Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park Review
- Matthew Rondina
- Apr 10
- 5 min read
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is bigger, better, and packed with more surprises than ever, my full review.
Having grown up with Mario dating back to the original Super Mario Bros. on NES, and through legendary entries like Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World, it’s rare for a new 2D Mario to truly recapture that sense of nostalgia and magic. Super Mario Bros. Wonder did exactly that when it first launched, in 2023, something I explored in detail in my original review.
Now, with the arrival of Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park, it has evolved into something even more complete, with added challenges, content, and graphical updates. This isn’t purely a visual upgrade; it’s the definitive version of one of the greatest 2D Mario platformers ever made. Let’s jump back into Mario’s wonderful world and see if the new content will appeal to you.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park Details
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch 2
Developer(s): Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Genre: Platformer
Modes: Single-player, Local & Online Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Koopalings Crash the Party
The story remains delightfully simple and lighthearted in Mario Bros. Wonder, and the newly added content adds a little more Koopa chaos. This time around, Bowser isn’t causing trouble alone, he’s enlisted the Koopalings to help tighten his grip on the Flower Kingdom. Each Koopaling appears in different regions, acting as “mini commanders” who guard key areas and disrupt the kingdom using the power of the Wonder Flowers. They bring their own flair, mechanics, and environmental twists to battles, making every showdown feel distinct and more memorable.
In a faceoff with Morton Koopa Jr., for example, he becomes a massive marionette controlled by Lakitu, creating a bizarre, theatrical battle in which the chaos comes from the environment as much as from Morton himself. Nintendo clearly listened to player feedback about wanting more from boss battles and increased the scale and unpredictability. The result is a set of boss showdowns that aren’t just more content, they’re some of the most creative and visually inventive moments in the entire Mario series.
Wonder-fully Tuned Gameplay
At its core, Super Mario Bros. Wonder builds on the timeless foundation of 2D Mario platforming but elevates it with inventive new ideas that keep you constantly guessing. The Bellabel Park content further expands on these ideas in fun ways. One of the biggest additions is the new Flower Mario power-up, which introduces different ways to move and attack. It gives your character extended airtime and shoots a flower projectile vertically, opening your attack options.
A Double Badge of Honour
Another new addition is the revamp of the badge system, which lets you equip double badges, adding even more gameplay depth. It’s a smart expansion that rewards experimentation and lets you tailor your playstyle in fun ways.
There are some creative combinations like pairing a grapple with enhanced wall jumps for better traversal, or mixing floaty jumps with improved air control for precision platforming they can completely change how you approach a level.
That said, not every challenge fully leans into the double badge system. Some stages, particularly in the challenge modes, don’t require or meaningfully benefit from double badges, making them feel more like optional bonuses rather than essential tools. Even so, when the design does embrace them, the added flexibility and creativity really shine.
Meetup in Bellabel Park – A Social Playground
The Meetup in Bellabel Park expansion truly leans into the social side of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Attraction Central is a standout, packed with co-op and competitive mini-games that feel like a celebration of everything the game does well. It injects a party-like energy into the experience and gives you even more reasons to jump back in with friends and family.
Multiplayer, both local and online, remains one of the game’s strongest pillars. Whether you're sharing the couch or playing online, the experience feels seamless, chaotic in the best way, and endlessly fun.
Toad Brigade Training Camp – For the Hardcore Crowd
If you are looking for a real challenge, Toad Brigade Training Camp is a massive highlight. I spent a ton of time here, as it offered new spins on the classic Mario formula. With over 70 micro-challenges, this mode pushes your skills far beyond the base game. From speed-based objectives to precision platforming and enemy-clearing challenges, it adds a level of difficulty and depth that the game really needed. It’s a fantastic addition that significantly boosts replayability.
Graphics and Performance - Even More Wonderful on Nintendo Switch 2
Running at native 4K when docked, Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park delivers an excellent visual upgrade. Image clarity is sharper, edges are cleaner, and the vibrant art style pops more than ever, with improved detail across characters and environments.
Performance is equally strong, holding a locked 60 FPS in docked mode with smoother movement and no noticeable slowdowns. It’s a polished, responsive experience from start to finish, and easily the best way to play.
Final Thoughts on Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park
A wonderful Mario game just got even better. Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park takes an already phenomenal game and elevates it with meaningful new content, smarter design improvements, and excellent technical upgrades. From enhanced boss battles and deeper gameplay systems to robust challenge modes and expanded multiplayer offerings, this version is the complete package. Whether you're returning to the Flower Kingdom or experiencing it for the first time, this is the version you absolutely want to play.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park PROS
+Koopalings deliver dynamic, engaging boss battles
+Toad Brigade challenges add meaningful difficulty and depth
+New power-ups and double badges expand gameplay possibilities
+Sharp 4K visuals and flawless 60 FPS performance
+Excellent multiplayer and fun, social mini-game content
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park CONS
-Some Wonder Flower effects can still feel unpredictable
-Expansion content, while strong, isn’t massive in scope
-Double badge system is underutilized
Overall Assessment of Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Replayability: 8/10
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park Overall Rating: 32/40 (80%)
Nintendo provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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