New Super Mario Bros. U

New Super Mario Bros. U is a celebrated 2.5D side-scrolling platformer developed and published by Nintendo as a flagship launch title for the Wii U. The game reimagines classic 2D Mario gameplay by featuring an interconnected world map reminiscent of Super Mario World, complete with secret routes, branching pathways, and roaming world map enemies.

Players navigate Mario and his friends through colorful environments using classic precision platforming controls. The game introduces the Acorn Mushroom power-up, transforming characters into Flying Squirrels capable of gliding across vast chasms and clinging to vertical walls. Additionally, Baby Yoshis return with unique abilities—such as glowing in dark caves, inflating into hot-air balloons, or spitting bubbles to trap enemies.

Up to four players can play simultaneously on screen using Wii Remotes, while a fifth player can jump in with the Wii U GamePad in "Boost Mode" to create platforms, stun enemies, and assist or disrupt teammates. With full Off-TV Play support and deep competitive modes, New Super Mario Bros. U stands as a peak expression of modern 2D Mario design.

Quick Specifications

Key Features

• Flying Squirrel Power-Up: Collect the Acorn Mushroom to glide over hazards, perform mid-air boosts, and cling onto wall surfaces.

• 5-Player Local Multiplayer: Four players control characters on-screen while a fifth player uses the GamePad touchscreen in Boost Mode to place blocks and aid traversal.

• Interconnected World Map: Explore a seamlessly connected world map containing hidden warp routes, secret levels, and dynamic enemy encounters.

• Baby Yoshi Companions: Utilize specialized Balloon, Bubble, and Bulb Baby Yoshis to overcome tricky environmental obstacles and defeat foes.

• Diverse Challenge Modes: Test your platforming skills in Challenge Mode, Boost Rush Mode, and Coin Battle, featuring time trials, 1-up challenges, and competitive races.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I play New Super Mario Bros. U entirely on the Wii U GamePad screen?

A: Yes, the game fully supports Off-TV Play, allowing a single player to enjoy the full main campaign directly on the Wii U GamePad screen without using a TV.

Q: How does Boost Mode work with the Wii U GamePad?

A: In Boost Mode, a player using the GamePad touchscreen can tap the screen to spawn temporary platforms for other players to jump on, hit blocks, and stun enemies in real-time.

Q: Are Mii characters playable in New Super Mario Bros. U?

A: Yes, players can use their custom Mii characters in specialized game modes such as Challenge Mode, Boost Rush, and Coin Battle.

Q: Is New Super Luigi U included with the original Wii U release?

A: The original standalone release of New Super Mario Bros. U does not include New Super Luigi U, though it was later made available as downloadable content (DLC) and bundled in subsequent retail discs.