- Primary Subject: Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 Edition
- Key Update: Bellabel Park DLC and Switch 2 enhancements
- Status: Review
- Last Verified: 2026-03-25
- Quick Answer: This review covers the Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 Edition, detailing its graphical upgrades and the new Bellabel Park DLC with its social modes.
When Super Mario Bros. Wonder first launched in 2023, it was hailed as a psychedelic, phenomenal-looking return to 2D form. From talking flowers to elephant Mario, it was time for a new era for the 2D entries.
It was incredibly refreshing to finally step away from the "New Super Mario Bros." aesthetic that Nintendo seemed to be stuck with for an eternity. The new art style and expressive animations breathed life into the series in a way we haven't seen in decades.
Now, here we have Mario Wonder launching on the Switch 2, complete with base-game upgrades and a whole new multiplayer expansion to beef up the original package.
Admittedly, I didn’t spend much time with the base game back at launch; as a reviewer, whatever I have on for review usually dictates my gaming schedule, and I simply never found the window to play Wonder through to the end.
However, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, featuring the massive Meetup in Bellabel Park DLC, I’ve finally been able to get stuck in.
The jump to the Switch 2 brings the game into 4K resolution in TV mode. While the added clarity is welcome, I have to admit the upgrades to the base game from the original version aren’t hugely noticeable.
The game already looked gorgeous on the original hardware, so the leap here feels more like a subtle polish than a visual revolution.
One sticking point I found while catching up on the base content was the progression system. I have always hated the gating of areas in platformers, and Wonder is no exception with its reliance on collecting Wonder Seeds to unlock new parts of the map. This often leads to the forced replaying of stages just to hit a specific number, which feels like an unnecessary hurdle in an otherwise fluid game.
All in all, I really liked the levels in the base game (besides being forced to collect X amount of seeds every now and then), and the new art style and power-ups felt really nice to play.
The Meetup in Bellabell Park DLC was a surprise, to say the least. While I expected the standard fare of extra levels, what I found instead was a complete shift in direction. Bellabel Park is a sprawling new hub area that feels reminiscent of the overworld map in Super Mario 3D World, but focused entirely on social play.
In the new mode, Nintendo has offered both online and offline multiplayer options for fun with friends. While I was unable to test the online games with this review, I did have the chance to play some of them at a recent preview event.
The park is home to 17 new co-op and competitive modes that effectively turn the game into a high-speed party platformer. Highlights include Petal Pilot, a frantic race where you float through stages on a flower, and Ball Bounce, a test of precision and rhythm as you bounce on balls to reach the finish line.
There is also Cloud Hide and Seek, a chaotic game of tag using clouds for mobility and smoke screens to lose your trail. While the hub feels a bit "odd" compared to the tight platforming of the main game, it’s a brilliant addition for anyone after Super Mario Party-style content that utilizes Wonder’s unique physics.
You can customise your park to some extent by unlocking new designs for specific elements, which is a nice touch, but not in-depth enough to decide on the placement of areas, etc. - these are smaller cosmetic changes.
The roster has expanded, and the headliner is undoubtedly Rosalina. She isn't just a skin; she brings the Co-Star Luma into the mix. In a clever nod to the Galaxy series, a second player or an assistant can control Luma, who can fly around the screen without taking damage and can collect items or boop enemies.
While I will stick to my Luigi-based sessions, I definitely think Rosalina will become a favorite with my kids, especially as she is set to appear in the Mario Galaxy movie.
In a surprising move for Nintendo, you can actually use mouse controls for Luma in co-op mode, offering a level of precision that actually feels like a good implementation of the mouse. They have also introduced GameShare support, a massive win for gaming families like mine, allowing you to share the fun with friends even if they don't own the DLC.
Additionally, for those with young kids or who found the original game a bit punishing, a new Assist Mode has been added. This prevents you from taking damage or falling into pits, allowing you to enjoy the sights without the stress.
For the completionists, the Koopaling Hunt adds a layer of traditional challenge as you track down the treasures stolen from the park. These are short levels with a boss fight at the end, a bit like Cuphead, rather than fully packed new areas.
While these boss battles are certainly fun, I did find myself wishing for full stages or entirely new areas to explore alongside them. The boss rush style of these encounters is engaging, but it doesn't quite scratch that itch for a meaty platforming level.
Ultimately, the Bellabel Park DLC is a novel selling point for Mario Wonder on Switch 2, but it is unlikely to sway any naysayers who weren't fans of the original.
That said, Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the definitive version of an already stellar game. While I still find the level gating frustrating and the “next gen” visual jump is minor, the addition of Rosalina and the shift toward social play make this a must-have for the new console for those yet to pick it up.
A neat upgrade with extras for fans of the Switch version and an entry to the franchise that those who never played should check out, yet perhaps not a selling point to those who never had interest in the first place.
