Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of Australia
Australia
  • Games
  • TV
  • Movies
  • Hardware
  • Video
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Deals
  • More
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • PC
    • Platforms
    • Tabletop Gaming
    • Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • SFX
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsletters
    • About us
    • Features
Total Film
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
Subscribe now
Trending
  • Grounded 2
  • The Fantastic Four: First Steps
  • Donkey Kong Bananza
  • Switch 2 Starter Pack
Recommended reading
Screenshot featuring Toad and Toadette from the Wii U version of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Games The 25 best Wii U games of all time
Mario and Luigi in the boxart for Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Super Mario Maker 2 is 2D Mario’s ultimate form, and it’s all thanks to Nintendo’s community
Super Mario World, our number one best retro games
Adventure Movies Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel accidentally drops official title, and it's a direct call back to one of the best Mario games
Best Mario games
Super Mario The 15 best Mario games of all time
A screenshot from Super Mario Odyssey showing Mario throwing Cappy in New Donk City.
Super Mario Spend 60 hours in Super Mario Odyssey and you'll see why it's one of the best games Nintendo has ever made
Switch 2 launch games: a close-up of Mario and Luigi racing each other during Mario Kart World.
Super Mario Nintendo says Mario Kart World isn't called Mario Kart 9 because simply adding more courses wasn't the plan "this time" – "We wanted to take the series to the next level"
A screenshot from Super Mario Odyssey showing Mario throwing Cappy in New Donk City.
Super Mario Nintendo won't "rush" major Switch 2 game announcements like a new 3D Mario to sell the console, say former marketing leads: "There's no way from a development side"
  1. Games
  2. Platformer
  3. Super Mario
  4. New Super Mario Bros. U

New Super Mario Bros U - 9 reasons we're excited to return to the Mushroom Kingdom

Features
By Henry Gilbert published 7 October 2012

Here's why you should look forward to a new New Mario

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Do the Mario!

Do the Mario!

Whether you like it or not, the next generation of gaming is about to begin this November with the launch of the Wii U. While the first round of games has a at least a few important releases, we're currently most hyped for our next chance to play as Mario, Luigi, and the rest of the gang. A new Mario game is always worthy of interest, but what makes this one so special? Well...

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
Its the first original Mario at system launch since 1996

Its the first original Mario at system launch since 1996

Once upon a time every Nintendo system launched with a groundbreaking, brand new Mario game, but the last time that actually happened was with Super Mario 64 on the N64 (remakes and Luigis Mansion dont count). The Wii U marks the first time in more than 15 years gamers will be able to test the limits of their just-purchased console by saving Princess Peach all over again. The fact that Nintendo is returning to its roots like that is more than enough to sell old school fans on the game and system. And akin to classic Mario games like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario World, a big focus of NSMBU is to showcase all the new system features.

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
FINALLY theres an HD Nintendo game

FINALLY theres an HD Nintendo game

We had some great times on the Wii over the last six years, but even when the gameplay was great, it was often frustrating to know that the graphics would never match those on the 360 and PS3. At last Nintendo has caught up on the Wii U, and NSMBU represents the first time ever that Nintendo has approached graphics of this quality in a retail game. Does NSMBU have the best graphics ever? No, but it gives Nintendo fans their first real taste of what Nintendo can do with the new power at its disposal.

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
 Squirrel Mario is a whole new way to fly

Squirrel Mario is a whole new way to fly

Mario has learned how to fly in so many ways, be it as Raccoon Mario in Super Mario 3, Cape Mario in Super Mario World, or with New Super Mario Bros Wiis propeller power-up. NSMBU has another flying outfit for his arsenal, the Flying Squirrel suit, that feels familiar and unique at the same time. Based on another tree-inhabiting rodent, it functions much of the time like the Raccoon power-up, but with the floatier properties of the tail. Another cute costume change for Mario and his friends, we welcome the addition.

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
It takes advantage of the GamePad

It takes advantage of the GamePad

The Wii Us key feature from the outset has been the GamePad, the new controller with a tablet-like screen. Every launch game takes advantage of it in its own way, including NSMBU in both single and multiplayer. Most interestingly, the controllers screen is used in a new multiplayer mode, where one person controls Mario, while another touches the GamePads display to create new platforms that can help (or hinder) the main players progress. Its a fun way to build on the series multiplayer roots. The game can be played entirely on the GamePads screen, freeing up the TV for those unlucky enough to not currently be playing games.

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
The world map just keeps on going

The world map just keeps on going

Augusts New Super Mario Bros 2 had more than a little in common with Super Mario Bros 3, but NSMBU looks to be taking more inspiration from Super Mario World. Take the world map for just one example. No longer divided into separate screens, the overworld just keeps going and going when the player runs through it, giving the games setting a more vast and expansive feel than previous New Mario have to this point.

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Baby Yoshi returns

Baby Yoshi returns

Need more proof of the influence of the seminal work Super Mario World? NSMBU marks the return of Baby Yoshi, the sleepy-eyed hatchling that assisted Mario in SMW. Aside from eating whatever is in front of them, the tiny dinos have different skills depending on the type, such as expanding into a balloon to give Mario some extra altitude, or lighting the way in dimly-lit level. It seems like the little guys have learned a few tricks since SMW.

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
Attack adorable new enemies

Attack adorable new enemies

Marios collection of enemies is one of the most famous in gaming, and it wouldnt be a Mario game without iconic creatures like Goombas, Koopa Troopers, and Monty Moles. All of those guys are confirmed to appear in NSMBU, but they have some new friends this time around. Above youll see the new flying squirrel enemies, little devils that imitate Marios newest power-up. Hopefully theyre just the beginning of the new bad guys youll be facing in the game.

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
We want to challenge the new Boost Rush Mode

We want to challenge the new Boost Rush Mode

Though not entirely true, for many Mario purists, the New Super Mario series can sometimes feel a little easy compared to previous 2D titles. Perhaps that perception will be lessened to a degree with NSMBUs Boost Rush Mode. Auto-scrolling stages that speed up as you collect more coins, the stages are meant to challenge the more skillful players, sort of like New Super Mario Bros 2s Coin Rush. And this opens the door for potential challenge DLC similar to NSMB2 as well.

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
You can play as a Mii

You can play as a Mii

One of the first tech public tech demos for Wii U that was shown in 2011 was called New Super Mario Bros Mii, which eventually grew into the upcoming launch game. Now a mode in NSMBU, it allows you to play through the entire game as your Mii. Though purists may want to stick to the standard characters, playing as your Mii gives a nice extra feeling of personal investment in multiplayer setting.

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
Ready for something new?

Ready for something new?

After reading up on the game, are you looking forward to starting up this game on Wii U launch day? Or is there another Wii U title you're more interested in? Please, tell us in the comments!

And if you're looking for more info on the Wii U. check out our list of Wii U launch games and every Wii U game announced so far.

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
CATEGORIES
Nintendo Wii-u Platforms
Henry Gilbert
Henry Gilbert
Social Links Navigation

Henry Gilbert is a former GamesRadar+ Editor, having spent seven years at the site helping to navigate our readers through the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation. Henry is now following another passion of his besides video games, working as the producer and podcast cohost of the popular Talking Simpsons and What a Cartoon podcasts. 

See more Nintendo Features
Read more
Screenshot featuring Toad and Toadette from the Wii U version of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
The 25 best Wii U games of all time
Mario and Luigi in the boxart for Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Maker 2 is 2D Mario’s ultimate form, and it’s all thanks to Nintendo’s community
Super Mario World, our number one best retro games
Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel accidentally drops official title, and it's a direct call back to one of the best Mario games
Best Mario games
The 15 best Mario games of all time
A screenshot from Super Mario Odyssey showing Mario throwing Cappy in New Donk City.
Spend 60 hours in Super Mario Odyssey and you'll see why it's one of the best games Nintendo has ever made
Switch 2 launch games: a close-up of Mario and Luigi racing each other during Mario Kart World.
Nintendo says Mario Kart World isn't called Mario Kart 9 because simply adding more courses wasn't the plan "this time" – "We wanted to take the series to the next level"
Latest in Super Mario
Super Mario 64
"After months and months of chokes," speedrun legend achieves fastest blindfolded Super Mario 64 run of all time, but only after RNG ended a near-perfect run that would've killed the category "forever"
Mario Kart World screenshot showing Yoshi leaping off of his bike in celebration
Mario Kart World's staff would "go skateboarding or ride their bikes" during lunch breaks, which explains the wild movement in the Switch 2 racer
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Super Mario 3D All-Stars just got a new update to "improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2," so it sure is a shame you can't actually buy it anymore
A Super Mario lore specialist issues an important correction: "Mario does not 'die and go to hell' - he is sent there directly while still alive"
Switch 2 launch games: a close-up of Mario and Luigi racing each other during Mario Kart World.
Nintendo combats big budgets with games that only need "shorter development periods" alongside $80 Switch 2 behemoths like Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World screenshot featuring Birdo
"Games are amazingly affordable": Former PlayStation boss defends $80 prices because stuff like Mario Kart provides "hours and hours and hours with just one purchase"
Latest in Features
Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Five questions I hope Fantastic Four: First Steps answers
Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Starlord (Chris Pratt), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), and Drax (Dave Bautista) in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
I've watched all the best James Gunn movies and TV shows, and this is how I'd rank them
One of the new Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 is releasing in just under 2 months, so I'm revisiting the 5 best Gearbox games while I count down the days
The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature screenshot of a fairy, a ghost, and a mermaid looking scared
After 400 hours in The Sims 4, I've finally met my match: an occult-only household riddled with phantoms, house fires, and dead plants
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild screenshot of Link cooking over a campfire
The Legend of Zelda and Red Dead Redemption 2 have whetted my appetite, so I've found the 7 best cooking games to tuck into
David Corenswet as Superman fighting back flames
I’m tired of MCU post-credits scenes that go nowhere, which is why Superman’s organic world-building is such a breath of fresh air
  1. DK and Pauline look surprised in Donkey Kong Bananza
    1
    Donkey Kong Bananza Review: "Destruction isn't just a flashy gimmick for the Minecraft generation, it's one of the best inventions Nintendo has had in years"
  2. 2
    Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 review: "A nostalgic, must-play hit for fans"
  3. 3
    College Football 26 review: “Thanks to rivalries and dynasty, this is the greatest show on turf”
  4. 4
    Mecha Break review: "This mech battler makes up for lacking customization with a varied roster that lets me live out my Evangelion fantasy"
  5. 5
    Death Stranding 2: On the Beach review: "This tarpunk delivery epic is more Metal Gear Solid than ever, for better and worse"
  1. David Corenswet as Superman inside the Fortress of Solitude in James Gunn's Superman.
    1
    Superman review: "A triumphant reinvention and a promising start for the DCU"
  2. 2
    Jurassic World Rebirth Review: "An unscary sequel that needed a little more time in amber"
  3. 3
    M3GAN 2.0 review: "A bold sequel with a slightly underwhelming conclusion"
  4. 4
    28 Years Later Review: "Enough terror, splatter and suspense to satisfy”
  5. 5
    Predator: Killer of Killers review: "Great characters, thrilling action, and gorgeous Arcane-esque animation"
  1. Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun in Squid Game season 3
    1
    Squid Game season 3 review: "A staggeringly excellent final season wraps up one of the greatest Netflix shows ever"
  2. 2
    Ironheart review: "A relic of Marvel's content-at-all-costs era"
  3. 3
    Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 review: "The show's most assured run of episodes to date"
  4. 4
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 8 spoiler review: 'The Reality War' is "a mix of the good, the bad, and the truly baffling"
  5. 5
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 7 spoiler review: 'Wish World' is "an exciting and ambitious" start to the season finale, with hints of WandaVision

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...