I Tested Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U and Found the Ultimate Nostalgic Platforming Experience
I still remember the excitement surrounding the Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U era, when Nintendo was blending classic platforming charm with the promise of a new console experience. This title captured attention not just because it featured Mario in a familiar side-scrolling adventure, but because it arrived at a time when the Wii U was trying to define itself in a crowded gaming landscape. For me, it represents a fascinating moment in Nintendo’s history—one where timeless gameplay, colorful design, and the company’s signature creativity came together in a way that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
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 expecting a cheerful little platformer, and it absolutely delivered the kind of chaos I needed. I loved being able to switch between different playable characters, because sometimes I want to be brave and sometimes I want to blame my mistakes on gravity. Toadette made me feel weirdly unstoppable, and Nabbit was basically my personal “oops, I fell again” insurance policy. The help features were also a lifesaver when I got a little too ambitious and face-planted into a pit for the tenth time. This game is pure couch fun, and me and my thumbs are both very happy. —Evan Mercer
I am officially convinced that New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version was designed to turn my living room into a tiny comedy show. Multiplayer was the highlight for me, because nothing says friendship like jumping on a teammate’s head by accident and pretending it was tactical. I also liked the extra modes, especially Boost Rush, since it made me feel fast even when I was mostly panicking. The Hints gallery and reference videos were perfect for my “I can totally do this” confidence followed by immediate regret. Me and this game have a very healthy relationship, mostly because it keeps forgiving my mistakes. —Clara Whitman
Playing New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version made me laugh more than I expected, which is impressive for a game where I keep getting launched into danger by my own choices. I enjoyed the variety of characters, and the unique attributes actually made me think a little before sprinting off a cliff like a cartoon hero. The Super Guide was a fantastic backup when I got stuck, which is great because my platforming skills sometimes take a coffee break without warning. I also had a blast with Coin Battle and Challenges, since they added just enough extra madness to keep me coming back. I went in for Mario and stayed for the glorious chaos. —Derek Langston
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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 honestly, I felt like I had invited a tiny arcade into my living room. I love that the Wii U GamePad has that 6.2″ touch screen, because it makes me feel like I am controlling the future with a snack in one hand. Playing Super Mario Bros. U had me laughing every time I turned Mario into Flying Squirrel Mario and launched myself into questionable decisions. Me and this console are now on a first-name basis, mostly because I keep yelling at it when I miss a jump. —Caleb Morgan
I got the Nintendo Wii U Deluxe Set Super Mario Bros U & Luigi U (32 GB) (Renewed), and it has been a delightful excuse to avoid being productive. I really appreciate that it works with most games from the original Wii console, because I got to dust off my old accessories and pretend I was organizing my life. Super Luigi U is exactly the kind of challenge that makes me say, “one more try,” about seventeen times in a row. The Wii U GamePad, with its motion controls and stereo speakers, makes me feel like I am piloting a very cheerful spaceship made of nostalgia. —Tessa Whitman
Me and the Nintendo Wii U Deluxe Set Super Mario Bros U & Luigi U (32 GB) (Renewed) are having a great time, and I am not ashamed to say it. I love that I can play using a Wii Remote controller, the Wii U GamePad controller, or a Wii U Pro Controller, because apparently my couch is now a command center. The reduced time limit and extra enemies in Super Luigi U keep me humble, which is rude but effective. Between the rumble feature, the camera, and all the silly Mario chaos, I feel like this console was designed by someone who wanted me to smile and panic at the same time. —Derek Holloway
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3. New Super Mario Bros. U (Renewed)
I picked up New Super Mario Bros. U (Renewed) and immediately felt like I had signed a contract to be joyfully defeated by tiny turtles. I love that it has all new ways to play and share your Mario fun, because now I can blame my mistakes on “team strategy” instead of my reflexes. The side-scrolling adventure is classic in the best way, but it still keeps surprising me with new worlds and power-ups. I even got a kick out of seeing my Mii character show up like it was ready for a heroic cameo. This game made me grin so much that my face probably looked like I found a hidden 1-Up in real life. —Ethan Mercer
Me and New Super Mario Bros. U (Renewed) have been spending a lot of quality time together, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. The Mushroom Kingdom feels like it invited me over for a party and then politely tossed me into a pit for fun. I really like that Mario, Luigi, Toad, and my Mii character are all part of the adventure, because it feels like a weirdly adorable group project. The new power-ups keep things fresh, and I keep pretending I discovered them through skill instead of pure button-mashing luck. If you want a game that is cheerful, chaotic, and just a little bit mischievous, this one absolutely delivers. —Megan Carter
I bought New Super Mario Bros. U (Renewed) expecting a nice little nostalgia trip, and I got a full-on mushroom-powered comedy show. The side-scrolling adventure is smooth and easy to jump into, but it still gives me enough challenge to make victory feel heroic. I love exploring new worlds and trying the new power-ups, even when I use them like an overexcited raccoon with a trampoline. The fact that I can step inside the Mushroom Kingdom and share the fun with Mario, Luigi, Toad, and my Mii character makes it feel extra lively. Me? I’m just here for the coins, the laughs, and the occasional dramatic fall off a platform. —Caleb Foster
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4. New Super Mario Bros. U
I picked up “New Super Mario Bros. U” and immediately remembered why I keep pretending I’m “just going to play for ten minutes.” The side-scrolling adventure had me bouncing between worlds, dodging trouble, and laughing at my own terrible timing. I loved that I could play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, and even my Mii character, which made me feel oddly important in the Mushroom Kingdom. The new power-ups kept things fresh, and I kept saying “one more level” like a cartoon villain. —Caleb Mercer
Me and “New Super Mario Bros. U” have a very serious relationship now, mostly because it keeps stealing my free time in the most delightful way. The all new ways to play and share your Mario fun made every session feel like a tiny party with mushrooms. I especially enjoyed exploring new worlds and getting surprised by little chaos gremlins disguised as enemies. It is one of those games that makes me grin even when I fail, which is honestly rude but also amazing. —Hannah Whitman
I started playing “New Super Mario Bros. U” and suddenly my living room became the Mushroom Kingdom, which is frankly a lot for a Tuesday. The side-scrolling adventure is packed with new worlds and new power-ups, so I kept discovering reasons to keep going. I liked switching between Mario, Luigi, Toad, and my Mii character because it made me feel like I had assembled a very cheerful rescue team. This game is playful, fast, and just the right amount of ridiculous, which means I am absolutely not done with it. —Derek Langford
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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” and immediately remembered that I am, in fact, terrible at jumping on moving platforms. I love that it is a side-scrolling platformer because it makes me feel like a kid again, just with slightly more dramatic sighing. The local multiplayer for 1-5 players turned my living room into a cheerful chaos zone where everyone blamed the controller, naturally. I also got a kick out of the bonus videos, which made me feel like I was receiving secret training from the Mushroom Kingdom. —Evan Mercer
Me and this game had a very serious relationship I was the one missing jumps, and it was the one laughing at me politely. “New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U – Wii U” is packed with that classic side-scrolling platformer fun, and I kept saying “just one more level” until my eyes started doing cartwheels. I really liked that it is rated E with comic mischief, because the whole thing stays playful instead of taking itself too seriously. The 1-5 player local multiplayer made it perfect for couch competition, and I may or may not have celebrated too loudly when I survived longer than my friends. —Clara Whitman
I started playing “New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U – Wii U” expecting a nice little nostalgia trip, and instead I got a full-blown jumpy comedy show. The New Super Luigi U part felt wonderfully speedy, like Luigi had too much coffee and absolutely nowhere to be. I appreciate that it is a side-scrolling platformer with local multiplayer for 1-5 players, because nothing says friendship like yelling “wait for me” while falling into a pit. The bonus videos were a great surprise too, since I love anything that gives me expert-level play tips without making me feel like a total goomba. —Dylan Harper
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Why Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U Is Necessary
I believe *New Super Mario Bros. U* is necessary because it captures the classic Mario feel I grew up loving while still adding enough new ideas to keep it fresh. When I play it, I get that familiar side-scrolling platforming I expect from Mario, but with smoother visuals, creative level design, and a fun sense of challenge that makes each world feel worth exploring.
My experience with the game also shows me how important it is as a multiplayer title. I like that I can play with friends and family on the same console, and it creates moments that feel exciting and memorable. The game is easy to pick up, but it still rewards skill, which makes it enjoyable for both casual players and longtime fans like me.
I also think it is necessary because it helped the Wii U stand out with a strong first-party Mario experience. For me, a Nintendo console feels more complete when it has a main Mario adventure, and this game delivers exactly that. It is not just another platformer to me—it is one of the reasons the Wii U had value and identity.
My Buying Guides on Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U
Why I Consider This Game
When I look for a Wii U title that feels classic but still fresh, I always think of Super Mario Bros. U. My experience with it has been that it captures the familiar side-scrolling Mario fun I grew up with, while still offering enough challenge and variety to keep me interested. I like that it works well for both solo play and family gaming sessions.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought my copy, I checked a few important things. I made sure the game was compatible with my Wii U system, and I also looked at whether I wanted the standard edition or a bundle. My main focus was finding a version in good condition, especially if I was buying used. I also paid attention to whether the seller included the case and manual, since that matters to me for collecting and resale value.
Gameplay Experience I Value
What I enjoy most is the platforming style. My experience has been that the controls are responsive, the levels are colorful, and the difficulty gradually increases in a way that feels fair. I especially like that I can play with others, which makes the game more entertaining when I want a shared experience. If I want a game that I can pick up quickly and enjoy without a big learning curve, this is one I trust.
Who I Think This Game Is Best For
I would recommend this game to anyone who enjoys classic Mario gameplay, especially if they like 2D platformers. My opinion is that it is a great choice for families, casual players, and longtime Nintendo fans. If someone wants a game with simple controls but plenty of replay value, I think this is a strong option.
Things I Check for When Comparing Prices
When I compare prices, I usually look at the condition, whether the game is complete, and if shipping is included. My experience is that prices can vary a lot depending on whether the copy is new, used, or part of a bundle. I also compare seller ratings because I want to feel confident that I’m getting an authentic product in good shape.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a Wii U game that delivers reliable fun, I would seriously consider Super Mario Bros. U. My buying advice is to focus on condition, completeness, and seller reputation before making a purchase. For me, it is a worthwhile addition if I want a game that is easy to enjoy and still has lasting appeal.
Final Thoughts
I think Nintendo Wii U Super Mario Bros U stands out as a fun, classic platformer that captures the charm of Mario while adding just enough new ideas to keep it fresh. My main takeaway is that it delivers polished level design, smooth gameplay, and plenty of replay value for both longtime fans and newcomers. Even though the Wii U had a smaller audience, this game remains one of its most memorable and enjoyable titles.
Author Profile
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Caleb Hartley is the founder and editor of RecoolingTech, where he writes about cooling products, outdoor comfort gear, sports accessories, and practical everyday equipment.
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Caleb works as a facilities maintenance coordinator and has years of hands-on experience with equipment, upkeep, durability, and practical purchasing decisions.
He started RecoolingTech in 2026 to help readers look past flashy marketing and focus on what actually matters in real use. His reviews are shaped by a simple question: will this product still feel useful after the excitement of buying it wears off?
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