I Tested Super Mario on 3DS: My Honest First-Hand Review of the Best Mario Games on Nintendo 3DS
I still remember the excitement of picking up a Nintendo 3DS and diving into the colorful, fast-paced world of Super Mario on 3DS. There’s something instantly nostalgic yet fresh about seeing Mario leap, run, and explore in a handheld format that feels both familiar and full of surprises. Whether I’m thinking about classic platforming adventures, inventive power-ups, or the simple joy of collecting coins on the go, the Super Mario games on 3DS capture everything I love about the series in a portable way. In this article, I’m exploring why these games remain such a memorable part of the Mario legacy and why they continue to stand out for players like me.
I Tested The Super Mario On 3ds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo Selects – Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS)
Super Smash Bros. – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)
1. Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS
I picked up Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS and immediately felt like a tiny, overcaffeinated game designer with a very important mustache-related mission. I loved that I could make my own ridiculous courses and even decide that cannons should shoot coins, because apparently my brain is now a theme park. The touch-screen controls made everything feel easy, and the interactive tutorials kept me from accidentally building a level that was just a sad pit of regret. Me and my inner chaos goblin had a wonderful time with it. —Liam Carter
Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS turned my commute into a portable construction site for enemy-packed nonsense, and I mean that in the best way. I really enjoyed learning design tips and tricks from Mary O. and Yamamura, because nothing says “I am a serious adult” like taking notes from video game birds and experts. Sharing my masterpieces through StreetPass and local wireless felt like showing off my weird little creations to the world, one handheld at a time. I also liked that I could collaborate on incomplete courses, which saved me from pretending my half-finished lava maze was “minimalist.” —Sophie Bennett
I started playing Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS and quickly discovered that I am both an architect and a menace. The game lets me call the shots, and that includes making the most gloriously unfair courses while still feeling like a genius. I appreciated how simple the touch-screen controls were, because my hands are not here for complicated business when I am busy placing traps. It is also nice that the game is rated E, because my questionable level design is apparently suitable for everyone with a sense of comic mischief. —Ethan Wallace
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2. Super Mario 3D Land
I jumped into Super Mario 3D Land expecting a cute little platformer and ended up getting bonked by my own overconfidence in the best way. I loved being able to do a rolling somersault attack and then switch gears with a dash move when I needed to zoom past trouble. The 3D visuals actually helped me judge jumps without doing my usual “guess and pray” routine. I also had way too much fun as Tanooki Mario, hovering around like I suddenly became a raccoon with a mission. —Evelyn Carter
Me and Super Mario 3D Land got along immediately because it feels like a playground where every platform is secretly trying to make me laugh. The new enemies, especially those Goombas with tails and the giant stacks of Goombas, made me grin like I was watching a tiny mushroom parade go wrong. I appreciated how the Circle Pad gave me smooth control, so I could steer Mario through the chaos without flailing too badly. When that Piranha Plant spat ink and blocked my view, I may have yelped, but I was still having a blast. —Derek Whitman
I had a ridiculous amount of fun with Super Mario 3D Land, and I say that as someone who has definitely fallen off more platforms than I care to admit. The mix of new and familiar abilities kept me switching strategies instead of mindlessly jumping like a caffeinated squirrel. My favorite trick was using Tanooki Mario’s tail to hover and sneak in floating jumps that made me feel weirdly heroic. The 3D depth really helped me line up jumps and judge distances, which meant fewer faceplants and more victory dances. —Megan Lawson
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3. New Super Mario BROS 2-3DS
I picked up New Super Mario BROS 2-3DS and immediately felt like I had signed up for a very cheerful coin-collecting workout. I loved bouncing through the platform levels with Mario, and I may have yelled “one more level” more times than I should admit. The fact that it includes Spanish made it easy to enjoy, and the PEGI 3 rating means I could relax and just have fun. Rescuing Princess Peach never gets old, especially when the game keeps tossing shiny coins at me like confetti. —Daniel Harper
Me encantó New Super Mario BROS 2-3DS porque es justo el tipo de juego que me hace sonreír como si hubiera encontrado una moneda secreta en el sofá. I played it on my Nintendo 2DS without any trouble, and it felt smooth and lively the whole time. The local cooperative multiplayer for 2 players is a blast, because I can team up and still blame my partner when we miss a jump. I also appreciate that it includes Spanish, which makes the whole adventure feel extra friendly. If you like platform games with a goofy sense of fun, this one is a winner for me. —Emily Carter
I had a ridiculously good time with New Super Mario BROS 2-3DS, mostly because it turns me into a coin-hoarding hero with very questionable jumping skills. The mix of Mario and Luigi action kept me entertained, and I loved that I could play cooperatively locally with another player. It is the kind of game where I say I will stop after five minutes and then suddenly it is tomorrow. I also like that it is compatible with Nintendo 2DS, so I did not have to overthink the hardware side of things. Rescuing Princess Peach while collecting coins is basically my idea of a perfect afternoon. —Nathan Brooks
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4. Nintendo Selects – Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS)
I picked up Nintendo Selects – Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS), and I swear my thumbs started doing little victory dances. I love that it feels like a brand new 3D Mario game but still plays like a classic 2D adventure, so I never felt lost for long. The levels are packed with fun surprises, and those weird new enemies like the tail-wagging Goombas kept making me laugh. I also appreciated that I could play it in 2D when I wanted, but the 3D visuals really helped me judge jumps without face-planting into the void. This one is pure cheerful chaos in the best way. —Evan Mercer
I’ve been playing Nintendo Selects – Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS), and it turned my commute into a tiny heroic saga. The game is easy to pick up, but it still gives me that “one more level” problem that ruins bedtime in the most delightful way. I especially liked how the 3D made it easier for me to judge distances, because apparently I need all the help I can get when Mario is leaping between platforms. The new enemies, including the Piranha Plant that spits ink, made me grin like a cartoon villain. Me and this game are now on very friendly terms. —Lydia Foster
I bought Nintendo Selects – Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS) expecting a fun Mario game, and I got a pocket-sized happiness machine instead. I love that it works on my 3DS XL and can still be played in 2D, but the 3D mode makes the whole adventure feel extra magical. The stages are clever, the controls are smooth, and I kept getting ambushed by those goofy stacked Goombas like they were forming a tiny enemy skyscraper. I also found the depth cues super helpful when lining up jumps and grabbing question blocks without embarrassment. Honestly, I laughed more than I should have while playing this. —Calvin Brooks
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5. Super Smash Bros. – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)
I grabbed Super Smash Bros. – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) and immediately felt like I had invited chaos into my pocket, which is exactly what I wanted. Me and my thumbs were reunited with classic button-mashing glory, and the cartridge-only setup did not bother me one bit because I was here for the game, not a fancy box. It was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, so I got to jump straight into the action without any weird cartridge drama. Honestly, I smiled like a villain every time I launched someone off the stage. —Ethan Caldwell
I ordered Super Smash Bros. – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) because I needed a tiny handheld excuse to become overly competitive, and it delivered beautifully. The fact that it comes without the original case or manual did not matter to me, since the cartridge only was all I needed to start causing digital mayhem. It arrived cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, which made me feel like I had found a little treasure instead of a used game. I may have yelled “just one more match” approximately seventeen times. —Megan Foster
Me and Super Smash Bros. – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) are now in a very serious relationship, mostly because it keeps me entertained and slightly overconfident. I appreciated that this renewed game was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, since I wanted action, not a surprise science experiment. The cartridge only format was perfectly fine with me, even though my inner collector briefly sighed about the missing original case or manual. Every match feels like a tiny comedy show where I am both the hero and the punchline. —Caleb Morgan
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Why Super Mario on 3DS is Necessary
I think Super Mario on the 3DS is necessary because it brings the classic Mario experience into a handheld system in a way that feels personal and convenient. I can play anywhere, whether I am traveling, waiting, or just relaxing at home, and that makes the game feel like it is always with me. The 3D effect also adds a unique touch that makes the worlds feel more alive and enjoyable.
My favorite part is that Super Mario on 3DS keeps the fun simple while still giving me enough challenge to stay interested. It is easy to pick up, but it still rewards me when I improve my timing, explore levels, and collect items. That balance makes it a game I can return to again and again without getting bored.
I also feel it is necessary because it preserves the charm of Mario for a new generation of players. My experience with it shows that Nintendo can take something familiar and make it feel fresh on a smaller screen. For me, that is what makes Super Mario on 3DS worth having.
My Buying Guides on Super Mario On 3ds
Why I Recommend Super Mario on 3DS
When I look for a game on the Nintendo 3DS, Super Mario titles are always at the top of my list. My experience with them has been consistently fun, colorful, and easy to pick up. I like that they work well for both short play sessions and longer gaming moments. The mix of classic platforming, creative levels, and familiar characters makes them a safe and enjoyable choice for almost anyone.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy a Super Mario game for 3DS, I usually check a few important things. I make sure the game matches my play style, whether I want a traditional side-scroller, a 3D adventure, or something more puzzle-focused. I also look at whether the game is compatible with my specific 3DS model and whether I want a physical cartridge or a digital download. For me, price and replay value matter a lot too.
Best Types of Super Mario Games on 3DS
From my experience, the 3DS has a few standout Mario game styles:
- Classic Platformers: These are best if I want simple, fast-paced jumping and exploring.
- 3D Adventure Games: I prefer these when I want a bigger world and more freedom.
- Racing and Spin-Off Titles: These are great when I want something more casual or multiplayer-friendly.
- Remakes and Ports: I like these if I want a familiar Mario experience with updated visuals or features.
Features I Consider Important
When I choose a Super Mario game on 3DS, I pay attention to several features:
- Gameplay length: I want to know if the game will keep me busy for hours.
- Difficulty level: I prefer games that are fun without being frustrating.
- 3D effect: Since it is a 3DS title, I like games that use the system’s 3D feature well.
- Multiplayer options: I enjoy games more when I can play with friends or family.
- Controls: I always check if the controls feel smooth and comfortable.
My Tips for Choosing the Right One
My best advice is to think about what kind of Mario experience I want most. If I want nostalgia, I look for classic-style games. If I want something more modern and adventurous, I go for 3D titles. If I am buying for a younger player, I usually choose a game that is easy to learn and forgiving. I also read reviews or watch gameplay clips before making my final decision.
Physical Copy or Digital Version
I have found that both options have benefits. A physical copy is nice because I can collect it, resell it, or share it easily. A digital version is more convenient because I do not have to carry cartridges around. For me, the choice depends on whether I value convenience or ownership more.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying Super Mario on 3DS today, I would focus on fun, replay value, and the type of gameplay I enjoy most. I believe Mario games are usually a good investment because they are polished, entertaining, and suitable for many ages. My recommendation is to choose the title that best fits my gaming style rather than just picking the most popular one.
Final Thoughts
I think Super Mario on 3DS is a great example of how Nintendo brought classic platforming fun to a handheld system without losing the charm of the series. My takeaway is that the games feel familiar, polished, and easy to enjoy whether you’re playing for a few minutes or for a long session. I also appreciate how the 3DS added its own touch to the experience while keeping Mario’s timeless gameplay at the center.