items found in every main course that completely transform the environment and gameplay whenever collected.
These transformations are always unique, keeping players off balance and eager to discover what will happen next—whether it’s navigating as a Goomba, launching into a musical number, or traversing space.
Alongside these are Badge Challenges, where players equip Badges that modify movement mechanics, such as letting Mario glide, swim faster, or adding extra challenge.
These features not only serve as accessibility options but also enhance replayability, encouraging experimentation and mastery.
Expanded Stage and Enemy Variety
Super Mario Bros.
Wonder expands on the typical Mario structure with new stage types and creative enemies.
From KO Arenas requiring fast-paced action to Search Party stages inviting exploration, each level brings something new.
Blewbirds, Hoppos, and Maw-Maws are just a few of the fresh adversaries that present new platforming challenges, and their sparing use heightens their impact.
The familiar world map concept returns with added flexibility—players can tackle many stages in any order, discover hidden exits, and return for 100% completion.
Revitalized Art Style and Multiplayer Options
Visually, Wonder sets a new standard with expressive animations; Mario and friends are livelier and more emotive than ever, which breathes new life into the series’ aesthetic.
Multiplayer, both online and local, receives a thoughtful reimagining.
While online play groups players together, each enjoys their own progress, with subtle cooperative touches such as placing checkpoints for others or sharing power-ups.
There’s no player collision, removing frustration and highlighting teamwork over competition.
Verdict: A Joyfully Crafted Masterpiece
By the time players roll credits, it’s clear that Super Mario Bros.
Wonder is not just a polished entry in the 2D Mario lineage—it’s one of the best platformers available on Nintendo Switch, raising the bar for the genre.
With its blend of inventive mechanics, visually stunning presentation, and abundant replay incentives, Nintendo once again proves its unmatched capability to surprise and delight players of all backgrounds.
Super Mario Bros.
Wonder is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, and can be purchased both physically and digitally via the Nintendo eShop.
This release cements Nintendo’s legacy as a creative leader in the platforming genre and marks an exciting new chapter for Mario fans worldwide.