New Super Mario Bros. U vs New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.


New Super Mario Bros. U is an engaging side-scrolling 2.5D platform game where players guide Mario, Luigi, and friends through imaginative worlds. Bowser's gang has seized control of Princess Peach's Castle, setting the stage for a classic rescue mission across diverse levels filled with secrets, enemies, and challenges. The game introduces the exciting Super Acorn power-up, granting players the Flying Squirrel ability to glide through stages. Featuring both single-player campaigns and multiplayer cooperative modes, alongside innovative Wii U GamePad features like Boost Mode and various challenge modes, it delivers timeless platforming fun for all ages.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii is an action-packed 2.5D side-scrolling platformer developed by Nintendo. When Bowser Jr. and his minions crash Princess Peach's birthday celebration and kidnap her inside a giant Airship, Mario, Luigi, and their Toad companions embark on a daring rescue mission across numerous creative worlds. Building upon classic platforming roots, the game introduces exciting power-ups like the Propeller Mushroom and Penguin Suit alongside simultaneous multiplayer support for up to four players. Players can experience cooperative teamwork or competitive play as they navigate challenging new levels, defeat iconic enemies, and journey to save the princess.
- Engaging multiplayer co-op support
- Challenging extra game modes
- Fun new power-ups like the Super Acorn
- Charming 2.5D art style
- Engaging four-player multiplayer mode
- Fun new power-ups like the Penguin Suit
- Challenging and creative level design
- Accessible yet rewarding platforming gameplay
- Similar visual style to previous titles
- Limited innovation over prior franchise entries
- Multiplayer can sometimes lead to chaotic moments
- Multiplayer can sometimes lead to chaotic unintentional sabotage
- Lacks online multiplayer support out of the box
- Fixed camera perspective limits exploration
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros. U
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Team up with friends in this cooperative 3D platforming adventure on the Wii U.

Join Mario, Luigi, and Toads on a 2.5D side-scrolling platform adventure to rescue Princess Peach.
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros. Wii
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Join Mario in a classic 2.5D side-scrolling platform adventure to rescue Princess Peach.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth titles offer solid 2.5D Mario platforming, but New Super Mario Bros. Wii gives better value and four‑player chaos, while New Super Mario Bros. U adds a higher price, Wii U‑specific features, and tougher extra modes.
Key differences
- •Wii version supports up to 4 simultaneous players; Wii U version limited to co‑op without a clear player count.
- •Wii U adds the Super Acorn power‑up and Boost Mode using the GamePad; Wii lacks these.
- •Price: Wii version $49.99 vs Wii U $59.99.
- •Release year: Wii 2009 (older hardware) vs Wii U 2012 (newer console, but no online multiplayer).
- •Extra challenge modes are highlighted for Wii U; Wii focuses on core campaign.
Gameplay & fun factor
Wii's four‑player simultaneous mode creates more chaotic fun than Wii U's co‑op only.
Platform availability
Wii runs on the widely owned Wii console; Wii U requires the newer Wii U hardware.
Price & value
$49.99 vs $59.99, making Wii the cheaper option for similar core experience.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Wii supports up to four players simultaneously; Wii U only offers co‑op without a defined player limit.
Content & replayability
Wii U includes high‑difficulty challenge modes and the Super Acorn power‑up, adding extra content.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both have family‑friendly ratings (PEGI 3/ESRB E) and similar platforming difficulty.
Graphics & performance
Wii U’s 2012 release offers richer visuals and Wii U GamePad features versus Wii’s 2009 graphics.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. U if…
Players who own a Wii U, want extra challenge modes and GamePad‑enhanced power‑ups.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. Wii if…
Families or groups wanting affordable, chaotic four‑player couch co‑op on a Wii.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
New Super Mario Bros. Wii costs $49.99, while New Super Mario Bros. U costs $59.99.
Can I play with more than two friends?
Wii supports up to four simultaneous players; Wii U only offers co‑op without a specified player count.
Does either game have online multiplayer?
Neither title includes online multiplayer; both are couch‑only experiences.