New Super Mario Bros.

 DS
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 910 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 767 out of 910
  2. Mixed: 117 out of 910
  3. Negative: 26 out of 910
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  1. vvmax
    Apr 29, 2017
    7
    This is not the best Mario game ever made but it's still decent enough to have it in my collection, can get a bit bland at times. Not a binge play, but still nice to play every once an a while
  2. SuperKurzacz
    Jan 2, 2013
    5
    This Mario game is so so good not as good as I thought it would be
  3. sparriskrigaren
    Sep 28, 2011
    5
    It's an OK game, but nothing more. Maybe if it had been released in the mid 90's it would have been great, but now it feels really dated. The levels are kind of repetitive, the bosses are boring and one of my biggest problems with this game are the power-ups. One of the things that made Super Mario Bros 3 and Super Mario World great were the innovative and fun power ups! The power-ups inIt's an OK game, but nothing more. Maybe if it had been released in the mid 90's it would have been great, but now it feels really dated. The levels are kind of repetitive, the bosses are boring and one of my biggest problems with this game are the power-ups. One of the things that made Super Mario Bros 3 and Super Mario World great were the innovative and fun power ups! The power-ups in this game don't make it for me, they're kind of dull and unimaginative. That's the whole problem, the game feels very unimaginative. It's like reimagining the first Super Mario Bros game, which wasn't that fun to begin with.… Expand
  4. GaryW
    May 28, 2008
    5
    Easily the weakest mario platform game ever made. Severly overrated tat, how many people are still playing it I wonder? To even compare it to Supermario world or Mario 64 is a joke. The fun factor has been replaced by frustrating level design youll go from a piss easy level to a solid in one in the space of one move, much of the jumping requires pinpoint accuracy, this wouldnt be so bad Easily the weakest mario platform game ever made. Severly overrated tat, how many people are still playing it I wonder? To even compare it to Supermario world or Mario 64 is a joke. The fun factor has been replaced by frustrating level design youll go from a piss easy level to a solid in one in the space of one move, much of the jumping requires pinpoint accuracy, this wouldnt be so bad if Mario didnt take another three steps after youve stopped him running, or if you could save when you wanted. Considering the game is supposed to be portable the save system is appaling. Youll spend half an hour doing one frustratingly poorly designed level only to find you cant save and you have to trudge to the next castle to save ! Nice going Nintendo ! I find it really shocking that people have so severly overrated this game, you cant even fly in it ! Do yourself a faovur and get mario64 ds instead, its VASTLY superior, or get yoshis island and supermario world on the GBA.… Expand
  5. Stealthgear
    Nov 1, 2016
    7
    This is a disappointing Mario game. NSMB is nothing new for the series and doesn't leapfrog past any other game, like SMB3. Its a worse game. The Mario series has kept in nostalgic and outdated gameplay and not many new power ups or level styles. Enemies still kill you just by touching them. The mid bosses are killed in one hit and are super boring. We still have a kidnapped princess andThis is a disappointing Mario game. NSMB is nothing new for the series and doesn't leapfrog past any other game, like SMB3. Its a worse game. The Mario series has kept in nostalgic and outdated gameplay and not many new power ups or level styles. Enemies still kill you just by touching them. The mid bosses are killed in one hit and are super boring. We still have a kidnapped princess and castles. If you like 2d platforming, you should stay with a different game. This one is out of date in the sense it doesn't add anything new to SMB series.… Expand
  6. Inuit_Dude
    Mar 20, 2011
    7
    this is an alright game but the only reason the score is 7 instead of much lower is because of the story mode. the story mode is so hard i have just given up on it i can only get past the first castle before i cant advance due to the difficulty. where this game fails in story it makes up for in the minigames and wireless play. when i am on a long car ride i can just pop this game in andthis is an alright game but the only reason the score is 7 instead of much lower is because of the story mode. the story mode is so hard i have just given up on it i can only get past the first castle before i cant advance due to the difficulty. where this game fails in story it makes up for in the minigames and wireless play. when i am on a long car ride i can just pop this game in and play the minigames and it will keep me entertained trying to beat my high scores and since your friends dont need the game for you to play wirelessly with them it is easy and fun to play with your friends. i have played head to head for hours when i need to kill time and i remember to bring my DS places and we all have a great time trying to beat each other. this is a good game but be warned the story is really hard so you will most likely be spending most of your play time in the minigames section… Expand
  7. Shierzhi
    Jul 10, 2011
    7
    Fun game, but suffers from a very short playthrough. The mini-games, while could be a bit harder, are a big plus, and nowadays i find myself still attached to this game because of those alone.
  8. MediaFreak
    Nov 21, 2011
    7
    I've tried and tried to like this game, but it's just been a bit too simple for a Mario title. All Mario's usually start off easy and get much more difficult, but this one seems the exception and seems to be aimed at a much younger audience. Kids will probably love this, but as a 27 year old gamer who grew up on Mario, this one just isn't his best work.
  9. Zegilgamesh
    Dec 29, 2012
    6
    The gameplay isn't as riveting or unique or original as Super Mario World, and it feels truly lacking in some of original Mario Bros charm. But in the end, its still a good experience.
  10. purre
    Feb 27, 2012
    7
    Very good game, but I must confess I was a bit disappointed with it. I guess it was because I never played Mario games back in the day and never was really a hardcore fan, so I thought it will be a very accessible, walk-in-the-park experience. The game on the other hand appeared challenging, and even though I am quite an experienced gamer, I was only able to complete around half of theVery good game, but I must confess I was a bit disappointed with it. I guess it was because I never played Mario games back in the day and never was really a hardcore fan, so I thought it will be a very accessible, walk-in-the-park experience. The game on the other hand appeared challenging, and even though I am quite an experienced gamer, I was only able to complete around half of the levels getting 3 stars. I was also unable to grasp some of the gameplay nuances without looking things up on google (like secret worlds, cannons etc.), so all in all it has considerable amount of old school in it. The game definitely looks and sounds great, but casual gamers and platform genre newcomers might struggle a bit in certain levels. It does not take too much time to beat the game, but getting all gold and unlocking all the stuff can easily double the time if you are not hardcore Mario gamer. There are also some mini-games and multiplayer support, but the former are passable at best while I was not able to test the latter. Everyone should get it and try to beat it, but I am pretty sure not all of them will love it.… Expand
  11. Victory
    Dec 11, 2012
    6
    It's alright, that pretty much sums it up for me. I've tried playing it but I just get bored and can't finish it. Which is a first for a Mario game, having played them all to death.

    This is just standard, nothing exciting at all. Which is a shame for a "glorious return" to the roots.
  12. dingythingy
    Mar 10, 2013
    5
    Apart from the graphics, this game is alright. It's pretty similar to the original Super Mario Bros. (Which is what it's supposed be like). At the same time, it's not that new as well. It has a few new enemies, objects and power-ups but it's not new enough. The new power-ups are the mini mushroom (Which allows you to run on water and get through small gaps) the mega mushroom (Which allowsApart from the graphics, this game is alright. It's pretty similar to the original Super Mario Bros. (Which is what it's supposed be like). At the same time, it's not that new as well. It has a few new enemies, objects and power-ups but it's not new enough. The new power-ups are the mini mushroom (Which allows you to run on water and get through small gaps) the mega mushroom (Which allows you destroy anything except walls for a short amount of time) and the shell (Which allows you to defend yourself and act like a koopa in it's shell.) It also has a multiplayer mode and a minigame mode. So Overall, this game is good but not new enough.… Expand
  13. GoombaJMR
    Jul 2, 2015
    7
    Solid platformer, and a good return from its roots. I felt that the level design was decent (better than its 3DS successor) and that it was sadly too short of a game. It's fine for a game to be short and provide a great experience, but when a game is too short and too expensive for the time you get (Not enough bang for the buck), I'd say it isn't as worth the time you spend, unless youSolid platformer, and a good return from its roots. I felt that the level design was decent (better than its 3DS successor) and that it was sadly too short of a game. It's fine for a game to be short and provide a great experience, but when a game is too short and too expensive for the time you get (Not enough bang for the buck), I'd say it isn't as worth the time you spend, unless you have friends to play with. On that hand, I'd like to applaud nintendo for the great effort in adding a decent local-multiplayer system where you can battle each other 1v1 on terrain courses, looking for stars (actually fun!) and a diverse amount of minigames to host tournaments or just regular battles with up to four players.

    Gameplay: 9/10
    Story: N/A/10
    Music: 8.5/10
    Presentation: 8/10
    Length/PostGame: 7/10
    Overall: 7.5/10    … Expand
  14. SpazzyGoose
    Jan 5, 2015
    6
    this game is OK. there is not very much things special about it. although not terrible just not as good as sonic , Pokemon , zelda and stuff like that. the story line is is boring , the game play is simple and just every thing about it is adequate.
  15. DBPirate1129
    Jan 11, 2015
    7
    Hmm...well that game only took a day to complete. Is New Super Mario Bros. fantastic? No. Is New Super Mario Bros. bad? I suppose not.

    I had the unfortunate experience of going from the far superior Wii version to this one. New Super Mario Bros. is a great game in its own right. I just think it tries a bit too hard to be like the Mario games of old and less like a new identity. You'd    Hmm...well that game only took a day to complete. Is New Super Mario Bros. fantastic? No. Is New Super Mario Bros. bad? I suppose not.

    I had the unfortunate experience of going from the far superior Wii version to this one. New Super Mario Bros. is a great game in its own right. I just think it tries a bit too hard to be like the Mario games of old and less like a new identity. You'd think with "new" in the title, it'd be at least a bit new. Don't get me wrong, the levels are well designed. I just would like more originality.

    The bosses in the game is mainly where New Super Mario Bros. shines. All of them are incredibly unique and some of them are even challenging to battle. That's not something you hear every day when it comes to Mario games. NSMB shows that Mario bosses can still be unique and they aren't always going to be the seven Koopalings frantically running around.

    Nintendo games are never about the graphics but the visuals in this game are kind of a letdown. I personally found Super Mario 64 DS (released 2 years before this) and Bowser's Inside Story (released 3 years after this) to show off the original DS' graphics much better. There's also multiplayer in the game which is another area in which NSMB shines. It's incredibly addictive to run around as Mario and Luigi and do coin battles and other crazy things.

    Overall, New Super Mario Bros. is a decent start to one of the more recent Mario series. If you played any of the newer games in the series and you're thinking about getting this one, I wouldn't recommend it unless you're trying to complete your collection.    … Expand
  16. allo_ver
    Nov 13, 2016
    7
    Not at all a bad game. Pretty graphics, good music, good controls. The worlds all have their own distinct theme, and there's a good variety of stages so you don't feel like you're grinding as you progress through the game.

    The only downside of the game is the lack of challenge. The levels are all too linear and fairly easy for a Mario game. All boss fights are very easy as well, and I    Not at all a bad game. Pretty graphics, good music, good controls. The worlds all have their own distinct theme, and there's a good variety of stages so you don't feel like you're grinding as you progress through the game.

    The only downside of the game is the lack of challenge. The levels are all too linear and fairly easy for a Mario game. All boss fights are very easy as well, and I beat most on the first try.

    I didn't try the multiplayer though. Other users talk about it being fun, but it's an aspect of the game I was unable to evaluate.    … Expand
  17. wariothelegend
    Jul 18, 2016
    5
    If your playing one of Mario platforming games for the first time, I think your going to like this little adventure. If not, you'll be disappointed, as there is nothing to offer in this game that newer Mario games can't do better. Not to mention the boss battles are underwhelming. I mean, even MORE underwhelming than most Mario games.

    For a casual pick-up-and-play, it's not so bad. But    If your playing one of Mario platforming games for the first time, I think your going to like this little adventure. If not, you'll be disappointed, as there is nothing to offer in this game that newer Mario games can't do better. Not to mention the boss battles are underwhelming. I mean, even MORE underwhelming than most Mario games.

    For a casual pick-up-and-play, it's not so bad. But if you want a New Super Mario Bros. like Super Mario Bros. 3 and/or Super Mario World, I'd recommend "New Super Mario Bros. Wii".    … Expand
  18. KevinR.
    Aug 8, 2006
    7
    Far too short (as in, less than 10 hours to completely beat the game), and limited level design weighs down what would have been an otherwise amazing game.
  19. AnonymousMC
    May 27, 2006
    7
    I love Mario and Mario 3 so I was excited to play a brand new mario platformer. The game is great but I do not think it is as deep or challenging as Mario 3. Sure there are secret tunnels and the 3-coin system is fun, but the lack of flight in this game really sets it back. If this game would incorporate the P-wing, it would have been a much greater game. But as it stands, it is a stepI love Mario and Mario 3 so I was excited to play a brand new mario platformer. The game is great but I do not think it is as deep or challenging as Mario 3. Sure there are secret tunnels and the 3-coin system is fun, but the lack of flight in this game really sets it back. If this game would incorporate the P-wing, it would have been a much greater game. But as it stands, it is a step backwards from Mario 3.… Expand
  20. AnonymousMC
    May 27, 2006
    7
    Great Game, The graphics were truly amazing for a DS game/ mario side scroller but theres no way it deserves more then a 7. I found the ability to store items stupid because it makes the game even more easier than it already is. I was able to completely beat the game in about 12 hours. This game also dosn't offer alot of replay value, but the mini games are really fun!!!
  21. IsabelB.
    Apr 16, 2007
    7
    This game was very predictable, and found it difficult to get into two of the worlds. The graphics are great but I thought it got boring and frustrating after a while.
  22. ATTin
    Dec 26, 2020
    7
    Gameplay: 8, Graphics: 7, Varierty: 7. One of the frist platforming game i've played, it's quite hard to me, but i have fun memories with it although there aren't a lot of variety here
  23. weskergamer
    Apr 5, 2023
    7
    A very simplistic but fun experience. This game is a good one but after you beat it, it'll just be an ok game. Nothing more, nothing less
  24. ashketchum
    Feb 21, 2018
    7
    A 'reinvention' of the traditional Mario platformer on the DS. It has gameplay that is both addicting and easily approachable, whether you are a long time fan of Super Mario or not. However, it is weak compared to other titles in the Super Mario series, and in general, the levels feel shorter and less creative than others, though this could be due to the DS's limitations. A must-own forA 'reinvention' of the traditional Mario platformer on the DS. It has gameplay that is both addicting and easily approachable, whether you are a long time fan of Super Mario or not. However, it is weak compared to other titles in the Super Mario series, and in general, the levels feel shorter and less creative than others, though this could be due to the DS's limitations. A must-own for DS, and definitely a game worth checking out.… Expand
  25. Yushy
    Mar 16, 2018
    6
    - 6.5 -

    Il mio primo gioco di super mario, ed uno dei miei primissimi giochi, ai tempi per me era una meraviglia (6-7 anni), ma a pensarci ora, diciamo che è un po calato di aspettativa, cioè, paragonandolo agli altri giochi di Super Mario, questo non è poi così incredibile, anzi, forse è uno dei più banali, non-innovativi, giochi della serie.
  26. sebastianali
    Jan 4, 2020
    7
    Ey, no esta nada mal. Este videojuego de Mario si que envejeció bien a diferencia de otros, teniendo muy buenos controles y una gran cantidad de coleccionables a conseguir. Las batallas contra los jefes sin embargo son muy fáciles y se pueden ganar en menos de 15 segundos si sos muy hábil. Y... la historia normal es algo corta. Y por ultimo, la música ME ENCANTO. Ademas cuenta conEy, no esta nada mal. Este videojuego de Mario si que envejeció bien a diferencia de otros, teniendo muy buenos controles y una gran cantidad de coleccionables a conseguir. Las batallas contra los jefes sin embargo son muy fáciles y se pueden ganar en menos de 15 segundos si sos muy hábil. Y... la historia normal es algo corta. Y por ultimo, la música ME ENCANTO. Ademas cuenta con bastante contenido para rejugarse. Muy recomendado si sos fan del fontanero.… Expand
  27. DarCbrGr
    Jun 26, 2021
    7
    This game was another childhood staple of mine. I will admit I like it a little less than I once did tho.
  28. Cafe_8bits
    May 6, 2020
    7
    This game is a absolutely classic, and envelops well the magic of both 2D Mario and the Nintendo DS alike. This should be in every Nintendo DS, and its a great fun in your pocket. Sadly its a bit repetitive, easy and the final levels are poorly designed, but overall its a solid game.
  29. AbeFiletti
    Oct 21, 2020
    7
    New Super Mario Bros is a fun game. It's nothing special, but it's fun. I'm not a HUGE fan of 2D Mario (Unless it has World in the title) and this one is no different. I think it's better than all the rest of the so called *New* Mario games (except for maybe Wii). I will say the bosses were all original and unique, which is something that the rest of the 2D Mario games have completelyNew Super Mario Bros is a fun game. It's nothing special, but it's fun. I'm not a HUGE fan of 2D Mario (Unless it has World in the title) and this one is no different. I think it's better than all the rest of the so called *New* Mario games (except for maybe Wii). I will say the bosses were all original and unique, which is something that the rest of the 2D Mario games have completely ignored. I really don't have any complaints, or anything that blew me away. it's a good game , but forgettable. I would overall give it a B-.… Expand
  30. GameDudeGuy
    Feb 4, 2021
    7
    remember when i said new super mario bros wii was my favorite new series game? yeah this is second place but this started when of the worst series for me
  31. BeeSting1
    Nov 26, 2021
    6
    Good

    - graphics are good for the ds - a lot of rehashed platforming from SMB and smw series. There are some new twists and platforming obstacles as well. Bad - only firefire power up. Mega mushroom is kinda boring. Shell power is useless. Mini mushroom is interesting but not enough of it. - the wall jump distance is inconsistent with the running speed. - I should be    Good

    - graphics are good for the ds

    - a lot of rehashed platforming from SMB and smw series. There are some new twists and platforming obstacles as well.

    Bad

    - only firefire power up. Mega mushroom is kinda boring. Shell power is useless. Mini mushroom is interesting but not enough of it.

    - the wall jump distance is inconsistent with the running speed.

    - I should be allowed to save any time in the overworld, not only between castles.

    - boss fights were repetitive. And not creative.    … Expand
  32. ntBagel
    Apr 23, 2022
    6
    New super Mario bros. DS, a return to the Mario 2d platforming series. The game starts out really strong with well design levels catchy music that fits the tone and a fresh start to a new Mario franchise. playing further into the game the levels become either more boring or have not very fun gimmicks. For example the snake block levels felt slow but also unfair. I still have fun with theNew super Mario bros. DS, a return to the Mario 2d platforming series. The game starts out really strong with well design levels catchy music that fits the tone and a fresh start to a new Mario franchise. playing further into the game the levels become either more boring or have not very fun gimmicks. For example the snake block levels felt slow but also unfair. I still have fun with the rest of the game but it felt very "OK" after the first few worlds. the music became repetitive because it is always bubbly which was fine in the first world but the other worlds songs have the same vibe. This makes the worlds feel less unique. Also the bosses get a little repetitive besides the castle ones which I enjoy but I don't like battling bowser jr. 20 times. on to a high note the levels are for the most part designed very well. This game was made to be played single player which allowed it to try things that you couldn't do in the Wii version. one thing I have mixed feelings about is the new powerups. the mini mushroom is fun to use but doesn't show up much and is only used for secrets. The blue shell I absolutely hate it has killed me more than helped and lastly the mega mushroom is cool the first time but a little underwhelming every other time I use it. Also the fire flower feels as good as ever in this game and added some quality of life changes such as fireballs being able to go up stairs which I like. It might seem like I disliked this game but I actually enjoyed playing through it. It seems like a fun game to play on a road trip or to just pop it in and finish a world. which is why im going to give is a 6/10 (good)… Expand
  33. Smg7
    Jun 29, 2023
    6
    It's alright i guess the controls are good and the levels look cool, i like that this game has unique bosses and not just the koopa kids. But the game feels a bit too easy and it's not really too memorable
  34. TKSwiz
    Jul 15, 2023
    6
    This game isn't bad by any means, but it really doesn't live up to the standard set by pretty much every 2D Mario game that came before it. It lacks the wacky creativity of Super Mario Bros. 3, the sense of wonder and adventure in Super Mario World, the originality of Super Mario Bros. 2 (which is still a great game despite being not originally being a Mario game), and the groundbreakingThis game isn't bad by any means, but it really doesn't live up to the standard set by pretty much every 2D Mario game that came before it. It lacks the wacky creativity of Super Mario Bros. 3, the sense of wonder and adventure in Super Mario World, the originality of Super Mario Bros. 2 (which is still a great game despite being not originally being a Mario game), and the groundbreaking innovation of the original Super Mario Bros. This game has some new ideas, but a lot of them are wasted by being severely underutilized. Take the Mega Mushroom, for example. It seems like the game was designed around this power-up for a few levels in the beginning, and then they just kinda forgot about it after that. The mini mushroom is good for some secrets but that's about it. The blue shell is admittedly pretty fun, and probably the best and most unique aspect of the game. But compared to the Tanooki suit or the cape, it feels quite unessential to the game experience. The level design is nothing too special most of the time, and nothing really sticks out in my memory. I did enjoy the two hidden worlds as a concept, but i found their levels to mostly be just ok. The mini-games are definitely a fun time-waster, and it is honestly probably the part of the game that has the most replay value. Overall, I found this game to be decent, but not up to snuff with the prior entries in line of 2D Mario games.… Expand
  35. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 6, 2023
    7
    Prettified reboot of the classic games that doesn't quite have the edge and inventiveness of its SNES forebears, but is a pleasing little platformer in its own right.
  36. Ameer-x
    Apr 23, 2023
    7
    عباره عن اعاده احياء لسلسله ماريوري القديمه شو نوعيه الابعاد هذه اللعبه كانت جدا جميله كلعبه جهاز محمول كنت امضي عليها الساعات فيها تصاميم مراحل رهيبه وافكار جميله فهي لا يقل مستواها عن مستوى لعبه ماريو الجزء الثالث فهي افضل منها من ناحيه الادوات وتصميم المراحل وكثره المراحل لعبه جميله جداعباره عن اعاده احياء لسلسله ماريوري القديمه شو نوعيه الابعاد هذه اللعبه كانت جدا جميله كلعبه جهاز محمول كنت امضي عليها الساعات فيها تصاميم مراحل رهيبه وافكار جميله فهي لا يقل مستواها عن مستوى لعبه ماريو الجزء الثالث فهي افضل منها من ناحيه الادوات وتصميم المراحل وكثره المراحل لعبه جميله جدا

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best DS Game of 2006
1
#1 Most Discussed DS Game of 2006
1
#1 Most Shared DS Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 65 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 65
  3. Negative: 0 out of 65
  1. IGN
    95
    Before New Super Mario Bros. entered my life, "Yoshi's Island" was, to me, the greatest platformer ever created. That title may now have to go to New Super Mario Bros.
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  2. GamerFeed
    90
    The kind of game that makes hardcore Nintendo fans get on their knees and weep in sheer joy over the eighty new levels of new 2D Mario action...The visuals come in scorching hot, with gorgeous 3D bringing the old school into a new school setting. Sprinkle in some minigames and multiplayer modes, and you have a system seller.
    Read full review
  3. GameBrink
    91
    While it lasts, it’s some of the best platforming to date and features what I consider to be the best Nintendo DS graphics to date. While it’s a shame the new power-ups are frills and the length of the main game is ridiculously short, it’s hard not to recommend it.
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