When it was announced that New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe was being released on the Nintendo Switch — without additional levels or updated content aside from Toadette joining the fray — we couldn’t help but be a little upset. With a formulaic entry in the New Super Mario Bros. franchise, it seemed like a lazy move on Nintendo’s part (hey, even Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker got new levels — and the promise of even more to come). Playing through New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe quickly changed our tune.
Gameplay
Though familiar level designs and gameplay mechanics aren’t fresh, the joy and charm of the original version shine through even brighter than before. In the Wii U version, playing as Player 2, 3 and 4 meant that you had to use a Wiimote sideways, which always felt like a choppy experience. The Joy-Cons remedy the couch coop crunch, allowing an even experience for all players.
New Players Join The Adventure
Though Blue Toad has been swept the side as a Smash Bros.-style color swap, Toadette joins in; providing some much-needed girl power to the game. With some slower falls, higher jumps, Toadette is designed for players who may need a little boost. By donning the Super Crown, Toad’s female counterpart transforms into Peachette. Her most notable power, aside from an additional jump, is the ability to spawn memes worldwide with different “Ette” versions of some series favorites (see above).
Anxiety Filled B-Side
Originally purchased as a standalone DLC, New Super Luigi U is added into the total package. Packing 100 additional levels, the main draw of this version is the shortened timer at the start of each level — playing an all too familiar tune that induces panic in an entire generation of gamers. A completionist’s dream, this added a layer of challenge to those who fly through the main game.
More To Come?
With Nintendo’s promise of DLC support for their top-selling games, we can’t help but think that there are some additional levels, modes and potentially characters headed to New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe in the near future. Given how well it sold, it would be easy to make a case for more content.
Have you picked up New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
