Super Mario 3D Land vs New Super Mario Bros. 2
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Super Mario 3D Land brings classic Mario platforming into a 3D space, blending depth and precision for handheld fun. Players guide Mario through colorful worlds, collecting stars and power-ups while mastering new mechanics. The game offers inventive level design, touch-screen controls, and a mix of solo challenges that keep both newcomers and veterans engaged. Its polished visuals and tight gameplay make it a standout title in the Mario franchise.
New Super Mario Bros. 2 brings the beloved side‑scrolling Mario experience to handheld gaming, focusing on massive coin collection and fast‑paced levels. Players dash, jump, and power‑up through vibrant worlds while competing for high scores. The game supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, letting friends team up locally to tackle challenges together. With polished controls and a variety of power‑ups, it offers endless replay value for both newcomers and longtime fans.
- Innovative use of touch controls
- Rich variety of levels and power-ups
- High replay value with level editor
- Polished graphics and sound design
- Engaging coin-collecting mechanics
- Smooth local co‑op experience
- Bright, nostalgic visuals
- Varied level design with hidden secrets
- Limited to single-player mode
- No online multiplayer features
- Only available on legacy handheld hardware
- Limited to handheld platform
- No online multiplayer
- Repetitive music in some stages
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Alternatives to Super Mario 3D Land
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Classic Mario platforming reborn with fresh power-ups and multiplayer fun.
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros. 2
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Classic Mario platforming reborn with fresh power-ups and multiplayer fun.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. 2 offers solid co‑op and coin‑collecting depth, while Super Mario 3D Land shines with higher critical praise and a level editor, but is single‑player only.
Key differences
- •Co‑op vs. single‑player only
- •Level editor present only in Super Mario 3D Land
- •Critic score: 77 vs. 90
- •Camera style: dynamic 2‑D focus vs. 2‑D/3‑D transitions
- •Replay focus: coin‑maxing vs. user‑created stages
Gameplay & fun factor
Super Mario 3D Land has a higher critic score (90) and adds a level editor, increasing variety.
Platform availability
Both are exclusive to Nintendo handhelds (3DS), no difference in platform.
Price & value
Both priced at $59.99, offering comparable cost.
Multiplayer / co‑op
New Super Mario Bros. 2 supports local two‑player co‑op; Super Mario 3D Land is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
3D Land provides 80+ levels plus a level editor; Bros. 2 relies on coin‑collecting replay.
Difficulty & accessibility
Bros. 2 uses familiar 2‑D mechanics and simple touch controls, easier for newcomers.
Graphics & performance
Both feature bright, smooth graphics optimized for the handheld hardware.
Choose Super Mario 3D Land if…
Players who prioritize critical acclaim, level creation, and a larger variety of stages.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. 2 if…
Players who want local co‑op and classic 2‑D Mario with coin‑collecting goals.
Common questions
Do either games support online multiplayer?
No, both are limited to local or single‑player modes only.
Is there a level editor in New Super Mario Bros. 2?
No, the level editor is only in Super Mario 3D Land.
Which game has a higher critic rating?
Super Mario 3D Land has a critic score of 90/100, versus 77/100 for New Super Mario Bros. 2.