Super Mario Bros Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park Review
Summary: Super Mario Bros Wonder was a return to greatness on the OG Switch and with its performance tweaks and incorporation of new multiplayer excitement thanks to Meetup in Bellabel Park, this is a must have game if you missed it the first time around.
4.5
Still Mario'ing!
When we reviewed Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the OG Nintendo Switch in Nov-2023, we called it a return to “gaming renaissance” that not only paid homage to the previous games in the series but more importantly delivered a fun modern instalment. But the excitement is not over as Nintendo have upgraded the experience for the Switch 2 as our favourite video game plumber and his colourful ensemble of wonderful supporting characters return in this spectacular “2.5D” platformer that shines even brighter.
The upgraded hardware gives Super Mario Bros. Wonder a “power-up” from sharper visuals to smoother performance (supporting 60FPS @ 4K), all while retaining the charm and creativity that made the original release such a standout on the Swith. This version also adds a new multiplayer expansion called “Meetup in Bellabel Park” that puts players in a hub and allows them to engage in different attractions with both co‑operative and competitive mini-games with up to four people (locally) and up to twelve players online.
As to the main game, the story of Super Mario Bros Wonder remains the same as Bowser, ever the nefarious yet oddly charismatic villain, seizes the Wonder Flower and unleashes chaos across the Flower Kingdom. It’s up to the player to dethrone him and free the Poplins. Even four decades later, Mario vs Bowser still feels timeless and the Switch 2 Edition reinforces just how relevant and enjoyable this franchise remains.
Before diving into the adventure, the game offers a short tutorial, a welcome back to classic platforming with a modern twist. On the Switch 2 with the enhanced hardware, it delivers crisper animations and silky movement. Controls are relatively standard, however Nintendo have added their mouse or mice controls into the mix which allows a player to control Luma in the game.
At its delicious arcade gaming core, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is still a classic platformer filled with jumps, enemies, power-ups and plenty of surprises. Imagine Super Mario meets the sci‑fi surrealism of Dark City, where the Wonder Flowers warp reality in unexpected ways. This mechanic remains one of the game’s biggest triumphs and on Switch 2 the transformations feel slightly more dynamic. Power-ups like the fire flower and the now-iconic “elephant” Mario look fantastic, giving the game a fresh 2026 sheen while honouring its 2D roots.
Character selection is unchanged, you can still choose from Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, the Toads and Yoshi (including Rosalina) or Nabbit for younger players who need a gentler experience. Swapping characters on the fly in solo play remains a welcome feature. Level design continues to be a highlight and the Switch 2’s enhanced output makes it easier to appreciate the artistry behind each stage. Some stages can be a little tough and each level as a difficulty rating, including the ability of turning assist on.
The Switch 2 version adds a new adventure to the main game thanks to the meddling Kooaplings who have stolen the Bellabel Flowers that offers new boss battles, including new ways of defeating them. There’s also the Toad Brigade Training Camp that provides some fun challenge-based levels like timers or unique ways of using power-ups. The Switch 2 Edition adds a new plant‑based power‑up that lets your character fire vertical petals and glide briefly, giving certain platforming sections a slightly different rhythm. It also introduces dual badge combinations, allowing two abilities to be paired at once for more flexibility in how you approach each level.
For the main game, multiplayer, whether local or online remains wonderfully chaotic and whether playing with friends or family, it transforms the experience of Super Mario Bros. Wonder into a joyful mess of laughter, mishaps and unexpected teamwork … including healthy (throat clear) competition. Taking multiplayer to the next stage on Super Mario Bros Wonder is the Meetup in Bellabel Park that offers both competitive and multiplayer gaming games which is basically Mario Party meets Super Mario Bros. All in all Super Mario Bros Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel is an enjoyable upgrade from its 2023 counterpart.
Graphics & Audio
Visually, the game benefits from the Switch 2’s upgraded display output and power as colours are richer, animations are more fluid and the world(s) feels more alive thanks to 4K and glorious 60 frames per second. The soundtrack is still irresistibly catchy and Kevin Afghani’s performance as Mario blends perfectly with the rest of the cast such as Samantha Kelly (Peach, Toads), Giselle Fernandez (Daisy), Mick Wingert (Talking Flowers) and Dawn M. Bennett (Nabbit). It’s the kind of game that feels like a Saturday morning cartoon brought to life.
Final Thoughts
Super Mario Bros Wonder was a return to greatness on the OG Switch and with its performance tweaks and incorporation of new multiplayer excitement thanks to Meetup in Bellabel Park, this is a must have game if you missed it the first time around. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends (it is the perfect party game), you’ll be fully immersed from the first level to the last that also showcases the Nintendo Switch 2.
Brilliant!
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