New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Nintendo Switch Game Review

By: Max Cannon

New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe got that U in its title from being a Wii U launch title way back in 2012. The New Super Mario Bros series takes that classic sidescrolling Mario gameplay and coats it in some 3D paint to make for a solid 2.5D platformer. While there have been better entries in this series, having a modern Mario sidescroller on the Switch is a welcome addition to the console's library.

If you've played any traditional Mario game then this screen will likely look familiar.Courtesy of Nintendo

Comfy Classic Mario Gameplay

If you've played ever played a Mario game before then you know what to expect. Levels have you running from left to right grabbing coins, jumping on and over enemies, and snagging powerups to make the journey a bit easier. Of course, the story centers around Bowser kidnapping Princess Peach, just as it always has. The world map is basically an evolved version of Super Mario Bros. 3 but there is a larger focus on branching paths on your way to Bowser's Castle. And while this series is fun in single player, it is an absolute blast in multiplayer -- seriously, you're going to want to play this with some friends. U Deluxe really is a pretty standard Mario game but Nintendo has added in a few new character tweaks. First off is the inclusion of Toadette and her larger alter-ego Peachette that set the internet ablaze following the announcement of the game's Super Crown.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch

We all know that when Mario or Luigi run into a Mushroom they'll grow into a larger version of themselves with a stronger brick-breaking jump, when the new playable character Toadette runs into a Super Crown she'll grow into Peachette. Does it make any sense? Not really, but does anything in the Mario world make sense when you really think about it? Toadette is an easier character control -- which probably explains the large text reading "EASY" when you select here -- and Peachette's moveset makes it easier to snag special coins or nail tricky jumps. If you're a Mario pro, you may find this game to be on the easier side but that makes the inclusion of the Wii U version's DLC an awesome addition. 

When Toadette grabs the Super Crown...Courtesy of Nintendo

She grows into Peachette!Courtesy of Nintendo

Luigi's Challenge

Super Luigi U was originally an add-on for the Wii U version of the game that took place during Nintendo's "Year of Luigi." Each of the playable characters controls a bit differently but in Super Luigi U you're only in control of the high-jumping and slippery moving Luigi. This is a bit of a steeper challenge to satisfying some stronger players especially considering that each stage keeps the pressure on with a 100-second timer. You're not going to be having that chaotic multiplayer experience here but the single player feels much more solid. 

Those lovers of single-player won't want to skip Super Luigi U.Courtesy of Nintendo

Final Thoughts

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a pretty standard Mario game. I think everyone would have been happier with a New New Super Mario Bros game rather than a port, but having a traditional Mario game on the Nintendo Switch is very welcome. Super Luigi U will satisfy those lovers of single-player content but the main game delivers an awesome and simple multiplayer romp.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is an absolute blast to play with friends.Courtesy of Nintendo

Pros

• Great Multiplayer
• Super Luigi U is a Single-Player Challenge

Cons

• Feels Familiar

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Game Rating:

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Box ArtCourtesy of Nintendo

Available for Nintendo Switch on January 11^th

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