Is Super Mario 3D World on Nintendo Switch Worth It? A Fun Re-Release That New & Returning Players Shouldn‘t Miss

If you never owned a Wii U, then the answer is a resounding yes – Super Mario 3D World on Nintendo Switch is absolutely worth picking up. This 2013 gem remains one of Mario‘s best 3D outings thanks to inventive level design, creative power-ups, and fantastic co-op multiplayer. And with improved performance and visuals, new features, and the Bowser‘s Fury bonus game, this re-release makes it easy for Switch owners to enjoy one of Mario‘s greatest recent adventures.

But if you already played Super Mario 3D World on the Wii U, the decision becomes a bit tougher. While the Switch version improves aspects like loading times and resolution, it still lacks substantial new content beyond Bowser‘s Fury. Ultimately, double dipping will come down to how much you want to replay the campaign or play online with others.

Either way, the Switch release brings one of Mario‘s most delightful games to a new audience. Let‘s take a deep dive into everything Super Mario 3D World + Bowser‘s Fury offers to help you decide if it‘s worth picking up.

An Overview of This Creative 3D Platformer

First, let‘s look at what makes Super Mario 3D World such a standout Mario game. Rather than huge open worlds, levels are linear and focused like past entries such as Super Mario Galaxy. This gives the gameplay a terrific sense of momentum as you platform, climb, dash and ground pound through creative obstacles.

According to Nintendo producer Yoshiaki Koizumi:

“We decided to go with tightly designed, action-focused levels similar to the 2D Mario games rather than large, explorable worlds like the ones in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine."

The level design remains some of the most inventive the series has seen. You‘ll jump between speeding train cars, navigate piranha plant-infested jungles, and take mind-bending trips through magical trains. There‘s constant surprises that keep each level feeling fresh.

What truly makes Super Mario 3D World shine are the power-ups. Unique outfits like Cat Mario, Double Mario, and Cannon Box completely change up gameplay:

With four playable characters – Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad – each with their own skills, there‘s tons of variety.

Couch co-op is a blast as well, allowing up to four players to team up together. This local multiplayer functionality was arguably the game‘s best feature.

Overall, Super Mario 3D World stands out as one of Mario‘s most joyful and creative 3D adventures. Now let‘s see how the re-release on Switch compares.

Noticeably Enhanced Visuals & Faster Gameplay

One of the most immediately noticeable improvements is the bump in visual fidelity. On Wii U, Super Mario 3D World ran at 720p resolution. Now on Switch, it offers a crisp native 1080p in docked mode and 720p portable. This makes the colorful, cartoony graphics pop with extra clarity and smoothness.

Enhancements go beyond just resolution though. Loading times between levels are significantly faster on Switch. Characters also have quicker animations for climbing, dashing, and pouncing on enemies. According to Digital Foundry‘s analysis, movement speed has been increased by roughly 20%.

This speed boost combined with flawless 60fps performance makes controlling Mario feel ultra responsive. The already satisfying gameplay benefits from these tweaks, with levels gaining an enhanced sense of fluidity and speed.

Fun New Features – Online Play & Co-Op

Beyond the graphical tune-ups, the Switch release adds some great new features. Most notably, you can now play the entire game online or via local wireless multiplayer. Playing co-operatively with friends and randoms is an absolute blast.

Having four players run through levels together allows for hilarious chaos. You can pick each other up and throw teammates across gaps or unlock hard-to-reach secrets. Despite some connectivity issues, the online integration provides endless entertainment.

There are also a few new random power-ups sprinkled throughout certain levels, including the whimsical Boomerang Flower. These items provide extra surprises during replays.

Lastly, you can now freely switch between characters on the World Map instead of having to play entire levels with them. Being able to change up abilities on the fly adds more flexibility.

While not game-changing additions, these new features enhance the experience – especially online multiplayer.

Bowser‘s Fury – A Wild New Mario Adventure

On top of the stellar main game, the Switch release includes Bowser‘s Fury – an entirely separate bite-sized 3D platformer. This new mini open world provides a creative change of pace from the core Super Mario 3D World gameplay.

In Bowser‘s Fury, Mario explores Lake Lapcat, collecting Cat Shines hidden across various islands. However, the evil Bowser has been possessed, becoming the gigantic, fiery Fury Bowser. This beast rampages and transforms the lake, requiring you to defeat him to restore peace.

Battling the rampaging Fury Bowser makes for thrilling set-pieces. Giga Cat Mario grants you temporary invulnerability to face off against him skyscraper-style. The huge scope combined with tight platforming and combat creates intense, adrenaline-pumping gameplay.

IGN praised this unique structure in their review:

“The contrast between free-roaming exploration and Fury Bowser’s scripted rampaging makes for markedly different styles of gameplay that complement each other wonderfully.”

For a compact bonus experience, Bowser’s Fury succeeds at feeling fresh. It could lead to some exciting concepts in future Mario games.

Is It Worth It For Wii U Owners? It Depends…

For players who never got to enjoy Super Mario 3D World the first time around, paying $60 for this definitive edition is a no-brainer. You get one of Mario‘s greatest modern adventures plus enjoyable new features and an additional mini game. That‘s a fantastic value.

However, if you already played and completed the Wii U original, the decision becomes harder. Aside from the visual and performance upgrades, the core content remains nearly identical. And while Bowser‘s Fury is a solid bonus romp, it only lasts a few hours.

Speaking as someone who 100% completed the original, I found it hard to justify paying full-price again when Nintendo could have added more substantial new content. Things like new playable characters, power-ups, levels, or game modes would have made it feel like a fresher package for returning fans.

However, if you know you‘ll dive back into the campaign again or want to play co-op online, the Switch version makes for the definitive edition. Being able to take Super Mario 3D World on the go on Switch is also a nice bonus.

The Verdict? An Excellent Port That Shouldn‘t Be Missed

For players who missed out on the Wii U, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser‘s Fury on Nintendo Switch is a must-buy. It retains every element that made the original so magical while adding enhancements like smoother performance, online multiplayer, and a fun new mini adventure. This is the definitive version of one of Mario‘s greatest modern platformers.

Even as a Wii U owner, I ultimately feel the Switch edition is still worth recommending – especially if you plan to replay the campaign in co-op. While it doesn‘t fully justify the $60 price tag, having this inventive platformer on a system with a bright future is great for preserving its legacy. Plus, Bowser‘s Fury provides a delightful sample of what a larger-scale adventure in its engine could look like.

All told, Super Mario 3D World stands as one of Mario‘s most creative and joyous 3D outings. And the Switch rerelease ensures its remarkable gameplay and design will be experienced by a whole new generation. Whether you missed out initially or just want to play again, this excellent port is absolutely worth picking up.