Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS

 3DS
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 160 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 160
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 160
  3. Negative: 37 out of 160
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  1. MarioGames
    Jul 10, 2017
    8
    Mario Maker are good and creative but it's bad because i can't published my level and i just can play Wii U level and no 3DS. The New Super Mario Bros U imitaton it'very good but the quality no.
  2. EpicLadySponge
    Dec 2, 2016
    8
    Super Mario Maker for the Nintendo 3DS, as far it can get according to its Wii U title, feels to be a drop for a port. Removing sharing courses to the internet can be a much of a strict move and due to removal of amiibo support, Mystery Mushrooms and Big Mushrooms have been removed as well despite the 3DS having amiibo support. Interestingly, it had a title chance to play in 3D at someSuper Mario Maker for the Nintendo 3DS, as far it can get according to its Wii U title, feels to be a drop for a port. Removing sharing courses to the internet can be a much of a strict move and due to removal of amiibo support, Mystery Mushrooms and Big Mushrooms have been removed as well despite the 3DS having amiibo support. Interestingly, it had a title chance to play in 3D at some case despite being a 3DS title. Some changes also made the 3DS version inferior to the Wii U version by a long shot, but you know what? Even if these flaws would make such criticism for a port, Super Mario Maker for the Nintendo 3DS is the biggest holiday gift to get during the holidays. Start your Christmas list by at least thinking about whether this game is worth it or not. Don't expect it to be completely like the Wii U version because we all have been there.… Expand
  3. Owb101
    Dec 5, 2016
    9
    An excellent Mario game that is missing one feature. The lack of uploads is serious, but the overall package makes up for it. Maybe it can be patched in the future.
  4. SuperMatt777
    Dec 2, 2016
    8
    Despite the complaints people have about the lack of online sharing this game has, such thing doesn't affect me at all, which is why I thoroughly enjoy this game. To me, Mario Maker for the 3DS is a way to build levels on the go and if I like the level enough, I'll just recreate it in the Wii U version and upload it from there. I see this game as an expansion to creativity, not somethingDespite the complaints people have about the lack of online sharing this game has, such thing doesn't affect me at all, which is why I thoroughly enjoy this game. To me, Mario Maker for the 3DS is a way to build levels on the go and if I like the level enough, I'll just recreate it in the Wii U version and upload it from there. I see this game as an expansion to creativity, not something that holds it back. The way to unlock things is also much better compared to the Wii U version; instead of a week wait, you can get things through playing the game's pre-built courses, which works fine with me. While the loss of the Mystery Mushroom is a downside to me, it's nothing to huge. Overall, while I agree that the port is not going to suppress the Wii U version any time soon, the game is still amazing in its own right. Make on the go, remake at home if you want that level online. Both versions compliment each other, but if you're overly satisfied with the Wii U version and don't feel the need for the 3DS version, that's fine too.… Expand
  5. EFYevan
    Dec 11, 2016
    10
    100 all new Nintendo-made Mario levels. No side scrolling Mario game has ever had more levels packed in with the game! Just think about that for a minute before comparing how inferior this version is from the Wii U version. Yes, it would have been nice to be able to upload the levels you make online. With a handheld, it is a fun feature to be able to share the levels with people100 all new Nintendo-made Mario levels. No side scrolling Mario game has ever had more levels packed in with the game! Just think about that for a minute before comparing how inferior this version is from the Wii U version. Yes, it would have been nice to be able to upload the levels you make online. With a handheld, it is a fun feature to be able to share the levels with people locally. Very creative, and the new "medals" feature is a nice touch! For example, one of the ways to get a medal is to "finish the course by collecting all 100 coins" or "finish the course as Weird Mario", or "finish the course by only defeating the goombas". 10 out of 10 stars, fantastic!… Expand
  6. JJTX
    Mar 24, 2019
    9
    While Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS lacks the course-sharing features of its Wii U predecessor, it is still a solid, portable way to enjoy some great Mario platforming. The pre-made courses are almost worth the price of admission alone, and constitute a terrific "lost" Super Mario game.
  7. M2Gaming
    Dec 2, 2016
    8
    Yes, the port of the original game has been slashed and chopped of one of it's best feature: the ability to share our creations on-line. Sure this is bad, but if you can look pass forward this big negative point, Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS still is an absolute blast. It has almost everything the original had and since you can download and edit many levels that were already uploadedYes, the port of the original game has been slashed and chopped of one of it's best feature: the ability to share our creations on-line. Sure this is bad, but if you can look pass forward this big negative point, Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS still is an absolute blast. It has almost everything the original had and since you can download and edit many levels that were already uploaded by Wii U's users, it still makes the game quite appealing.

    The level editor works pretty good and everything is easy to select and operate. Like it's big sister, the 3DS version offers almost every single tool that can be find in the Wii U's version. Passing from one to another Super Mario universe is great, although you can feel a little lag in the transition. Constructing a level can be a little demanding, mostly due to the small size of the 3DS screen. Since you can't get a very large field of view, it's not easy to construct far ahead without testing every two inches of progress you make.

    There's no amiibo support this time around, so it can be a downer for some players that already have some and were willing to use them in the 3DS version as well. My biggest concern with the 3DS port has nothing to do with it's absence of on-line sharing, but really with the lack of comfort you feel playing this game. Since Mario-type games are usually kind of hard, chances that you will find yourself almost tearing the 3DS apart while trying to get through some very challenging levels. On the Wii U's GamePad, it felt a little more comfortable. On 3DS, it's a real pain in the a**.

    All in all, Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS is still a very good game, omit that you can forgive and forget the removal of it's on-line sharing abilities. Graphics are great and controls are top notch, aside the fact that the handheld is not very comfortable for that type of game where A1 reflexes are needed to succeed.

    Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS is a great port of the original. Not a perfect one, but one that you will definitely enjoy for sure. Give it a try! It's worth it!    … Expand
  8. Tazcat2011
    Dec 13, 2016
    8
    This game is a lot of fun for those who don't have have a Wii U. I get the criticism of level uploads but the overly negative reviews seem more like sour grapes than an actual review of what you actually do get. This is is a solid title and is easily a 7.5-8 game.
  9. sitebender
    Mar 26, 2019
    8
    I really want to like Mario Maker on 3DS more than I do. I didn't think missing the ability to upload levels would matter, but it does, so it's not as much fun making levels. Playing it on the small screen just isn't nearly as impressive as playing it on a big screen. I do appreciate the 100 levels that Nintendo made and gives me a reason to actually play it.
  10. Digibutter64
    Apr 16, 2018
    8
    In some ways, this feels like an inferior port of the Wii U game. Gone are Mystery Mushrooms (which let Mario dress up as various other characters) and, bafflingly, the ability to share courses online. However, this version adds a tutorial mode as well as a mode called Super Mario Challenge where you can play through courses pre-made by Nintendo.

    Otherwise, the game is largely the same    In some ways, this feels like an inferior port of the Wii U game. Gone are Mystery Mushrooms (which let Mario dress up as various other characters) and, bafflingly, the ability to share courses online. However, this version adds a tutorial mode as well as a mode called Super Mario Challenge where you can play through courses pre-made by Nintendo.

    Otherwise, the game is largely the same as on Wii U. You can create 2D Mario platforming levels by placing elements (with more unlocked as you progress through the aforementioned Super Mario Challenge) in the course area. The interface is nice and just as easy to use as it was before.

    The handheld capability of the 3DS adds convenience to the experience, and you can share levels with others via StreetPass. This is a decent port, but if you have to choose between this or the Wii U version, I'd say go with the latter.    … Expand
  11. Ensigned
    Dec 16, 2016
    10
    Better than minecraft. Best Mario game thus far that you can take on the go. No, it is not as good as the Wii U version, but the Wii U version is also $20 more for a non-portable home console. It is the most fun you can have with Mario on a mobile or handheld platform. Just a fantastic game!
  12. Kiryako
    Dec 17, 2016
    10
    I think this port from Wii U for Mario Maker is well done despite the removal of certain things such as online level uploads etc. For someone like me who only ever intended on playing an infinite Mario game (by only playing Wii U levels) without ever uploading any of my own levels, this is the best I could hope for because I don't own a Wii U and I probably never will, however this gameI think this port from Wii U for Mario Maker is well done despite the removal of certain things such as online level uploads etc. For someone like me who only ever intended on playing an infinite Mario game (by only playing Wii U levels) without ever uploading any of my own levels, this is the best I could hope for because I don't own a Wii U and I probably never will, however this game always appealed to me greatly so for now i'm happy that they made this port for 3DS.… Expand
  13. thenerdynerd99
    Jan 3, 2017
    8
    Don't be put off by the fact that you can't share your courses with the world (mine are pretty **** so I'm speaking from personal opinion) this is actually a pretty solid port of an already great Wii U game. It looks just as great as its source material, is as GREAT is it too. But the removal of the mystery mushroom kind of takes the fun out of making Link run around in Mario's world. It'sDon't be put off by the fact that you can't share your courses with the world (mine are pretty **** so I'm speaking from personal opinion) this is actually a pretty solid port of an already great Wii U game. It looks just as great as its source material, is as GREAT is it too. But the removal of the mystery mushroom kind of takes the fun out of making Link run around in Mario's world. It's worth picking up if you don't have a Wii U, but only people that have kids and a wife will like to pick it up.… Expand
  14. reviewinggamer
    Dec 3, 2017
    8
    Nintendo took the best items in the game and removed them on the 3DS version.

    Aside from that, it's a pretty fun game and the fact that you can share levels online is even better.

    I would give this an 8/10 due to the fact they removed items from the game.
  15. Birdy1998
    Jan 29, 2018
    8
    I played Super Mario Maker for the first time on the same day I graduated from high school and honestly, other than not being able to upload the levels online, I wouldn't hesitate to own this game. To be able to play Mario Maker on the toilet or on the go, to able to build pratically infinite levels in my hands is so cool. Also, the graphics are good.
  16. ACriticalHit
    Mar 11, 2018
    8
    Before I start on this, let me say: I did not get Super Mario Maker for the Wii U, so I will not be bemoaning *the loss* of online sharing but judging it as it's own game.

    Creating Mario levels is extremely enjoyable, and replaying them is also great. The amount of different blocks, enemies, etc. is nice, although they could add even more, and perhaps delve into more game-specific    Before I start on this, let me say: I did not get Super Mario Maker for the Wii U, so I will not be bemoaning *the loss* of online sharing but judging it as it's own game.

    Creating Mario levels is extremely enjoyable, and replaying them is also great. The amount of different blocks, enemies, etc. is nice, although they could add even more, and perhaps delve into more game-specific features.

    But yes, even if I judge SMM-3DS as it's own game, the absence of many online features is lamentable and should have been in there. But even so, this game is a solid 3DS game to take and play on the go, and I find myself revisiting it even when my Switch makes the 3DS pretty much obsolete. Let's hope for Super Mario Maker 2 for Nintendo Switch!    … Expand
  17. Yaboygraham
    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    Sure, not being able to share levels is dumb and all, but now that Mario Maker 2 is about to take Mario Maker on Wii U's place, I'd say this isn't a bad game. If you're like me and you just want to make your own levels and play them yourself, $20 isn't a bad price.
  18. idkwhattocallme
    Apr 28, 2019
    8
    A really great platformer, only reason this isn't a 10/10 is because you can only share your levels via streetpass in this port.
  19. Jonnyblond77
    Aug 29, 2019
    10
    Call me crazy but I have no idea why this game gets a lot hate. I truly am enjoying it. But I wasn’t spoiled by super Mario maker for the Wii U. I never got around to playing it as I was in Ukraine partying with my hot babe back in the day and money was going on plane tickets and living it up. But enough talk about that..I’m reviewing this game and it’s a joy to play. I love the random 100Call me crazy but I have no idea why this game gets a lot hate. I truly am enjoying it. But I wasn’t spoiled by super Mario maker for the Wii U. I never got around to playing it as I was in Ukraine partying with my hot babe back in the day and money was going on plane tickets and living it up. But enough talk about that..I’m reviewing this game and it’s a joy to play. I love the random 100 Mario challenge. It’s like a new game every time I fire this mother up to play. There’s always something new to have a good time with. Yes I do own Mario maker 2 for the switch and yes it’s truly superior giving the facts that it’s the latest one so it pretty much makes it automatically superior but still if I’m just chilling in bed and looking for some platforming fun and I don’t want to take a risk falling a sleep and waking up in the morning to my Nintendo switch in pieces because it fell off my bed..then the 3ds version does the trick. I’m not much in to building and designing levels because that’s what the nerds are for..hey..it’s not an insult..it’s the truth..there’s some really genius level designs and I think wow..there’s some really creative people out there..me..well..I’d rather have some beer, smoke my vape and chill while playing some random creations that may or may not be crazy. Either way..I love this game. It’s always something different and isn’t that what we want out if a plat-former is diversity that makes you think..wow..what cool level that was or pull your hair out thinking,.this level is for sadists and masochists..but all in all..don’t listen to these snotty little fools saying Mario maker for the 3ds is garbage...I’m not fussy or picky but I do know a fun and enjoyable game when I play one. It’s not expensive these days to pick it up. If you got a switch then sure..go for that one but if you have both the 3ds and the switch then get both...awesome… Expand
  20. Qualgirl
    Aug 21, 2019
    10
    Fun for a while but ultimately lacking. Still an amazing feat for a 3DS game! Would buy kids!
  21. deycd
    Aug 13, 2021
    8
    The game is very funny, maybe it presents some problem or limitation at the time of creation or the new Mario looks a bit pixelated and you can't share your levels. But it is very entertaining with a long story mode. Really a very good portable mario game. In my opinion, it is among the 5 best options for portable Mario games. Not counting the Switch games.
  22. ANTIMETACRITIC
    May 5, 2021
    10
    El mejor juego de construcción de niveles ahora en portátil. Siempre es curioso ver como elementos de juegos posteriores aparecerían en los anteriores.
  23. DoktarioMyst
    Oct 13, 2022
    8
    = de editor is hetzelfde als de Wii U versie

    + de story mode voelt als een 2D Mario game. simpel plot met geweldige gameplay + ik denk dat dit de eerste Nintendo game is met achievements. als je een level uitspeelt met alle achievements dan unlock je de source code van dat level - er is geen online, enkel streetpass + de graphics van New Super Mario Bros.U zijn crunched maar ik    = de editor is hetzelfde als de Wii U versie

    + de story mode voelt als een 2D Mario game. simpel plot met geweldige gameplay

    + ik denk dat dit de eerste Nintendo game is met achievements. als je een level uitspeelt met alle achievements dan unlock je de source code van dat level

    - er is geen online, enkel streetpass

    + de graphics van New Super Mario Bros.U zijn crunched maar ik vind dat het stijl heeft

    conclusie:
    koop deze game als een 2D Mario game tenzij je vrienden hebt die je levels willen spelen    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best 3DS Game of 2016
7
#7 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2016
9
#9 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 56
  3. Negative: 1 out of 56
  1. Vooks
    Apr 8, 2017
    60
    The addition of the tutorials to the maker modes, the addition of the Super Mario Challenge and retention of the all great single player content and the ability to still download courses means this game is less Super Mario Maker and more Super Mario Fan Edition. It's hard to recommend this one, especially when the Wii U version is far superior and feels more alive, the Super Mario Challenge is interesting but it still feels incomplete.
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  2. games(TM)
    Feb 7, 2017
    80
    The final package then is mixed, but the bottom line has to be that Super Mario Maker is still an insanely fun game. It’s one of the best 2D Mario experiences out there and plays great on 3DS. It’s not as complete as we might have liked, but it’s certainly not bad.
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  3. DualShockers
    Jan 30, 2017
    70
    The game acts like a quick Super Mario campaign with an accompanying endless collection of levels — and endless Super Mario levels is never a bad thing. Despite a fantastic new delivery system found in Super Mario Challenge, too may of the downgrades strip the components of Super Mario Maker that made it a breakaway success on Wii U.
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