New Super Mario Bros. U vs Super Mario 3D World
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
New Super Mario Bros. U is an engaging side-scrolling 2.5D platform game where players guide Mario, Luigi, and friends through imaginative worlds. Bowser's gang has seized control of Princess Peach's Castle, setting the stage for a classic rescue mission across diverse levels filled with secrets, enemies, and challenges. The game introduces the exciting Super Acorn power-up, granting players the Flying Squirrel ability to glide through stages. Featuring both single-player campaigns and multiplayer cooperative modes, alongside innovative Wii U GamePad features like Boost Mode and various challenge modes, it delivers timeless platforming fun for all ages.
Super Mario 3D World is a 3D platformer action game for the Wii U that follows Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad as they rescue the Sprixie Princess from Bowser. Building on the classic 3D level-design conventions of its predecessor, the game challenges players to navigate linear levels within a time limit to reach the Goal Pole. Players can choose from multiple characters with unique playstyles and utilize new power-ups like the Cat suit to climb walls and defeat enemies. It introduces simultaneous four-player cooperative multiplayer to a 3D Mario title alongside intuitive Wii U GamePad touch and microphone features.
- Engaging multiplayer co-op support
- Challenging extra game modes
- Fun new power-ups like the Super Acorn
- Charming 2.5D art style
- First 3D Mario game with simultaneous four-player co-op
- Diverse character roster with unique playstyles
- Fun and versatile Cat power-up mechanics
- Engaging utilization of Wii U GamePad features
- Similar visual style to previous titles
- Limited innovation over prior franchise entries
- Multiplayer can sometimes lead to chaotic moments
- Multiplayer is local only without online matchmaking built in
- Linear level design may limit open-world exploration
- Wii U exclusivity restricts accessibility on modern systems
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros. U
View all →Team up with friends in this cooperative 3D platforming adventure on the Wii U.
Join Mario, Luigi, and Toads on a 2.5D side-scrolling platform adventure to rescue Princess Peach.
Alternatives to Super Mario 3D World
View all →Join Mario in a classic 2.5D side-scrolling platform adventure to rescue Princess Peach.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSuper Mario 3D World offers a higher‑rated, four‑player 3D co‑op experience, while New Super Mario Bros. U provides classic 2.5D side‑scrolling with extra challenge modes.
Key differences
- •3D vs. 2.5D perspective – A is fully 3D platforming; B is side‑scrolling.
- •Co‑op scope – A supports simultaneous four‑player local co‑op; B’s co‑op is limited to up to four players but focuses on side‑scroll sections.
- •Critical reception – A scored 94/100 versus B’s 80/100, indicating stronger overall reviews.
Gameplay & fun factor
A’s unique Cat power‑up and four‑player 3D levels received a 94 critic score, indicating higher fun factor.
Platform availability
Both are Wii U exclusives; no difference in system accessibility.
Price & value
Both retail at $59.99, offering comparable cost.
Multiplayer / co‑op
A provides the first simultaneous four‑player 3D co‑op; B’s co‑op is limited to side‑scroll sections.
Content & replayability
B includes dedicated high‑difficulty challenge modes beyond the main campaign.
Difficulty & accessibility
B’s 2.5D design and extra challenge modes cater to both casual families and veteran players.
Graphics & performance
Both run on Wii U hardware with comparable visual fidelity for their respective styles.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. U if…
Players who prefer classic side‑scroll Mario gameplay with extra challenge modes.
Choose Super Mario 3D World if…
Families or friends wanting a modern, four‑player 3D Mario experience.
Common questions
Do either of these games support online multiplayer?
No; both only support local multiplayer with no online matchmaking.
Which game has higher critical acclaim?
Super Mario 3D World, with a critic score of 94/100 versus 80/100 for New Super Mario Bros. U.
Are the games available on consoles other than Wii U?
Not specified; both are listed as Wii U exclusives.