Super Mario Maker was probably the best thing to come out of the Wii U. While the console wasn't a massive seller, it used the GamePad to its full potential for level creation. Now that the sequel is on the Nintendo Switch, let's take a look at the new features, modes, and how it handles the transition from stylus to controller.
Level Creation
Super Mario Maker 2 is arguably the most user-friendly level creation tool ever created. Handheld mode is the easiest way to build, offering a touch interface that feels natural—though docked mode works surprisingly well with a controller once you overcome the slight learning curve.
The Level Editor is excellently designed. Unlike the first game, all course parts are unlocked right away. The new radial menu system makes selecting objects fast and categorized. There are five styles to build in: *Super Mario Bros, SMB3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros U*, and the new *Super Mario 3D World* style. The 3D World style is unique with its own physics and blocks (like the Cat Suit), though it’s a shame you can't toggle between it and the other styles freely.
Themes also see a massive upgrade with Day and Night variations, totaling 90 different looks. Night themes introduce unique gameplay modifiers, like low gravity in space or poisonous water in the forest. You can even set clear conditions (e.g., 'Don't touch the ground') to make levels extra challenging.
Course World & Modes
The Course World is an infinite land of Mario levels. It keeps you playing forever. Categories make sorting easy, though the inability to search by level NAME is a baffling omission for a 2019 game. You still rely heavily on level codes. Offline play is a lifesaver—you can download courses to play on the go.
The **100 Mario Challenge** has been replaced by the **Endless Challenge**, where you see how many levels you can clear before running out of lives. It’s addictive and offers a true test of skill.
Story Mode
If you want a break from user creations, Story Mode features over 100 professionally designed levels by Nintendo. The premise is simple: Peach's castle has been destroyed, and Mario needs to collect coins to rebuild it. These levels serve as a perfect showcase of what's possible in the editor, often teaching you advanced mechanics you can use in your own builds.
The Massive Updates
Since launch, Nintendo has supported the game with incredible free updates that arguably added a whole new game's worth of content. The **Master Sword** power-up transforms Mario into Link, letting you use a bow, shield, and bombs, completely changing how levels are played.
The biggest addition, however, is **World Maker**. You can now build your own Overworld Maps—creating entire 'Super Worlds' with up to 8 worlds and 40 courses. It allows creators to make their own full Super Mario games within Mario Maker. Other additions like the Koopalings, Ninji Speedruns, and the SMB2 Mushroom have cemented this as the definitive Mario package.
Online Multiplayer
Online Co-op and Versus play is a fantastic idea on paper, but it falls short due to Nintendo's peer-to-peer netcode. Matches are often plagued by unbearable lag, sometimes slowing the game to a crawl. When it works, it's frantic fun, but too often it's a slideshow. It’s the one major blemish on an otherwise stellar package.
Verdict
Overall, Super Mario Maker 2 is possibly the best 2D Mario experience available. It’s filled with infinite content, a robust creator, and thanks to massive post-launch updates like World Maker, it offers endless replayability. While the online multiplayer lag is disappointing, the sheer amount of creativity on display makes this a must-have title for every Switch owner.
