Mario vs. Donkey Kong

This won’t be one for the action-platformer fans, but if you’re after something a little more cruisy to get that puzzle brain ticking, this will likely do the job. It’s safe to say I had a great time chasing after that big gorilla, and getting far too attached to my mechanical children in the process.

Overall… it’s a solid game that is a lot of fun either solo or in two player. It’s got enough of a challenge to make you work for it (certainly some levels more than others… I hate iceworlds!) but it shouldn’t keep you held back too long. If you aren’t sure, you can grab a demo and give it a go… but I suspect you’ll want to grab the full game and save your mini Marios!

Mario vs. Donkey Kong has surprised me with the loads of content that the game offers, in addition to the complexity of some puzzles - despite some stages being quite alike across the worlds. Either way, the fun factor here is granted, especially if you have someone to tag along with.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a splendid remake. The updated visuals and quality-of-life improvements add plenty to this already-fun title. The puzzles are interesting and challenging, with plenty of variety to keep you hooked.

Excellent logic-based platformer that can entertain both young and old. Precise design goes hand in hand with a likable presentation and refined gameplay that caters to modern trends while not forgetting the old ways. Once again, Nintendo hits the bullseye.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is an enjoyable remake of an acclaimed puzzle platformer hybrid from the Game Boy era. All features of the original are included, but the formula is mixed with some fresh elements and completely new levels. The addition of two gameplay modes was a good decision, as this makes the game suitable for gamers of all ages.

A great return for a great GBA game. The number of new things and quality of life improvements makes this remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong a must have.

Even 20 years on, Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s ingenuity in its puzzle design shines through – its Toy Box delightfully crammed with surprising gameplay elements that I haven’t seen in the puzzle genre since. Now that Mini-Marios are a hot ticket product once more, we can only hope that we won’t have to wait so long for another fun-packed puzzling adventure for the whole family.

What used to be one of the best puzzle-platformers on the GBA is now one of the best on Switch. Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a faithful remake that goes above and beyond in just about every facet; whether you’ve already played the original or are completely new to the series. With modern graphics alongside brand new modes, levels, and features, it’s easy to recommend this charming remake based on one of the most iconic rivalries of all time. If you’re still not convinced, you can try out the free demo available now via the Nintendo eShop. Mario vs. Donkey Kong launches for Nintendo Switch on 16th February 2024.

Mario Vs. Donkey Kong is a must-play for puzzle lovers.

On paper, it might not look like there's a lot to this game, but with the addition of two new worlds, time attack, co-op play and the ability to scale the difficulty should you get stuck - there's plenty on offer for everyone. Now, a new generation can experience Mario vs. Donkey Kong.

The remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong breathes new life into the classic title, enriching what was achieved nearly 20 years ago. This format aligns seamlessly with the franchise's essence, where platforms and puzzles merge effortlessly to create an environment where Mario truly belongs. The enhancements in this new version serve as a welcoming invitation for newcomers and a compelling reason for veterans to revisit the world they once cherished. With gameplay and visuals elevated to new heights, it's evident that the experience has been refined for modern audiences. Of course, while some mechanics may show signs of age, they underscore the notion that a renewed, unreleased installment would seamlessly complement Nintendo's renowned catalog.

Mario vs Donkey Kong is the perfect example of how Nintendo should remake all of its games. It has everything the original had but it adds a lot of content that looks better than ever.

Mario vs Donkey Kong remains an enjoyable platform-puzzler as it did back on the Game Boy Advance, freshened up and featuring a small number of modern and welcome additions.

20 years. It is, often, the age symbolizing youth at its full potential. This is also the period between the release of Mario vs Donkey Kong on Game Boy Advance and its remake. It arrives exclusively on Nintendo Switch on February 16 and is the subject of an excellent makeover from "Big N". The reflection side still works just as well; features allow you to modernize the software; new content to extend its lifespan; without forgetting the more than careful graphics update which will make you forget the pixelated features of the original version. Mario vs Donkey Kong has gotten a big facelift thanks to a remake that we would like to see more often. A great game to look forward to the next plumber games. Remake or not.

Starting with a video game released in 2004 and intended for the handheld market, Nintendo has done an excellent job, producing an intriguing and incredibly rich remake that provides hours of entertainment.

With new levels, a fun local co-op mode and updated graphics and soundtrack, we found this remake of the classic Mario vs. Donkey Kong to be an ideal game to exercise our brains in a dynamic and fun way.

The gameplay is really good and the levels are perfectly designed for players of all ages. There's also no shortage of content, and 130 levels is a nice portion, although you could probably do with a few dozen more. The audio-visual design matches the game nicely. However, there are a few minor flaws and the price is quite high.

Mario vs Donkey Kong... is an absolutely fantastic little puzzler.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a faithful remake with a few new features that mix in well with the original content. Aside from its high price and short duration, this is the kind of game that's so harmless and fun that it's hard not to recommend to puzzle-platformer fans.

Not a platformer but a puzzle-platformer dating back to the long-gone Game Boy Advance era, revamped on Switch. This time Mario will take you to an adventure a little different than usual, which will improve your jumping skills at least as much as your intuition and speed of execution. More than 130 levels (some of them brand new) with secret stages and direct challenges with Donkey Kong. A must-have challenge for Nintendo fans

Mario's comeback has been spectacular. This remake, released for Nintendo Switch, guarantees more content and fun with its expanded world. And, if you want, for two people at the same time.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a great remake of one of the most special and fun games in the history of Nintendo. The graphical and sound renovation is perfect and the cooperative mode is fantastic. Perhaps it may lack some incentive for veterans, but this game is an absolute gem if you never tried the saga.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a valid remake of a great classic. The gameplay formula has remained almost unchanged compared to twenty years ago but, fortunately, it still appears quite fresh and fun. Despite an uninspired artistic direction, the NST title brings with it two completely new worlds, the hilarious two-player mode and the new Relax difficulty, which makes it accessible to a wide range of players. If you have never had the opportunity to get to know this peculiar spin-off of Super Mario or you simply want to relive the emotions experienced on Game Boy Advance two decades ago, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.

A good adaptation of the Game Boy Advance game that satisfies both casual and experienced players, those looking for a cooperative puzzle experience, and even those seeking challenging platforming games.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong not only revives that old rivalry for which both characters became famous in the 1980s. It shows us that a game can simultaneously have a simple and entertaining presentation with a challenge that not everyone can overcome. The graphics are beautiful and worthy of this generation. More than one will likely feel frustrated for not reaching the end, but those who do will feel the satisfaction of completing a game without pretensions.

Mario vs Donkey Kong 2024 has a time-worn charm polished by Nintendo’s acute attention to detail and its mid-price probably earns it a review star more than it deserves. Juxtaposed with the furious invention of recent full-priced stablemates such as Super Mario Bros Wonder or Kirby’s Forgotten Land, it’s a bit of a relic.

Cost aside, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a perfectly delightful, charming and enjoyable puzzle-platformer that doesn't overstay its welcome. Taken entirely on its own merits, it is an excellent game that is a perfect mix of platforming and puzzle gameplay. It doesn't break any molds, but it provides an excellent arcade-style experience with minimal muss and fuss. Only its short length keeps it from being a strong recommendation, but if that isn't a flaw to you, then pop it into your queue.

Overall, I wouldn’t say Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a challenging game. It’s a nice puzzle and platformer that urges you to want to collect all the collectables in each stage for that gold star marking your completion. I would say it’s a good introduction to some puzzle games for younger audiences, or if you just want something to relax with and play, Nintendo has you covered with this release. It’s not the deepest game you’ll play, and it’s not super complex, but I find that it is a very nice game to sit down and just bang out a few levels. If you’re looking for something nice and simple, but yet something you can still have an enjoyable time with, definitely look in the direction of this new Mario vs. Donkey Kong game.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is what sheer simple fun Mario vs. Donkey Kong really is. It's so simple in concept, but never really gets old or tiresome as they keep building up new ideas along the way. It's hard not to keep obsessively going to see what challenge is coming next. There might be moments where it's easy to get stumped, but it's easily fixed simply by looking around and re-examining the options to come to the proper solution. If there's anything that's a downside about the title, it's that we only wish there was even more to play. Hopefully this entry puts it back on the map for Nintendo and they consider expanding upon it even more in the future, as it's a delight and well worth picking up for all those who love charming, puzzling adventures that won't overwork the mind too much.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is as charming as it ever was, and the various additions and improvements to this remake certainly make it a definitive experience for those coming to the game for the first time. Those who got their fill of the original might find there isn’t enough new here to justify the purchase. For my part, I’m happy to see this game come back, but I can’t help but wonder if I wouldn’t have been just as satisfied with the oringal game being added to Nintendo Switch Online instead. Perhaps a new installment is in order?

Mario VS Donkey is back on the Switch after it's initial release on the GameBoy Advance in 2004. With revamped graphics and improved soundtrack it also has local co-op, new unlockable time attack game mode, difficulty selection and three unlockable worlds. There's much more under the hood than just the initial "simple paint job" visible when you start up the game.

A remake of the original Game Boy Advance game that comes with plenty of variety in the puzzles, offers an excellent challenge and introduces fun co-op features. Nintendo delivers a solid remake that does exactly what you expect from it without really risking anything. Too bad the boss fights are not as good - more frustrating, - because that should have been the icing on the cake.

It's a challenging, fun and ingenious remake, outside the usual platforming molds, but it's a bit too short and repeats some of the battles against Donkey Kong.

Overall, Mario vs Donkey Kong is good, even very good. The remastering work is clearly perceptible, and it's a real pleasure to (re)play these levels, which have been redesigned to suit the videogame standards of modern Mario games. Unfortunately, we can only regret that this overall success has been sabotaged by some really annoying flaws, giving the impression that we're being wasted. Mario vs Donkey Kong is therefore, in our opinion, a good game to play from time to time to relax, provided you're not too much of a stickler for detail. A good game for the young, the very young or video game neophytes, who won't pay too much attention to the small details we've pointed out, and who will especially frustrate regular players accustomed to more accomplished optimization.

A good remake of a somewhat underrated GBA classic of puzzles and platforms that brings interesting novelties. It is still a very fun and well-designed game, with new worlds and modes. The new audiovisual section has suited it very well. It lacks the scoring system of the original and if you only want to reach the credits, it can be short.

Simple, fun and recommended above all for younger players or those with little contact with the Super Mario franchise. Unfortunately, some of its most notable flaws are still present, such as unchallenging levels, again running the risk of putting off the more experienced players. To compensate, and perhaps unintentionally, the remake has a lure for these players: the addition of a robust co-operative mode that makes Mario vs. Donkey Kong more fun and even challenging when played with a friend, making us forget about its imperfections.

Mario vs Donkey Kong for Switch is the perfect example of what 2D Mario means. A game that feels current despite already being 20 years old thanks to a completely renewed version graphically and with elements that favor its replayability. More strategic and fun puzzles that look better than ever.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a great remake of a fresh take on Mario's gameplay.

There’s enough here to warrant both a return for gamers long in the tooth enough to remember the original and newcomers who have never seen a Mario Vs Donkey Kong before...Cute, fun, head-scratching stuff.

Get to the end of the short campaign and you realise it isn't short at all, with time attacks and plus levels and expert levels unrolling before you It's a lovely package, and another pleasant stop on the Switch's protracted farewell. The more I played, the more I found myself collecting fragments of memories of the GBA original which I thought I had lost. Familiarity, then, and forgotten pleasures: isn't that what a Vegas residency should be all about?

Quotation forthcoming.

What changed and what remains the same in Mario Vs. Donkey Kong on Switch is a little confusing at times, and it raises the question of why a remake was the best choice and not a full new game. Still, "if it ain't broke" and all that. The original Mario Vs. Donkey Kong holds up nearly 20 years later, and nearly every new addition makes the already-strong puzzle game even better.

Despite some of the game's issues, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a very strong addition to the Nintendo Switch library. The puzzle game has seen a lot of strong improvements over the Game Boy Advance version, both in terms of content as well as presentation. Even if some people aren't happy with paying $50 for an upscaled GBA game, the improvements and high-profile nature of this release should get a lot more players to give it a chance than might have otherwise. Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a very strong puzzle game well worth checking out for fans of the genre, as well as those that grew up with the original Donkey Kong arcade game. Just don't go in expecting a typical Mario platformer.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a simple game, but as is the case with Mario's best titles, there's an elegance to that simplicity. Nintendo has done a stellar job adding features to make it more palatable to a modern audience, but it only comes together because of how well the classic levels hold up. Mario and Donkey Kong have been rivals for over 40 years, and this game admirably carries that legacy forward.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong follows the original game real close as a remake, and it takes from the classic as much good as bad. Overall, the level design is still amazing, and it adds a number of new worlds that really manage to turn the experience up a notch. What may be troublesome for some players is that this time around Mario's mobility is kind of limited. Nevertheless, puzzles are Mario vs. Donkey Kong's real strong suit, so the whole package remains really solid.

Mario Vs. Donkey Kong is an excellent little pocket puzzler that is sure to please fans and newcomers alike.

The puzzles in this game are clever, well-constructed, and satisfying to solve. At the same time, the platforming can be frustrating. The jump mechanics take some getting used to, and the controls don't have that Mario feel. But this too is a sort of puzzle to solve. You've got to learn the basics all over again, in a way. Once I accepted this, Mario vs Donkey Kong really opened up for me. I took my failures in stride. I pushed for perfection whenever possible. Soon enough I was having a great time. For longtime Mario fans new to this series, this new paradigm might take some adjustment. But I assure you, this investment of time and effort is worth it.

At the end of the day, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is simply, effortlessly fun, and that's what you come to the moustachioed plumber for.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is more than a simple remake of the GBA original. Beside the fine modernized graphics there are more worlds and levels, a new co-op and dye speedrun mode. If you love the original or just a great combination of classic platformer and puzzle game, this remake should make its way to your Switch.

The new Mario vs. Donkey Kong, with considerably improved visuals and the usual Nintendo excellence, is a fantastic tribute to both the original game and the arcade classic it is based on. Because the puzzle-platforming genre is nearly nonexistent today, the gameplay may appear very basic in comparison to modern platformers, raising the question of how interesting this title will be to today's gamers.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a strong remake of the game originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004. With two brand new worlds and a wide variety of mechanics, the levels continue to feel unique and the game is a pleasure to play.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong keeps things very simple. It’s about jumping up, surviving obstacles, and rescuing cute toys. But most important of all, it’s fun.

I enjoyed my HD revisit of Mario vs. Donkey Kong quite a bit, even to the point of earning every badge in the game. While there's not a lot here that will appeal to those who weren't attracted by the original game, it's still a solid remake that adds fun new stages and HD polish.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong may lack the razzle dazzle of its stars’ more recent games, but this remake still has the power to hook players with its tried-and-true retro platforming and a finely-tuned difficulty curve that culminates in some challenges that will truly test your mind and reflexes. Those who have played the original Mario vs. DK to death may not find quite enough new content here, but lapsed fans and new players are in for a barrel of fun.

A quality remake of a 2004 game that will keep you entertained for many evenings. [Issue#263, p.53]

Mario vs. Donkey Kong clearly reflects how good ideas and design age. They don’t. A graphical redesign but same at its core, this game may require a niche audience. However, when it finds it, it simply shines the brightest.

I'm very happy that Mario vs. Donkey Kong was remade, especially considering just how darn cute it all is. Seeing as the core gameplay has held-up as well as it has and that there are a lot of challenges to overcome, it's one impressive package.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong offers entertaining puzzle fun with a nice, revised look and some new levels, but unfortunately it lacks almost any form of challenge and is a bit expensive for its size.

Unusual, creative and still fun to play puzzle game that combines puzzles with platforming. Despite the new content, the remake is priced too high though and, due to the removed points system, it is significantly easier than the original.

All in all Mario VS Donkey Kong is a fine remake with some good additions which will be appreciated by anyone who played the original. Nevertheless, by being a very faithful recreation of the original game means that some of its mechanics are showing their age.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong may not revolutionize how the series delivers its puzzles, but it does introduce content that elevates it from the original. Newcomers will appreciate the game’s charming and engrossing levels that keep you wanting to solve them all, but if you’ve already played the original you may question if the extra content justifies picking it up again. It’s still a game that kids can easily gravitate to, but its added levels, co-op mode, and revamped presentation makes it a no-brainer even for older gamers looking for a relaxing, not-too-difficult good time.

I could see myself blasting through levels of Mario vs. Donkey Kong while waiting for a flight at the airport, or on the train to work, and that’s the best-case scenario for this package, brimming with bite-sized platforming challenges. It may not contain all the spectacle of others, but there’s enough precise jumping and quick calculations here to satisfy the more hardcore, goal-oriented, score-chasing Mario players around.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong has been remade nearly perfectly, and it’s certainly great for any forgotten title to get an update and a facelift. The platforming is still tight, but the simple truth is that puzzle games as a genre have moved on in the twenty years since the original. That means nothing about it really stands out, either as a puzzle game or a Mario game. Still, that doesn’t mean you won’t have fun with it as you wait for Nintendo’s next main-line Mario.

Mario Vs Donkey Kong is a nice time for all, but those seeking major challenge or wholesale changes to the original might not find what they need here.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a great remake – implementing a strong shift in artistic direction, engaging co-op options and well-crafted puzzle and platforming elements. Co-op is an especially clever inclusion, and combined with difficulty options, broadens the appeal of an otherwise niche experience to a wider audience. While hardcore players might be let down by the lack of difficulty, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a sensational update that fans of the series and even newcomers will enjoy.

The timeless essence of Mario vs. Donkey Kong is honored in this faithful remake, while retaining the somewhat dated gameplay. However, with a visual upgrade, multiplayer options, and a relaxed play mode, the game receives a fresh appeal, making it still worthwhile in 2024.

Mario vs Donkey Kong is a delightful and captivating game that brings classic characters to life on the Nintendo Switch. With its captivating gameplay, charming graphics, and nostalgic appeal, it offers a fantastic experience for players of all ages.

This remake maybe isn't the one we were hoping for, but it is a good and faithful one, sitting tightly in the "this is just how I remembered it was" category, all while adding some new features, game modes and worlds.

Nintendo brought back the 20-year-old game, but forgot to include the appropriate content for the price. Couch Co-Op is fun to play, but you can buy an ox for this money, Nintendo.

This is a game that arrives at the fall of the Nintendo Switch to offer us one of the classic GBA games. It has a new graphical work, new modes and levels, which really improve the experience a little. At the end it is a short game just for puzzle and nostalgia lovers.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a well-executed remake of a Game Boy Advance classic with very welcome improvements in several fields while leaving the core gameplay intact. Simple and accessible, it will easily draw younger players with its straight-to-the-point puzzle platformer design, and the newly added local co-op sets a good benchmark for future games. The tougher challenges start later on, but for its price tag this game is a bit short, while Mario's more limited moves might leave some players yearning for the platform classics.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a great looking remake of an already fun game, which is made better by the inclusion of two new worlds to complete. Unfortunately, the game is quite easy, and the entire experience ends too quickly, which may hamper replayability. Still, it is well worth grabbing a friend or family member and dedicating a weekend to completing the game.

Mario vs Donkey Kong on the Nintendo Switch is a satisfactory update of a great and often overlooked entry on the Game Boy Advance.

If you fondly remember Mario vs Donkey Kong from its Game Boy Advance iteration, we’ve no doubt you’ll get a kick out of seeing it with a gorgeous, fresh coat of paint. You still will if you’re a newcomer: it’s a treat for the eyes, but it’s also a fun little puzzle game to pick up for 10, 20 minutes at a time. It’s not going to set your world on fire, but those mini Marios are sure to put a smile on your face for a little while.

Late-game frustrations aside, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is mostly a high-quality experience. I can’t recommend it as a must-play—as it doesn’t do anything especially ambitious or revolutionary and doesn’t feel like great value for money—but it does what it does extremely well. Fans of the original who really want to play it again won’t be disappointed, and anyone who loves pure, refined puzzle design will also find a lot to appreciate and enjoy here.

I had a lot of fun playing (or, more accurately, replaying) Mario Vs. Donkey Kong. It’s a brightly-coloured, wholesome good time, and the rare all-ages puzzle game that strikes the right balance between making sure that everyone that plays it feels smart, without being condescending about it. As much fun as it is, however, this is one of the most transient games that Nintendo has published in quite some time. You’ll play it, enjoy it, and very quickly forget about it because it is, ultimately, a remake of once of Nintendo’s most niche titles – a title that was niche for a very good reason.

The asking price does feel disproportionate to what is on offer in Mario vs. Donkey Kong, even despite the host of additional levels that bring it past 130 in total, and its wonderful new presentation and cutscenes. Alongside 1994's Donkey Kong, though, this is the superior gameplay format for this series, which adopted more of a Lemmings approach in subsequent games, so interested folk should seek this one out at a more affordable price in the future.

The new edition is visually successful and offers puzzle fun, but the game structure is no longer up to date.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong, while a good game, comes too late in the Nintendo Switch's lifecycle to stand out in the vast array of puzzle platformers, although the multiplayer adds an unexpected value.

Consistent and accessible, and still a lot of fun, but Mario v Donkey Kong fails to innovate anything new and exciting. A decent addition to the franchise soaked in the undeniable charm of the classic Mario-verse.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong feels very retro in certain respects. It's designed to be played in short bursts, which can feel anachronistic on a modern handheld hybrid that's perfectly suited for long play sessions. But it's also a throwback in the best ways, recapturing the clever aha moments of puzzle-platforming that made its predecessors so memorable, all while packing distinct visual improvements and quality-of-life tweaks that bring out its charm like never before.

For all this, I can easily recommend Mario vs. Donkey Kong to those who loved the classic, but not so much to puzzle fans used to modern, more agile controls. Don't get me wrong, it's a contemporary way to understand the legends' roots, but between pace/interest drops, and the somewhat outdated controls, I ended up a bit tired of what I recalled as a blast on the GBA.

While it takes its time to build momentum, once it clicks with you Mario vs Donkey Kong is a rewarding and enjoyable remake, and another win for the Mario franchise. The simple gameplay gets deceptively tricky, and is supported by wonderful visuals: just make sure you stick with it.

I like Mario vs Donkey Kong on the Switch a lot, mainly because I liked it a lot on the Game Boy Advance. This remake isn’t all that dissimilar, and that’s why I think it is so much fun. However, even with the new worlds and multiplayer option, it doesn’t feel all that different. If you missed it before and have never played it, then it is absolutely worth picking up. However, it is probably okay to start saving up for whatever Nintendo has planned next if you owned the original.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong, a remake of a classic for Game Boy Advance, is a well designed hybrid between a platform and a puzzle game. The multiplayer is a great addition, and the music really stands out. Anyway, it's clearly an handheld game: the levels and the adventure are short, and the level design too schematic. It's twenty years old, after all.

Coming in the wake of Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s psychedelic splendour, Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s update of the 2004 Game Boy Advance version is a markedly more modest Mario adventure in scope, but I still enjoyed puzzling my way through its trap-riddled rooms while they lasted – particularly those found in its playful pair of brand new worlds that have interesting new takes on the decades-old mechanics. The lopsided difficulty of its main levels could have perhaps been better smoothed out so that it becomes more challenging as you go rather than easier, and some occasional control flaws seemed below the standard I’ve come to expect from Nintendo platformers, but its completely overhauled art is packed with personality and its two-player co-op mode puts a fun new spin on familiar gameplay. Mario vs. Donkey Kong might not be as polished as a Mini-Mario toy fresh off the assembly line, but it's just as full of charm and fun to play with.

What you see is very much what you get, and there are very few surprises throughout the game’s short campaign. It’s far from Mario’s best, but certainly a fun time whether alone or with friends via a new co-op mode. I do wonder whether it would have been better if Nintendo had built a brand-new installment from the ground up, but what we have is an undeniably delightful - if relatively unexciting - addition to the Switch library.

The world didn’t real need a Mario Vs. Donkey Kong remake but this is still the absolute best effort Nintendo could’ve made, with tons of new content and the same enjoyable but undemanding puzzles as before.

Mario vs Donkey Kong serves up a slick return to the 2004 GBA adventure that finds fresh fun in cooperative play. Yep, the new co-op mode really is the star of the show this time out and, alongside two new worlds, 'Plus' versions of each level, a Time Attack mode, and fancy new looks and sounds, there's plenty to dig into and enjoy with a core puzzle/platforming setup that has aged quite well. Just be aware that, if you're a more seasoned player looking for platforming challenges, this game finds its strengths as an experience for younger gamers or as a co-op title to enjoy with your kids. Taken as such, it absolutely earns a recommendation.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a serviceable Nintendo Switch remake of an excellent Game Boy Advance puzzle-platformer that could use more content for its price.

Mario vs Donkey Kong is a charming puzzler that’s great in short bursts, but the repetitive formula, short length, and occasionally frustrating controls leave it paling in comparison to other top-tier Mario outings on Switch.

While it's been pleasing to see Nintendo revitalise certain parts of their back catalogue, Mario vs. Donkey Kong feels a bit dated, despite the modern graphics. I just wish there had been a slightly grander effort to modernise the feel of the game.

For some, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is exactly what those who love the GBA release are looking for. For everyone else, this puzzle platformer is full of rough edges that are a deterrent.

It’s not overtly ambitious and there are very safe choices in its approach, but Mario vs. Donkey Kong is still a lovely time – and provides relief in a storm of more complex and frustrating puzzlers. It’s certainly a product of its era, but it works wonderfully well as a callback to simpler times.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a fun game skillfully made. But families on a budget (just about all of us these days) would be better served spending their gaming dollars on something a little more substantial.

Mario Vs Donkey Kong is a capable remake of a game whose identity crisis between platformer and puzzler can't survive the journey from handheld to TV. Enjoyable enough but not that taxing - aside from rare spikes when it becomes too taxing - it's a good recreation that doesn't have the tools to venture into greatness. It will be an impressive enough glow-up for fans of the original, but mixes being straightforward and mildly frustrating into a colourful and charming milkshake (so close I can almost taste it), even if it's a little bit sickly. It's worth occupying a few hours with, but it won't live long in the memory, and underlines why few Mario fans would put this one in the plumber's highlight reel.

While the Mario vs. Donkey Kong remake expands upon the original’s content and adds replayability, its clunkiness leads to even the simpler puzzles feeling frustrating, especially with a slow start that drags on for longer than it should.

For those who harbor warm nostalgia for the Game Boy Advance era, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a fun and faithful remake with some solid new puzzles and an unexpectedly terrific soundtrack. It’s an odd choice for a revisit, though, as the first-draft puzzles and rigid movement of the original release poke through the Switch version’s modern façade. It’s less of an exciting new Switch game and more like something light to hold Nintendo fans over while they wait for a shiny new console.

Mario vs Donkey Kong offers a notable step up in visual quality from its 20-year-old source material, but the same can't be said for the gameplay mechanics, which remain largely unchanged. While it will no doubt appeal to purists who loved the GBA original, those discovering it for the first time may find it too easy and not up to the same standards as modern, similarly priced Mario releases.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong brings the classic GBA title back with new crisp graphics, but there has not been enough changes to the mechanics or controls to make this feel contemporary on the Switch.

Given that the entire game can be comfortably completed within a few days, even with the heightened difficulty of later levels, Mario vs. Donkey Kong can’t help but feel like a featherweight experience.