New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Bring Multiplayer Platforming To Nintendo Switch

Back when the Wii first launched, a lot of people were curious what sort of new adventures Nintendo could bring to the console that they hadn't already played before. Nintendo surprised everyone with Super Mario Galaxy and it's even grander sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2. But the company didn't stop there. Nintendo also produced a throwback game for the DS and Wii that rekindled the fast-paced, platform-style antics from the NES and SNES called New Super Mario Bros. This retro-inspired series also found a home on the Wii U, but with far less fanfare due to the low install base of Nintendo's Wii U. As a way to put more eyes on the New Super Mario Bros., series the Big 'N' decided to re-release the Wii U version of the game and add some all new multiplayer-focused fun to the table so that gamers can catch up on what they missed out on when New Super Mario Bros. U originally came out.

Nintendo made the announcement about New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe during the most recent Nintendo Direct. The game trailer runs through the gameplay, showcasing the side-scrolling, 2.5D platforming action that was present during the original release, along with some of the levels you'll encounter and special power-ups you'll be able to acquire. The trailer also introduces two brand new characters to the fold, including Nabbit and Toadette, both of whom have their own special abilities that can be utilized in very unique ways.

Even though the trailer is kind of short, it offers a lot of info within the snappy running time. For instance, we learn about the skillsets for Nabbit and Toadette. In the case of Nabbit, the new playable character has the ability to run through enemies without taking any damage whatsoever. This allows you to easily run through levels without worrying about being hit, hurt, or dying because you mistimed a jump and found yourself landing dead-to-rights on an enemy.

Toadette also has the unique ability to transform into another character, specifically Princess Peach. I know it's an odd ability in a game like New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, given that the most common sense question would be "Why can't you just play Princess Peach instead?" but it is what it is. As you can see in the trailer, Toadette's ability to float down from platforms makes it easy to time your jumps or avoid over-shooting or under-aiming for the intended target. When Toadette is transformed into Princess Peach, she can also avoid certain death from falling into pits by automatically floating back up to the nearest platform.

The new characters in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe are also joined by brand new levels from New Super Luigi U. This means you get all of the base levels from the original Wii U outing plus all of the additional levels from the Luigi outing.

The upcoming side-scrolling platformer is due out exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on January 11th, 2019. You can learn more about the four-player platformer by visiting the web portal on the Nintendo website.

Will Usher

Staff Writer at CinemaBlend.