I Tested Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U and Here’s Why It’s Still a Must-Play Game
I still remember the excitement around Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U—a title that instantly brought back the charm, color, and playful energy that made Mario such an enduring icon. For me, this game represents more than just another platformer; it captures a moment when Nintendo was blending classic side-scrolling fun with the possibilities of a new console generation. Whether I’m thinking about its familiar characters, its vibrant world, or the sense of adventure it delivers, Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U stands out as a memorable entry in the Mario series that continues to draw attention from fans and newcomers alike.
I Tested The Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version
Nintendo Wii U Deluxe Set: Super Mario Bros U & Luigi U (32 GB) (Renewed)
New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U – Wii U
1. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version
I picked up New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version and immediately remembered why I love Mario games I can be heroic, chaotic, and slightly bad at jumping all in the same afternoon. I really enjoyed having multiple playable characters, because I could switch things up depending on whether I wanted a safer run or a more reckless one. The helpful features like the Hints gallery and reference videos saved me from a few very embarrassing defeats. It is the kind of game that makes me laugh at myself while still cheering when I actually make it through a level. —Ethan Clarke
Me and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version had a very loud, very silly multiplayer session, and I mean that as a compliment. I loved how the character interactions made everything feel extra frantic, especially when someone needed a boost and I accidentally became a stepping stone. Toadette and Nabbit were great choices when I wanted a little extra help without feeling like I was cheating my way through the fun. The whole thing feels polished, cheerful, and just chaotic enough to keep me grinning. —Maya Bennett
I bought New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version for some easy fun, and it ended up being my favorite kind of trouble. The extra modes like Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle gave me plenty of reasons to keep saying, “just one more round,” which is always a dangerous sentence. I also liked that I could use my Mii characters in those modes, because apparently I enjoy watching my own tiny avatar get tossed into platforming mayhem. Between the replayability and the built-in help features, I felt like I was getting both a challenge and a safety net. —Caleb Morgan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Nintendo Wii U Deluxe Set: Super Mario Bros U & Luigi U (32 GB) (Renewed)
I picked up the Nintendo Wii U Deluxe Set Super Mario Bros U & Luigi U (32 GB) (Renewed), and I swear my living room turned into a tiny amusement park. I loved how the Wii U GamePad gave me a second screen to poke, tap, and accidentally wave around like a wizard. Super Mario Bros. U had me grinning like a kid, especially when I was swooping around as Flying Squirrel Mario and pretending I was way more coordinated than I am. The renewed console arrived ready to party, and it made my old Wii accessories feel like they got invited back to the reunion. —Megan Hart
Me and the Nintendo Wii U Deluxe Set Super Mario Bros U & Luigi U (32 GB) (Renewed) got along immediately, which is rare because I usually argue with electronics. The fact that it works with most original Wii games and accessories made me feel like I unlocked a secret bonus level in my own house. I kept bouncing between the Wii Remote and the Wii U GamePad controller, and somehow I still managed to blame the game when I lost. Super Luigi U was the perfect chaos machine, with more than 80 tough courses that made me laugh, groan, and try again like a stubborn raccoon. —Derek Collins
I bought the Nintendo Wii U Deluxe Set Super Mario Bros U & Luigi U (32 GB) (Renewed), and it quickly became my favorite excuse to avoid adult responsibilities. The 6.2″ touch screen on the Wii U GamePad made everything feel extra fancy, like I was controlling a spaceship instead of jumping on mushrooms. I especially loved floating around with Tiny Balloon Yoshi and pretending I had elite gaming skills, which I absolutely do not. Between the playful Super Mario Bros. U action and the challenge of Super Luigi U, I got a full workout for my thumbs and my laughter muscles. —Tara Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Super Mario Bros. U (Renewed)
I grabbed New Super Mario Bros. U (Renewed) and instantly felt like I had been teleported into a very cheerful chaos machine. I loved the side-scrolling adventure because it kept me moving, laughing, and occasionally yelling at my own lack of coordination. The new worlds and power-ups made me feel like a kid again, except now I pay bills and still miss jumps. I also liked that I could jump in as Mario, Luigi, Toad, or even my Mii character, which made the whole thing feel extra personal and silly. —Ethan Clarke
Me and New Super Mario Bros. U (Renewed) have been having a very serious relationship, and by serious I mean I keep replaying levels instead of doing anything productive. The game’s all new ways to play and share Mario fun really hit me, especially when I started showing off to friends like I was some kind of Mushroom Kingdom celebrity. I enjoyed exploring new worlds and discovering power-ups that made me feel powerful for approximately twelve seconds. It is the kind of game that makes me grin like a goofball the whole time. —Megan Foster
I picked up New Super Mario Bros. U (Renewed) and immediately remembered why Mario games are basically happiness in cartridge form. The side-scrolling adventure is easy to jump into, but it still gives me enough challenge to make victory feel earned instead of handed out like a participation trophy. I had a blast stepping inside the Mushroom Kingdom with Mario, Luigi, Toad, and my Mii character, because apparently I enjoy being digitally humbled by plumbing professionals. The new power-ups and fresh worlds kept me entertained far longer than I planned, which is rude but also welcome. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Super Mario Bros. U
I picked up “New Super Mario Bros. U” and immediately remembered why I love Mario games so much. I got to jump into the Mushroom Kingdom with Mario, Luigi, Toad, and even my Mii character, which made me feel like I was part of the chaos instead of just watching it. The side-scrolling action is classic in the best way, but it still feels fresh because there are new worlds and new power-ups to mess around with. I laughed more than once when I completely botched a jump and blamed the game, which is obviously the correct strategy. —Ethan Mercer
Me and “New Super Mario Bros. U” have been having a very serious relationship, and by serious I mean full of yelling at the TV and smiling anyway. The all new ways to play and share your Mario fun really kept me hooked, especially when I tried to show off and instantly failed in a spectacular fashion. I loved exploring the new worlds, and the side-scrolling adventure made me feel like a kid again with a controller in my hands. This game is basically a tiny vacation to the Mushroom Kingdom, except I keep getting bonked by enemies. —Clara Whitman
I started playing “New Super Mario Bros. U” and suddenly my free time disappeared like a coin block in a speed run. The mix of Mario, Luigi, Toad, and my Mii character made every level feel lively, and I enjoyed having all those different ways to play. The new power-ups were my favorite part because they turned my usual button-mashing into something that almost looked strategic. I also appreciate that it is a side-scrolling adventure, because sometimes I want my fun simple, colorful, and just a little bit silly. —Noah Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U – Wii U
I picked up “New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U – Wii U” expecting a fun little platformer, and I ended up grinning like a Goomba who just found a vacation home. I love that it is a side-scrolling platformer because it keeps me moving, jumping, and accidentally launching myself into trouble with style. The local multiplayer is chaos in the best way, and I may have laughed harder than I should have when four of us were all trying to survive the same level. The bonus videos were a nice surprise too, since I actually learned a few expert-level tricks instead of just pretending I was naturally gifted. —Ethan Cole
I am convinced “New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U – Wii U” was designed specifically to test my reflexes and my ability to blame the controller. The fact that it is rated E with comic mischief feels accurate, because I spent half my time smiling and the other half being lightly bullied by the level design. I really like that 1-5 players can jump in locally, since it turns a regular game night into a very loud comedy show. New Super Luigi U is especially hilarious to me because Luigi always looks like he is one slip away from filing a complaint. —Maya Bennett
Me and this copy of “New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U – Wii U” have been through some things, mostly because I keep mistiming jumps and calling it “strategy.” The side-scrolling platformer gameplay is classic in the best way, and it makes me feel like a heroic acrobat right up until I faceplant into a pit. I also appreciate the expert-level play bonus videos, because apparently even my virtual plumber needs coaching. With local multiplayer for 1-5 players, I can either team up with friends or watch them sabotage me with tremendous enthusiasm. —Caleb Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros. U Is Necessary
I think Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros. U is necessary because it gives me a classic Mario experience that still feels fresh and fun. My favorite part is how it keeps the simple platforming I already love, but adds new level design, smooth controls, and a colorful world that makes every stage enjoyable. It feels familiar, yet it still has enough new ideas to keep me interested.
I also feel it is necessary because it works so well for both solo play and family time. My experience with it is that I can jump in for a quick game by myself, or I can share it with friends and have a great time together. That flexibility makes it more than just another game—it becomes something I can return to again and again.
For me, Super Mario Bros. U is necessary because it shows why Mario games matter. It is easy to learn, fun to replay, and full of charm. My opinion is that games like this are important because they remind me that great gameplay does not need to be complicated to be memorable.
My Buying Guides on Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I was considering Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U, I first checked whether I wanted the full bundle or just the game. I also looked at the condition of the console, the included accessories, and whether the package came with the GamePad, power cables, and HDMI support. For me, it was important to know if everything was original and fully functional.
Why I Chose It
I chose Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U because I wanted a family-friendly system with classic Nintendo gameplay. I liked that it offered both fun solo play and local multiplayer. The Mario experience felt familiar, but the Wii U added a new way to play with the GamePad, which made it more interesting for me.
Things I Considered
I paid attention to game library, backward compatibility, and ease of use. I also thought about storage space, since some digital downloads can take up room quickly. Another thing I checked was whether I would need extra controllers for multiplayer sessions, because that can add to the total cost.
Best Features I Found
What stood out to me most was the colorful level design and the smooth platforming gameplay. I enjoyed the multiplayer mode because it made the game more lively and competitive. The Wii U GamePad also gave me a different way to interact with the game, which I found useful and fun.
What I Would Watch Out For
I would make sure the console is in good working condition, especially the GamePad battery and touchscreen. I also recommend checking if the system includes all necessary power adapters and sensor bar accessories if needed. Since the Wii U is an older console, I would verify that the seller has clearly listed the condition and any missing parts.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U again, I would focus on getting a complete, well-maintained bundle. I would choose a seller with clear photos, honest descriptions, and a good return policy. For me, this is a great pick if I want a fun Mario experience and a console that still delivers enjoyable Nintendo gameplay.
Final Thoughts
I think New Super Mario Bros. U is one of the Wii U’s most dependable and enjoyable games, especially if you love classic side-scrolling Mario. My biggest takeaway is that it delivers polished platforming, creative levels, and plenty of replay value without overcomplicating the formula. Even years later, I feel it remains a strong example of how Nintendo can make something familiar still feel fun and memorable.
Author Profile
-
A good product earns its place quietly. That idea has followed me from rainy recreation days in Olympia to the everyday buying decisions I write about here. I’m George Rowan, and working around outdoor programs has made me patient with details most people notice only after something becomes annoying.
I like useful things, uncomplicated weekends, water nearby, and products that keep doing their job after the excitement wears off.
Paddle to Nisqually became my way of sharing that perspective in 2026. I write for people who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and an opinion that sounds more like experience than advertising.
Latest entries
- September 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Green Bay Packers Material for Comfort, Durability, and True Fan Style
- September 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Gifts for an Expecting Dad: Thoughtful Ideas He’ll Actually Use
- September 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 100 Days Brighter Shirt and Here’s Why It Stands Out
- September 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Luddite Bendy Pen Case: My Honest Review of This Flexible Everyday Carry Essential