Super Mario Bros. 3 review

Super Mario Bros. 3 is our answer to the best NES game ever made. Nintendo's own description sets it up: Bowser and his kids turn the kings of the Mushroom World into animals and steal their wands, and Mario and Luigi head out across eight huge worlds to fix it. The power-ups are the reason players still argue for it, with Raccoon Mario flying, Frog Mario swimming, Fire Mario throwing fireballs and Tanooki Mario turning into a statue that enemies cannot hurt. Two players can share the game cooperatively or compete. For collectors, it is also the best value among the big names here: a used cartridge lists at $39.99 at DKOldies before sales. Players without an NES can play it through the Nintendo Switch Online NES library. The weak spots are minor: the later worlds are tough for children, and sale prices move around. For a first NES game, buy this one.

Who it is for

Anyone who wants one NES cartridge that shows the console at its best, from first-time players to long-time collectors.

Price

Used NES cartridge from $39.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $39.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Eight worlds, each ending in a fight with one of Bowser's offspring
• Raccoon Mario can fly and Frog Mario swims
• Tanooki Mario turns into an invincible statue
• Cooperative or competitive two-player mode
• Included in the NES library for Nintendo Switch Online members

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The cheapest Nintendo cartridge on this list at $39.99 used
• Strength: Easy to start: run, jump and grab power-ups
• Strength: Playable legally on Switch with a Nintendo Switch Online membership
• Weakness: Sale prices at DKOldies change, so the regular price can differ from the checkout price
• Weakness: Later worlds get hard for younger players
• Weakness: Collectors pay extra for boxed copies, which cost more than the loose cartridge

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Genre: Platformer
• Worlds: 8
• Players: 1 or 2 (co-op or competitive)
• PEGI rating (Nintendo UK): PEGI 3

Where it ranks

Super Mario Bros. 3 is No. 1 in our Best NES Games of All Time verdict.