Almost a year into the Nintendo Switch 2's lifespan, fans of the iconic Mario franchise are still eagerly awaiting a brand-new Super Mario Bros. title designed specifically for the console. While Nintendo has delivered fresh entries in other Mario-related series-such as Mario Kart, Mario Tennis, and Mario Party-and is set to release a new Yoshi game soon, a new core Mario platformer remains elusive. However, there is a new offering that might serve as a satisfying stopgap for many fans: a downloadable content (DLC) pack for the 2023 hit, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, tailored specifically for the Switch 2.
Released just a week before the Super Mario Galaxy movie hits theaters, this DLC, officially called "Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park," is a $20 expansion that, while not a fully standalone new Mario game, introduces a substantial amount of fresh content focused primarily on multiplayer experiences. Having spent the past week playing through the new content, it's clear that this update adds a lot of value, especially if you enjoy playing Mario multiplayer games with friends or family.
The DLC's centerpiece is a suite of multiplayer party modes and minigames designed to extend the cooperative and competitive fun of Wonder. Unlike the base game, which can be played solo offline, most of the new multiplayer content requires either local or online multiplayer participation. This means you won't get much from these new modes playing alone offline.
The multiplayer games themselves are varied and inventive, offering dozens of challenges with different themes and mechanics. Some modes turn all players into bouncing balls, while others pit players against each other in frantic coin-collecting competitions. The local multiplayer supports up to four players on a single Switch 2 console, while online play can accommodate up to 12 players simultaneously, creating a lively and chaotic gaming experience that's especially fun in social settings.
The frantic pace and variety make it easy to imagine groups of kids or friends shouting and laughing over the gameplay.
In my own experience, the multiplayer sessions were engaging and entertaining, though I haven't yet had the chance to test the full online experience with a larger group. The vibe of these modes leans closer to the spirit of Mario Party-style games than traditional Super Mario Bros. platformers, offering a fresh spin on the franchise's multiplayer potential.
Beyond the multiplayer modes, the DLC also provides new content for solo players. Seven new miniboss stages have been integrated into the main game, each featuring a Koopaling-a recurring set of Mario villains-and showcasing unique miniboss abilities that cleverly alter the environment in ways that affect gameplay. These stages add an exciting layer of challenge and variety for players who enjoy the single-player adventure.
Additionally, the update introduces the Toad Brigade Training Camp, a collection of dozens of short, focused challenge stages. These are remix versions of existing Wonder levels but come with specific constraints and objectives, such as completing the stage without touching enemies or coins, defeating all enemies within a time limit, or collecting every coin before time runs out. These challenges are both addictive and difficult, providing a satisfying test of skill for players looking to improve or simply enjoy a new twist on familiar levels.
Central to the new content is Bellabel Park, a hub area designed somewhat like a miniature theme park. Here, players can interact with various attractions and collect flowers by watering plants using "Bellabel water," which is earned by completing tasks within the park. Players can also decorate parts of Bellabel Park, though this feature feels somewhat ancillary. For fans who primarily seek engaging platforming action, the gardening and decoration elements might not hold much appeal, and those looking for more in-depth customization might prefer other Nintendo titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Pokémon Pokéopia.
The DLC also adds two new playable characters: Rosalina and a Luma Star. While Rosalina's inclusion is a welcome nod to Mario fans, her gameplay doesn't introduce significant new mechanics. The Luma Star is designed as a cooperative play option, supporting multiplayer dynamics but not changing the core gameplay dramatically. Additionally, a new Flower power-up has been introduced, transforming players into a walking flowerpot that can spring flowers upward to attack enemies or hit blocks. While this new ability is an interesting addition, it doesn't particularly stand out compared to other power-ups and may not become a fan favorite.
In sum, the DLC shines most in its multiplayer offerings and new challenge stages. The core of Super Mario Bros. Wonder was notable for its inventive level designs and whimsical surprises, from new enemies to the transformative Wonder Seeds that altered levels in unexpected ways. The Bellabel Park update, by contrast, feels more like a remix focused on multiplayer party modes than a continuation of the single-player whimsy that defined the original game.
Compared to Nintendo's previous attempts at adding multiplayer content, such as the Switch 2 add-on for Mario Party Jamboree, the Wonder DLC offers a more robust and engaging multiplayer experience. For Switch 2 owners who have a big family or a group of friends who enjoy playing together, this pack is likely worth the investment. The ability to host large online sessions with a dozen players and the variety of minigames give it a lively and social feel that complements the Wonder game well.
One subtle but appreciated upgrade is the resolution boost for the game's graphics on the Switch 2. However, because Super Mario Bros. Wonder already employed a charming, retro-inspired visual style, the improvements are not dramatically noticeable. The game still looks great, but the graphical enhancement doesn't dramatically change the aesthetic or gameplay experience.
Ultimately, what many fans really want is a wholly new Super Mario Bros. game for the Switch 2-a fresh platformer with new worlds, stories, and mechanics. That announcement is still pending. But this DLC pack for Super Mario Bros. Wonder may serve as a tasty appetizer, giving players a multiplayer-rich extension of an already excellent game while they wait for news of the next big Mario adventure.
In conclusion, "Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park" is a strong and enjoyable addition to an already beloved game. It brings a wealth of new multiplayer modes that transform the game into a party-style experience, along with challenging single-player content like miniboss stages and training camp challenges. While the gardening and decoration aspects might not appeal to everyone, and the new power-ups and characters don't revolutionize gameplay, the overall package enriches the Wonder experience, especially for those who enjoy playing with others. Until Nintendo announces a brand-new Mario platformer for the Switch 2, this DLC stands as the best revamped edition yet and a solid way to keep Mario fans entertained.