New Super Mario Bros. U Wii U
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2012
User Score
8.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 221 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 185 out of 221
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 221
  3. Negative: 21 out of 221

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  1. elpianista21
    May 10, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Como siempre, los juegos de aventura de Nintendo destacando en entretención. Gran versión, diseño y gráficos espectaculares. Yo estoy 100% conforme y lo recomiendo a todos los que aun no se deciden, en especial para compartir con la novia o tus hermanos. Que sensación más agradable poder jugar con los 5 integrantes de mi familia este clásico de clásico.
    Tal vez lo único no muy atractivo es el uso del Gamepad, creo que está demás el poder agregar elementos de ayuda, debiese haber sido control para un personaje más.    … Expand
  2. kylesar
    Apr 21, 2013
    8
    Excellent game. The graphics are incredible, and the levels are as challenging as ever. The thing that keeps this game from getting a 10 from me is some of the power-ups are straight up retarted. The expanding baby yoshi made me mad, but other than that, I would recommend this game to anybody
  3. Midnalink
    Apr 13, 2013
    10
    New Super Mario Bros U is the successor of Super Mario World, probably one of the best 2D Mario with Super Mario Bros 3 and Super Mario World. If you have the Wii U and if you love Mario, I think you need to play this game.
  4. TheMitch
    Apr 11, 2013
    10
    My past involving 2D Super Mario games hasn't been good. Playing them would always lead me to eventual frustration and abandonment of the game altogether. I liked the games, but I never loved them. I simply wasn't skilled enough, nor patient enough, to continue on and finish the game. That is, until I started playing New Super Mario Bros. U. This game is the most indulgent experience in the series to date. The content is enormous. The designs are flawless. And the quality...oh, bellissimo! I knew I would like this game, but I never suspected I would love it this much. I've also gotten 100% completion something I would never dream was possible for me in a 2D Mario adventure and I'm still wanting to play more. The New Super Luigi U content destined to come out later this year cannot arrive soon enough, and will effectively double the content of an already-mammoth game. If you're considering picking up a Wii U, and you can't decide which game to choose, pick New Super Mario Bros. U. Even if 2D Mario adventures aren't your cup of tea, you won't be disappointed with the content-cost ratio. Plus the multiplayer is absolutely hilarious.… Expand
  5. Legend2099
    Mar 20, 2013
    9
    I love that Nintendo still releases side-scrolling Mario games. Super Mario Bros. 3 is one of my favorite games, and I still enjoy playing its style of gaming. New Super Mario Bros. U takes on the traditional formula with added HD graphics, a new power-up, challenge modes, and most importantly all-new levels.

    Nintendo's focus was on gameplay and it hit the nail on the head. First and     foremost it is important to note that NSMBU is an extremely fun game. The storyline is essentially non-existent, the graphics are improved but nothing to rave about, and the challenge modes are a nice addition, but this game prides itself on side-scrolling goodness and Nintendo does it best.

    Simply, if you like side-scrolling platforming, you'll love NSMBU as it perfectly executes the genre.    … Expand
  6. skippedgamer
    Mar 19, 2013
    8
    Before I continue, I have to say that I love Mario Brothers. I find myself overplaying Mario bros, and dying a lot in the games. When I got Mario Bros U, I was thinking that I will be playing a remake of the first NSMB game. I was wrong. This game is filled with new ideas, and revivals of old Mario Bros concepts. I also found there being many secrets in the game. My only problem with that aspect is this, if you want to find secrets, just jump into any wall you see. The story is the same, the princess gets kidnapped. Well not kidnapped, but thrown by a giant bionic arm, and she landed directly in the castle. Good trick shot Bowser. Then I started being the mean jerk that I am as mario, Running and jumping on innosent little creatures, having some of the most fun I had on this system. It is fun playing alone, but everyone gets killed by the multiplayer. It is usual NSMB CO-OP. You should reach the end, but most of the times, you end up killing your teammates. Basically, multiplayer turns into a jump based smash bros. The gamepad is fun to play with. The only problem is, the gamepad player tries despratly to kill you with the pad. Is there anything that can make it better, Yes. First, I wanted to see Pro Controller Support. It was fun playing with the game pad. WE PAYED $30+ FOR OUR PRO CONTROLLER, DO YOU GUYS THINK WE WANT TO USE IT FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN SHOOTERS NINTENDO. Also It would be awesome if you could play as your mii in story mode. Also I would have wanted to see the gamepad player be able to control another mario charactor. Most likely Wario. Finally, It is annoying that player one has to always play as Mario. Seriouslly, Blue Toad is cute, I want more Blue Toad Action. In the end, the game is fun, but its lack of replayability and exclusion of certain features killed the game, I give this game 8 dead koopas out of 10… Expand
  7. sJagstang
    Mar 14, 2013
    9
    At this point you know what you are getting into when you play a 2D Mario game, Perfect controls with some of the most fun platforming gameplay whether you are alone or playing co-op, I think this is the best of the "New Super Mario Bros." series with nice crisp graphics, excellent gameplay and some fun power-ups and some of the best platforming level design out there, It doesn't change the design of the game a lot, but it perfects it and as one of the launch titles for Wii U it does a good job as the first HD Mario game. That's not forgetting the fact that you get Challenge modes, Boost Rush mode and tons of content to do after the main game is complete including star coin hunting and much more, This will keep you playing for a long while and it is probably the best launch title for the Wii U.… Expand
  8. Tjackson31692
    Mar 11, 2013
    10
    This game does not just remake new super mario bros it revamps it. Sure it may not be perfect but no game is and this game truily feels like the perfect 2d mario game with good challange, gameplay, diffrent modes, wii u multiplayer/touch control, online, and the hd with a classic mario feel.
  9. tstrul
    Mar 8, 2013
    10
    The perfect platformer! You might think i am lying but test it for yourself. The gameplay is tight and accurate as always, There are tons of things to do and the graphics are awesome. I literally spent hours over hours playing this to 100% completion. The formula works again, with style. The multiplayer, while very fun, is not perfect though. Sometimes it feels the other players actually get in the way of the 1st player, but it's still a great experience. Overall, Probably the best wii u game to date.… Expand
  10. Hoopie
    Mar 5, 2013
    6
    This is a good, fun and addicting game, the first time through. Now that I've finished every level, I can't go back. I've tried, but in the end i play for 5 minutes then quit.
  11. mbele
    Mar 3, 2013
    6
    Nothing new here. The game just as good on dolphin emulator with some minor anti aliasing and 720p upscaling. I really dont see a need for this game. Seems like they just wanted something to release the console with a game of their own. The whole 2d sidescroller is becoming a bit tiering to be honest. There is no chance Id buy another for a few years. The Luigi DLC just feels like their milking it. The only reason Id buy it is the lack of game coming up. If they release the DLC at 5dollars I might do it.… Expand
  12. dannesolna
    Mar 1, 2013
    6
    Not at all a bad game, but the compared with the Wii version I dont see much new. Not very much more detail in the graphics, just looks upscaled. Not many new elements or characters/enemies. Not much harder (easier Id say). I like the new nostalgic elements from Yoshis island, but I just dont think they had enough content to make a new game. This feels like new super mario bros wii HD. I the genre of 2d sidescrollers will be hard to push forward. I think an updated version in five years will suffice. Maybe some DLC during those years for the hardcore fans, like the Luigi-version that is coming now. The 2d content is simple and genius, but its too simple to pump out new releases as often as the 3d platformers. See this video. If some minor graphic tweaks are made in dolphin (like anti aliasing), I doubt anyone would see a difference. To me, New super mario bros U is the same game as this, which was released in 2009.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhSVfbtmKvE

    To summarise great game in the genre, but I think the demand for 2d platformers for me and the most others is satisfied for a couple of years forward.    … Expand
  13. MidWestBest
    Feb 23, 2013
    8
    It's a New Super Mario Bros. game. There isn't much else to say. If you like Mario games than you will like this one. The kids like it, I like it, my wife likes it. Good graphics and controls as usual.
  14. Ajahnis
    Feb 21, 2013
    10
    This game is the pinnacle of the New Super Mario Bros. series. Nintendo refines almost every favourable mechanic and includes them in the release. Mario Bros. U has a great over-world, clever level design, and plenty of single-player and multi-player to keep everyone busy. The only fault are the reused music and the familiar level styles but overall, Nintendo creates a platformer that defines the genre and the series.… Expand
  15. bonnin40
    Feb 18, 2013
    8
    2D mario in its absolute basic, fantastic form. not alot added, not alot taken away, just straight foward, bang on, 2d platforming. And i woulndt have it any other way. It does bother me a bit that all of the new super mario bros. games are so damn similair, but i would definitely say this game is the best in the series. some new locations, some old revisted locations, new powerups, and new multiplayer and challenge options. nintendo knew the simple phrase "if its not broken, dont fix it" and it applies so well to this game. It would have been nice to see somthing brand new with mario's launch on the wii u, but this game is just fine. I have alot of fond christmas day memories of playing this, and its by far one of my favorite Wii U games. This is 2d mario done best, good graphics, good music, memorable set pieces, lousy story (which doesnt really apply to this game, as mario isnt built around a story), but as the first and foremost, fun gameplay. and the gameplay is where it counts. i found the twist of being thrown away and needing to work your way back to the castle to be interesting. I would reccomend this to any mario fan, platforming fan, or wii u owner. A great representation of with whats to come with mario in the near future!… Expand
  16. Wignut21
    Feb 13, 2013
    8
    It's super Mario in HD. The gameplay doesn't need any explaining, but the graphics are superb. No real great gameplay features, but Mario doesn't really need any. My only wish would be for some online play, if we had that it would be a 10.
  17. mblomstrand92
    Jan 29, 2013
    9
    When you buy a Mario 2D platformer you know what to expect. But I got to say I was pleasantly suprised. Beside the dull and repetitive mini bosses on each world the game feels really fresh. First of all the game looks amazing in HD. The levels are varied and very fun to play. Catching all the star coins is a blast, and after you've completed the game you have over 20 levels to find through secret passages and finding all the star coins in each world. Along with this you have modes such as coin rush and other challanges to keep you busy for a long time. One thing that I would like to see improved is the multiplayer. First I would love to see online multiplayer, and also that the characters shouldn't stop when you get hurt, it gets really choppy and hard to time your upcoming jumps for the other players when this happens. Fix these two multiplayer things, vary the mini bosses and add a level editor and this would have been a straight up 10. I give this game a solid 9/10!… Expand
  18. MOHAMMAD0203
    Jan 28, 2013
    9
    This Game may be another 2-D , but the game feels very fresh. Adding the challenge mode gives veterans a new interest and the visuals are just stunning. Overall this is a great game.
  19. HMK
    Jan 26, 2013
    8
    After 3 games that desperately tried to revitalize the core Super Mario Bros game play and style Nintendo has released New Super Mario Bros. U on the heels of New Super Mario Bros. 2, after the passing performance it
  20. CoolShoes
    Jan 26, 2013
    4
    Super Mario Games have always brought joy, fun and laughter, and the New Super Mario Bros U game was no exception. Adding HD graphics and artistic detailed levels it truly will amaze. NSMBU is also one of the few launch titles that fully integrate Miiverse, a social community specially created for the Wii U, and it integrates it beautifully! Although the Super Mario games have not changed for the past few decades not really adding the 'new,' it will truly still bring in a good laugh for hardcore and casual gamers alike.… Expand
  21. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 23, 2013
    9
    Don't think that this is "Just another Mario game", sure it's the same 2D side-scrolling gameplay that are in the other 2D Mario games but the fantastic level design and challenge help this game feel fresh. The game looks gorgeous and the soundtrack is fantastic (although it's not as good as other Mario games). As far as Wii U features go aside from using the touch screen in the menu you can play the entire game on the gamepad, but the game looks so good on the big screen nobody will blame you if you never look at the pad, it's helpful on bathroom breaks though. The only real use for the gamepad functionality is in multiplayer. You can have the gamepad player place blocks onscreen to jump on which can really save your bacon on some of the more difficult levels. Multiplayer is at it's best when it's two players and one of them is using the gamepad, get more than two together and the game turns into a chaotic, albeit humorous, mess. To play this game with more than two people and actually make some progress you need to communicate, or else game time can turn into fight night. The game packs a lot of content not only do you have the lengthy story mode you also have various challenge modes which will keep you playing after you beat the story mode. The only real issue I have with this game is the amount of recycled bosses, I swear I fought the same boss at least half a dozen times. If your a Mario fan, 2D platformer fan, or just like good, challenging games than you should really consider picking this up.… Expand
  22. OttawaExile
    Jan 18, 2013
    9
    With Mario you know what your getting a fun side scrolling adventure which you can now play with your friends. I haven't tried it with the gamepad 5th player but it sounds like a good enough idea. I find this game plays best with 2 players as 4 can make it a pain. I like that we are back to one huge world instead of 8 seperate ones (like back in Super Nintendo days) They have added some new game modes and twists to the standard formula ( like the races and chasing a guy through the levels) I don't feel liked Nintendo just dusted off the last version and game it an HD ungrade. My only complaint is that you can't play online co-op. There is no good reason for this. (Little Big Planet) and I think it would really make this a perfect game.… Expand
  23. Daddy_D
    Jan 17, 2013
    10
    What can I say, it's Nintendo and it's Mario. New Super Mario Bros U is the first HD Mario ever and it looks amazing. The new controller works great, and you can play through the entire game without a TV, just use the display on the gamepad. The music is what you expect in a Mario game, and so are the levels. You can play up to five players. Four playing with Wiimotes and one playing with the gamepad in Boost Mode where you can help the other players by placing platforms. If love like Mario, you'll love this game.… Expand
  24. hunttom420
    Jan 14, 2013
    8
    I like this game and the additional features such as the mini games. I am a little spent with the star coins I think they should change that up. Also how come there is no way to tell which flags you have not reached...? If you beat the game without going through every level...you get the point!! No online? Jeeze Wii U should allow players to play with others same with Nintendo Land not just Mii Verse. It's 2013 Nintendo get with the program everybody is playing multiplayer online! All and all a fun Mario game but no where near the calibur of Super Mario Galaxy 2. Sorry Nintendo try again and when you do, try some co-op online multiplayer!… Expand
  25. larryCheeseburg
    Jan 11, 2013
    9
    At first I thought the controls were a bit floaty but after an hour of playing I ended up loving it. I wish it was a little harder though. After playing super meat boy I'm used to a nice challenge, but I could see this being a nice way to get kids into platformers. Overall I though the graphics were great and it was a lot of fun. If you like Mario games chances are you'll really enjoy this game.… Expand
  26. FaloRoy
    Jan 7, 2013
    9
    The game is enjoyable and pretty challenging from a pure game play standpoint. Graphically, the game looks great, and controls well. The level design and enemy variety is awesome, and so are the power-ups (the Super Acorn is cool). The multiplayer was fun (it doesn't need online, by the way), and there are other modes to explore aside from story mode. I can't say its perfect, because there were a couple negatives. You can only resume from a quick save point once (I wished it could be done more than that), and the game does not have as much originality as other versions. People who hate Nintendo doing the whole re-hashing thing over and over again are missing the point: the formula really does work that well (which goes for other Nintendo franchises and non-Nintendo franchises as well). In the end, a refining of a truly great platforming series. 8.5/10… Expand
  27. hithereimbob
    Jan 6, 2013
    9
    New Super Mario Bros. U is a safe game that doesn't really show off the power of Nintendo's new home console. The gamepad isn't used in a new and inventive way, the graphics are in HD, but only in 720p, not 1080p, (which, after playing Rayman Ledgends, baffles me) and in terms of Mario games, this one doesn't do anything super special. However, it does do something that the "New" series has struggled to do for the past 6 years, and that is to really make a Mario game that isn't just good and or even great, but to make a 2D platforming Mario game that recaptures what the original Mario games had on the NES and SNES and make it amazing and maybe even better. This game, NSMBU, is easily the best of the "New" series and, in my opinion, is one of the best Mario games out there and if you have a Wii U, you NEED to get this game. It's a fun game that is actually challenging, another thing the other games in the "New" series have struggled to do. It has enough original ideas to make in feel fresh, and it has enough of the old concepts to make it fell like a true Mario game. Going back to the challenge aspect, the game is hard. It's not the kind of hard that will make you want to eat a toxic mushroom, but ti's the kind of hard that will make you think, "should I throw the controller on the floor and buy a new system, or should I just try to resist?" And the integration with Miiverse is fantastic. Let's say you die on a level 10 times (which WILL happen). A little prompt will come up asking, "Would you like to post your thoughts about this course to Miiverse," or, "would you like to write a letter to Bowser about this course on Miiverse," or a few other questions. It's nice to say, "Don't do ______ because of ______," or see someone say "DEAR BOWSER: I HATE YOU!!!" That being said, did I see some inappropriate drawings and words? Yes, I did. To summarize, New Super Mario Bros. U is the best game in the "New" series, and is a fantastic game in general. Not only that, but it is one of the best Mario games out there, which is welcome after New Super Mario Bros. 2. However, the game is a safe game, and not one that dares to push the limits of the system or Mario. So, if you're looking for a fun Mario game or a fantastic 2D platforming adventure, PICK THIS GAME UP. However, if you're looking for something that is truly monumental and defines the Wii U and what it can do, or is a Mario game that will be remembered as the holy grail of Mario games for eons to come, you might want to wait for the next 3D Mario game that might come out this year or the year after that.… Expand
  28. PuckMan
    Jan 2, 2013
    8
    Nintendo may be playing it fast and loose with the word 'New' as this is the 4th entry in the New Super Mario Bros. series and not much has changed. Looking at screenshots or listening to the music each version is virtually indistinguishable. However, this is the best version yet. Polished to perfection, great level design, tight controls, timeless game play, NSMB U has it all. And don't be fooled by the cheerful and colourful visuals this game provides a decent challenge which unlike so many modern games requires a bit of genuine skill to master. Loads of extra challenge modes sweeten the deal further. Could Nintendo have pushed the boat out a bit further with the music and art design? Yes, but the game play will always be the most important thing.… Expand
  29. Nintendolad
    Dec 26, 2012
    8
    Very fun game, but it was too short and easy to beat. Fun to do with younger siblings and cousins who really enjoyed it. Overall it was enjoyable and I would recommend it to casual and younger gamers.
  30. tipsypants
    Dec 26, 2012
    7
    This is basically the same game as on the Wii. It is a lot of fun, the level design is great, the animations are great, the controls are tight.. but, there is nothing -new- about it. The enemies and music are recycled from the Wii verion. Some powerups have been removed and one new has been added. If you're new to Mario then this game is clear 10, but if you've played through New Super Mario Bros Wii, then you'll feel that something is lacking. It feels more like DLC for NSMB Wii than a new game. It's still a good game though, so it gets a 7.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 70 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. Armchair Empire
    Feb 21, 2013
    90
    Everyone gets a chance to play and interact and have fun. Really, that’s what Nintendo excels at, getting everyone involved and allowing childish enthusiasm to file down the sharp corners of the vexation of adulthood and life experience. New Super Mario Bros. U does that very thing.
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  2. Wii Brasil
    Feb 19, 2013
    90
    Yes, the new 2D adventure is not a demonstration of Wii U's potential, but it's extremely competent as a plataformer, adding some elements that probably will accompany the series in the future and making, though perhaps unconsciously with its final boss, the eyes of players sparkle and give us a taste of what to expect of Mario in its next tridimensional adventure.
    Read full review
  3. Riot Pixels
    Feb 14, 2013
    77
    No matter how much content is recycled here, New Super Mario Bros. U is a gem in Wii U’s launch line-up. Problem is, there is nothing that sets it apart from a long line of its predecessors.
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