New Super Mario Bros.

About New Super Mario Bros.

Nintendo EAD released this 2D side-scroller on May 15, 2006 for the Nintendo DS. It stars Mario and Luigi as they cross colorful worlds to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser Jr. The title revives the classic formula seen in Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3 while adding modern touches specific to the handheld hardware. Players can jump, run, and collect power-ups across twenty levels filled with enemies and hidden secrets. A version later arrived on Wii U, expanding the experience further. This game stands as a definitive entry for fans of traditional platforming who want tight controls and familiar mechanics without unnecessary complexity or open-world bloat.

Gameplay

You control Mario or Luigi using standard directional inputs to run, jump, and crouch through linear stages. Each level features distinct hazards like Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and pits that require precise timing to navigate. The DS version uses the touch screen to hold a spare power-up or check a progress bar showing distance remaining. You can collect coins, find hidden exits, and defeat bosses at the end of castles. The single-player campaign focuses on reaching the flagpole, while local multiplayer supports two players in competitive mode or cooperative play for up to four people in minigames. Sessions last anywhere from five to fifteen minutes depending on your skill level and how many secret areas you explore during a run.

What Players Think

Review aggregators reflect high praise with a Metacritic score of 89 out of 100 and an IGDB rating of 87.8 based on 392 user reviews. Players describe the vibe as nostalgic, atmospheric, and story-driven according to community tags. The game maintains strong completion rates among fans who return to master difficult sections or find all hidden items. Average playtime varies widely since some users rush through levels while others spend hours hunting for secrets. Review snippets often highlight the tight controls and the joy of revisiting classic mechanics on a portable device. There is no indication of negative sentiment in the data provided, suggesting a consistently positive reception from both critics and the dedicated player base who value precision platforming.

PlayPile's Take

This title works best for people who want a solid, well-polished platformer without modern open-world distractions. The price point on secondary markets remains reasonable for a DS cartridge or digital download. You will earn achievements by completing levels, finding all coins, and beating bosses on different difficulties. It is not perfect because the level design can feel repetitive after thirty minutes of continuous play. If you own a Nintendo DS or have access to emulation, buying this game is a no-brainer for anyone who enjoys precise jumping mechanics and classic Mario nostalgia.

Storyline

Emergency News Flash! Princess Peach has been kidnapped! While enjoying a picnic with Mario, the beloved ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom was whisked away by an unknown assailant. How could this happen with Mario around? According to Mario, the walk was going swimmingly when Mario and the princess spotted smoke billowing out of Peach’s Castle. The mustachioed marvel immediately jumped into action and sped off toward the fire. The moment he left her side, the princess vanished! Who’s behind Princess Peach’s disappearance? Who’s behind the attack on Peach’s Castle? Are the two incidents related? Didn’t Bowser Jr. once think Princess Peach might be his mother? Looks like Mario’s going to need all the Mega Mushrooms he can find to get to the bottom of this mess.