New Super Mario Bros. 2

 3DS
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 701 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 354 out of 701
  2. Mixed: 264 out of 701
  3. Negative: 83 out of 701
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  1. Kdog152
    Jan 10, 2023
    5
    This game is just mediocre. The whole point is to collect 1 million coins. and what do you get for reaching that goal? nothing. no new game mode, no new character, no new power up, no, just a stupid useless statue of gold Mario. And if you reach the other goal of 999,999,999 coins, all you get is the same statue but with Mario in the Raccoon suit. So, it's pointless doing it in the firstThis game is just mediocre. The whole point is to collect 1 million coins. and what do you get for reaching that goal? nothing. no new game mode, no new character, no new power up, no, just a stupid useless statue of gold Mario. And if you reach the other goal of 999,999,999 coins, all you get is the same statue but with Mario in the Raccoon suit. So, it's pointless doing it in the first place. (And only people who literally no life or friends would spend time doing it anyway). Nintendo may have well as just taken lives away as you will constantly get them with the over abundance of coins. You will never get a game over, which takes away the value of lives. This just wasn't worth the £45. mind you, Nintendo are know for over pricing their games, so it doesn't surprise me at all.
    There is still fun to have in this game and the level design is alright, but it does get boring quickly.
    Coin rush mode is call as it's like a speed running mini game and that's where I spent most of time with. The DLC packs were also good. The introduction to world mushroom and world flower was cool idea, but both worlds were empty (huge emphasis on the word empty). there's nothing in them, apart from the stage circles. They are literally just coloured glass platforms.
    I will say though, that this game does have a decent final boss fights. But that's the only good boss fight as the only others are against the Cooperlings, and they are way too easy and are just really not creative. Oh, and Bowser Jr isn't in this game either. That's another problem with this game, It's just too easy.
    The new gold flower power up in this game is just useless. turns block into coins, as if we didn't already get enough of them.
    the story is exactly the same as the other two games as well, which is just lazy and disappointing.
    over all, this game isn't terrible, just hugely mediocre. The soundtrack ain't great either. There's a lot of repeat. 5.5/5.    … Expand
  2. RidleayRomero
    Sep 26, 2012
    6
    After Playing for about a week, the game seems to be nothing more than one of Nintendo's marketing ploys. "Coins, Coins and more Coins" I get it! Mario's world revolves around coins as currency and gaining extra lives-which by the time I type this I have over 500- so you can complete the game! But here's the thing, Mario isn't all that greedy. Mario is mostly a hero that saves the girl inAfter Playing for about a week, the game seems to be nothing more than one of Nintendo's marketing ploys. "Coins, Coins and more Coins" I get it! Mario's world revolves around coins as currency and gaining extra lives-which by the time I type this I have over 500- so you can complete the game! But here's the thing, Mario isn't all that greedy. Mario is mostly a hero that saves the girl in the end. I think that maybe this game would have been more appropriate if Wario was the protagonist instead. Wario Land's game play was always about "It's good to be Greedy" and "You have infinite lives". I mostly had to look up how to get to the secret exits, I usually found the secrets in Super Mario World easily and unexpectedly; now I needed help even finding the Star coins. I'd still be willing to see a new Wario Land game, the amount of coins in the old games were limited and it seems that the counter in New Super Mario Bros. 2 is in the millions.… Expand
  3. b00lpr0p
    Oct 18, 2018
    6
    Lazy and not so well designed as the previous games. Doesn't worth the full price.
  4. TheBlueBadger
    Aug 24, 2012
    6
    NSMB2 is a very fun game, there'a no denying that. But it's probably the laziest Mario game so far. All of the music is just stuff from the wii game with added "bah"'s here and there, and the only new boss fight is used in every tower in the game (by the way, it's a toned down easier super mario world boss). It also feels a lot less substantial than the DS version; no 2 player battle mode,NSMB2 is a very fun game, there'a no denying that. But it's probably the laziest Mario game so far. All of the music is just stuff from the wii game with added "bah"'s here and there, and the only new boss fight is used in every tower in the game (by the way, it's a toned down easier super mario world boss). It also feels a lot less substantial than the DS version; no 2 player battle mode, no minigames, only 6 worlds, and the bonus worlds are small collections of levels, as opposed to full worlds like in the DS one. The new powerups are a lot of fun. The gold flower and gold block are surpzizingly satisfying, and it was nice of Nintendo to let us fly as Raccoon Mario again. One thing that saddened me about the new powerups is the fact the Mega Mushroom can only be used once or twice. You can only get it in stages and the houses that give you them are now gone. Did Nintendo forget how fun it was to rampage through stages as giant Mario? Overall, it's a fun game, but nothing "new" as the title suggests. If you didn't play the wii one I'm sure you won't get bored with this game as quickly as I did… Expand
  5. StallStallStall
    Aug 22, 2012
    5
    Given the dry spell of 3DS titles and lacklustre offering on the E-Shop, I was really looking forward to this game. It was only when I bought it that I realised I already owned this game; on Wii and DS. Of course I was mistaken, and just confused the games, due to the rigid and formulaic 'worlds' (Grass, desert, water, snow etc) and recycled music tracks I was treated to from the get go.Given the dry spell of 3DS titles and lacklustre offering on the E-Shop, I was really looking forward to this game. It was only when I bought it that I realised I already owned this game; on Wii and DS. Of course I was mistaken, and just confused the games, due to the rigid and formulaic 'worlds' (Grass, desert, water, snow etc) and recycled music tracks I was treated to from the get go.

    This title really disappointed me, I really needed something to sink my teeth into and Mario is usually reliable in this department, but once again, the champs at Nintendo have mistaken 'recycling game content' for innovation. I personally wasn't so excited to see the return of raccoon suit flight. Raccoon suit flight has been done, and it was fun, now give me something new.

    Ah, but the gold flower, fairly fun, but just a tad too rare. You can count on your hand the number of times you pick it up, and are treated to a level of coin-blasty fun. The rest of the time you just take one in your inventory, and if you're like me, struggle to bring yourself to use it for any purpose other than secret areas.

    Speaking of coins, in the trailers, I was really looking forward to some contextual point to collecting one million coins, but no. No there isn't. It's an arbitrary and tacked-on addition which wasn't used to its full potential. Why not gambling mini-games, shops, toll-gates, and hungry-luma-style challenges? There's nothing driving me to get those coins except the polite little blurb on the back of the box.

    This game isn't bad, but it just seems like they were working to a deadline and rushed the game out for a release date (which makes no sense at this point in the year). It seems like so much more could have been done, like online-multiplayer, perhaps some minigames and even some bottom-of-the-barrel scrapings of story.    … Expand
  6. WaluigiOverlord
    May 14, 2018
    6
    This game is mediocre, at best. All the levels feel uninspired and the same, and there is next to no difficulty, since there are coins everywhere, resulting in way too many lives. The entire game reuses old levels and themes from the previous two in the series. The Climax is also extraordinarily uninspired, with one of the worst Bowser fights to date. In the end, this may provide you someThis game is mediocre, at best. All the levels feel uninspired and the same, and there is next to no difficulty, since there are coins everywhere, resulting in way too many lives. The entire game reuses old levels and themes from the previous two in the series. The Climax is also extraordinarily uninspired, with one of the worst Bowser fights to date. In the end, this may provide you some enjoyment if you haven't played any other games in the NSMB, but otherwise it's just more of the same.… Expand
  7. Incarta
    Feb 16, 2014
    7
    Solid enough but this is a lazy lazy game as far as trying to push the series up. This game is a cash in by Nintendo. It's more of the same. If that's what you want go for it. But I found this disappointing
  8. XXDragoNXX
    Jul 10, 2013
    7
    I don`t play Mario game so often. Heck, the only other one I own is the First one for the Wii.

    But it`s fun. I don`t get why the 3D makes the background blurry though, and also the music is quite similar to NSMB Wii, which I feel is kind of lazy. And although the game says to "collect coins, blah blah blah", you can`t really do anything with them. Nothing. But although I haven`t    I don`t play Mario game so often. Heck, the only other one I own is the First one for the Wii.

    But it`s fun. I don`t get why the 3D makes the background blurry though, and also the music is quite similar to NSMB Wii, which I feel is kind of lazy.
    And although the game says to "collect coins, blah blah blah", you can`t really do anything with them.
    Nothing.
    But although I haven`t tried it the multiplayer looks fun, maybe I`ll try it with my brother sometime.
    All in all; 7. It could of been better, but it`s good. Maybe wait till a price drop because 40$ seems a bit much for it.    … Expand
  9. TemplarGR
    Sep 10, 2016
    5
    The first New Super Mario bros was fun. This, was not that fun, for some reason i can't exactly pinpoint because it was so boring i don't care to revisit it again. A very lazy sequel with a coin gimmick to somehow extend playtime, it is insulting to Nintendo and Mario fans. Nintendo, if you want to ask 40$ for a 3DS game, begin by investing some more money producing it first. Thank you.
  10. tdunster
    Jun 17, 2014
    7
    Super Mario Bros 2 is a competent platform game for the 3ds. While it's not a bad game it never really captures the imagination or compels you to play it for hours on end. Overall, it's just too similar to previous games and in many respects not as good as Mario 3D or for that matter Donkey Kong Country.
    Hard to recommend to anyone other than fans that simply must play every Mario game.
  11. SirKirbyThe4th
    Jun 30, 2014
    7
    Not really a BAD game, but it could be better. I think I'm just comparing it to the perfection of Super Mario 3D Land, so I had high expectations (I know that's a weird comparison, but c'mon, they're both Mario platformer games) The secrets are really cryptic, its too easy, and the graphics aren't that nice either. I also HATE how there is only 6 worlds instead of 8, even 3D Land had 8Not really a BAD game, but it could be better. I think I'm just comparing it to the perfection of Super Mario 3D Land, so I had high expectations (I know that's a weird comparison, but c'mon, they're both Mario platformer games) The secrets are really cryptic, its too easy, and the graphics aren't that nice either. I also HATE how there is only 6 worlds instead of 8, even 3D Land had 8 worlds, and even 16 special worlds. Despite all of that, this game is still better than ok.… Expand
  12. MrWhiggy
    Aug 20, 2012
    7
    New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a good game, but I think the "New" should be taken out of the title. This game doesn't bring a whole lot of new features to the table and the game suffers from not feeling all that fresh. Previous Mario games have been able to re-invent themselves while also feeling like Mario, but NSMB2 fails to do that effectively. If you've played previous titles in the "New"New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a good game, but I think the "New" should be taken out of the title. This game doesn't bring a whole lot of new features to the table and the game suffers from not feeling all that fresh. Previous Mario games have been able to re-invent themselves while also feeling like Mario, but NSMB2 fails to do that effectively. If you've played previous titles in the "New" series, this isn't a must buy. The gold collecting is a nice side addition, but the one million coin goal has a less than stellar reward and this features feels only made for completionists. Speaking of completionists, if you don't like collecting everything - avoid this game. The game is 5 hours through all the levels. This game is made for replayability, something that isn't too bad with the addition of Coin Rush. Overall, this is a good game but only a mediocre Mario game.… Expand
  13. Graminthesalmon
    Sep 7, 2012
    6
    Well, I have to say, This was one of the most disappointing games Nintendo has made in a LONG time. There was so little innovation I felt like I was playing a dumbed down version of the wii predecessor , which is basically what this is. Everything is right about this game, but when I get down to how much time and over all enjoyment I got out of it, I'd say it's not worth the money. TheWell, I have to say, This was one of the most disappointing games Nintendo has made in a LONG time. There was so little innovation I felt like I was playing a dumbed down version of the wii predecessor , which is basically what this is. Everything is right about this game, but when I get down to how much time and over all enjoyment I got out of it, I'd say it's not worth the money. The story is the same as ever (Shocker) And it's really getting old. I just wish nintendo would stop relying on their trump card of their mario fanbase. I am a huge mario fan, really, but this game felt so lifeless and boring and REALLY way too easy. I felt almost as if I was playing a toddler game. The wii game had everything right. Nintendo, would it be possible for you guys to start being an innovative company in your games again? Also a longer, harder experience would be nice too. Possibly a difficulty option? I miss games like super mario world 2 , where you get difficult creative innovative levels that aren't impossible, but actually take more than 5 minutes to do. I'm just tired of lazy game making.… Expand
  14. Beejor
    Sep 30, 2012
    7
    Who can complain? It's more of the same old Mario everyone loves! Or so Nintendo would have us think. They should've went with the "Mario Kart 7" naming convention and called this one "Super Mario 238", since it's the 238th Mario game. Along with removing "New" from the title, it would describe the game a bit better. Yet another Mario game from the same "if-it-ain't-broke" 1983 NintendoWho can complain? It's more of the same old Mario everyone loves! Or so Nintendo would have us think. They should've went with the "Mario Kart 7" naming convention and called this one "Super Mario 238", since it's the 238th Mario game. Along with removing "New" from the title, it would describe the game a bit better. Yet another Mario game from the same "if-it-ain't-broke" 1983 Nintendo mold, New Super Mario Bros. 2 does have some nice little puzzles and the standard Nintendo polish. Compared to the DS prequel, it's a little more challenging, but not in the best ways. For example, to get some secrets you need to hit a randomly cycling item block, so be prepared to commit Mariocide multiple times to get that coveted third star coin in some areas. The gameplay is otherwise identical except for the addition of the somewhat disappointing two-plane (background and foreground) 3D graphics and a few new (old?) power-ups. The levels are pretty easy to complete, and in the end you'll have a million coins and hundreds of extra lives. NSMB2 a fun little romp, but if Nintendo wants to play up the nostalgia factor while maximizing profits, I'd rather they just re-release Super Mario All-Stars in 3D and be done with it. It would be far less embarrassing for them, and far more enjoyable for the fans.… Expand
  15. VidsRule
    Apr 1, 2013
    6
    It was just over too fast. And then right when I started getting into the coin-collecting option, that got boring; discover the 2 secret worlds, finished them in one sitting; Started finding the large coins, had fun for a while, found most of them (and the ones left are on levels I hate). And, there's no way a game that is this similiar to games which I've been playing since the 80's canIt was just over too fast. And then right when I started getting into the coin-collecting option, that got boring; discover the 2 secret worlds, finished them in one sitting; Started finding the large coins, had fun for a while, found most of them (and the ones left are on levels I hate). And, there's no way a game that is this similiar to games which I've been playing since the 80's can possibly get a great score.… Expand
  16. BlogDog123
    Sep 30, 2012
    7
    I really enjoy this game, but I'm sad to see that Nintendo has reused graphics, sound effects and music from New Super Mario Bros and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Even the final boss theme is recycled from the Wii game, which is inexcusable. Nintendo, please don't do what EA does with Madden; think of a more creative idea.
  17. dharma
    Sep 2, 2012
    7
    Enjoyable platforming but this is essentially the same game that you've played before on the DS and the Wii. Nintendo seemed to be releasing this game just to cash in. Well, since the past two installments sold in excess of 20 million units each, you can't really blame Nintendo for releasing this sequel.
  18. SylarHRG
    Nov 26, 2012
    7
    Incredibly fun but just a little bit short. How much I loved the first one on DS, I really expected a bit more for the sequel. A great game if the price is right!
  19. KuRiCobbY
    Aug 22, 2012
    7
    While New Super Mario Bros. 2 falls short of the bar set by last year's Super Mario 3D Land, it's hard to give this game a below average score. The controls are pretty much flawless, the graphics look great, and the whole game has a nice charm to it...it's just unfortunate that for the most part I've seen it all before.

    It also doesn't help that the game is devoid of any challenge. Some    While New Super Mario Bros. 2 falls short of the bar set by last year's Super Mario 3D Land, it's hard to give this game a below average score. The controls are pretty much flawless, the graphics look great, and the whole game has a nice charm to it...it's just unfortunate that for the most part I've seen it all before.

    It also doesn't help that the game is devoid of any challenge. Some are quick to point out the amount of lives players get and the option of using the white-raccoon suit as examples of how easy the game is; however, the difficulty (or lack thereof) problem is much worse than that. Lives are fairly outdated at this point and limiting them won't really affect the difficulty of the game and you can simply choose to not use the white-raccoon suit. The game is easy simply because it's easy. Levels offer little platforming challenge and you are -constantly- getting more power-ups.

    ...but I digress. While the game's difficulty might be a turn-off for many (myself included), I couldn't help but enjoy my time with this game. I even see myself playing it in short bursts from time to time (everyone's got time to kill on the toilet).    … Expand
  20. Fulle
    May 6, 2013
    5
    If you've played a 2D Mario before the NSMB series, you'vep layed a superior 2D Mario. What we have here is a cheaply made shameless cash grab with no soul.

    They basically pulled art assets from a previous NSMB game, didn't bother to include more than 2-3 pieces of background music, and then built some of the most easy, boring, and uncreative levels you've ever experienced. For an    If you've played a 2D Mario before the NSMB series, you'vep layed a superior 2D Mario. What we have here is a cheaply made shameless cash grab with no soul.

    They basically pulled art assets from a previous NSMB game, didn't bother to include more than 2-3 pieces of background music, and then built some of the most easy, boring, and uncreative levels you've ever experienced.

    For an experienced gamer, this is a bad buy. Terrible, actually... but it does do a decent job of filling the roll of "baby's first Mario game" for a very young audience. The difficulty level is set very very low, it's very forgiving, coins are everywhere for practically infinate lives, infinite continues, and just in case that's not easy enough for you, if you fail a level enough times you get a special powerup that make you invincible.    … Expand
  21. BlatantInnuendo
    Apr 24, 2013
    6
    The gameplay is easy enough to get into and coin rush is worth spending a couple of hours on, but this game suffers from a syndrome many games today suffer, way too easy. If you fail five times on the same level you get a support block with a golden tanooki suit which makes you invincible. I am someone who is bad at platformers, I never used a assist block but still managed to make itThe gameplay is easy enough to get into and coin rush is worth spending a couple of hours on, but this game suffers from a syndrome many games today suffer, way too easy. If you fail five times on the same level you get a support block with a golden tanooki suit which makes you invincible. I am someone who is bad at platformers, I never used a assist block but still managed to make it through the game with over 100 lives, that combined with the fact that the game is far to short make it subpar to the other games in the series… Expand
  22. indoGAMER
    Dec 11, 2012
    7
    New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a good sequel to its first predecessor, New Super Mario Bros.! Collecting a million coins and saving Princess Peach at the new side-scrolling view! Not too recommended, but it'll be good for New Super Mario Bros. fans!
  23. WhiteTalpa
    Feb 3, 2013
    6
    What a shame.. I've waited 6 years for new super Mario bros 2 and this is what we got... Nintendo let a lot of people down with this game. The bad level design and amount of bugs as well as other things make this no of the worse Mario games to date.
  24. spogne3
    Mar 1, 2013
    7
    [FR] Ce jeux est bien sauf que les boss sont trop facile Il y a aussi le mario magique [je ne sais plus le nom] Qui plombe le jeux part exemple au monde finale ta le mario magique et tu destroye tout On ne dirait plus mario. Ce jeux et quand meme Merveilleux surtout a la fin. Je vous le conseille malgrés tout.
  25. CrimsonWolfen
    Feb 6, 2013
    7
    This is... interesting for Nintendo to do. Kind of like how they just copy-pasted Super Mario Galaxy to Super Mario Galaxy 2 except with Yoshi, New Super Mario Bros 2 is copy-pasting New Super Mario Bros and New Super Mario Bros Wii... except nothing that New. While the gameplay is still enjoyable, the story feels the exact same as NSMBW, and the feel is all around NSMB. Not the worstThis is... interesting for Nintendo to do. Kind of like how they just copy-pasted Super Mario Galaxy to Super Mario Galaxy 2 except with Yoshi, New Super Mario Bros 2 is copy-pasting New Super Mario Bros and New Super Mario Bros Wii... except nothing that New. While the gameplay is still enjoyable, the story feels the exact same as NSMBW, and the feel is all around NSMB. Not the worst Mario game, but when it comes to New, it falls flat.… Expand
  26. GoombaJMR
    Jul 5, 2015
    7
    More of the same thing on another handheld. Well, if it aint broke - don't fix it, right? Well, in this case, I'd say doing absolutely nothing but adding a ton of coins into levels isn't really making it another game worth playing. I mean, yeah the level design is pretty good, and the levels are all nice looking (NOT in 3D), but the 3D effect blurs the beautiful backgrounds and the sameMore of the same thing on another handheld. Well, if it aint broke - don't fix it, right? Well, in this case, I'd say doing absolutely nothing but adding a ton of coins into levels isn't really making it another game worth playing. I mean, yeah the level design is pretty good, and the levels are all nice looking (NOT in 3D), but the 3D effect blurs the beautiful backgrounds and the same rehashed music is there. Since I'm not a big fan of rehashed music that takes up at least 50% of the soundtrack, I was particularly disappointed with this title. On the other hand, I applaud nintendo for giving DLC a try and not killing us with the deals. Also, it's just pure platforming, so you have to buy this if you're REALLY into that genre. If not, then consider it!
    Gameplay: 8.5/10
    Story: 3.5/10
    Music: 5/10
    Presentation: 9/10
    Length: 5/10
    Overall: 7/10    … Expand
  27. BDarius213
    May 10, 2013
    6
    If you were looking for a portable version of New Super Mario Bros. Wii with less features, then this is it. Same exact music, w/ some added sounds. There are no Yoshi's, no blue/yellow toads, less items, no extra worlds when you beat the game, (Unless you count the star world, where it's kinda really hard getting all the star coins), and lastly, the Coin Rush mode is ok, not thatIf you were looking for a portable version of New Super Mario Bros. Wii with less features, then this is it. Same exact music, w/ some added sounds. There are no Yoshi's, no blue/yellow toads, less items, no extra worlds when you beat the game, (Unless you count the star world, where it's kinda really hard getting all the star coins), and lastly, the Coin Rush mode is ok, not that exciting. And there's no reason at all, whatsoever to collect a million coins. You'll be disappointed.… Expand
  28. unusualwhale
    Jun 13, 2013
    5
    This is just another Mario game like all the others. run around get coins stomp on bad guys and YOUR DONE!! this i only i kids game i don't recommend for adults this is a boring poor excuse for a Mario game thanks nintendo
  29. jakethesnack
    Oct 20, 2013
    6
    While the coins add a new element to game play, it's not that different from New Super Mario Bros. Its alright on its own but it is disappointing to wait 6 years to play a game that could have just been dlc.
  30. pocky
    Jul 13, 2013
    7
    Enjoyable music and gameplay as usual, but the 3d effect was pointless on this one so don't buy it for that. I was also pretty disappointed at the end boss of the secret world, it was the same fight as the normal world, exactly. I felt genuinely disappointed at that part.
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best 3DS Game of 2012
1
#1 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2012
3
#3 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 70 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 29, 2012
    70
    Long-lasting and entertaining Mario-platformer has got a new spirit thanks to coin collecting but its design is nothing to be proud of. [Oct 2012]
  2. Gamer.no
    Oct 27, 2012
    60
    New Super Mario Bros. 2 isn't really all that new anymore. What you get is basically the same game as the first one for the Nintendo DS, but with less engaging levels, fewer surprises in terms of power-ups and gameplay, and a boring gimmick set on capturing your inner kleptomaniac.
    Read full review
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 14, 2012
    85
    New Super Mario Bros. 2's tricks may be old, but they are still some pretty darn good tricks. Length is one of the game's rare shortcomings. [Sept 2012]
See all critic reviews »