New Super Mario Bros. (DS)

Manufacturer: Nintendo Part number: 73731

Compare with most popular

CNET Editor rating:
4.5 stars Spectacular
Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 14 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: Features the classic 2D Mario gameplay style using 3D graphics

Where to buy

store	customer rating	inventory	tax & shipping	price
	Rate this store See store profile	In stock Order Now-Ships Today	Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price	$32.99 Shop now as of 10/10/2008
	Rate this store See store profile	In stock		$34.99 Shop now as of 10/10/2008 New
Once you know, you Newegg!	Rate this store See store profile	In stock Best Place to Buy Online - Computer Shopper 2007 Award		$32.99 Shop now as of 10/11/2008
	Rate this store See store profile	In stock Free Shipping on $24 and up		$34.99 Shop now as of 10/11/2008
Amazon.com	Rate this store See store profile	In stock		$32.99 Shop now as of 10/10/2008
	Not yet rated Rate this store See store profile	In stock		$33.99 Shop now as of 10/10/2008

*Total price for the New Super Mario Bros. (DS) are estimated and may vary slightly based on exact tax, shipping, manufacturer rebate or any sale/promotion on the merchant site.

show

Gamespot editors' review

New Super Mario Bros. (DS)

price range: $32.99 - $34.99

Reviewed by: Jeff Gerstmann
Reviewed on: 05/16/2006
Updated on:05/17/2006
Released on: 05/15/2006

The bottom line: Features the classic 2D Mario gameplay style using 3D graphics

Read full review

Despite the sort of weird title, New Super Mario Bros. is exactly what it sounds like. It's a new Super Mario Bros. game that pulls off the series' classic 2D, side-scrolling gameplay without feeling contrived or like a needless nostalgia trip. While there's plenty of old memories referenced in this game, it is most definitely new. You rarely see 2D platformers at all these days, and it's even rarer when it's done right. While experienced players might blow through the game quickly, New Super Mario Bros. is still completely awesome and absolutely necessary.

Mario's got more than enough moves to deal with his enemies.

The story is simple, provides just enough to get you going, then gets out of the way. Bowser Jr. kidnaps the princess, and Mario needs to save her by running to the right and jumping on the heads of his enemies. You'll cruise through up to eight worlds in the game, though the occasional use of Super Mario World-like secret exits and a few alternate paths mean that you'll only really have to play through six of those worlds. Of course, the quality of the levels means that you'll probably want to go back and see everything there is to see, but if you're bent on blazing through the game, you could burn up the minimum number of levels in a day or two.

You'll get a full SMB-like variety in the game's levels and worlds, including underground and undersea levels, as well as an ice world, a desert, a few forced-scrolling levels that may make you lose it, and so on. The visuals are fantastic, simultaneously reminding you of the older games while using polygonal graphics and effects very well, making the levels and characters all look really, really impressive.

The level design in the game is great, taking advantage of Mario's moves in a few key spots. Mario's move list isn't terribly deep, but he's got more than enough to get by. The game reverts all the way back to the NES games' two-button control scheme. One button jumps, while the other runs when you hold it down and shoots fireballs when you're equipped with that ability. The game includes some of Mario's 3D platforming acrobatics from Super Mario 64, too. You can cling to walls and slide down them or use them for wall jumps, which really comes in handy. Many of the game's secrets seem to be built on knowing exactly when and where to wall jump up to some otherwise-unreachable spot. You can push down on the D pad to execute a butt stomp, too, which is handy for busting through columns of blocks. The game's power-ups are roughly the same, too, though there are a few new options. The mega mushroom makes Mario grow to fill the screen, making him invincible for a short time and letting you just run right through obstacles. The mini mushroom makes you really small, letting you fit in a few tiny pipes. And the blue turtle shell lets you crouch and slide along like an empty shell, taking out enemies as you move. The new power-ups are interesting, but they don't really pop up very often, so you're usually just rolling with fireball power. Overall, the level of control you're given and the moves and power-ups at your disposal are put together very well and help make the game fun.

Fun, definitely, but not especially challenging. There are a few levels here and there that can get frustrating because they demand that you take your time, but for the most part, the individual levels feel a bit short, though there are plenty of them to go around. You'll get into several boss fights along the way, but some well-placed fireballs make quick work of your foe--and you keep facing the same foe over and over again in boss fights that feel like they were lifted directly from Super Mario Bros. 3, with some occasional twists that attempt to make the battles feel different. But you're really just trying to beat Bowser Jr. over and over again, usually by jumping on him unless you have fire power, making the boss fights pretty underwhelming. Though they're so short that they don't have much impact on the game one way or the other.

The initial single-player quest is the main chunk of the game, and it's the best part of the game, as well. But there are additional modes. There's a two-player Mario versus Luigi mode that puts you up against another player in a short level that wraps around. Big stars appear in the world, and you attempt to collect more than the other guy. If you can hit your opponent with fireballs, jump on his head, and so on, he'll drop stars. It's a fun little diversion. Also, the game has a mess of touch-screen minigames, just like the ones found in the DS remake of Super Mario 64. Some of these games are OK, but for the most part, they're a little tired.

Mario's main adventure is the real action here. The other stuff isn't quite as exciting.

The game really rides the nostalgia line very well. There's just enough old or remixed Mario music and sound effects in there to remind you of the older games, and there's just enough newer-sounding stuff to prevent the whole thing from feeling shameless. In short, the audio is another one of the game's many high points, containing plenty of great sound effects (both old and new) and the standard array of speech you've come to expect from Mario.

With its ability to recall the older games without leaning too heavily on its famous name, New Super Mario Bros. is an essential new classic that lives up to the legacy of the series quite well. If you're looking for a quality DS game, look no further.

See pricing

show

User reviews

Write Review

Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 14 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 14

Sort by:
8 stars

great game, while it lasts

by damavandeh7 on December 23, 2006

Pros: good graphics, fun gameplay, entertaining minigames

Cons: you beat the game and get tired of it really quick

Summary: The visuals look wonderful, esspecially compared to other DS games. And the game is just pretty fun alltogether. But once you beat the game(which only took about a month ...

Read more

Summary: The visuals look wonderful, esspecially compared to other DS games. And the game is just pretty fun alltogether. But once you beat the game(which only took about a month for me, not metioning I'm really slow at beating video games) there isn't really much to offer. The only thing you can do then is play the minigames, which are fun, but not enough to make you want to keep on playing the game

Show less

1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

A return to 2-D greatness

by SanDiegoNico on September 11, 2006

Pros: Vivid, colorful graphics and unbeatable control

Cons: Save system is a little unusual.

Summary: I have never been a Super Mario fan. I played all previous games more out of obligation than actual appreciation for the series. The last Mario game I really played ...

Read more

Summary: I have never been a Super Mario fan. I played all previous games more out of obligation than actual appreciation for the series. The last Mario game I really played was Mario64 and I had a lot of fun with that title, but I was never really into the side-scrolling games.
For whatever reason, I purchased this game. I am very glad I did. There is just the right amount of challenge depending on what mood you are in. You can basically breeze through the levels(more or less) and still have a good time doing so, or you can really commit yourself to the hard task of locating all the hidden areas and finding a way to reach all the stars scattered throughout the worlds. The graphics are bright and colorful and the game is just fun to look at. The sound is perfect and the level design is nothing short of brilliant. I particularly enjoyed some of the forced-scrolling levels that required you to out pace a rising flow of lava. Talk about sphincter clenching!
Overall, this is a great game. I have a refound interest in the Mario franchise. Get it!

Show less

1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 stars

Awesome! Nintendo has a winner!

by mk37994 on August 4, 2006

Pros: great gameplay, reminds me of the old days. amazing graphics, good gameplay

Cons: none that i could find.

Summary: If you dont have a DS get one this game is worth it, if you do have one get this game you will love it enough said.

Summary: If you dont have a DS get one this game is worth it, if you do have one get this game you will love it enough said.

1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 stars

From a Classic Game to a Remake!

by mikester15 on July 10, 2008

Pros: Levels, A feature to Play as Luigi, The In-Game Music, and Multiplayer Mode

Cons: No Online Playing

Summary: This is a cool game recommended for Mario fans! Look at the Pros & Cons above.

Summary: This is a cool game recommended for Mario fans! Look at the Pros & Cons above.
9 stars

A great for a fan of the classix.

by brianmv on January 3, 2008

Pros: Great old school gameplay without feeling too aged.

Cons: Not rich in features, no multi-player on the main game

Summary: This is a great platformer in the Mario-style genre. I love this game and this is certainly a good way to get my fix when I don't have my ...

Read more

Summary: This is a great platformer in the Mario-style genre. I love this game and this is certainly a good way to get my fix when I don't have my GBA copies of Super Mario World or Super Mario Brothers 3. If you're not a fan, this won't make you turn around and try it, but for us fanboys it is a must-have.

It doesn't have the world's best features, unfortunately. You can't play multi-player in the main game of this title, as you could in previous Mario side-scrollers. This is a big minus for me because I love passing the Mario love around on buses during chorus trips (high school) or hanging out with my girlfriend. It was a good way for me and her to have fun together while playing video games. It was a feature that fostered both cooperation AND competition, and it didn't require multiple systems. You could just pass the game back and forth. For shame, Nintendo...for shame.

The multi-player mode, however, is pretty decent as is. It's not the co-op from before, but it's okay if your friend has a DS.
Also, the mini-games are directly recycled from Super Mario 64 DS, which is simply shameful again.

The true saving grace of this game is its
main game. The platforming action is engaging, simple, challenging, and fun all over. Veterans won't be thrilled and will find a short game, but those of us who aren't the best will find a game with a reduced difficulty and more than adequate length. It doesn't destroy the challenge, but it's just a little bit less intimidating.

In short: Multi-player not the world's best, but the Single-player will bring you to your knees, in a good way.

Show less
9 stars

You attempt to progress through the many levels in each of the 8 worlds

by jhawkfollower on July 10, 2007

Pros: great graphics, fun, lasts a long time, lots of minigames added in along with the normal play and multiplayer

Cons: a little bit like the older versions but still very entertaining

Summary: This game is awesome! Not only does it have a great story mode that will last you for a very long time, it also has many minigames to keep you ...

Read more

Summary: This game is awesome! Not only does it have a great story mode that will last you for a very long time, it also has many minigames to keep you entertained. I got this game yesterday and i am on World 3 out of 8. Each world has between 5 and 12 levels. This is a great game to add to the Mario Adventures. Buy this game! YOU WON"T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Show less
10 stars

Overall great game, well worth buying

by RoboAlex on April 26, 2007

Pros: very fun, easy to learn, intuitive nice graphics

Cons: took less time to beat than I hoped

Summary: Although it didn't take as long to beat as I had hoped it's still the best game I have hand held game I have ever played, so far (...

Read more

Summary: Although it didn't take as long to beat as I had hoped it's still the best game I have hand held game I have ever played, so far (still haven't tried Mario-kart)

Show less
9 stars

Great for the multi-player alone!

by cooki4casey on April 3, 2007

Pros: fun, great multi

Cons: can't save anywhere

Summary: This game brings my brother and I together, when at other times we don't get along. Mario vs. Luigi is fun enough to be its own game. The mini ...

Read more

Summary: This game brings my brother and I together, when at other times we don't get along. Mario vs. Luigi is fun enough to be its own game. The mini games are pretty good too. The story is just like a classic mario game, and gameplay can get frustrating at times, especially since you can't save when you want. It is still really fun and I reccomend it to everyone!

Show less
7 stars

Fun 2D platforming experience on the DS

by czott on February 8, 2007

Pros: Classic SMB characters for fans. Fun 2D platforming experience. Lots of extra things to do.

Cons: Game is over quickly. Too easy for intermediate players. Tacked on and worthless touchscreen feature for the main game.

Summary: NSMB is a fun new-ish 2D Mario experience for DS owners looking for that classic Mario fix. However any player with intermediate to advanced skill will blow through this game ...

Read more

Summary: NSMB is a fun new-ish 2D Mario experience for DS owners looking for that classic Mario fix. However any player with intermediate to advanced skill will blow through this game with a 100% completion in a matter of days.

NSMB incorporates the classic 2D Mario elements and integrates some of the newer features like triple jump and 3D physics. The problem for some might be that even with the new feel, NSMB is just more of the same. Furthermore, the game is far too easy for 2D side-scroller veterans. Even going through the hassle of unlocking everything in the game, hard core players will blow through this game in a matter of DAYS.

The minigames are a fun distraction, but can also be found in SM64DS. So if you already own SM64DS and were on the fence about getting NSMB take that into consideration. Also, the touch screen "function," if you can call a worthless feature a function, is more annoying than helpful. You have to reach over and tap the screen to gain access to your reserve power up. If you are neurotic about fingerprints on your screen, that means either using a thumb strap stylus or taking the stylus out every time to hit it. They could have easily assigned it to a button to appease everyone.

All in all NSMB is a fun 2D platformer for the DS. However it certainly doesn't deserve a 10 in my opinion. If you like 2D Mario and are looking for your next fix, look no further.

Show less
10 stars

Entertaining

by Greg-G on June 6, 2006

Pros: just plain fun

Cons: none this is a fun game that delivers

Summary: This is a near perfect execution of bringing a Super Mario Bros. game to the DS.

It is intuitive, fun, entertaining and engaging without being addictive. This game seems to

...

Read more

Summary: This is a near perfect execution of bringing a Super Mario Bros. game to the DS.

It is intuitive, fun, entertaining and engaging without being addictive. This game seems to support Nintendo's theory that good gaming is not restricted to huge expensive games and systems. This game is as fun as any you will find.

Bravo Nintendo.

Show less

1 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 14

See pricing

show

Specifications

Manufacturer: Nintendo
Part number: 73731
Bottom Line: Features the classic 2D Mario gameplay style using 3D graphics

Product Basic Spec
Platform DS
ESRB rating Everyone -
Genre Action
Number of players 1-4 Players
Connectivity Game Sharing
Difficulty Medium
Learning curve From 0 to 15 Minutes
Offline modes Competitive

Game
Developer Nintendo
ESRB Everyone
Release date 05/15/2006

See pricing

show

Manufacturer info

Share
- Digg
- Del.icio.us
- Reddit
- Facebook
Print

Similar products

Super Mario 64 (DS) $27.99 - $38.83
- CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent
- Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 11 reviews
Mario Kart DS (DS) $33.50 - $34.99
- CNET Editor rating:
  4.5 stars Spectacular
- Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 13 reviews
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS) $33.99 - $34.99
- CNET Editor rating:
  4.5 stars Spectacular
- Average user rating: 5.0 stars out of 3 reviews
Mario Party DS (DS) $27.99 - $29.99
- CNET Editor rating:
  4.0 stars Excellent
- Average user rating: 0 stars No reviews, write one!
Yoshi's Island DS (DS) $29.99
- CNET Editor rating:
  4.5 stars Spectacular
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 1 review

Shopper.com strives to provide the best price, review, user opinion, and product information on the New Super Mario Bros. (DS). Shopper.com updates pricing for all products multiple times each day. If you find a price, link, product specification, review, user opinion, or any other error for the New Super Mario Bros. (DS), please notify us through our support form.