New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe Review – Newish

New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe isn’t really new, but we’ll let that slide. A repackaged version of the Wii U’s launch title, complete with Luigi DLC, New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe is a game we’ve seen before. 

Just like how Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gave the Wii U title a much more successful home on Switch, New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe gives the game a second chance to shine.

While a decent game on Wii U, on Switch, New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe finally lives up to its potential. 

New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe Review

Included in New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe are 164 courses, including those from the New Super Luigi U DLC and a challenge mode with special challenges, Time Attack and Boost Rush.

This is the same content that was included in the original Wii U release, but just by virtue of having it playable portable instantly elevates it. Also included in NSMBUD are a collection of 222 videos that guide players through each level, show where Star Coins are hidden and more. 

While these videos require internet access, it’s an excellent inclusion on Nintendo’s behalf as it gives players instant access to help in-game.

Nabbit v Toadette

New to NSMBUD are both Nabbit and Toadette as playable characters, instead of limiting Nabbit to New Super Luigi U. Nabbit is immune to enemies, while Toadette is much easier to control.

Players will also have access to the Crown power-up that turns Toadette into Peach and a flying squirrel suit. All of this reinforces NSMBUD as a game for payers to ease into the series. However, that ignores the difficulty on offer without all the assistance Nintendo provides. 

Playing as Mario, Luigi or Toad, the platforming is a challenge. Sure, the opening levels and worlds are fairly simple and straightforward, but the further you get and the more you play, the harder the game gets. Eventually, you’ll be up against some of the best platforming in the Mario franchise.

Woo-Hoo!

My memories of playing the original on Wii U aren’t overly fond. I think this has a lot to do with the Wii U itself, so playing NSMBUD on Switch was something of a revelation. Playing either on TV or in handheld mode, NSMBUD looks and plays perfectly. The levels are laid out in clever and intricate ways, despite looking simple on the surface.

Mario games have always been deceptively difficult and while New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe is one of the simpler entries, it still packs in so much quality and content. It’s got quality and quantity, rather than one or the other.

Side-scrolling, 2D Mario titles have long since moved away from being console games and instead are more at home on handhelds. The DS games were so good because you could take them with you and bust out a few levels on your commute.

Portable U

New Super Mario Bros U was and remains a game that’s just as good, but for the longest time it was overlooked as it was tethered to the Wii U; a console that was neither portable or popular. 

Now, with New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe, Nintendo is untethering the game. Of course, playing on your TV is just as good, but playing in handheld mode is where it’s at. And with the option to play one, then the other, without interruption, well that’s just awesome.

It’s a little disappointing that there’s not anything really new to help justify the New Super Mario Bros moniker, but that’s not the case.  If you’ve played this one before, playing on the go is the only real selling point. 

It’s definitely a great game and playing it on Switch is certainly the way it was always meant to be played. However, it’s a tough sell for those who already played it to death on Wii U.

Then again, maybe it’s not. I’ve been hooked for the past few weeks and I can’t see myself stopping anytime soon. 

New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe was reviewed on Switch using a digital retail code provided by Nintendo.

PowerUp! Reviews

Game Title: New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe

• 8/10
  Finally lets NSMBU live up to its potential - 8/10
• 7.6/10
  A complete package of console NSMB - 7.6/10
• 5.5/10
  Been there, done that - 5.5/10
• 6.3/10
  Plays things a little safe - 6.3/10
• 9/10
  Still an incredible platforming game - 9/10

7.3/10

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5 (1 vote)