Super Mario Bros. 2 vs New Super Mario Bros.
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Super Mario Bros. 2 takes players on a colorful journey through dreamlike worlds, introducing new characters and unique abilities that refresh the beloved series. The game blends classic platforming with inventive level design, offering both challenge and charm for players of all ages. Originally released in 1988, this title remains a staple of Nintendo's catalog, celebrated for its cooperative feel and imaginative environments. Its timeless gameplay continues to delight both nostalgic fans and new players alike.
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.
- Iconic characters with unique abilities
- Creative level design with multiple routes
- Charming art and music
- Easy to pick up, hard to master
- 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.
- Limited multiplayer options (single‑player only)
- Some levels can feel repetitive
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- 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.
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Dive into the first 3‑D Mario adventure and explore a kingdom of endless platforms and secrets.
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros.
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. offers richer multiplayer and more levels, while Super Mario Bros. 2 is a classic single‑player experience with iconic characters.
Key differences
- •Multiplayer: New Super Mario Bros. supports up to 4 local players; Super Mario Bros. 2 is single‑player only.
- •Content volume: New Super Mario Bros. has 80+ levels across 8 worlds; Super Mario Bros. 2 has fewer levels with multiple paths.
- •Release era & graphics: New Super Mario Bros. (2006) uses more modern 2D graphics; Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988) features dated hand‑drawn art.
- •Power‑ups vs character abilities: New Super Mario Bros. focuses on diverse power‑ups; Super Mario Bros. 2 emphasizes four characters with unique skills.
- •Critical reception: New Super Mario Bros. has a documented critic score of 95/100; Super Mario Bros. 2 has no listed score.
Gameplay & fun factor
New Super Mario Bros. combines classic platforming with many power‑ups and secret exits, delivering varied play.
Platform availability
Both are 2D Nintendo titles; platform specifics not provided.
Price & value
New Super Mario Bros. priced at $59.99 with 80+ levels; Super Mario Bros. 2 price not specified.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Supports up to four local players; Super Mario Bros. 2 is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
80+ levels, secret exits, and multiple power‑ups vs fewer levels with some alternate routes.
Difficulty & accessibility
Super Mario Bros. 2’s simple controls and easy entry make it more accessible for newcomers.
Graphics & performance
2006 release offers more modern 2D graphics; 1988 title’s graphics are dated.
Choose Super Mario Bros. 2 if…
Buyers seeking a classic, single‑player Mario experience with iconic characters.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Buyers wanting local multiplayer and extensive level content.
Common questions
Which game includes a multiplayer mode?
New Super Mario Bros. supports up to four players locally; Super Mario Bros. 2 is single‑player only.
How many levels does each game have?
New Super Mario Bros. offers over 80 levels across eight worlds; Super Mario Bros. 2 has fewer levels, exact count not specified.
What is the price of New Super Mario Bros.?
It retails for $59.99; the price for Super Mario Bros. 2 is not provided.





