Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Is It Worth It? – Review

After eleven years, a new 2D Mario game is finally here: Super Mario Bros. Wonder, released on October 20, 2023 (Nintendo (official game store)), and it’s already making waves with a $59.99 price tag. We’ve combed through the reviews, tested multiplayer, and compared it to Odyssey to answer whether it’s worth your time and money.

Release date: October 20, 2023 · Platform: Nintendo Switch · Metacritic score: 92 · Average playtime (main story): ~12 hours · Multiplayer: Up to 4 local, 12 online · Price: $59.99

Here are the key specifications for Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

Is Super Mario Bros. Wonder Worth It?

What Makes Wonder Different from Previous 2D Mario Games?

• It’s the first brand-new 2D Mario entry in 11 years, since New Super Mario Bros. U (Wikipedia (gaming encyclopedia)).
• Wonder Flowers introduce surreal, level-transforming effects that change the rules mid-stage.
• The Elephant power-up lets Mario smash blocks, spray water, and reach new areas.
• Badge system lets players customize abilities (extra jump, coin magnet, etc.).

Nintendo didn’t just iterate; it reinvented. Each course feels like a mini-discovery, with hidden paths and effects that reward curiosity. The Metacritic score of 92 (Metacritic (review aggregator)) reflects what many critics call the best 2D Mario in decades.

How Does the Price Compare to Other Nintendo Titles?

At $59.99, Wonder sits at the standard Nintendo first-party price point. Price trackers like Deku Deals (price tracker) show the eShop price matches MSRP, while retailers like Estarland (retailer) list it at $54.95. For a game that delivers 12+ hours of main story and near-limitless replayability through multiplayer and secrets, the value is strong.

This makes Wonder a compelling purchase for any Switch owner who enjoys platformers.

Is Mario Wonder a Two Player Game?

How to Set Up a Local or Online Multiplayer Game in Super Mario Bros. Wonder

• Local multiplayer: Up to 4 players on a single Switch, each using a Joy-Con or Pro Controller.
• Online multiplayer: Up to 12 players in a Co-Op Room, with up to 4 players actively playing and others spectating or using live shadows.
• Local requires no extra subscription; online requires Nintendo Switch Online.
• Players can help each other by reviving fallen teammates or compete in course clear races.

Nintendo’s official product page confirms support for up to 4 players on the same system (Nintendo (official game store)). Tom’s Guide (tech review site) noted that the online mode is seamless and the live shadow feature makes it feel like you’re never alone.

“Super Mario Bros. Wonder will surprise you at every turn and is one of the best 2D Mario games alongside Super Mario World and Super Mario Bros. 3.”

— Metacritic review excerpt

Overall, the multiplayer options are robust and cater to different play styles.

Is Mario Odyssey or Wonder Better?

Key Differences in Gameplay and Design

Two games, two philosophies. One pattern: Odyssey is a 3D sandbox where you explore kingdoms and collect Moons; Wonder is a 2D side-scroller with inventive, gimmick-driven levels. The table below lays out the contrasts.

Which Game Should You Choose Based on Preferences?

If you crave open-ended exploration and don’t mind playing alone, Odyssey is a masterpiece. If you want a tighter, more traditional Mario experience with friends and family, Wonder wins. Tom’s Guide (tech review site) described Wonder as “combining classic and new design elements,” highlighting its appeal to both old-school fans and newcomers.

Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prefer solo exploration or shared experiences.

How Many Hours is Mario Wonder?

Main Story Completion Time

Most players will finish the main story in around 12 hours, according to community averages and Deku Deals (price tracker) estimates. That’s on par with other 2D Mario entries.

100% Completion and Replayability

• Completing all levels, collecting all Wonder Seeds, and finding secrets pushes playtime to 20+ hours.
• Multiplayer adds near-infinite replayability — each course feels different with a group.
• No time-gated content, so you can play at your own pace.

The implication: Wonder offers solid value for its price. You’re paying roughly $5 per hour for a complete run, and much less if you dive into the extra content.

Is Mario Wonder Too Easy?

Difficulty Curve and Accessibility

Nintendo designed the first few worlds to be welcoming for all ages. But don’t be fooled — the late-game and secret levels (like the “Special World” equivalent) ramp up the challenge significantly. The Wonder Flower effects can create chaotic but manageable scenarios that test your reflexes.

Optional Challenges for Experienced Players

• No explicit difficulty settings, but character choice matters: Yoshi offers easier platforming, while other characters have no special abilities.
• Badges can be equipped to add extra abilities or challenge yourself with restrictions.
• Speedrunners and completionists will find plenty of depth in hidden exits and secret routes.

What this means: Wonder is accessible enough for a six-year-old, but deep enough to challenge a seasoned player. It’s not “too easy” — it’s “as easy as you want it to be.”

Pros and Cons of Super Mario Bros. Wonder

How to Set Up Multiplayer in Super Mario Bros. Wonder

1. Ensure you have a Nintendo Switch, the game, and enough controllers for local play.
2. For local multiplayer: From the title screen, select “Co-op” and choose up to 4 profiles.
3. For online multiplayer: Select “Online Co-op Room” from the menu. You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
4. Create a room or join a friend’s room. Up to 12 players can be in the same room, but only 4 play at a time.
5. Use the live shadow feature to see where other players are and compete or cooperate in courses.

“Up to four players on the same system can play online and see up to 11 live player shadows in the same course.”

— Nintendo (Switch 2 Edition page)

What’s Confirmed and What’s Still Unclear

For Switch owners, the decision is clear: Wonder is the best 2D Mario in years, and its multiplayer alone justifies the $60. If you own a Switch and enjoy platformers, skipping this would be a mistake.

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For a different perspective on the game’s value, you might want to check out a detailed German review of Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions