Super Mario Bros. Wonder review

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the strongest 2D Mario for groups. Nintendo's page centers the game on Wonder Flowers, items that change a course mid-run, for example making pipes come alive or turning a player into a giant Spike-Ball. New power-ups include Elephant Fruit, the Bubble Flower and the Drill Mushroom, and badges add extras such as a Parachute Cap that slows your fall. Up to four players can share one Nintendo Switch, share power-ups and revive each other, and online Friend Rooms hold up to 12 friends with four per course. That makes it the most social game on this list. It is also friendly to beginners: Nabbit and the Yoshis do not take damage from enemies, so a younger player can keep up. The downsides are that online play needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership, it only runs on Nintendo systems, and expert players may find the main courses easier than Celeste or Super Meat Boy.

Who it is for

families and groups who want 2D Mario together

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Wonder Flowers transform courses, such as pipes coming alive
• Elephant Fruit, Bubble Flower and Drill Mushroom power-ups
• Action, Boost and Expert badges add abilities
• Up to 4 players locally on one Nintendo Switch
• Online Friend Rooms for up to 12 friends with 4 players per course

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Up to 4 local players can share power-ups and revive each other
• Strength: Nabbit and Yoshis take no damage from enemies, which helps new players
• Strength: Playable characters include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Toads, Toadette, Yoshis and Nabbit
• Weakness: Online play needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership
• Weakness: Only on Nintendo hardware
• Weakness: USD price check on Nintendo's US store is still pending for this list

Key facts

• Developer: Nintendo
• Release date: October 20, 2023
• Players: Single system (1-4), Online (1-4)
• ESRB descriptors: Mild Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
• Accessibility: Playable with Buttons Only

Where it ranks

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is No. 5 in our Best Platformer Games verdict.