New Super Mario Bros. 2: A Coin-Fueled Platforming Adventure

New Super Mario Bros. 2 arrives as a vibrant, coin-chasing platformer that redefines the traditional Mario formula for the handheld era. Released on July 28, 2012, this title pushes the boundaries of exploration by transforming every stage into a sprawling treasure hunt. While it maintains the familiar side-scrolling structure that fans have loved for decades, the core loop revolves entirely around amassing gold at breakneck speeds. With a Metacritic score of 78.00 reflecting its distinct design philosophy, the game stands as a highly focused entry in the franchise that prioritizes volume and velocity over conventional progression.

Story and Setting

When Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach yet again, Mario is dispatched to the Mushroom Kingdom with a completely different objective. Rather than simply focusing on castle destruction and rescue missions, the environment itself becomes the primary challenge. The kingdom is overflowing with gold, transforming familiar landscapes into dazzling, coin-drenched arenas. Players will encounter rain of coins dropping from overhead pipes, trails left by special gold enemies, and secret passages inside gold pipes that transport Mario into hidden, coin-filled caverns. The narrative remains a classic backdrop, allowing the gameplay loop to take center stage.

Genre and Gameplay Mechanics

Firmly rooted in the 2D side-scrolling platformer genre, New Super Mario Bros. 2 encourages a frenetic, fast-paced approach to level design. The sheer density of collectibles fundamentally alters how players navigate each stage. Instead of carefully platforming through every checkpoint, players are incentivized to sprint, jump, and fly through environments to catch falling coins before they disappear. The game features a robust power-up system, most notably the return of the Raccoon Mario ability, which grants Mario the capacity to fly and access hidden areas. This mechanic allows players to bypass difficult platforming sections, skip entire stage portions, and uncover secret paths that reward thorough exploration. While the game records every coin collected, the overwhelming abundance of currency shifts the traditional focus away from earning extra lives, instead making speed and route optimization the true measures of mastery.

Notable Features of New Super Mario Bros. 2

Beyond its core campaign, the title introduces several standout mechanics that extend its replayability:

  • Coin Rush Mode: A dedicated game mode that tasks players with collecting as many coins as possible across three specific stages.
  • StreetPass Challenges: Compete with friends and strangers by sharing your Coin Rush records via Nintendo’s StreetPass functionality.
  • Local Wireless Co-Op: Two players who each own a copy can team up to play the entire game together using local wireless connectivity.
  • Progression Rewards: In-game content can be purchased using stored account funds, and reaching one million coins unlocks a special title screen.
  • Golden Opportunities: Unique items like gold rings that transform enemies into valuable gold versions, alongside a Gold Flower that turns almost any object in Mario’s path into coins.

Platform Availability

New Super Mario Bros. 2 is exclusively available for the Nintendo 3DS. Players can experience the full adventure by purchasing a retail cartridge or by downloading the complete game directly through the Nintendo eShop. The handheld’s capabilities support the game’s visuals, though the experience is designed to be fully playable regardless of whether the stereoscopic effect is enabled.

Who It Appeals To

This title is specifically crafted for dedicated platformer enthusiasts, coin collectors, and speedrunners who thrive on optimization and route mastery. Fans of classic Mario games will appreciate the nostalgic power-up returns and the return to tight, responsive controls. However, the game’s heavy emphasis on coin volume and its departure from traditional level pacing means it may resonate more with players who enjoy fast, repetitive, and goal-oriented gameplay loops. Whether you are chasing high scores, testing your limits in Coin Rush Mode, or simply enjoying a brisk co-op session with a friend, the game offers a highly distinct interpretation of the Mario formula.