Changing the scale of a course
Running and jumping remain easy to read, while the Mini Mushroom makes scale part of route-finding. Large transformations offer a brief release from carefully negotiated hazards. Star Coins encourage a second look at spaces passed during a straightforward rescue, though collecting every one can turn a brisk course into repeated searching. The separate Mario vs. Luigi mode changes the purpose of movement: chasing a rival and defending a lead demand different decisions from reaching a flagpole.
Finish a course once before hunting every Star Coin. Practise how the Mini Mushroom changes a jump, and try Mario vs. Luigi with another player if compatible systems are available. Those short contests offer a different use for the same movement skills.
The DS package
The 2006 DS release combines a side-on Mario campaign with newer movement and power-up ideas. It also includes touch-screen minigames, but the main adventure retains button control. The later Wii U version lacks the DS wireless modes, an important distinction when comparing packages rather than just the campaign.
Why we chose it for Nintendo DS
Explore how changing Mario’s size alters a familiar side-on route, then try the local rivalry mode.
Explore this console’s game selection ↗Release record
Original worldwide release: 2006. Release records above identify the console editions covered by this collection.
Sources and further reading2 references
- New Super Mario Bros. ↗Nintendo · Accessed 2026-10-28
European DS release on 30 June 2006 and Nintendo credits. Separately identifies the 2015 Wii U adaptation and its wireless exclusions.
- New Super Mario Bros. instruction booklet ↗Nintendo · Accessed 2026-10-28
Original DS movement, power-ups, Mario vs. Luigi and separate minigame modes. Linked as evidence; no scan is republished.
