Hold onto your hats, Mario fans! A beloved adventure is getting a major glow-up, and it's arriving sooner than you think! While many of us are eagerly anticipating a completely new Mario title for the upcoming Switch 2, Nintendo is bridging the gap with an enhanced version of the critically acclaimed Super Mario Bros. Wonder. This isn't just a simple port; it's a significant upgrade designed to breathe fresh life into the experience, and it's set to launch on March 26.
For those who already own the original Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the current Switch, there's good news! You'll have the option to purchase an upgrade pack for $20, allowing you to dive into all the new features without buying the game all over again.
But here's where it gets truly exciting... The Switch 2 edition is packed with a wealth of new content, with a particular focus on co-op and multiplayer experiences. Get ready to explore Bellabel Park, a brand-new zone within the vibrant Flower Kingdom. This charming new area is your gateway to a variety of multiplayer modes, including a fun competitive challenge where players race to collect the most coins.
For those who love to play with friends, a dedicated local multiplayer section boasts 17 co-op and versus modes. You can enjoy these on a single console, or, for an even more inclusive experience, utilize GameShare. This feature lets up to three other people in the same physical location join the fun on their own Switch or Switch 2 systems. Then there's the Game Room Plaza, a hub that supports both local and online play for six minigames. Keep in mind, for these minigames, each player will need their own system. The local wireless feature can accommodate up to eight players, while online multiplayer can support an impressive 12 participants!
Beyond the minigame madness, Bellabel Park also features the Toad Brigade Training Camp. Here, you can test your skills by tackling challenges inspired by levels from the main game. You can go it alone or team up with up to three friends for assistance – all you'll need is one Switch 2 for this cooperative endeavor.
And this is the part most people miss... The main game itself isn't left out! The Switch 2 version introduces new elements to the core experience as well. Prepare to face off against all seven Koopalings in challenging boss courses, and for the first time ever, you can play as Rosalina!
Nintendo is also introducing a fantastic new feature where a second player can control a Luma. This Luma companion can assist the main player by taking down enemies and gathering coins. What's particularly innovative is that you can control the Luma using the Switch 2's mouse control feature. This is a brilliant idea, especially for families, as it could allow a parent or guardian who might not be a seasoned gamer to easily help a child who needs a little extra support navigating Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Furthermore, an assist mode is being added. When activated, this mode provides a safety net, allowing players to quickly recover from falling into pits (thanks to a helpful propeller flower) and preventing any damage. It's designed to make the game more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of players.
But wait, there's more! To celebrate the launch, on March 26, you can also grab three new amiibo figures from the game: Elephant Mario, Poplin & Prince Florian, and Captain Toad & Talking Flower.
Just a couple of weeks prior, on March 12, Nintendo will be releasing a physical version of the Talking Flower from Super Mario Bros. Wonder. This battery-powered device is quite the novelty! It will chime in a couple of times per hour with fun facts like the room temperature and current time, and it can even play music. There's a button to activate its chatter and another to silence it. With support for 11 languages, it offers a charming, interactive experience, somewhat reminiscent of Nintendo's Alarmo. You'll be able to find the Talking Flower at Nintendo's New York and San Francisco stores, their online shop, and select other retailers, with pre-orders opening today.
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room... While the addition of Rosalina is exciting, some purists might argue that it deviates from the original character roster's intended balance. What are your thoughts on Nintendo expanding the playable characters in this way? Does it enhance the game, or does it dilute the core Mario experience? Let us know in the comments below!
