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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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!
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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!
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. knifeandfork
    Jul 18, 2013
    7
    First, let me make something clear. This is not an entirely new Mario game. Yes, there is a coin gimmick, but other than that it’s virtually the same- 8 worlds, including, a plain world, a jungle world, a volcano world e.t.c.
    There are some ‘new’ power-ups. There’s the racoon suit, oh wait that’s not new, it’s from super Mario bros 3. This lets you fly and glide. Then there’s the gold    First, let me make something clear. This is not an entirely new Mario game. Yes, there is a coin gimmick, but other than that it’s virtually the same- 8 worlds, including, a plain world, a jungle world, a volcano world e.t.c.
    There are some ‘new’ power-ups. There’s the racoon suit, oh wait that’s not new, it’s from super Mario bros 3. This lets you fly and glide. Then there’s the gold flower, which is new, except it isn’t- it’s basically a fire flower than can also turn blocks into coins upon contact with the fire. And as usual, the good ol’ fire flower returns. Not Nintendo at its most creative, but the design of the levels is great, and that’s what keeps you wanting more, even though it is too easy. You can play through the whole game with two players, but player 2 will need another copy of the game.
    Then there’s the coin gimmick. Basically all the levels in New Super Mario Bros 2 are bursting with coins and different ways to get them. This is where Nintendo get creative, placing all sorts of new ways to collect coins, and that’s where that rare gold flower comes in useful too. Just like any other Mario game, Bowser kidnaps Peach, and saving her is the goal. As usual, on top of that is star coins- three in each level, you know the story by now, and also secret exits. But now there’s also the goal of collecting 1 million coins. This takes a long time, but levels are overloaded with coins, and the more skill you have, the faster you’ll reach the goal of 1 million coins. What’s the prize, I hear you ask. I can tell you: a new main menu screen. That’s it. Coin redemption can be found in coin rush mode, though, when you play three randomly selected courses in a row and try to collect as many coins as you can, and reach the goal in a 100-second time limit. One death and it’s game over. You can trade high scores via streetpass, but there are no online leaderboards, which is disappointing. However, coin rush is a simple, addictive experience and I’m surprised nobody’s thought of it before.
    In conclusion, this is the first Mario platformer ever that isn’t essential. I’d recommend it, but it stays too true to Mario’s roots.    … Expand
  16. Globox_ARG
    Sep 22, 2013
    7
    Jugabilidad(10): el control es facil de usar y el juego es super adictivo. Tecnologia(8.5): muy buenos graficos, muy buen espacio de juego. todo muy colorido. Graficos(10): los graficos son excelentes. Sonido(10): se escucha muy bien y las canciones no son para nada repetitivas, son muy buenas. yo las tarareo por que me encantan. Innovacion(9): es muy buena la idea de coleccionarJugabilidad(10): el control es facil de usar y el juego es super adictivo. Tecnologia(8.5): muy buenos graficos, muy buen espacio de juego. todo muy colorido. Graficos(10): los graficos son excelentes. Sonido(10): se escucha muy bien y las canciones no son para nada repetitivas, son muy buenas. yo las tarareo por que me encantan. Innovacion(9): es muy buena la idea de coleccionar monedas, te dan ganas de agarrarlas todas. tambien revive el traje tanooki que es muy divertido usarlo.… Expand
  17. alecalger
    Oct 9, 2013
    7
    This is one of the most disappointing sequels to video games. It had boss battles ripped from the Wii version, a disappointing, unrewarding coin hype, and the elimination of on-map enemies (where are the Hammer Bros.?). Other than that, the level design is overall flawless and some replay value for getting the Star Coins. However, it would only take three days to beat so do yourself aThis is one of the most disappointing sequels to video games. It had boss battles ripped from the Wii version, a disappointing, unrewarding coin hype, and the elimination of on-map enemies (where are the Hammer Bros.?). Other than that, the level design is overall flawless and some replay value for getting the Star Coins. However, it would only take three days to beat so do yourself a favor and borrow it from a friend.… Expand
  18. 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
  19. itsthecritic
    Dec 10, 2014
    7
    It was too hard and I quit after a few days of playing it. The DS version was simplistic but fun compared to this. Plus, if you're thinking of getting it and already have 3D Land, you're just playing Super Mario 2D Land.
  20. how_are_u
    Apr 19, 2015
    7
    I enjoyed this game very much, I just found it to be too easy. After playing some of the other Mario games and seeing how difficult they are, I'm actually a little disappointed with this game's difficulty. Other than that though, it's more or less perfect in every other aspect, but it is obviously a very easy game. If you're a beginner to the genre I recommend, but if you're a pro maybe goI enjoyed this game very much, I just found it to be too easy. After playing some of the other Mario games and seeing how difficult they are, I'm actually a little disappointed with this game's difficulty. Other than that though, it's more or less perfect in every other aspect, but it is obviously a very easy game. If you're a beginner to the genre I recommend, but if you're a pro maybe go for one of the older games.… Expand
  21. Tylercolins
    May 13, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The sequel of New Super Mario Bros. on the DS doesn't look as great as the first two games in the series. They just reused many things from its predecessors, like music, enemies, overworld map, and many more. That's just lazy and uninspired, Nintendo. Also the coin gimmick just felt pointless for me.

    This game had some good points (It's not completely bad), like precise controls, great level designs, fine graphics, and catchy remixes. Hey, I didn't say the music is bad. I mean, it's good, but it's getting repetitive.

    Overall, this game is actually fun to play. I highly recommend it.    … Expand
  22. Marco_AGJ
    Feb 1, 2015
    7
    Graphically this is a very improved version of the original, though it feels a copy from the Wii version. If you asked me whether I'd be happy to play any decent Wii game in a handheld or not my response would be instant; yes. So we have New Super Mario Bros 2. Comparing with the original DS release the improvement is absurd, especially graphically. Gameplay-wise it's all the same withGraphically this is a very improved version of the original, though it feels a copy from the Wii version. If you asked me whether I'd be happy to play any decent Wii game in a handheld or not my response would be instant; yes. So we have New Super Mario Bros 2. Comparing with the original DS release the improvement is absurd, especially graphically. Gameplay-wise it's all the same with Mario moving around in that loosy style opposed to the tight controls of Super Mario World and the NES titles.

    I'll advocate this until the end of time, Mario must have tight controls, the wall slamming should be well executed to work. Learning curve on some advance techniques should be extended, Another derivative game like this from Mario I won't be able to endure. The bonus mini-games are fun, for like 10 minutes, That's all.    … Expand
  23. SonicDude
    Jun 26, 2016
    7
    New super Mario bros 2 is as an entire package a good game. Positives: good controls , good levels, nice amount of power-ups, fun, coin rush, music and overall presentation. Though they are quite a few good things there is also bad stuff in the game. Negatives: Nothing that new in "new" super Mario bros 2, plenty of reused music, only one new power-up, looks uninspired, only 6 worlds andNew super Mario bros 2 is as an entire package a good game. Positives: good controls , good levels, nice amount of power-ups, fun, coin rush, music and overall presentation. Though they are quite a few good things there is also bad stuff in the game. Negatives: Nothing that new in "new" super Mario bros 2, plenty of reused music, only one new power-up, looks uninspired, only 6 worlds and on the easy side. Overall: Though the game has only 6 worlds it does have a special world and two unlockable worlds. The game is super fun to play and if you don't own this game than it's worth a try.… Expand
  24. MaxiRE123
    Dec 11, 2016
    7
    This is pretty like any other New super marios bros in the series. Same worlds design, same story, same ways to reach the Princess, with not much add to the gameplay.. Only this time we got WAY more coins on each levels, and the game want us to collect as many as possible because...? It's not even explain! Also, this is by far the easiest Mario game ever! The boss barely do anything, andThis is pretty like any other New super marios bros in the series. Same worlds design, same story, same ways to reach the Princess, with not much add to the gameplay.. Only this time we got WAY more coins on each levels, and the game want us to collect as many as possible because...? It's not even explain! Also, this is by far the easiest Mario game ever! The boss barely do anything, and are over within 10 seconds! I also got 100 lifes by the middle of World 3! In the end. It's still Mario, It's still fun. If you've never played Mario, start by this!… Expand
  25. notadrone523
    Oct 31, 2015
    7
    Easily the worst in the series. You just play through levels, some aren't actually that bad, but a lot aren't up to Nintendo's usual standards and have coins spammed everywhere. It's a bit like Mario Maker, really...
  26. GamecubeLover
    Jul 21, 2016
    7
    This one feels the same as the ds one but little bit more this version lacks a lot but still is good but I can't bare the mistakes it has to offer. This game didn't need a rehash. The 3rd one should of.
  27. Sausage22
    Nov 7, 2017
    7
    It's an okey game. But it really lacks soul. The level design isn't the best and it's just really another new super mario bros game. But it's still a Mario game, if you really want you can play it and have fun. But it won't change anything.
  28. joehi1
    Dec 12, 2017
    7
    New Super Mario Bros 2 is a solid entry in the Mario franchise that feels a bit too much like an easier version of its predecessor. New Super Mario Bros was by no means a difficult game, it was a proper difficulty, and if anything it should have been a bit more difficult. That being said New Super Mario Bros 2 seems to water down the gameplay of the first one a bit while creating new levelNew Super Mario Bros 2 is a solid entry in the Mario franchise that feels a bit too much like an easier version of its predecessor. New Super Mario Bros was by no means a difficult game, it was a proper difficulty, and if anything it should have been a bit more difficult. That being said New Super Mario Bros 2 seems to water down the gameplay of the first one a bit while creating new level designs using the levels of its predecessor as templates. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing New Super Mario Bros 2 feels more like New Super Mario Bros +. The game is still good and the visuals and sound hold up great on the 3DS, but to call this a great sequel is definitely a stretch. New Super Mario Bros 2 stays true to the Mario formula, and if you liked New Super Mario Bros and wished it was easier you're going to really enjoy New Super Mario Bros 2, for fans hoping for a Mario title similar to the classics, search elsewhere.

    Cons
    Game is much easier than most Mario titles
    Level designs feel too similar to New Super Mario Bros
    Not enough new content to justify a brand new game    … Expand
  29. sacrificeyoshis
    Sep 5, 2020
    7
    This game is just as good as the first game in this series! But not innovative enough! 3D land invented traditional (linear) Mario games in 3D! The original Mario invented 2D platformers, Mario 64 invented 3D platformers!

    Positives: This game contains tons of bonus world's and optional challenges to unlock, which is a nice optional things for completionist (like me)! This game however    This game is just as good as the first game in this series! But not innovative enough! 3D land invented traditional (linear) Mario games in 3D! The original Mario invented 2D platformers, Mario 64 invented 3D platformers!

    Positives:
    This game contains tons of bonus world's and optional challenges to unlock, which is a nice optional things for completionist (like me)! This game however isn't innovative as the previous New Super Mario Bros (NSMB) game but it isn't bad on its own, there are lots of secrets to find and everything you expect from a normal Mario game! The multiplayer works very well though it's 2 player only! I also love the collect as many coins as you can concept! It is really neat! There's even a coin rush mode that is well implemented into this game! This is a neat game. The DLC for this game is AWESOME! Giving good players harder content is always welcome! I remember having fun racing my friends in the hard levels of the DLC! It is an AWESOME game, but releasing it at the wrong time brings it to the negatives.

    Negatives:
    The game's music, world map, backgrounds and a lot more things feels like it's ripped from the original NSMB and barely remixed/edited. It just felt the same and it's bad/not innovative/uninspired! Another problem I have is that the world theme is tied to level themes! This means if I'm at a desert world, every level will be desert themed! All the themes are the same because there's really not too much new themes in this NSMB game! Unlike 3D world/land we saw many new gameplay mechanics and new themes which makes the game fresh again! Speaking of gameplay mechanics, it's literally the SAME as previous games, nothing "new". there's only a few enemies that is new but only featured in a couple of levels and then abandoned, I didn't really like the golden fire flower power up, it's not that exciting! The level design lacks imaginations, you don't really get excited for the next level because you know it's know it's pretty much going to be the same as the one you're currently on. Didn't implement the 3D for the 3DS very well. It was also released at the wrong time, because at the time NSMB for the Wii U came out like 6 months later, people were confused on which one to buy or to waste their money on both.

    Overall:
    The game itself is a: 100/100
    Compared to other games at the time: it's around 70/100 sitting at a between B and C tier
    Compared to other games now: 2/100 because Mario Maker 2 is out so there's no reason to buy this game anymore! If you really want to, just get an emulator and get the ROM for free! So AVOID this game!    … Expand
  30. hector_bcn98
    Nov 4, 2022
    7
    Creo que ni yo ni nadie entendió por qué lo de la sobreexplotación de las monedas. No se siente como un juego de Mario original sino como un fanmade.
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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

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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 »