When Super Mario Bros. Wonder originally launched, it marked a long-overdue reinvention of Nintendo’s 2D platforming formula, breaking away from the safe familiarity of the “New” era with a bold, expressive identity. This Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, published, developed and expanded by Nintendo, revisits that already acclaimed foundation while layering in new content through the Meetup in Bellabel Park expansion. The result is a package that feels both definitive and slightly conflicted – an already excellent game enhanced in meaningful ways, yet not always expanded in ways that feel essential for returning players.
At its core, the premise remains delightfully simple: Mario and friends venture through the Flower Kingdom, where Wonder Flowers twist levels into surreal, ever-changing playgrounds. These transformations continue to be the game’s defining strength, injecting unpredictability into even the most straightforward platforming sequences. The Switch 2 edition adds a light narrative thread involving the Koopalings and their interference, but story remains a secondary concern – more of a connective tissue than a driving force. The charm instead comes from the world itself, which feels playful, reactive, and constantly surprising.
Mechanically, Wonder still excels as a platformer that is both accessible and inventive. The core movement is as tight and responsive as ever, with level design that constantly introduces new ideas without overstaying its welcome. Additions like Dual Badges and new transformations expand the toolkit in interesting ways, offering players more freedom to tailor difficulty or experiment with abilities. At the same time, these additions rarely redefine the experience, instead complementing a formula that was already remarkably well-balanced.
The biggest shift comes through Bellabel Park, which reframes part of the experience into something closer to a party game. With a wide range of multiplayer attractions – both cooperative and competitive – the expansion leans heavily into social play, supporting both local and online sessions. These modes can be chaotic and entertaining in the right setting, especially with friends, but their longevity is less certain. Many of the activities feel more like diversions than fully fleshed-out systems, and their appeal depends heavily on having the right group to play with.
Controls remain predictably excellent, with Nintendo’s trademark precision intact across both solo and multiplayer modes. New features like Co-Star Luma and Assist Mode broaden accessibility, making it easier for less experienced players to participate without friction. However, the increased focus on multiplayer introduces occasional moments of visual clutter and confusion, particularly in busier minigames where readability can suffer amid the chaos.
From a technical standpoint, the Switch 2 upgrade delivers a noticeable improvement. The game’s vibrant art style benefits from higher resolutions and smoother performance, giving its already expressive animation work even more clarity. The visual design – full of exaggerated transformations and lively character reactions – remains one of the most distinctive aspects of the game. Audio follows suit, with a playful and dynamic soundtrack that reinforces the game’s whimsical tone, though it largely builds on what was already present rather than introducing standout new compositions.
Ultimately, this Switch 2 Edition positions itself as the most complete version of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, but also one that raises questions about value depending on your starting point. For newcomers, this is easily one of the finest 2D platformers available today, blending creativity, polish, and accessibility into a consistently joyful experience. And as such, an absolute must-play. For returning players, however, the new content – while enjoyable – often feels incremental rather than transformative, making this less of a must-have upgrade and more of a welcome, if non-essential, encore.
Score: 9.0/10
Press Play Media 