Today marks the release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder for the Nintendo Switch, breaking a decade-long hiatus of new 2D side-scrolling adventures featuring the iconic plumber. The launch event on October 19 at Nintendo NY pulled all the stops with characters Mario, Luigi, and Peach in attendance.
Mario-Themed Nintendo Switch OLED Model Debuts
Alongside Mario’s latest escapade, the Mario Red Edition of the Nintendo Switch OLED model hit the shelves at a suggested retail price of $349.99. A vivid addition for fans looking to snag some limited-edition hardware.
Flower Kingdom Awaits Mario and Co.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder transports Mario and his crew to the Flower Kingdom, graciously hosted by Prince Florian. But King Bowser crashes the party, touching a Wonder Flower to fuse with Florian’s castle, wreaking havoc across the realm. The mission? Thwart Bowser’s plans and bring peace back to the Flower Kingdom.
Wonder Flowers Shake Up Gameplay
The Flower Kingdom isn’t just about its stunning flora. Wonder Flowers introduce dynamic shifts in gameplay. Trigger a Wonder effect and watch the world transform: pipes may move, terrains could tilt, or players might suddenly find themselves floating in space. Some Wonders can even morph your character into Goombas or Spike-Balls.
New Power-Ups and Forms
New power-ups bring more depth to Mario’s adventures. The Elephant Fruit lets players transform into an elephant, complete with trunk-based attacks. The Drill and Bubble forms add new layers of strategy, making it easier to deal with tricky enemies.
In-Game Badges Boost Abilities
Players can earn badges as they progress, each offering unique abilities. From Wall-Climb Jumps to Grappling Vine Badges, these perks add a layer of depth to the gameplay. Some even offer bonuses like extra Super Mushrooms or the ability to locate hidden items.
Local and Online Co-Op Features
Up to four players can team up on a single Nintendo Switch for local co-op. Eliminated? No worries. Float around as a ghost and rejoin the game if another player tags you in time. Online options include shared rooms to coordinate gameplay or engage in friendly races.
Global Connectivity Through Heart Points
While in solo online mode, players can interact with others as live player shadows, offering a chance for a revival bump. The Heart Points feature tracks how much you’ve helped your fellow gamers, adding a social dimension to the title.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is now available in select retail stores, on Nintendo eShop, and the My Nintendo Store online for $59.99.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
