New Super Mario Bros. U

 Wii U
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 961 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 715 out of 961
  2. Mixed: 176 out of 961
  3. Negative: 70 out of 961
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. PhoneTheo
    Sep 4, 2023
    10
    So Goos Game
  2. Porcupine2009
    Aug 13, 2023
    9
    I have very vivid memories of playing this game back in, what, 2013? Amazing game! Not without a few bugs and flaws, of course, but still a great game nonetheless. The story is fine, the gameplay is amazing, and overall it's a hyperload of nostalgia for me. 9.8/10.
  3. RTCWFAN
    Jul 7, 2023
    9
    Fantastic Mario platformer, that includes the innovative Wii U controls perfectly. The couch coop is just great fun! Overall rating: 8.8
  4. philsom
    Jun 15, 2023
    9
    For me the best game of the New 2d series, great music and level design as always. Very pretty graphics too.
  5. sparkyLELEK
    May 31, 2023
    10
    I just had a Great time playing it and searching for everything the Wii U Gamepad was used well, I think.
  6. Eny2505
    Apr 23, 2023
    8
    EVEN MORE of the same stuff. We reached a point where its getting really boring now. It is still really fun to play but its so repetitive. Bonus points for multiplayer options and challenge mode. Underwhelming launch title for the Wii U.
  7. firelink88
    Apr 18, 2023
    9
    I'll give this game a 97%. Nintendo did an excellent job making this game compared to New Super Mario Bros. 2 not being that good of a Mario game in my opinion. This game is more similar to New Super Mario Bros Wii and brought back the Penguin Suit from that game. There are so many unique worlds to go to. Trying to collect star coins throughout the game is a blast! The Acorn suit is aI'll give this game a 97%. Nintendo did an excellent job making this game compared to New Super Mario Bros. 2 not being that good of a Mario game in my opinion. This game is more similar to New Super Mario Bros Wii and brought back the Penguin Suit from that game. There are so many unique worlds to go to. Trying to collect star coins throughout the game is a blast! The Acorn suit is a great power-up to use and you can use it to help you collect star coins in certain places as well!… Expand
  8. Kdog152
    Dec 19, 2022
    9
    Petty decent game just as most of the Mario bros are, However, I do wish that Nintendo would change up the world themes for once because it does get boring seeing the same thing again and again. What is cool though, is how every level and world has its own unique name for the first time in the series and I do like how the whole 9 world map is all interconnected. The level design is stillPetty decent game just as most of the Mario bros are, However, I do wish that Nintendo would change up the world themes for once because it does get boring seeing the same thing again and again. What is cool though, is how every level and world has its own unique name for the first time in the series and I do like how the whole 9 world map is all interconnected. The level design is still good and enjoyable. I like the different kind of abstract art style of some of the levels in Soda jungle (world 5) as it looks real cool and kind of like your inside an old painting. Nintendo should definitely use that idea again. The multi player mode is classic as it could be a bonding with friends experience or it could cause fights between them. The propeller suit (though it is severely underused in this game as you can only access it in world 9), ice flower and penguin suits return as power ups in this game along side the new Squirrel suit that makes you able to glide for a short time and they are all fun to use. The music is also decent as well. This game is definitely a huge step up from its mediocre predecessor New super Mario bros 2 on the 3ds. The introduction to baby Yoshi's is also a really cool idea and they are all unique and fun to use. The addition of New super Luigi U is also great as it adds difficulty to this relatively easy game and the challenge mode is fun as well.… Expand
  9. hector_bcn98
    Oct 31, 2022
    8
    Muy bueno para jugar en solitario, notable para cooperativo local, a cuatro mandos haciendo el burro.
  10. Ebip
    Jun 13, 2022
    8
    A Good 2D Mario.Unpopular opinion but this Is the best NSMB game.the world Is connected like SMW the New Power up Is great and the level design Is Golden.The bosses are generic and the music Is catchy but Not the best thing in the Franchise.The Challenges are fun
  11. grimreapersims
    Jan 6, 2022
    8
    ....................................................................................................................................................................................................blank
  12. Owen76287
    Feb 10, 2021
    8
    This game is a flawless 2D platformer. The length difficulty and content are perfect. People only hate this game because it's not original, and I completely agree with that statement. The game was released at a time when a Mario game came every year, and it doesn't help that it was released on the Wii U. It s an amazing experience, but for many it just came out at the wrong time and place.This game is a flawless 2D platformer. The length difficulty and content are perfect. People only hate this game because it's not original, and I completely agree with that statement. The game was released at a time when a Mario game came every year, and it doesn't help that it was released on the Wii U. It s an amazing experience, but for many it just came out at the wrong time and place. If you want to play the game than I encourage you to do so, but not for $60, find a discounted Wii U version rather than the Switch port.… Expand
  13. Nico49
    Jun 13, 2020
    8
    The game is good and entertainment. The Coin Hunt-Mode is very funny. I like the game.
  14. 100percenter
    May 6, 2020
    10
    Fun and creative game. Every level utilized mechanics in different ways to make each level seem distinct and new. I find myself replaying this game often with new challenges every time. Like I’ll try speedruns, no power ups, no running, etc. while I do like making up my own challenges, it’s still fun to just play the game how it was intended. I also admire the fact that the gameFun and creative game. Every level utilized mechanics in different ways to make each level seem distinct and new. I find myself replaying this game often with new challenges every time. Like I’ll try speedruns, no power ups, no running, etc. while I do like making up my own challenges, it’s still fun to just play the game how it was intended. I also admire the fact that the game acknowledges you when you actually 100% the game. They gift you little certificates and I just think that’s sweet.… Expand
  15. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    8
    El clásico for wii U. An old school super mario. Fun and addictive. Essential.
  16. Kacak321
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good game........................................ .........................!… Expand
  17. CB186
    Jan 5, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. New Super Mario Bros. U is a good game. While it feels incredibly similar to the Wii version, the new additions to this game are very good at changing the gameplay.

    The Super Acorn has got to be one of the best power ups we have seen in 2D Mario and with the Propeller Mushroom and Penguin Suit also returning, the selection of power-ups here is very good. While the story is basically non-existent, Bowser kidnapped Peach, get her back. The final boss takes place in Peach's Castle as Bowser takes over the castle, transforming it into one more suitable for him. This is a nice change from the standard plan of the Koopa King but still pretty generic. However, the final boss itself is something special. I won't spoil it but it is one of the best final bosses in 2D Mario to date.

    However, other bosses are truly forgettable. The Koopalings are back from New Super Mario Bros. Wii and aside from in World 7 (Ludwig) none of them really put up a good fight. The level design is also pretty weak. The levels are good but very samey. Multiple levels feel the same.

    Overall, this is a great addition to the Mario franchise but not the go to experience on the Wii U.    … Expand
  18. Janek1907
    Dec 27, 2019
    9
    The best 2d Mario of all time. I had very much fun while playing. One of the best games for WiiU.
  19. robertoiglesias
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    New Super Mario Bros. U is probably the best NSMB game. It is very fun, creative, and super. The character selection is good and the levels all feel different and creative. The castle and tower fights are definitely fun, and the Koopalings are more challenging. The artwork is beautiful like 3D World.
    It has 4 of the best worlds in any Mario game:
    Sparkling Waters, the water world with my    New Super Mario Bros. U is probably the best NSMB game. It is very fun, creative, and super. The character selection is good and the levels all feel different and creative. The castle and tower fights are definitely fun, and the Koopalings are more challenging. The artwork is beautiful like 3D World.
    It has 4 of the best worlds in any Mario game:
    Sparkling Waters, the water world with my favorite ghost house level, great underwater levels, and neat overworld levels.
    Frosted Glacier, the snow world with great icy levels, and amazing graphics.
    Peach's Castle, no more Bowser's lava world. It's finally the castle that's the final obstacle. This is great and the levels are a joyride. Plus, the story goes from Peach being kidnapped to the castle being invaded and taken over.
    and the OG Soda Jungle, 4 different creative sections with every level having great designs, especially Painted Swampland and Deepsea Ruins.
    The other worlds, Acorn Plains (no longer the Mushroom Kingdom), Layer Cake Desert, Rock Candy Mines, and Meringue Clouds are also great too.
    The Super Acorn and P Acorn are some of the best power ups and the new running up walls feature for the Mini Mushroom is neat as well.

    I love NSMBU. It's my 2nd favorite main Mario game after Odyssey.    … Expand
  20. SpagettiGamer
    Jan 21, 2019
    8
    Let me just say, this game is a blast and a half. I haven’t beaten the game in a while, but I played it again today and just wanted to write a positive review on it.

    I really like the level design a lot. Complain all you want about it being too linear, but it’s a 2D platformer. There’s not really a way to make it NOT linear. Platforming is what Mario is all about, and these levels make    Let me just say, this game is a blast and a half. I haven’t beaten the game in a while, but I played it again today and just wanted to write a positive review on it.

    I really like the level design a lot. Complain all you want about it being too linear, but it’s a 2D platformer. There’s not really a way to make it NOT linear. Platforming is what Mario is all about, and these levels make the platforming the most fun I’ve played in a long time. The levels are crafted in a way that makes it not too easy, but not frustratingly difficult either. The Star Coins are all hiding or require skilled jumps to reach. The water levels are Hitler’s favorite.

    The multiplayer is so much fun in this game. You can work cooperatively with your friends to complete levels easier or make it five times harder by fighting your friends all the way to the finish to see who can finish the game with the most lives. It’s just such a blast to play this game with your friends.

    The brand new HD graphics are absolutely splendid. 2D Mario has never looked this good before. Some of the levels just look so amazing. The first underground level with the crystal moving blocks just couldn’t have possibly looked any better, the water levels that aren’t actually underwater are some of the most beautiful Mario levels I’ve ever seen, that one level that’s a painting, this list goes on and on. Sure it’s nothing in comparison to Mario Kart 8, but is great nonetheless.

    Mario’s controls could use some improving, but are still excellent. The New Super Mario games made the controls feel exactly how you would expect the godsend that are Mario’s 3D to feel in 2D. The triple jump is so nice to land trying to get that flagpole 1-UP and I can barely even remember 2D Mario without the ground pound. When using a Wii Remote I don’t have to hit all the buttons on the controller if I forgot a button because everything just makes sense. I love moving around in this game.

    There aren’t many new power ups, but the power ups we do have are some pretty great stuff. In Super Mario Galaxy they absolutely butchered the Fire Flower making it a timed power up, so I’m glad to say that it’s back in action, killing Koopas better than ever. The Ice Flower is a great alternative that doesn’t instantly kill the enemy, but can kill those pesky Dry Bones you might be having trouble with. The brand new Acorn power up gives you the ability to transform into Flying Squirrel Mario. It gives you the ability to glide and do a huge second jump. Oh yeah, it can also cling to walls for a short period of time. There’s also the penguin power up, which is just the Ice Flower but you can slide on your stomach.

    The story is nothing much, as the tradition goes with Mario games, but it has more depth than the rest of the 2D Mario games. Once again Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach, but this time Bowser takes over Peach’s Castle and sends Mario flying all the way to Peach’s Castle to save her. Over time Kamek enshrouds the castle with fog, and it is cover in a tornado of fog by the time you get there. When you go into the fog the water surrounding the castle is now lava and the music is a remixed Peach’s Castle Theme from Mario 64 which is a nice touch. The bosses are the Koopalings once again and are set up in the same order as Super Mario Bros 3, Boom Boom and all. It even plays a remix of the Fortress Battle Theme from Mario 3.

    I know what you’re thinking. “If you liked the game so much, why did you give it an 8 instead of a 10?” Well, there are still things I dislike about it. World 1 is just full of boring grass levels that look the same, it has the same style as the last three 2D Marios (albeit with HD graphics this time), it has the same bubbly music, a similar lackluster story, and only brought a small amount of new content from the Wii Mario. I really wish this wasn’t the case because I like this game so much, but sadly, it was. This game could’ve improved so much if it had some new style, but otherwise it’s still a great game and you should definitely give it a shot if you enjoy 2D platformers.    … Expand
  21. maps808
    Dec 12, 2018
    10
    Some people say this game is too similar to the Wii installment. Well, I played the Wii game after this one (my disc broke) and I disagree. The controls are sharp on the GamePad, Nabbit minigames are excellent, and the challenge mode is why I consider this game the greatest of all time. My only complaint is that you cannot play multiplayer with the Wii Remotes and the GamePad. Boost modeSome people say this game is too similar to the Wii installment. Well, I played the Wii game after this one (my disc broke) and I disagree. The controls are sharp on the GamePad, Nabbit minigames are excellent, and the challenge mode is why I consider this game the greatest of all time. My only complaint is that you cannot play multiplayer with the Wii Remotes and the GamePad. Boost mode just isn't enough. In conclusion, this game is just plain underrated.… Expand
  22. JPK
    Aug 19, 2018
    9
    Your Typical Terrific Mario Game
    New Super Mario Bros U Has Everything That Makes A Great Mario Game.
  23. SonicSpeedo92
    Jul 12, 2018
    8
    At this point, the series has overstayed its welcome by reusing features from the other New Super Mario Bros. games and downgrading them. But NSMBU is a solid game nonetheless. The levels are quite fun, even though they add nothing new to the table. The new power-up, the Super Acorn, is so fun to use. My biggest problem is that once you play the levels a few times, you won't feel likeAt this point, the series has overstayed its welcome by reusing features from the other New Super Mario Bros. games and downgrading them. But NSMBU is a solid game nonetheless. The levels are quite fun, even though they add nothing new to the table. The new power-up, the Super Acorn, is so fun to use. My biggest problem is that once you play the levels a few times, you won't feel like going back to them. But go ahead and purchase it if you like 2D Mario.… Expand
  24. vvmax
    Jun 1, 2018
    8
    Big improvement over the DS original. Amazing 2D Mario Game for Wii U. There are lots of new power ups, enemies and this is an amazing game
  25. alexstunky
    May 25, 2018
    8
    Aun que sea el típico juego de Mario plataformero, hay que aplaudir que nos sigue divirtiendo, pero lo que si me encanto son sus nuevos modos de juego, nada más que agregar, muy recomendado, divertido y sin duda le dedicaras su tiempo para completar el juego hasta el 100%.
    Gracias Nintendo.
  26. forevernes
    May 20, 2018
    8
    new super mario bros u es mi primer juego de wiiu, excelente juego de plataformas ver a mario por primera ves en hd es increible, nintendo EAD a creado un excelente juego, pero muy poco innovador, trae el exito de wii para wiiu, la banda sonora se me hizo ya muy usada, no quita que sea muy buena, pero reciclar nunca es bueno, ahora los puntos buenos, excelente rejugabilidad, dificultad muynew super mario bros u es mi primer juego de wiiu, excelente juego de plataformas ver a mario por primera ves en hd es increible, nintendo EAD a creado un excelente juego, pero muy poco innovador, trae el exito de wii para wiiu, la banda sonora se me hizo ya muy usada, no quita que sea muy buena, pero reciclar nunca es bueno, ahora los puntos buenos, excelente rejugabilidad, dificultad muy buena de facil a realmente exigente, niveles muy bien logrados y el punto mas fuerte los yoshi bebe me recuerda mucho a mario world esa joya de snes, la batalla contra bowser es una de las mas epicas de la saga, bueno, new super mario es un excelente juego de plataformas pero que falla en la innovaccion se parece mucho al de wii, nota 8,5… Expand
  27. ViniOfficial
    Apr 1, 2018
    9
    Graficos lindos, fases divertidas e criativas, musica fantastica, o melhor da saga New e um dos melhores do Wii U!
  28. Yushy
    Mar 16, 2018
    8
    - 8.0 -

    Well, probabilmente uno dei giochi più insignificanti e dimenticati, insieme a Super Mario Bros: 2, anche se onestamente l'ho preferito ad esso ed a Super Mario Bros Wii, i livelli sono decisamente migliori e più enjoinabily, ma oltre questo non è altro che un classico super mario.
  29. FreedomFighters
    Jan 11, 2018
    9
    "New Super Mario Bros. U" was one of the first Nintendo Wii U games released and, for the longest time, one of the only first-party Wii U games released. Overall, even today, now that plenty of other Wii U games have been released, "New Super Mario Bros. U" is still an extremely fun game that I would definitely highly recommend.
    Gorgeous visuals, great level design, fun platforming,    "New Super Mario Bros. U" was one of the first Nintendo Wii U games released and, for the longest time, one of the only first-party Wii U games released. Overall, even today, now that plenty of other Wii U games have been released, "New Super Mario Bros. U" is still an extremely fun game that I would definitely highly recommend.
    Gorgeous visuals, great level design, fun platforming, interesting new items, increased difficulty from previous entries in the franchise and fun new game modes make this a very worthwhile purchase.
    If anything, I feel as though the game still treads some of the same ground as "New Super Mario Bros. Wii" and most of the fun you will get out of the game comes from multiplayer.
    Even so, multiplayer or not, "New Super Mario Bros. U" is a great game that is definitely well-worth purchasing.
    Final rating: 9 out of 10 "Awesome"    … Expand
  30. Sausage22
    Nov 7, 2017
    8
    Best entry in NSMB series, a lot of challenging levels to play. Looks and sounds identical to wii game, preety sad thing. Co-op again is amazing, but only with people that have determination to play it with you.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Wii U Game of 2012
2
#2 Most Discussed Wii U Game of 2012
1
#1 Most Shared Wii U Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 70 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. Armchair Empire
    Feb 21, 2013
    90
    Everyone gets a chance to play and interact and have fun. Really, that’s what Nintendo excels at, getting everyone involved and allowing childish enthusiasm to file down the sharp corners of the vexation of adulthood and life experience. New Super Mario Bros. U does that very thing.
    Read full review
  2. Universo Nintendo
    Feb 19, 2013
    90
    Yes, the new 2D adventure is not a demonstration of Wii U's potential, but it's extremely competent as a plataformer, adding some elements that probably will accompany the series in the future and making, though perhaps unconsciously with its final boss, the eyes of players sparkle and give us a taste of what to expect of Mario in its next tridimensional adventure.
    Read full review
  3. Riot Pixels
    Feb 14, 2013
    77
    No matter how much content is recycled here, New Super Mario Bros. U is a gem in Wii U’s launch line-up. Problem is, there is nothing that sets it apart from a long line of its predecessors.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »