Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS

 3DS
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 167 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 78 out of 167
  2. Mixed: 52 out of 167
  3. Negative: 37 out of 167
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  1. Gaz
    Dec 14, 2016
    5
    What can I say? Nintendo basically took Mario Maker and removed all of the key features from it, then shoved it onto the 3DS. I honestly don't know what they were thinking. Creation tools are all there, but you can't share your levels online or play any other 3DS owner's levels. You can play Wii U courses, but you can't search for specific ones and there's no way to interact with playerWhat can I say? Nintendo basically took Mario Maker and removed all of the key features from it, then shoved it onto the 3DS. I honestly don't know what they were thinking. Creation tools are all there, but you can't share your levels online or play any other 3DS owner's levels. You can play Wii U courses, but you can't search for specific ones and there's no way to interact with player profiles. You basically get a "best of" random pool to play through. Then they removed the mystery mushroom for some reason. Don't know why they even took it out. The New 3DS has amiibo support, so they could just have easily left it in. There's tutorials and 100 built-in courses Nintendo made, but without the ability to freely create and share levels online with others, this game is completely pointless. Mario Maker on the 3DS is missing the features that made it successful in the first place. It's half a game. Unless online support is patched in (and I hope it is eventually) this game is definitely not worth the money.… Expand
  2. 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.
  3. Daveisonline
    Dec 8, 2016
    3
    At it's core, the game is pretty much the same as the Wii U version, though without the Mystery Mushrooms, and everything runs and performs very well. The included courses with set challenges are pretty fun too.

    BUT and this is a big BUT Being unable to share courses online, AND being unable to search for courses manually is a major deal breaker. Super Mario Maker is on of my    At it's core, the game is pretty much the same as the Wii U version, though without the Mystery Mushrooms, and everything runs and performs very well. The included courses with set challenges are pretty fun too.

    BUT and this is a big BUT

    Being unable to share courses online, AND being unable to search for courses manually is a major deal breaker.

    Super Mario Maker is on of my favourite Wii U games, but without the ability to share courses, creating courses feels pointless.

    Hopefully Nintendo will see the error of their ways and patch this.    … Expand
  4. Metaru
    Dec 3, 2016
    7
    Super Mario Maker for the Nintendo 3DS is a great port on the 3DS, but the problem is that it is not you can raise the levels created by users, that was something that the Wii version or highlighted with several points of note, but that the version of 3ds have very few options of the online that takes away much merit to the port of 3DS, in addition to not having amiibos support in thisSuper Mario Maker for the Nintendo 3DS is a great port on the 3DS, but the problem is that it is not you can raise the levels created by users, that was something that the Wii version or highlighted with several points of note, but that the version of 3ds have very few options of the online that takes away much merit to the port of 3DS, in addition to not having amiibos support in this version seems a little strange to me that this port does not have one.… Expand
  5. gmanxp
    Jan 31, 2017
    4
    Despite the initial backlash of Mario Maker on the 3DS, I was willing to give the game a shot. I own a WiiU and can say that Mario Maker is one of the best games on the system, a surprise hit that got me to put hundreds of hours onto my WiiU when seemingly nothing else could.

    But this isn't Mario Maker for WiiU, and Mario Maker for 3DS hardly feels like Mario Maker at all. At this    Despite the initial backlash of Mario Maker on the 3DS, I was willing to give the game a shot. I own a WiiU and can say that Mario Maker is one of the best games on the system, a surprise hit that got me to put hundreds of hours onto my WiiU when seemingly nothing else could.

    But this isn't Mario Maker for WiiU, and Mario Maker for 3DS hardly feels like Mario Maker at all. At this point, everyone knows that there is no online level support, meaning that the only way to transfer levels if through SpotPass. Not a horrible idea in theory (If you live in Japan), however the idea of finding another person that you can share levels with isn't easy when you hardly even know anybody else that bought the game, let alone strangers that you actually pass by.

    I just don't get why they would even bother with this port if they didn't bother to put the feature that made it successful in the first place. If you have a modded 3DS, it is possible to import levels onto your system from the WiiU version or someone else's 3DS, however this isn't ideal in the slightest. (Additionally, I can't contribute this towards the score of the game, since it isn't part of the game itself.)

    Anyway, just don't bother with this game. If you're that desperate to play Mario on the 3DS, get New Super Mario Bros. 2. It's not a great game, however it's leagues above this trash.    … Expand
  6. eldumloido
    Dec 14, 2016
    1
    You can't play other peoples maps, you need to make your own. Dick filtering is more important to nintendo than good games. If it had online functions I would give it a 9/10, as it is I got bored in under 10 minutes; why make maps if no one can play them and playing your own maps is pointless.
  7. 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
  8. Cogratchet
    Dec 12, 2016
    0
    Super Mario Maker for the Wii U is an amazing title. If you have that console, I highly suggest picking up that version of the title. It's great fun. On the 3DS, they've created a wonderful environment to create and share levels with all of your friends. The problem is that they've completely hamstrung the ability to share the levels with your friends. For me, this is the equivalent ofSuper Mario Maker for the Wii U is an amazing title. If you have that console, I highly suggest picking up that version of the title. It's great fun. On the 3DS, they've created a wonderful environment to create and share levels with all of your friends. The problem is that they've completely hamstrung the ability to share the levels with your friends. For me, this is the equivalent of releasing a version of the 3DS that doesn't have buttons or a touch screen. It can start up all of your favorite games, but you can't play any of them. If I could, I'd give this game a 0/10. I've been emailing back and forth with Nintendo since a few hours after buying the title, because I feel like I was cheated out of $40.

    Buyer be warned. Unless you have the ability to visit great level makers in person, this game is completely toothless.    … Expand
  9. Mitchy
    Dec 3, 2016
    3
    This port is just awful. I mean, yeah, it works and you can make levels, but you can't share them online, like in the Wii U version, and the only way you can play other levels from the internet is if you get a random pool of levels from Reccomended levels and 100 Mario Challenge. You're essentially paying $40 dollars for a very skimmed down version of the game.

    Of course, you can share    This port is just awful. I mean, yeah, it works and you can make levels, but you can't share them online, like in the Wii U version, and the only way you can play other levels from the internet is if you get a random pool of levels from Reccomended levels and 100 Mario Challenge. You're essentially paying $40 dollars for a very skimmed down version of the game.

    Of course, you can share levels via street pass... too bad I've passe a whole bunch of people and didn't get one level. Shame on you Nintendo! I didn't really expect to have the whole Wii u game on the handheld, but at least I expected some worth while exclusives and online sharing, but instead what I got wouldn't even pass for being a lite version, there's not even Amiibo support in here.

    I feel very cheated out of 40 dollars right now, considering I got an incomplete game.    … Expand
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. PhillipFast
    Feb 16, 2017
    0
    So Super Mario maker for Nintendo 3ds is coming today at midnight or Friday morning, whatever. But at this point in time people already have review copy's and they are not happy. IGN rates they game a 7.2/10 but that’s not what I think the game should get, here’s why.

    So even though I am getting the game because I’m a Nintendo fanboy, I still have complaints, as you may know, Super    So Super Mario maker for Nintendo 3ds is coming today at midnight or Friday morning, whatever. But at this point in time people already have review copy's and they are not happy. IGN rates they game a 7.2/10 but that’s not what I think the game should get, here’s why.

    So even though I am getting the game because I’m a Nintendo fanboy, I still have complaints, as you may know, Super Mario Maker 3DS does not have an online level search …. Nintendo , why? That is the biggest load of crap because the Wii U version does have level search! But that’s not all, you can’t upload your levels online for the world to play! That is the worst thing removed ever! The hole point of the game is to make a masterpiece and share it with the world! Just that, killed off TONS of sales just because of that! I really hate that and that’s why I would rate it a measly 5.5/10! Now, unless they add these missing features in a new update, that 5.5 will always stay that way!    … Expand
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. captain9fingers
    Feb 5, 2017
    1
    No point making your own maps as you can't share them with anyone. Instead of online you can share through streetpass but seriously who ever uses that? Also you don't have access to all the tools you have to complete a campaign mode but some of the levels are so insanely difficult it becomes a frustrating grind. Wish I hadn't bought this garbage
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. Lakitu56
    Jan 4, 2017
    6
    The wii u version is much better. Here are + and -:
    +:
    + good offline mode
    + better explanations because of Yamamura and Mashiko
    + lots of levels
    + elements are faster unlocked
    -:
    - worse graphics than the wii u
    - bad offline mode
    - sometimes the missions are annyoing

    This game is with 6/10 p. well served and the game cost for this power too much money.

    It is not very recommandable
  20. Panzidane
    Mar 16, 2017
    7
    Faltou algo difícil de explicar para que esse jogo ficasse realmente bom, pelo menos é isso que ele transparece. O jogo em si não é ruim, mas fica impossível indica-lo pelo seu preço.
  21. Frazo
    Oct 9, 2017
    5
    The 3DS port of Mario Maker is mediocre. The course builder is actually better than the Wii U version (I like not hearing an annoying voice say the name of everything I place), but everything else is just meh. The inability to upload courses or search for courses blows, the Super Mario Challenge to unlock extra features went on far too long and no mystery mushroom courses. Don't pick upThe 3DS port of Mario Maker is mediocre. The course builder is actually better than the Wii U version (I like not hearing an annoying voice say the name of everything I place), but everything else is just meh. The inability to upload courses or search for courses blows, the Super Mario Challenge to unlock extra features went on far too long and no mystery mushroom courses. Don't pick up this game unless you want to play the Super Mario Challenge, play the Wii U version instead. But then again, this game will be dead soon, so what's the point of owning either version?… Expand
  22. Beachin
    Nov 3, 2017
    3
    Bad game . The game is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD. Ok but for real dont get this game
  23. 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.
  24. Jajka
    Aug 19, 2020
    0
    Super Super Super Super Super Super Super Super Super Super Super Super Cool game
  25. DolphinReviews
    Jul 20, 2022
    2
    This game confuses me. Why does this exist? No online level sharing, which is the main part of the game. It's a Mario Maker with no point to making. Also no amiibo support which was a huge letdown.
  26. 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!
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. Hareon
    Feb 16, 2017
    5
    It don't have the spot pass sharing. The limited system is not good. If you build your own stages, you want the maximum people play your stages, so, this was a bad choice form Nintendo.
    The game is good, but, impose a limit for sharing will make the game's life down.
  30. AnnaTheWolfLady
    Mar 3, 2017
    5
    Framerate issues on O3DS, "U" mode looks really, reaaaally bad, bad online mode, can´t upload courses to the internet like on the Wii U version and you have to play some stupid challenges to unlock items, wth?!

    also the item limit seems to be lower
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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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