New Super Mario Bros. U — overview, gameplay, history, and editions

Gameplay and features

The game retains classic Mario mechanics — running, jumping, power‑ups and level exploration — while adding features designed for the Wii U hardware. Players can control characters using either the Wii Remote or the Wii U GamePad. The GamePad supports off‑TV play so the action can continue on the controller screen without a television. Up to five players can participate simultaneously in local multiplayer, which mixes cooperative platforming with competitive scoring and occasional chaos when many players share a screen.

Structure, characters and power‑ups

Worlds are arranged as interconnected maps with themed levels, secret exits and boss encounters. Traditional power‑ups appear alongside new or returning items that modify movement and combat. Playable characters include Mario and Luigi, with additional selectable characters and helper roles introduced to balance multiplayer sessions. Certain characters have unique traits or permissions that change how players approach levels, and some modes introduce stricter time or damage conditions for added challenge.

Release, editions and related titles

Nintendo published the game worldwide in late 2012, with region‑specific launch timing for the North America release, the Europe release and the Japan release. The title was developed by Nintendo’s internal team often credited as EAD Group No. 4 and distributed by Nintendo. Shortly after the Wii U launch title, Nintendo released related entries on other hardware: the handheld Nintendo 3DS received New Super Mario Bros. 2, and the Wii U game later gained additional content and ports.

DLC and the Year of Luigi content

In 2013 Nintendo issued downloadable content that reworked levels and campaign structure to spotlight Luigi, a package often associated with the company’s Year of Luigi celebration. That content, presented as a standalone campaign, increased level difficulty and adjusted character handling to emphasize Luigi’s higher jumps and different traction. The DLC was also made available in retail form for players who preferred a boxed release.

Ports and legacy

New Super Mario Bros. U has been reissued and bundled in later years, most notably as New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch. Those editions typically collect the base game and additional content, refine multiplayer balance, and adjust presentation for the newer platform. The title is remembered for translating classic Mario platforming into a modern, multiplayer‑focused package while leveraging the Wii U’s GamePad for convenience and alternative play styles.

Notable distinctions and play advice

• The game blends traditional single‑player precision with chaotic local multiplayer; strategies that work alone can be disrupted by cooperative play.
• Using the GamePad’s off‑TV play is useful for solo sessions or when TV access is limited.
• Extra modes and later ports added higher difficulty options and character variants to extend replay value.
• Players seeking the most complete set of levels and extras generally look to later compilations or the Deluxe Switch release.

For more information about specific versions, hardware compatibility, or to compare editions, consult publisher resources and platform documentation provided by Nintendo and dedicated game guides.

Platform overview | Game classification | Wii U console | Previous Wii entry | Wii | Nintendo DS | Original DS entry | Nintendo publisher | North America release | Europe release | Japan release | Nintendo 3DS | New Super Mario Bros. 2 | New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe | Nintendo Switch