New Super Mario Bros. Wii — 2009 side‑scrolling platformer

Gameplay and features

The game uses classic level-based progression across themed worlds. Players move from left to right through stages that mix platforming, enemy patterns and environmental hazards. Standard series power-ups such as the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower return, alongside level design that often encourages exploration for hidden exits and bonus items.

A key feature is local multiplayer: up to four players can play at once, choosing from Mario, Luigi and two differently colored Toad characters. Multiplayer sessions can be cooperative (helping reach the flagpole) or competitive (racing for coins and extra lives), and levels are balanced to support both approaches. The title also added accessibility features and mechanics intended to help less experienced players complete stages while still rewarding skilled play.

Development and release

The game was announced at Nintendo's E3 2009 presentation and arrived in most regions in November and December of 2009. It was released on November 12, 2009 in Australia, on November 15, 2009 (date) in North America, November 20, 2009 in Europe, and December 3, 2009 in Japan. A later release occurred in South Korea on August 7, 2010 (regional release).

Reception and legacy

Critics praised the game for revitalizing classic 2D Mario gameplay with modern presentation and for its social, local multiplayer experience. Its commercial success helped re-establish the New Super Mario subseries as a core part of Nintendo's platform lineup. The game spawned handheld and console follow-ups: New Super Mario Bros. 2 on the Nintendo 3DS and New Super Mario Bros. U for the Wii U, the latter of which was expanded with the New Super Luigi U content.

Notable distinctions

• Reintroduced four‑player simultaneous co‑op to a modern 2D Mario title.
• Blended classic platform design with multiplayer dynamics that could both aid and obstruct fellow players.
• Served as a commercial foundation for multiple sequels and portable entries in the New Super Mario subseries.

Today New Super Mario Bros. Wii is remembered as a bridge between the classic side‑scrolling Mario formula and new multiplayer-focused design, influencing how Nintendo approached future 2D Mario releases across its family of consoles.