New Super Mario Bros. vs Super Mario Bros. 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
New Super Mario Bros. brings the beloved side‑scrolling Mario experience to a modern handheld, combining tight controls with vibrant 2D graphics. Players dash, jump, and collect coins across dozens of inventive worlds filled with secrets and challenges. The game supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, letting friends team up to tackle levels together while discovering hidden paths and power‑up combos. Its timeless design appeals to newcomers and longtime fans alike.
Super Mario Bros. 3 takes players on a vibrant journey across eight distinct worlds, each packed with hidden secrets, power‑ups, and challenging enemies. With its innovative map system and diverse level design, the game offers endless replayability for both newcomers and seasoned gamers. Originally released in 1988, this timeless classic continues to captivate audiences with its tight controls, memorable music, and imaginative level themes, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the platform genre.
- Tight, responsive controls that feel classic yet fresh.
- Rich variety of power‑ups and level designs.
- Engaging multiplayer modes for up to four players.
- High replay value with secret exits and collectibles.
- Timeless level design
- Rich variety of power‑ups
- High replay value
- Great for co‑op play
- Limited online features; focus is on local play.
- Graphics, while charming, may feel dated compared to modern 3D titles.
- No built‑in level editor for user‑generated content.
- Limited modern accessibility options
- No online multiplayer
- Graphics are dated by today’s standards
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Dive into the first 3‑D Mario adventure and explore a kingdom of endless platforms and secrets.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. is the safer, higher-rated modern default with 4-player local co-op, while Super Mario Bros. 3 offers a cheaper, classic retro experience with a strategic overworld map. The main trade-off is choosing between modern local multiplayer support with higher critical acclaim versus a lower price point and save-state features.
Key differences
- •Multiplayer: New Super Mario Bros. supports up to 4 players locally (cooperative or competitive), whereas Super Mario Bros. 3 features a 2-player alternating mode where friends take turns completing levels.
- •Pricing: Super Mario Bros. 3 is priced at an MSRP of $49.99, while New Super Mario Bros. costs $59.99.
- •Critic Score: New Super Mario Bros. holds a critic score of 95/100, compared to 92/100 for Super Mario Bros. 3.
- •Age Rating: Super Mario Bros. 3 is rated ESRB E and PEGI 3, whereas New Super Mario Bros. carries an ESRB E and PEGI 12 rating.
- •Modern Features: Super Mario Bros. 3 explicitly supports a save-state feature on modern platforms, while New Super Mario Bros. does not mention save-states.
Gameplay & fun factor
New Super Mario Bros. features over 80 levels, responsive controls, and a dynamic camera, earning a 95 critic score.
Platform availability
Not specified for either game beyond general modern platforms for save-states on Product A.
Price & value
Super Mario Bros. 3 is cheaper with an MSRP of $49.99 compared to New Super Mario Bros. at $59.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
New Super Mario Bros. offers local multiplayer for up to four players in co-op or competitive challenges.
Content & replayability
New Super Mario Bros. includes over 80 meticulously designed levels across eight distinct worlds.
Difficulty & accessibility
Super Mario Bros. 3 supports save-states on modern platforms and has a PEGI 3 rating versus PEGI 12.
Graphics & performance
Both games feature graphics that may feel dated by today's standards according to their respective cons.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Gamers wanting higher-rated modern side-scrolling action with up to four-player local multiplayer.
Choose Super Mario Bros. 3 if…
Retro fans wanting a cheaper, classic platformer with save-states and strategic overworld maps.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Super Mario Bros. 3 is cheaper with an MSRP of $49.99, compared to New Super Mario Bros. at $59.99.
How many players can play multiplayer together?
New Super Mario Bros. supports up to four players in local co-operative or competitive play, while Super Mario Bros. 3 uses a two-player alternating mode.
Which game has a higher critic score?
New Super Mario Bros. has a critic score of 95/100, while Super Mario Bros. 3 has a score of 92/100.