New Super Mario Bros. 2

About New Super Mario Bros. 2

New Super Mario Bros. 2 dropped on July 28, 2012, as the handheld sequel to the original New Super Mario Bros. title. Developed by Nintendo SPD for the Nintendo 3DS, this platformer shifts focus from standard level clearing to massive coin hoarding. Players control Mario or Luigi through a side-scrolling adventure where collecting one million coins becomes the ultimate objective. The game introduces fresh power-ups like the Gold Flower and the Super Leaf, allowing characters to turn into Gold Mario or fly on wings. It brings classic 2D gameplay onto a portable screen with stereoscopic 3D visuals. This entry serves as an indirect follow-up to the Wii version while standing firm in the series tradition of tight platforming mechanics.

Gameplay

Sessions involve running, jumping, and dodging Goombas or Koopas across colorful levels designed for quick completion. The core loop centers on finding hidden areas filled with coins rather than just reaching the flagpole at the end. You can use the Gold Flower to become invincible and collect coin piles rapidly without taking damage. The Super Leaf lets you glide over gaps that would normally kill you. Levels often feature multiple exits based on how many coins you gather, adding replay value. Controls feel responsive with the 3DS buttons allowing precise jumps. Some stages include multiplayer support where friends can jump in to help or hinder progress. You will spend most of your time searching nooks for coin blocks and timing your movements to avoid falling enemies.

What Players Think

Players on PlayPile have rated this title a solid 75 out of 100 based on 172 IGDB ratings. The average completion rate sits near 68 percent, suggesting many users stop before hitting that million coin goal. Average playtime hovers around 14 hours for a standard run, though completionists spend over 30 hours hunting every secret. Community moods lean heavily toward nostalgic but occasionally repetitive vibes. Review snippets often mention the Gold Flower as the most fun power-up while criticizing the grind required to reach the final target. Achievement data shows only 22 percent of players unlocked all coins in a single level, indicating high difficulty in specific stages. Most users appreciate the crisp controls despite noting the lack of major structural innovation compared to its predecessor.

PlayPile's Take

This game is worth buying if you want tight platforming without complex mechanics or story depth. The one million coin goal feels like a chore for many, so expect to play casually rather than obsessively. At $39.99 on the eShop, the price reflects its status as a mid-range Nintendo 3DS release. You will unlock several achievements by completing specific levels, but the main reward is simply having fun with the Gold Mario form. Avoid this if you need a deep narrative or modern features. It remains a competent entry for fans of the classic formula, even if it does not push the genre forward. Play it for the nostalgia and the feeling of collecting coins, then put the cartridge down when the grind gets too heavy.

Storyline

Mario and Luigi visit Princess Peach’s Castle. As usual, they enjoy chatting with Princess Peach about their adventures. As Princess Peach waves farewell, Mario and Luigi use tail transformations to snag a bunch of Coins from the sky. No sooner do they land for a break than a black shadow approaches overhead. They hear a loud boom as Bowser’s minions appear in an aircraft and slam to the ground right on top of them. In surprise, they stare as Princess Peach appears and calls for help. She’s been kidnapped again! The heroes set out in pursuit and a new adventure begins!