New Super Mario Bros. U

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This article is about the 2012 Wii U game. For the Nintendo Switch port of this game, see New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. For the microgame from WarioWare: Get It Together!, see New Super Mario Bros. U (microgame).
New Super Mario Bros. U
New Super Mario Bros. U North American box cover
North American box cover
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer Nintendo EAD
Publisher Nintendo
Platform(s) Wii U
Release date USA November 18, 2012[1]
Europe November 30, 2012[?]
Australia November 30, 2012[2][dead link]
Japan December 8, 2012[?]
Language(s) English (United Kingdom)
English (United States)
French (France)
French (Canada)
German
Spanish (Spain)
Spanish (Latin America)
Italian
Dutch
Portuguese (Portugal)
Russian
Japanese
Genre Platformer
Rating(s)
ESRB:E - Everyone
PEGI:3 - Three years and older
CERO:A - All ages
ACB:G - General
USK:0 - All ages
ClassInd:L - General audience
FPB:PG - Parental guidance
Mode(s) Single-player
Multiplayer
Format
Wii U:
Optical disc
Digital download
Input
Wii U:
Wii Remote (horizontal)
Serial code(s) Japan WUP-P-ARPJ
USA WUP-P-ARPE
Europe WUP-P-ARPP

New Super Mario Bros. U is a 2012 side-scrolling 2.5D platforming game, and a launch title for the Wii U. It is the sixteenth entry in the Super Mario series[3][4] and the fourth New Super Mario Bros. game. As a sequel to New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the game is a follow-up to New Super Mario Bros. 2. It is the first Super Mario series game to be released as a launch title for a home console since Super Mario 64. An expansion pack for this game was later released in mid-2013, titled New Super Luigi U.

Based upon the New Super Mario Bros. Mii tech demo shown at E3 2011, the game uses new, more detailed background styles and models and introduces the Flying Squirrel power-up, acquired by Mario and his friends from an item called the Super Acorn, as well as utilizing the Wii U GamePad in Boost Mode.

The game was originally purchasable at the Nintendo eShop, requiring 2301.7 MB (about 2.25 GB) to be downloaded, but with the retail release of New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U, it is no longer possible to purchase New Super Mario Bros. U as a standalone game in regions outside of Japan.

A port titled New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe was released for the Nintendo Switch in January 2019, and once again contains both New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U.

Story

The Mario Bros. and Toads about to be hit by the Mecha Hand.

Mario, Luigi, Yellow Toad, and Blue Toad are with Princess Peach in Peach's Castle dining together. Bowser and the Koopalings suddenly arrive in their Airships, with the former sporting a Mecha Hand that smashes and launches the brothers and the Toads away from the castle. Mario and his friends crash into the Acorn Tree, launching Super Acorns through the area. They then tumble out of the tree, passing by a Bubble Baby Yoshi and Balloon Baby Yoshi, and they then look into the horizon to see Bowser beginning a siege on Princess Peach's Castle, setting the Mario Bros. and the Toads to go on a new adventure and to save Princess Peach.

As the game progresses, the view occasionally shifts to Peach's Castle, showing the flags being replaced by Bowser's flags (after Tilted Tunnel), and the castle being surrounded by a thin tornado-like cloud that is made thicker by Magikoopa's magic (after Stoneslide Tower), entirely obscuring the castle (after Giant Skewer Tower or Freezing-Rain Tower). Mario, Luigi, Yellow Toad, and Blue Toad also encounter Bowser's forces, including the Koopalings, Boom Boom, Magikoopa, and Bowser Jr., who occasionally attacks the heroes with his father's airship. All of them are defeated, and Bowser Jr. causes the airship to crash after making the mechanical hand punch through it. After reaching Peach's Castle and defeating Bowser, the group moves onward, but Bowser Jr. appears and urges Magikoopa to spread his magic across the area. After heading to the castle exterior, Mario and the others see Peach in a tower. Before they can save her, she is locked inside the tower and Bowser appears, now at a giant size, alongside Bowser Jr. Eventually, Bowser is defeated and Bowser Jr., embarrassed, flees. The character that defeated Bowser gets to Peach and bows down to her, and is then kissed by her, to their shock and delight, as the clouds surrounding the castle disappear, restoring it to its former state.

Outside the castle, the Koopalings and Bowser Jr. are fleeing on the airship as Bowser, who has returned to his normal size, recovers. Noticing the escaping airship, he climbs up onto one of the castle towers and leaps onto the ship, but his weight causes it to plummet into a hill nearby; they then fly away hanging onto Bowser Jr.'s Junior Clown Car while Mario and Blue Toad watch. They then turn back to the others, who are celebrating their victory, with Mario delivering a final victory pose.

Gameplay

Overview

New Super Mario Bros. U is a platform game which plays very similarly to that of past New Super Mario Bros. games, especially New Super Mario Bros. Wii, with the return of the 4-player multiplayer functioning identically to the Wii game, while most of the elements and design found in the game make heavy reference to Super Mario World. Many other gameplay elements from the Wii game, such as the Super Guide, Enemy Courses, and the bubble function, also return. In certain modes, players can play as their Miis, including the first player, who can also choose whoever to play as. Power-ups, like the Fire Flower, Ice Flower, Penguin Suit, Propeller Mushroom, and the Mini Mushroom return. The game also features a new power-up, the Super Acorn, which gives Mario and co. a Flying Squirrel form, which lets them glide and grab onto walls.

New Super Mario Bros. U features two main controller options: single-player using the Wii U GamePad, and single-player or multiplayer using Wii Remotes and/or Wii U Pro Controllers; the player can switch controllers at any point between the GamePad and a Wii Remote or Pro Controller by pausing the game, either in a level or on the world map, and selecting the "Change Controller" option. The game supports up to five simultaneous players, with up to four being able to play as the characters with a Wii Remote or Wii U Pro Controller, and are able to drop in and out at any point while in a stage by pressing Plus Button on the GamePad and selecting a character, or on the map by pausing and selecting "Number of Players". Another player is able to use the Wii U GamePad in what is known as Boost Mode. In Boost Mode, the GamePad player can assist the other players by placing blocks for them to stand on and stunning enemies. Boost Mode can be used at any point when playing with one of the other controllers; when playing with just the GamePad, it supports Off-TV Play.

After clearing Layer-Cake Desert-1, an enemy called Nabbit appears and steals an item from a Toad House connecting that level, heading back to Acorn Plains-1. When the player enters a stage with Nabbit, the objective is to race him to the goal, trying to catch him before he can get away. If the player succeeds in catching Nabbit, they are rewarded with a P-Acorn. Replacing the Toad saving in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Nabbit only appears in one stage in the first seven worlds.

The first update to the game added Miiverse support. With Miiverse functionality enabled, players can read each others' posts on the world map by viewing the map; when not viewing the map a Miiverse post is indicated by a red balloon, generally near a stage, and can be hidden by pressing A Button; when on the World Map while using Boost Mode, the GamePad player can scroll across the map on the GamePad screen and view Miiverse posts. At certain times throughout gameplay, such as when the player dies several times or reaches the end of a course in a specific way (collecting all the Star Coins, clearing in a certain amount of time, clearing without taking damage, etc.), they are given a prompt to post a message to Miiverse. Players can also see Miiverse posts after they die in a stage. Miiverse settings can be changed at any point on the world map by selecting the pencil and envelope icon on the bottom right of the pause menu.

The sound is in stereo, with no support for 5.1 surround.

Controls

Boost Mode in New Super Mario Bros. U
Perspective of gameplay, featuring four players controlling the characters with Wii Remotes while a fifth player uses the GamePad in Boost Mode.

Like New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the Wii Remote is the primary controller for the game, allowing players to shake the controller to perform a Spin Jump, dismount Yoshi, and pick up objects. However, players can also play the game normally with the Wii U GamePad (single-player only) or the Wii U Pro Controller (after the 1.3.0 update). In the case of the Wii U Pro Controller, actions that require motion control on the Wii Remote and Wii U GamePad are replaced with button pressing, as the Wii U Pro Controller lacks motion controls.

Unlike New Super Mario Bros. Wii, this game lacks Nunchuk support.

Stages

Action(s) Wii U GamePad Wii U Pro Controller Wii Remote
Move, swim (Baby Yoshi) Classic Controller Left Stick / +Control Pad +Control Pad
Jump, swim, glide (hold), wall jump, Flutter Jump (Yoshi; hold), double/triple jump (press right upon landing) Option 1: B Button / A Button
Option 2: X Button / A Button
Two Button
Run, carry objects (hold); shoot fireballs/iceballs, extend tongue (Yoshi) Option 1: Y Button / X Button
Option 2: Y Button / B Button
One Button
Ground Pound (normal, simultaneous*) Jump + Classic Controller Left Stick (down) / +Control Pad down Two Button + +Control Pad down
Crouch, slide (on slopes) Classic Controller Left Stick (down) / +Control Pad down +Control Pad down
Climb (on fences, ladders, poles) Classic Controller Left Stick (up) / +Control Pad up +Control Pad up
Bubble* N/A Minus Button A Button
Enter door/Warp Pipe Door: Classic Controller Left Stick (up) / +Control Pad up
Pipe: Classic Controller Left Stick / +Control Pad (in direction of entrance)
Door: +Control Pad up
Pipe: +Control Pad (in direction of entrance)
Spin Jump, Baby Yoshi abilities, dismount Yoshi, Flying Squirrel jump, spin underwater (Baby Yoshi) GamePad (shake) / L Button / R Button / ZL Button / ZR Button L Button / R Button Wii Remote (shake)
Grab other players*/frozen enemies Run + GamePad (shake) / L Button / R Button / ZL Button / ZR Button
(release run button to throw)
Run + L Button / R Button
(release run button to throw)
One Button + Wii Remote (shake)
(release One Button to throw)
Tilt Tilt Lifts Tilt GamePad Alternate between pressing ZL Button and ZR Button Tilt Wii Remote
Pause Plus Button
Boost Mode* Touchscreen N/A

* Multiplayer only.

Map/menus

Action(s) Wii U GamePad/Pro Controller Wii Remote
Move, select option Classic Controller Left Stick / +Control Pad +Control Pad
Open inventory B Button One Button
View map L Button A Button
Pause Plus Button
Zoom in/out (map view) Plus Button / Minus Button
Confirm, hide/show Miiverse posts (map view) A Button Two Button
Back B Button One Button

Inventory

The game inventory
The inventory.

The world map inventory, seen in Super Mario Bros. 3 and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, returns in New Super Mario Bros. U, allowing players to store items that can be used before entering a level. Unlike the other inventories, this is limited to ten items only. If more items come in, the player will have to discard items from the inventory until they have ten. Players can gain items into their inventory by playing Red Toad House minigames, collecting items on the world map itself, completing an Enemy Course, catching Nabbit, or finishing a level with the final two digits of the time matching.

Extra modes

Time Attack Trial in New Super Mario Bros. U
Small Mario playing through a Time Attack stage in Challenge Mode.

In addition to the main adventure, New Super Mario Bros. U features three additional bonus modes to play. The first of these is Challenge Mode, in which players must complete a given objective on a given stage, some within a specific time limit. In most cases, after the player completes a challenge, they are ranked with a medal depending on how well they did. There are five types of challenges: Time Attack, Coin Collection, 1-Up Rally, Special, and Boost Mode.

Another mode is Boost Rush Mode, where players have to reach the end of two or three selected stages in the lowest possible time, similar to the Coin Rush mode featured in New Super Mario Bros. 2. Unlike Coin Rush, the stages scroll automatically, meaning the player has to keep up with the stage, which speeds up every time they collect coins.

Coin Battle from New Super Mario Bros. Wii is also available. However, in this version of the mode, players can be grouped into teams against each other or play free-for-all, rather than just the latter. The Wii U GamePad can also be used for Coin Edit, in which the GamePad is used to customize the coin placement in the Coin Battle-exclusive courses.

Unlike in the main game, player 1 can choose any character in these modes.

Worlds

Secret IslandAcorn PlainsLayer-Cake DesertSparkling WatersFrosted GlacierSoda JungleRock-Candy MinesMeringue CloudsPeach's CastleThe Mushroom Kingdom's artwork from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Click an area to open the relevant article.

Unlike the previous New Super Mario Bros. titles, where worlds are separated like in Super Mario Bros. 3, New Super Mario Bros. U has a contiguous world map, similar to Super Mario World. Like New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the worlds include Toad Houses and Enemy Courses, though only red and green Toad Houses return. Also returning are Towers, Castles, and Ghost House-related levels. Likely as a result of the redesigned world map, Warp Cannons are not present, with secret exits that unlocked Warp Cannons in previous titles now unlocking hidden levels. Completing them unlocks a shortcut to a later world, similar in vein to the Star World levels from Super Mario World. There are Pipe Cannons that send the player characters back to previously-cleared worlds, replacing the world selection option from previous New Super Mario Bros. games. The music changes instruments throughout the world map similar to Yoshi's Island.

This is the first 2D Super Mario game to use completely unique names for each of its levels, and the second after Super Mario World to name its greater areas in-game. Both games use food and beverages as the theme for their world names.

Worlds
Acorn Plains Layer-Cake Desert Sparkling Waters
Acorn Plains in New Super Mario Bros. U A full map of Layer Cake Desert in New Super Mario Bros. U Sparkling Waters map
A grassy world with plenty of shrubs, slanted mountains, and the Acorn Tree. This world resembles many other first worlds in the Super Mario series. A desert dotted with melting ice creams, giant cakes, and a sea of sand with Moai-like statues. A chain of tropical islands and sea stacks, similar to World 4 from New Super Mario Bros. Wii. This world can be entirely skipped for Frosted Glacier.
# Level # Level # Level
1 Acorn Plains Way (Grass) 1 Stone-Eye Zone (Desert) 1 Waterspout Beach (Beach)
2 Tilted Tunnel (Underground) 2 Perilous Pokey Cave (Desert/Underground) 2 Tropical Refresher (Underwater)
Tower Crushing-Cogs Tower (Tower) 3 Fire Snake Cavern (Desert/Underground) Tower Giant Skewer Tower (Tower)
3 Yoshi Hill (Grass) Tower Stoneslide Tower (Tower/Desert) Ghost House Haunted Shipwreck (Shipwreck)
4 Mushroom Heights (Sky) 4 Spike's Spouting Sands (Desert) 3 Above the Cheep Cheep Seas (Beach/Sky)
5 Rise of the Piranha Plants (Grass) 5 Dry Desert Mushrooms (Desert/Sky) 4 Urchin Shoals (Beach)
Castle Lemmy's Swingback Castle (Castle) 6 Blooming Lakitus (Desert) 5 Dragoneel's Undersea Grotto (Underwater)
Secret Blooper's Secret Lair (Underwater/Underground) Castle Morton's Compactor Castle (Castle) Castle Larry's Torpedo Castle (Castle/Water)
Secret Piranha Plants on Ice (Snow) Secret Skyward Stalk (Sky)
Frosted Glacier Soda Jungle Rock-Candy Mines
Frosted Glacier in New Super Mario Bros. U Soda Jungle World Map
Soda Jungle in New Super Mario Bros. U
Map of Rock-Candy Mines in New Super Mario Bros. U
A snowy mountain set at night, filled with stars and constellations. This world can be entirely skipped for Sparkling Waters. A rainforest flooded by purple poison, based on the Forest of Illusion from Super Mario World and World 4 from New Super Mario Bros. A rocky region with tall, holey mountains. Several red and blue switches similar to ! Switches appear in this world, and pressing them activates Stretch Blocks with their corresponding color.
# Level # Level # Level
1 Spinning-Star Sky (Snow) Airship The Mighty Cannonship (Airship) 1 Fuzzy Clifftop (Mountain)
2 Cooligan Fields (Snow) 1 Jungle of the Giants (Jungle) 2 Porcupuffer Falls (Mountain/Water)
Tower Freezing-Rain Tower (Tower/Snow) 2 Bridge over Poisoned Waters (Jungle) Tower Grinding-Stone Tower (Tower/Mountain)
3 Prickly Goombas! (Snow) 3 Bramball Woods (Darkness Jungle) 3 Waddlewing's Nest (Mountain)
4 Scaling the Mountainside (Snow) Tower Snake Block Tower (Tower) 4 Light Blocks, Dark Tower (Underground)
5 Icicle Caverns (Snow/Underground) Ghost House Which-Way Labyrinth (Ghost house) 5 Walking Piranha Plants! (Mountain)
Ghost House Swaying Ghost House (Ghost House) 4 Painted Swampland (Haunted forest/Painting) 6 Thrilling Spine Coaster (Underground)
Castle Wendy's Shifting Castle (Castle/Snow) 5 Deepsea Ruins (Underwater/Underground) Tower2 Screwtop Tower (Tower/Mountain)
Secret Fliprus Lake (Snow) 6 Seesaw Bridge (Jungle) 7 Shifting-Floor Cave (Underground)
7 Wiggler Stampede (Jungle) Castle Roy's Conveyor Castle (Castle)
Castle Iggy's Volcanic Castle (Castle)
Secret Flight of the Para-Beetles (Sky)
Meringue Clouds Peach's Castle Superstar Road
A map of Meringue Clouds in New Super Mario Bros. U A map of Peach's Castle in New Super Mario Bros. U The map of Superstar Road.
A world above the clouds. Two levels take place at sunset, and this world's Castle takes place near the tornado surrounding the next world, as marked by different cloud coloration. Peach's domain, initially in its welcoming usual state but slowly transformed into a lava-based area by Bowser. This world must be completed to beat the game. A secret world unlocked after beating Bowser's final battle. Its levels must be unlocked with the Star Coins collected from all the levels of the previous worlds.
# Level # Level # Level
1 Land of Flying Blocks (Sky) 1 Meteor Moat (Volcano/Castle exterior) 1 Spine-Tingling Spine Coaster (Grass)
2 Seesaw Shrooms (Sky) 2 Magma-River Cruise (Volcano/Castle exterior) 2 Run for It (Desert/Sky)
3 Switchback Hill (Sky) 3 Rising Tides of Lava (Volcano/Underground) 3 Swim for Your Life! (Underwater/Underground)
Tower Slide Lift Tower (Tower) 4 Firefall Cliffs (Volcano/Castle exterior) 4 Hammerswing Caverns (Snow/Underground)
Ghost House Spinning Spirit House (Ghost House) The Icon of Princess Peach's Castle from New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Red-Hot Elevator Ride (Castle) 5 Spinning Platforms of Doom (Haunted forest/Painting)
4 Bouncy Cloud Boomerangs (Sky) The Icon of Princess Peach's Castle from New Super Mario Bros. Wii.2 The Final Battle (Castle) 6 Fire Bar Cliffs (Mountain)
5 A Quick Dip in the Sky (Sky) 7 Lakitu! Lakitu! Lakitu! (Sky)
6 Snaking above Mist Valley (Sky) 8 Pendulum Castle (Fortress)
Castle Ludwig's Clockwork Castle (Castle/Sky) 9 Follow That Shell! (Sky)
Airship Boarding the Airship (Airship)

Other areas

Secret Island Coin Courses
Secret Island Coin Courses
A small island between Acorn Plains and Sparkling Waters that houses a Purple Toad House, where the player can check several records. It is unlocked alongside Superstar Road. A multiplayer-exclusive world found in Coin Battle, similar to World Coin from New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
# Difficulty
World Coin-1 (Grass)
World Coin-2 (Cosmic)
World Coin-3 (Beach) ★★
World Coin-4 (Sky) ★★★
World Coin-5 (Underwater) ★★★
World Coin-6 (Ghost House) ★★★★
World Coin-7 (Cosmic/Snow) ★★★★★
World Coin-8 (Sky) ★★★★★

Characters

Playable characters

Name Description
Artwork of Mario in New Super Mario Bros. U
Mario
The game's protagonist and the only playable character in single-player. Mario is flung from Peach's Castle by Bowser's Mecha Hand during his siege. Like prior New Super Mario Bros. titles, Mario has some moves that originated from the 3D games, including the Triple Jump and Wall Jump.
Artwork of Luigi jumping from New Super Mario Bros. U
Luigi
Mario's younger twin brother. He is flung from Peach's Castle with Mario and is available to play as during multiplayer. Luigi has the same physiques and moves as Mario. In single-player, losing five lives gives Mario the option of striking the Super Guide Block, which allows Luigi to finish the level for him.
Artwork of Yellow Toad and Blue Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Yellow Toad and Blue Toad
These Toads were tossed from the castle with Mario and Luigi. They have all the same moves and physiques, and are only available to play as in multiplayer.
NSMBU Three Miis Artwork.png
Miis
Miis are only available to be played as in Challenge Mode, Boost Rush, and Coin Battle. In the multiplayer modes, all four players can control a Mii and it corresponds with a specific color: Player 1's Mii wears red like Mario; Player 2 wears green like Luigi; Player 3 wears yellow like Wario; and Player 4 wears an original blue outfit. Some non-playable Miis appear in the background of normal levels during Boost Mode.

Yoshis

New Super Mario Bros. U features Baby Yoshis, having been absent from the Super Mario series since their debut in Super Mario World. The game features three differently-colored Baby Yoshis, each one with a special ability. They differ from the adult Yoshi in terms of gameplay. Being babies, they cannot be ridden, so characters must carry them throughout the levels. Baby Yoshis instantly eat almost any enemy that is in front of them. Unlike Super Mario World, Baby Yoshis cannot mature into adults after eating enemies, instead remaining infants. Two types of Baby Yoshis found on the world map can be taken into any course, with the exception of towers, airships, and castles.

Name Description Locations
Artwork of Yoshi for Fortune Street (reused for New Super Mario Bros. U and Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games)
Yoshi
A dinosaur-like creature with a long tongue that can be ridden. Yoshi has a meter that tracks how many fruits he eats. Eating five makes him lay an egg containing an item. Unlike Baby Balloon Yoshis and Baby Bubble Yoshis, Yoshi cannot be taken to other levels, instead waving goodbye to the player character once they reach the Goal Pole. In multiplayer, the number of Yoshis that appear in a level equals the number of player characters. Yoshi Hill, Perilous Pokey Cave, Above the Cheep Cheep Seas, Prickly Goombas!, Fuzzy Clifftop, Seesaw Shrooms
NSMBU Balloon Baby Yoshi Artwork.png
Balloon Baby Yoshis
Magenta Baby Yoshis that expand like balloons and gently float in the air. Up to four player characters can grab onto one Balloon Baby Yoshi, by grabbing their legs. This slows the player down though. Acorn Plains, Sparkling Waters
Artwork of a Bubble Baby Yoshi in New Super Mario Bros. U
Bubble Baby Yoshis
Blue Baby Yoshis that blow bubbles from their mouths. Enemies caught in these bubbles will turn into three coins, a power-up, or a 1-Up Mushroom. These bubbles can also be used as small platforms. Frosted Glacier, Rock-Candy Mines
GlowbabyyoshiNSMBU.png
Glowing Baby Yoshis
Yellow Baby Yoshis that light up dark areas and can stun enemies with their light attack. Unlike the other two Baby Yoshis, Glowing Baby Yoshis are not found on the world map and are found only in levels. Instead of following the characters throughout the courses, they give an extra life when reach the end of the levels that they appear in. Fire Snake Cavern, Which-Way Labyrinth

Non-playable characters

Name Description Locations
Artwork of Princess Peach and two Toads in New Super Mario Bros. U
Princess Peach
The ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom. Her castle is sieged by Bowser while she is having tea with Mario, Luigi, Yellow Toad, and Blue Toad. The game follows their quest to return to Peach's Castle to save her. The Final Battle
NSMBU Red Toad Render.png
Toads
Toads appear throughout the game in Toad Houses, at the end of the level when the player catches Nabbit, and past the end-of-level castles to give Mario a power-up if they complete a stage with the last two digits of the Time Limit being the same. Toad Houses, All levels
Artwork of Nabbit for New Super Mario Bros. U (reused for Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Mario Kart Tour)
Nabbit
A mysterious rabbit-like creature that steals items from the map and must be caught to retrieve them. Acorn Plains Way, Blooming Lakitus, Urchin Shoals, Prickly Goombas!, Jungle of the Giants, Walking Piranha Plants!, Seesaw Shrooms

Enemies and obstacles

Enemies

The enemies listed in this table match those in the companion Prima Games guidebook,[5] the Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia,[6] and Mario Portal Game Archive.[7] The default order they are listed derives from their occurrence in-game with adjustments to ensure enemies are listed next to their immediate relatives. The blue Dragoneel is only recognized in the guidebook[8] and is unmentioned in the other two sources, but it is listed here in recognition of its mechanical and physiological distinctiveness from the red one.

Name Description Levels Pts. Exc. New
First Last
Artwork of a Goomba in New Super Mario Bros. U
Goomba
Squat mushroom creatures that walk along the ground. Goombas are weak to all attacks and walk of the edge of platforms. Some of the ones in Skyward Stalk are fastened to balloons and drift down. They are the most common enemies in the game. Acorn Plains Way Follow That Shell! 200
ParagoombaNSMBU.png
Paragoomba
Winged Goombas that hop along the ground. Stomping one causes it to lose its wings, turning it into a normal Goomba. Seesaw Shrooms 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
A Hefty Goomba from New Super Mario Bros. U
Hefty Goomba
A large Goomba that is the middling size of a Goomba, being smaller than a Big Goomba but bigger than a regular Goomba. This enemy splits into two Goombas when jumped on. Jungle of the Giants 200
A Big Goomba from New Super Mario Bros. U
Big Goomba
Large variants of Goombas. They split into two Hefty Goombas once stomped on. Jungle of the Giants 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
Squared screenshot of Mini Goombas from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Mini Goomba
Small Goombas that weigh the player character down until he either attacks or walks for a few seconds. Slide Lift Tower Magma-River Cruise 200
Squared screenshot of a Prickly Goomba from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Prickly Goomba
A Goomba that hides inside a spiked chestnut shell until it is hit with a fireball, which is when it turns into a regular Goomba. Prickly Goombas! 200
Model of a Goombrat from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Goombrat
A Goomba that resembles a persimmon and turns at ledges. Mushroom Heights 200 New to the franchise
NSMBU Waddlewing Walking Artwork.png
Waddlewing
Orange flying-squirrel enemies that glide through stages. Acorn Plains Way Land of Flying Blocks 200 New to the franchise
KoopaTroopaNSMBU.png
Koopa Troopa (Green)
Turtle enemies that go into their shells when attacked, then can be picked up or thrown. Green Koopa Troopas walk off ledges. Acorn Plains Way Follow That Shell! 200
KoopatroopaNSMBU.png
Koopa Troopa (Red)
Red Koopa Troopas turn around when they reach the edge of platforms. Tilted Tunnel Follow That Shell! 200
ParatroopaNSMBU.png
Koopa Paratroopa (Green)
Winged Koopa Troopas that jump in high arcs. Stone-Eye Zone Run for It 200
KoopaParatroopa NSMBU.png
Koopa Paratroopa (Red)
The red-shelled Koopa Paratroopas fly up-and-down or back-and-forth in the air. Stone-Eye Zone Hammerswing Caverns 200
Squared screenshot of a green Big Koopa Troopa from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Big Koopa Troopa (Green)
Large variants of Koopa Troopas that walk off ledges. Their shells are too large to be held. Jungle of the Giants 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
Big Koopa Troopa in New Super Mario Bros. U
Big Koopa Troopa (Red)
Like the normal-sized ones, the red-shelled Big Koopa Troopas turn around when the reach the end of a platform. Jungle of the Giants 200
Artwork of Dry Bones from Mario Party 8.
Dry Bones
Skeleton Koopa Troopas that collapse when attacked, but later rebuild themselves. Crushing-Cogs Tower Ludwig's Clockwork Castle 200
Model of a Dry Bones from New Super Mario Bros. U. This model is shared with Big Dry Bones.
Big Dry Bones
Large variants of Dry Bones that appear in castle levels. Stoneslide Tower Ludwig's Clockwork Castle 200
NSMBU Buzzy Beetle Artwork.png
Buzzy Beetle
Shelled enemies that can be kicked or thrown after being jumped on, and can walk on ceilings. Tilted Tunnel Fire Bar Cliffs 200
Model of a Buzzy Beetle from New Super Mario Bros. U. This model is shared with Big Buzzy Beetles.
Big Buzzy Beetle
Bigger variants of Buzzy Beetles. Rising Tides of Lava 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
Model of a Spike Top from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Spike Top
Buzzy Beetle variants that have spikes on their shells, preventing them from being jumped on. Stoneslide Tower Rising Tides of Lava 200
Model of Para-Beetles from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Para-Beetle
Para-Beetles are winged Buzzy Beetles. However, the player character can hop on their back for a ride, unlike with other winged foes. Flight of the Para-Beetles X mark.svg
Model of a Heavy Para-Beetle from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Heavy Para-Beetle
A Para-Beetle that descends when used as a platform. Flight of the Para-Beetles X mark.svg
Bony Beetle in New Super Mario Bros. U
Bony Beetle
Skeleton variants of Buzzy Beetles that walk around and suddenly stop to stick out their spikes. Grinding-Stone Tower Pendulum Castle 200
Hammer Bro in New Super Mario Bros. U
Hammer Bro
Enemies that throw hammers and jump. Rise of the Piranha Plants 1000
Fire Bro in New Super Mario Bros. U
Fire Bro
Hammer Bros that throw fireballs. Fire Snake Cavern Ludwig's Clockwork Castle 1000
Boomerang Bro in New Super Mario Bros. U
Boomerang Bro
Hammer Bros that use boomerangs, which return to them after being thrown. Bouncy Cloud Boomerangs 1000
Ice Bro in New Super Mario Bros. U
Ice Bro
An enemy that throws ice balls at the ground, which can freeze the player and even other enemies. Icicle Caverns 1000
Sledge Bro
Sledge Bro
Hammer Bro variants that stun the player character after they jump. Ludwig's Clockwork Castle 1000
Sumo Bro
Sumo Bro
Giant Koopas that stomp the ground and create electric waves in two directions. Screwtop Tower 200
Lakitu in New Super Mario Bros. U
Lakitu
Enemies that throw Spiny Eggs. If the player character defeats a Lakitu, he can ride on its cloud until it disappears. Blooming Lakitus Lakitu! Lakitu! Lakitu! 1000
Model of a Spiny from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Spiny
Enemies that hatch from Spiny Eggs and cannot be jumped on. Seesaw Shrooms Lakitu! Lakitu! Lakitu! 200
Squared screenshot of a Spiny Egg from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Spiny Egg
The furled form of Spinies dropped by Lakitus. Direct contact damages the player character. Spiny Eggs turn into Spinies when they make contact with the ground. Seesaw Shrooms Lakitu! Lakitu! Lakitu! 200
Model of a Spike from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Spike
Green turtles which pull spiked balls out of their mouths and throw them directly downwards from the ledges on which they stand Spike's Spouting Sands 200
Model of a Stone Spike from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Stone Spike
A Spike that throws stone rocks downwards. Dry Desert Mushrooms 200
Piranha Plant from NSMBU
Piranha Plant
Plants that move in and out of Warp Pipes and some grounded. Acorn Plains Way Spinning Platforms of Doom 200
The Piranha Pod's model from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Piranha Pod
A projectile thrown by a Lakitu that turns into a Piranha Plant. Blooming Lakitus 200 New to the franchise
Model of a Piranha Plant rooted in the ground from New Super Mario Bros. U. This model is shared with Big Piranha Plants.
Big Piranha Plant
Large variants of Piranha Plants. Mushroom Heights A Quick Dip in the Sky 200
FirepiranhaNSMBU.png
Fire Piranha Plant
Piranha Plants that aim at the player character and shoot fireballs. Yoshi Hill Prickly Goombas! 200
Screenshot of a Frost Piranha
Ice Piranha Plant
A Piranha Plant that can shoot ice balls from its mouth, like Fire Piranha Plants. Fuzzy Clifftop 200
Artwork of a River Piranha Plant from New Super Luigi U.
River Piranha Plant
A stationary Piranha Plant that blows a green spiked ball up and down, similar to a Ptooie. Fliprus Lake Seesaw Bridge 200
Squared screenshot of a Stalking Piranha Plant from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Stalking Piranha Plant
A Piranha Plant that walks around and stretches up and down on a regular basis. Bramball Woods Walking Piranha Plants! 200
NSMBU Muncher Artwork.png
Muncher
An invincible black plant. Spinning-Star Sky Thrilling Spine Coaster X mark.svg
MontymoleNSMBU.png
Monty Mole
A mole that pops out of mountains and the ground and gives chase. Yoshi Hill Magma-River Cruise 200
Model of a Rocky Wrench from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Rocky Wrench
Monty Moles that pop out of its hole in an airship throw wrenches. Boarding the Airship 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
Model of a Lava Bubble from New Super Mario Bros. Wii. This model and its textures were repurposed for New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U.
Lava Bubble
Fireballs that jump out of lava. Lemmy's Swingback Castle The Final Battle 200
NSMBU Pokey Artwork.png
Pokey
Living cacti that appear in desert levels and move slowly. Perilous Pokey Cave 200
Squared screenshot of a Big Pokey from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Big Pokey
Large variants of Pokeys. Morton's Compactor Castle None
Model of a Swoop from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Swoop
Bats that hang onto the ceiling, then swoop towards the player character. Perilous Pokey Cave Shifting-Floor Cave 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
Model of a Fire Snake from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Fire Snake
Flames that jump in a high arc. Fire Snake Cavern 200
Grrrol Artwork
Grrrol
Round, Thwomp-like enemies that roll on the ground. Stoneslide Tower Grinding-Stone Tower 200 New to the franchise
Model of a Mega Grrrol from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Mega Grrrol
A bigger Grrrol with the same behavior. Grinding-Stone Tower 200 New to the franchise
NSMBU Huckit Crab Artwork.png
Huckit Crab
A crab that throws rocks on loop. These can be jumped on and used as a temporary platform. Waterspout Beach 200
Artwork of a Cheep Cheep from New Super Mario Bros. U (later reused for Super Mario Party)
Cheep Cheep
Fish that are found swimming aimlessly in underwater levels. Waterspout Beach Swim for Your Life! 200
Model of a Big Cheep Cheep from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Big Cheep Cheep
Large variants of Cheep Cheeps that are found in underwater levels. Tropical Refresher 200
NSMBU Eep Cheep Artwork.png
Eep Cheep
A Cheep Cheep that lives in a school with other Eep Cheeps and swims away when the player comes near it. Dragoneel's Undersea Grotto 200
NSMBU Spiny Cheep Artwork.png
Spiny Cheep Cheep
Fast-swimming fish that chase the player character. Tropical Refresher Swim for Your Life! 200
Model of a Cheep Chomp from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Cheep Chomp
Large fish that attempt to eat the player character. Swim for Your Life! 200
NSMBU Porcupuffer Artwork.png
Porcupuffer
Fish that jump out of the water and follow the player character. Porcupuffer Falls 200
FishboneNSMBU.png
Fish Bone
Skeletal fish that charge towards the player character. Haunted Shipwreck Deepsea Ruins 200
Model of a Clampy from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Clampy
Clams that open and close their mouths. Waterspout Beach X mark.svg This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
NSMBU Urchin Artwork.png
Urchin
Stationary enemies that appear in underwater levels. Tropical Refresher Swim for Your Life! 200
Model of a Big Urchin from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Big Urchin
A gigantic Urchin that can be defeated only with a Star. Tropical Refresher Urchin Shoals 200
Model of a red Dragoneel from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Dragoneel (Red)
A long eel that attacks the player character by chasing them. Dragoneel's Undersea Grotto 200 New to the franchise
Model of a blue Dragoneel from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Dragoneel (Blue)
Shorter Dragoneels that move slower, but make sharper turns. Dragoneel's Undersea Grotto 200 New to the franchise
Model of a Blooper from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Blooper
Squids that move in an erratic pattern and follow the player character. Blooper's Secret Lair Tropical Refresher 200
Artwork of a Blooper Nanny in New Super Mario Bros. U
Blooper Nanny
Bloopers that have Blooper Babies swimming in a trail behind them. Blooper's Secret Lair 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
Model of a Bullet Bill from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Bullet Bill
Bullets that fly straight forward and are shot from Bill Blasters and Bill Blaster Turrets. Scaling the Mountainside Switchback Hill 200
Model of a Missile Bill from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Missile Bill
Bullet Bills that target the player character. Roy's Conveyor Castle 200
BanzaibillNSMBU.png
Banzai Bill
Large Bullet Bills that fly straight forward. Scaling the Mountainside 200
Model of a King Bill from New Super Mario Bros. U.
King Bill
A nearly invincible enemy that charges forward, taking up most of the screen. Flight of the Para-Beetles 200
Rendered model of the Torpedo Ted enemy in New Super Mario Bros. U.
Torpedo Ted
A slow-moving torpedo that flies in one direction. Larry's Torpedo Castle The Mighty Cannonship 200
Rendered model of the Targeting Ted enemy in New Super Mario Bros. U.
Targeting Ted
Red Torpedo Teds that home into their target, much like Bull's-Eye Bills. The Mighty Cannonship 200 New to the franchise
Model of a Cooligan from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Cooligan
An enemy that slides on ice and slows down when hit. Cooligan Fields 200
Model of a Fliprus from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Fliprus
A walrus-like creature that throws snowballs that can be jumped on. Fliprus Lake 200 New to the franchise
NSMBU Thwomp Artwork.png
Thwomp
Grimacing stones that fall when the player character gets close. The spikes that surround their bodies cause damage on contact. Wendy's Shifting Castle 200
Model of a Big Thwomp from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Big Thwomp
Large Thwomps that can break through stone tiles. Wendy's Shifting Castle 200
Model of a Thwimp from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Thwimp
A tiny Thwomp that hops around. Wendy's Shifting Castle 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
Model of a Mechakoopa from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Mechakoopa
A mechanical Koopa. After stomping onw, the player character can pick it up and use it as a projectile. The Mighty Cannonship 200
Model of a Mecha Cheep from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Mecha Cheep
Robotic Cheep Cheeps that are immune to fireballs. The Mighty Cannonship 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign. New to the franchise
NSMBU Bramball Artwork.png
Bramball
An enemy that moves around in a set pattern and is mostly covered in spikes, with the head being the only safe part to jump on. It can be forced to move if jumped into from below. Bramball Woods 200
Model of an Amp from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Amp
Electric balls that shock the player character upon contact. Snake Block Tower Ludwig's Clockwork Castle 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
Big Amp.
Big Amp
Larger variants of Amps. Snake Block Tower 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
BooNSMBU.png
Boo
Ghosts that follow the player character when their back is turned, but hide their face when they look at them. Groups of Boos occur floating in circles in some levels. Haunted Shipwreck Spinning Spirit House 200
BooNSMBU sprite.png
Big Boo
Bigger variants of Boos that have the same behavior. Swaying Ghost House Spinning Spirit House 200
Model of a Broozer from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Broozer
A walking, boxing Boo. Can break Stone Blocks and other blocks that are normally indestructible. the player character can defeat one by jumping on it three times, or hitting them with a fireball. Which-Way Labyrinth Spinning Spirit House 200
Model of a Scaredy Rat from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Scaredy Rat
An enemy that walks around in a group. When one of the rats is jumped on, the rest panic and run around. Which-Way Labyrinth 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
Model of a Bulber from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Bulber
An enemy that illuminates a dark area and swims in a set pattern. Deepsea Ruins 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
Squared screenshot of a Jellybeam from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Jellybeam
An enemy that illuminates a dark cave. Deepsea Ruins 200 This subject does not appear in the New Super Luigi U campaign.
Squared screenshot of a Wiggler from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Wiggler
Caterpillars that move faster after being jumped on. Seesaw Bridge Wiggler Stampede 200
Squared screenshot of a Big Wiggler from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Big Wiggler
Large variants of Wigglers. Wiggler Stampede X mark.svg
Model of a Magmaargh from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Magmaargh
Lava monsters that attacks by moving towards the player character in a wave-like movement. Iggy's Volcanic Castle X mark.svg
Model of a Magmaw from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Magmaw
Lava monsters that lunges at the player character and dips back into the lava. Magma-River Cruise X mark.svg
Squared screenshot of a Flame Chomp from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Flame Chomp
Black spheres that spit fireballs at the player character. They explode after they're out of fireballs. Rising Tides of Lava 200
Fuzzy in New Super Mario Bros. U
Fuzzy
Enemies that travel along tracks and hurt the player character on contact. Fuzzy Clifftop A Quick Dip in the Sky 200
Model of a Fuzzy from New Super Mario Bros. U. This model is shared with Big Fuzzies.
Big Fuzzy
Large variants of Fuzzies. Spine-Tingling Spine Coaster 200
Squared screenshot of a Chain Chomp from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Chain Chomp
Enemies tied to posts that lunge at the player character. If the player character ground pounds their post, they are set free. Waddlewing's Nest 200
BobombNSMBU.png
Bob-omb
Bombs that ignite if they are jumped on or have a fireball thrown at them, then explode shortly after. Light Blocks, Dark Tower The Final Battle 200
ParabombNSMBU.png
Parabomb
Parachuting Bob-ombs that are sometimes shot out of cannons. Red-Hot Elevator Ride 200
FooNSMBU.png
Foo
An enemy that creates fog in order to obscure the player's view. Snaking above Mist Valley 200

Obstacles

Name Description Levels
First Last
Squared screenshot of ash from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Ash
Ash enshrouds the left of the screen in Magma-River Cruise. Contact makes the player character lose a life Magma-River Cruise
Model of a Banzai Bill Cannon from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Banzai Bill Cannon
Bill Blasters that shoot Banzai Bills. Scaling the Mountainside
Model of a Bill Blaster from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Bill Blaster
Cannons that shoot Bullet Bills. Scaling the Mountainside Switchback Hill
Multi Bill Blaster NSMBU Sprite.png
Bill Blaster Turret
Stacks of Bill Blasters that rotate and shoot Bullet Bills. Switchback Hill
Model of a Bowser Stunner from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Bowser Stunner
An electric statue that resembles Bowser's head and carries electrical currents. Red-Hot Elevator Ride
Squared screenshot of a Bowser's Flame from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Bowser's Flame
Fireballs spewed by Bowser. The appear traveling on-screen in the narrow hallway leading to the Koopa King, before he is within frame. The Final Battle
A meteor from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Bowser's Flame (big)
Balls of fire that fall slowly and break upon hitting either the ground or a block. The player character can reduce their size if they toss ice balls at them. Meteor Moat The Final Battle
Squared screenshot of a Burner from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Burner
Constant streams of fire that rotate and are found on airships. Larry's Torpedo Castle Boarding the Airship
Squared screenshot of a Cannon from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Cannon
Cannons that shoot cannonballs. The Mighty Cannonship
Squared screenshot of a current from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Current
Downward currents that pull the player character into an abyss, costing them a life. Tropical Refresher
A Fire Bar in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Fire Bar
A series of fireballs that rotate infinitely, either clockwise or counterclockwise. Screwtop Tower Slide Lift Tower
GhostQuestionBlock.png
Ghost Block
A ? Block that floats and charges at the player character, breaking if it hits a floor or a platform. Haunted Shipwreck Spinning Spirit House
Giant Cannon from NSMBU
Giant cannon
Horizontal, pipe-sized cannons shoot giant cannonballs. The Mighty Cannonship
Huge Fire Bar from New Super Mario Bros. U
Huge Fire Bar
A larger version of the Fire Bar. Slide Lift Tower Fire Bar Cliffs
Huge Icicle from New Super Mario Bros. U/DX
Huge Icicle
Large icicles that fall and act as platforms. Icicle Caverns
Icicle NSMBU
Icicle
Icicles that fall when the player character gets close underneath. Freezing-Rain Tower Wendy's Shifting Castle
New Super Mario Bros. U
Lava
Pools of molten rock that cause the player character to instantly lose a life upon contact. In Rising Tides of Lava, the lava rises and falls like the tide. Lemmy's Swingback Castle The Final Battle
A Lava Geyser in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Lava Geyser
Pillar of lava that rises up from pools. Meteor Moat
New Super Mario Bros. U
Lava swell
Lava that moves up in waves. Iggy's Volcanic Castle
Mecha Hand from New Super Mario Bros. U
Mecha Hand
A large mechanical hand modeled after Bowser's own hand that attempts to crush the player characters while they are on board. Bowser Jr. also uses the Mecha Hand in The Mighty Cannonship after the player character defeats him here. Boarding the Airship
NSMBU Morton's Compactor Castle Screenshot.jpg
Moving rock
Stones that move in set patterns and come in various sizes. They can either help or hinder the player character. Morton's Compactor Castle
Squared screenshot of a moving torch from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Moving torch
Cannon-like Burners that pivot back and forth. Boarding the Airship
New Super Mario Bros. U
Poison Bog
A liquid hazard that causes the player character to instantly lose a life. Bridge over Poisoned Waters Spinning Platforms of Doom
NSMBU E3 Perilous Pokey Cave.png
Quicksand
Sand that sinks the player character. Stone-Eye Zone Blooming Lakitus
Squared screenshot of a Skewer from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Skewer
Spiked columns that extend out of walls and retract at regular intervals. Both vertical and horizontal Skewers appear. Giant Skewer Tower
FireFleeingMario.png
Spikes
Beds of spikes appear in two Special Challenges. Touching them knocks out the player character. Fire, Bro! Seriously! Fire, Bro!
Squared screenshot of a Spinner from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Spinner
A large, undefeatable spiked ball on a chain. Some of the ones in Pendulum Castle are large. Snake Block Tower Pendulum Castle
A Torpedo Base launching a Targeting Ted
Torpedo Base
Red torpedo tubes that fire Targeting Teds. The Mighty Cannonship
A torpedo tube with extended hand New Super Mario Bros. U.
Torpedo tube
An indestructible box that releases Torpedo Teds. Larry's Torpedo Castle The Mighty Cannonship

Bosses

Name Description Levels
First Last
Tower bosses
Model of Boom Boom from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Boom Boom
The most recurring tower boss. He does not change in the first battle, especially on Crushing-Cogs Tower in Acorn Plains. However, following his first defeat, the Magikoopa gives him special abilities. In Stoneslide Tower from Layer-Cake Desert, Magikoopa will grant him the ability to spin jump. In Giant Skewer Tower from Sparkling Waters and Freezing-Rain Tower from Frosted Glacier, the Magikoopa will grant him the ability to jump, similar to Super Mario Bros. 3. In Snake Block Tower from Soda Jungle, Magikoopa will make him larger. In Grinding-Stone Tower from Rock-Candy Mines, Magikoopa will transform his arms into wings, similar to Super Mario Bros. 3. Crushing-Cogs Tower Grinding-Stone Tower
Boss Sumo Bro.
Boss Sumo Bro
Boss Sumo Bro was a regular Sumo Bro until the Magikoopa made him grow in size. He is normally immune to attacks from the top due to the spike on his head, but he will jump between platforms which the player can hit from the bottom. Knocking him off a platform makes him vulnerable to jump attacks. He is fought on Screwtop Tower. Screwtop Tower
Kamek artwork
Magikoopa
Magikoopa is fought on Slide Lift Tower and teleports most of the time when Mario gets too close. However, when he stops to attack Mario, he is left vulnerable to Mario's jumping. He also casts spells on Boom Boom, Boss Sumo Bro, and Bowser granting them extra power before their battles, such as causing them to grow in size. Slide Lift Tower
The Koopalings
Lemmy Koopa NSMBU.png
Lemmy
Lemmy Koopa is fought on Lemmy's Swingback Castle in Acorn Plains and attempts to throw bombs at Mario. Lemmy's Swingback Castle
MortonNSMBU.png
Morton
Morton Koopa Jr. is fought on Morton's Compactor Castle in Layer-Cake Desert and uses a large hammer that is apparently filled with magic to knock Big Pokey segments in the player character's way after shaking the ground by stomping on it. He can knock Pokey segments straight at the player or knock them in high arcs. Morton's Compactor Castle
Larry Koopa
Larry
Larry Koopa is fought on Larry's Torpedo Castle in Sparkling Waters and blasts fireballs and use water blasts from the pool below the arena. When Larry is spinning in his shell, the Water Geysers give his shell a boost upwards, making it a bit tricky to avoid. After two stomps, Larry begins to cast two fireballs in quick succession. Larry's Torpedo Castle
NSMBU Wendy Koopa Artwork.png
Wendy
Wendy O. Koopa is fought on Wendy's Shifting Castle in Frosted Glacier and skates around the arena, shooting out two energy rings that ricochet off of walls and can knock down the Icicles at the ceiling of the airship. She also spin jumps from walls. After she is jumped on twice, she will shoot out three rings instead. Wendy's Shifting Castle
NSMBU Iggy Artwork.png
Iggy
Iggy Koopa is fought on Iggy's Volcanic Castle in Soda Jungle and uses the four warp pipes to run around the room and on the ceiling to make it trickier for the player to stomp on him as he uses his Magic Wand to shoot three fireballs, with some being his usual green flame, and the other being red skeleton orbs that generate Magmaarghs when they land into the lava below. When Iggy is stomped on, he will dash around the room in his shell using the pipes on the walls, which will switch him to the other side of the room. Unlike the other Koopalings where they spin in their shells and change directions at the edges or walls of the room, Iggy can actually change directions anywhere around the room during his duration in his shell. Iggy's Volcanic Castle
NSMBU Roy Artwork.png
Roy
Roy Koopa is fought on Roy's Conveyor Castle in Rock-Candy Mines and shoots Bullet Bills with his cannon and jump between platforms that move around during the fight. Occasionally, he shoots Missile Bills. He can also jump high in the air and ground pound the floor or platform, which makes him fire Bullet Bills on both sides of his blaster. The ground pound can also make the floating platforms appear after he comes out of his shell. Roy's Conveyor Castle
LudwigNSMBU.png
Ludwig
Ludwig von Koopa is fought on Ludwig's Clockwork Castle in Meringue Clouds and levitates in the air while making two clones of himself, and all three Ludwigs will blast fireballs at Mario before dropping onto the ground. If one of the clones is jumped on, it will simply disappear. There are four ways to find out which is the real one. The one that is the real one fires three fireballs, while the clones fire two. The clones keep their eyes half-open, and tend to assume the real Ludwig's pre-battle idle pose while not levitating. The real Ludwig will also drop to the ground last, after the clones, as well as laugh while dropping. Finally, Mario always looks at the real Ludwig if he can see him directly, just as he does with the other bosses. When the fight starts off, after shooting their fireballs, the clones disappear before landing. After the first stomp, the clones do not disappear. After the second stomp, not only do all three Ludwigs shoot faster, but swap positions, though the real Ludwig still shoots three fireballs. Ludwig's Clockwork Castle
Other bosses
Bowser Jr.
Bowser Jr.
Bowser Jr. is fought on airships. In Soda Jungle's The Mighty Cannonship, Bowser Jr. uses his Junior Clown Car as a submarine underwater, in which the player must guide the Targeting Teds that Bowser Jr. shoots into his submarine. With every hit, he summons three Torpedo Teds from the left and right or from the ceiling and the floor. In Meringue Clouds' Boarding the Airship, Bowser Jr.'s boss battle involves him in his Clown Car equipped with boxing gloves, which he uses to destroy the blocks the player is standing on. Bowser Jr. periodically throws Bob-ombs, which the player can use against him. However, in Peach's Castle's The Final Battle, he cannot be defeated. The Mighty Cannonship The Final Battle
Artwork of Bowser in New Super Mario Bros. U
Bowser
Bowser is fought in The Final Battle in Peach's Castle. The first part of his battle is similar to Super Mario Bros., where the player has to get to the other side and press the switch; alternatively, shooting several fireballs also works. This causes the axe to fall and make the bridge collapse, making Bowser fall. The gate then opens and Mario moves on. When Mario reaches the top of the castle, Peach is being held up in the tower. After this, Bowser Jr. shows up in his Junior Clown Car, and Bowser hops on top of the castle while he is huge. Bowser Jr. also fights the player. In order to defeat them, the player must jump on Bowser Jr., causing him to fall out of his Junior Clown Car. This allows the player to jump in and hover over Bowser to harm him. Like the Koopalings, he curls into his shell and spins around when hit. He is defeated after being hit three times by the Clown Car. The Final Battle

Items and objects

Items

These are collectibles, pickups, and health-restoring objects.

Name Description
Artwork of a coin in New Super Mario Bros. U
Coins
Collecting 100 of these gives the player an extra life.
Sprite of a Hidden Coin from New Super Mario Bros. U. It saw subsequent use in New Super Luigi U.
Hidden Coins
An outline of a coin that becomes a coin if Mario goes through it. These coins are very common in Coin Battle.
Model of a Red Coin from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Red Coins
Collecting all eight Red Coins that appear after passing through a Red Ring gives a Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, or 1-Up Mushroom, depending on what power-up the player is currently using.
Model of a Blue Coin from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Blue Coins
These coins are just like normal coins, but they appear by hitting a P Switch.
Model of Green Coins from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Green Coins
Collecting all five groups of Green Coins that appear after passing through a Green Ring gives a Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, or 1-Up Mushroom, depending on what power-up the player is currently using.
Artwork of a Star Coin in New Super Mario Bros. U
Star Coins
Three of these are located in every course in hard-to-reach or hidden areas.
1-Up Mushroom
1-Up Mushrooms
Gives the player an extra life.
Model of a 3-Up Moon from New Super Mario Bros. U.
3-Up Moons
Gives the player three extra lives. Only appears in Boost Mode.
Green Shell
Koopa Shells
Koopa Troopas temporarily retreat into their shells when stomped, which can then be kicked, picked up, or thrown. They bounce off of opposing walls and can damage the player character character on the rebound, but they can be stopped with a well-timed jump or fireballs. The giant shells of Big Koopa Troopas can also be sent sliding by jumping on them, but are too large to hold.
Squared screenshot of a Buzzy Shell from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Buzzy Shells
These work like Koopa Shells, but they are impervious to fire. Fireballs cannot stop them.
Model of a Barrel from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Barrels
An item that the player can pick up and throw at enemies to defeat them and at coins to collect them. Broozers can also throw them. Another player who touches a barrel while it rolls will take damage.
A POW Block
POW Blocks
A block that causes a large tremor on the ground when thrown.
Squared screenshot of a ice block from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Ice blocks
A block that is created by an enemy that was frozen with an ice ball. This block can be picked up and thrown like a barrel.
Model of a Trampoline from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Trampolines
A spring that lets the player jump high into the air. It can be picked up and carried around.
Yoshi egg
Yoshi's Eggs
An egg that Yoshi comes out of or produces after eating five fruits, which contain power-ups. They come in two different colors: green releases the adult Yoshi.
NSMBU Yellow Yoshi Egg Artwork.png
Glowing Baby Yoshi's Eggs
This yellow eggs releases a Glowing Baby Yoshi.
Model of a fruit from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Fruits
A fruit that Yoshi eats. When Yoshi eats five fruits, he makes an egg that contains an item.
NSMBU Purple Star Artwork.png
Boost Stars
A star that appears during Boost Mode.

Power-ups

Power-up Form Description
Mario Luigi Yellow Toad
Blue Toad Mii
N/A NSMBUSmallMario.png
Small Mario
Squared screenshot of Small Luigi from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Small
Luigi
Squared screenshot of Small Yellow Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Small Yellow Toad
The player character's weakest form. They start each life in their Small form. If they are touched by an enemy or obstacle, they lose one life.
Squared screenshot of Small Blue Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Small Blue Toad
Squared screenshot of a Small Mii from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Small
Mii
A Super Mushroom
Super Mushroom
Artwork of Mario in New Super Mario Bros. U
Super Mario
Artwork of Luigi jumping from New Super Mario Bros. U
Super
Luigi
Artwork of Yellow Toad jumping in New Super Mario Bros. U
Super Yellow Toad
Turns Mario into Super Mario.
Blue Toad jumping in New Super Mario Bros. U
Super Blue Toad
Squared screenshot of a Super Mii from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Super
Mii
Artwork of a new item from New Super Mario Bros. U
Super Acorn
Artwork of Mario from New Super Mario Bros. U
Flying Squirrel Mario
FlyingSquirrelLuigiNSMBU.png
Flying Squirrel Luigi
Flying Squirrel Yellow Toad
Flying Squirrel Yellow Toad
Turns Mario into Flying Squirrel Mario.
NSMBU Flying Squirrel Blue Toad Sprite.png
Flying Squirrel Blue Toad
Squared screenshot of a Flying Squirrel Mii from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Flying Squirrel Mii
A Fire Flower
Fire Flower
Artwork of Fire Mario in New Super Mario Bros. (also used in New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Super Mario 3D Land)[1][2]
Fire Mario
Squared screenshot of a Fire Luigi from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Fire
Luigi
Squared screenshot of Fire Yellow Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Fire Yellow Toad
Turns Mario into Fire Mario.
Squared screenshot of Fire Blue Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Fire Blue
Toad
Squared screenshot of a Fire Mii from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Fire
Mii
Ice Flower
Ice Flower
Artwork of Ice Mario in New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Ice Mario
Squared screenshot of a Ice Luigi from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Ice
Luigi
IceYellowToadNSMBU.png
Ice Yellow
Toad
Turns Mario into Ice Mario. Mario can shoot ice balls to freeze most enemies.
Squared screenshot of Ice Blue Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Ice Blue
Toad
Squared screenshot of an Ice Mii from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Ice
Mii
A Mini Mushroom
Mini Mushroom
Artwork of Mini Mario in New Super Mario Bros. U
Mini Mario
Squared screenshot of Mini Luigi from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Mini
Luigi
Squared screenshot of Mini Yellow Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Mini Yellow Toad
Turns Mario into Mini Mario.
Squared screenshot of Mini Blue Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Mini Blue
Toad
Squared screenshot of a Mini Mii from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Mini
Mii
A Propeller Mushroom
Propeller Mushroom
Artwork of Propeller Mario in New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Propeller Mario
Squared screenshot of Propeller Luigi from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Propeller
Luigi
Squared screenshot of Propeller Yellow Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Propeller Yellow Toad
Turns Mario into Propeller Mario and gives him some short flight.
Squared screenshot of Propeller Blue Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Propeller Blue Toad
Squared screenshot of a Propeller Mii from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Propeller
Mii
A Penguin Suit
Penguin Suit
Penguin Mario from Mario Kart Tour
Penguin Mario
Penguin Luigi
Penguin
Luigi
Squared screenshot of Penguin Yellow Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Penguin Yellow Toad
Turns Mario into Penguin Mario. Mario can shoot ice balls and slide on his belly, along with having an improved swimming ability.
Squared screenshot of Penguin Blue Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Penguin Blue Toad
Squared screenshot of a Penguin Mii from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Penguin
Mii
Artwork of a Super Star from New Super Mario Bros. U
Super Star
Artwork of Invincible Mario from New Super Mario Bros. Wii. It saw subsequent use in New Super Mario Bros. 2, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Super Mario 3D World.
Invincible Mario
Squared screenshot of Invincible Luigi from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Invincible
Luigi
Squared screenshot of Invincible Yellow Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Invincible Yellow Toad
Turns Mario into Invincible Mario.
Squared screenshot of Invincible Blue Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Invincible Blue Toad
Squared screenshot of an Invincible Mii from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Invincible
Mii
NSLU P-Acorn Icon.png
P-Acorn
3D render of Power Squirrel Mario
Power Squirrel Mario
NSLU P-Acorn Luigi Render.png
Power Squirrel Luigi
Squared screenshot of Power Squirrel Yellow Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Power Squirrel Yellow Toad
Turns Mario into Power Squirrel Mario.
Squared screenshot of Power Squirrel Blue Toad from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Power Squirrel Blue Toad
Squared screenshot of a Power Squirrel Mii from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Power Squirrel Mii

Objects

Objects are interactable elements of the environment that cannot be picked up or collected by Mario. For objects that primarily function as obstructions or hazards, see above.

Name Description
Blocks and containers
Artwork of a ? Block from New Super Mario Bros.
? Block
Contains a coin or item when hit. Some ? Block are 10-Coin Blocks that release up to ten coins when struck in rapid succession. Other are invisible and also become visible when struck. Emptying any ? Block turns it into an Empty Block that can be stood on like a platform.
3-Up Moon Block
3-Up Moon Block
A very rare block that contains a 3-Up Moon.
Sprite of a Mega Block in New Super Mario Bros. U
Big Block
A large Brick Block that mostly have the same properties normal-sized Brick Block. However, some Big Blocks are Coin Blocks. When these ones are emptied, the Big Block falls apart and leaves five coins behind on the ground.
Squared screenshot of a railed ? Block from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Block (railed)
? Blocks and Bricks that travel along tracks.
NSMBU Red Boost Block Artwork.png
Boost Block
Blocks that appear when touching the screen on the Wii U GamePad.
Artwork of a Brick Block in New Super Mario Bros. Wii (also used for New Super Mario Bros. 2 and New Super Mario Bros. U)
Brick Block
Breaks or contains coins when hit. Like ? Blocks, there are Brick Blocks that are 10-Coin Blocks. The player character cannot break Brick Blocks in their Small or Mini forms.
Squared screenshot of cracked blocks from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Cracked block[9]
These blocks make up the floor in the battle against Bowser Jr. A block will fall away if struck by Bowser Jr. twice, but reappear after a brief period of time.
Crate NSMBU
Crate
A wooden box Mario can break via a Ground Pound. Sometimes contains coins or power-ups.
Model of a Donut Block from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Donut Block
A platform that falls under weight if Mario stays there for too long. As Mini Mario, he is too light to make it fall; as such, it becomes safer.
A Flying ? Block in New Super Mario Bros. U
Flying ? Block
A type of ? Block that flies in a rhythmic pattern to the music of a stage. Once hit, it becomes an Empty Block.
Squared screenshot of a magical platform from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Magical platform[10] (A)
These blocks appear during the battle with the Magikoopa. When his spells strike these blocks, they turn into Donut Blocks.
Squared screenshot of a magical platform from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Magical platform (B)
Some of these airborne magical platforms contain enemies. The slam downward on the Magikoopa's command, damaging the player character if they are in their path. The platforms that contain enemies release them when they collide with the ground, freeing them onto the field.
Sprite of a Mega ? Block in New Super Mario Bros. U
Mega ? Block
Giant ? Blocks. It functions like the smaller ones and becomes a big Empty Block when emptied.
JumpBlockNSMBU.png
Note Block
A block that makes Mario jump higher when he jumps or steps on it.
Sprite of a Roulette Block from New Super Mario Bros. U
Roulette Block
A block with various items scrolling on it. Mario can hit it and release the power-up shown.
Squared screenshot of a Snake Block from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Snake Block
Green blocks that move like a snake once Mario steps on it.
Squared screenshot of a Giant Snake Block from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Snake Block (big)
A large type of Snake Block.
Sprite of a Stone Block from New Super Mario Bros. U. It saw subsequent use in New Super Luigi U.
Stone block
Block that can only be destroyed by Bob-omb explosions or some large/spiky enemies like Grrrols or Big Thwomps.
Squared screenshot of a Stretch Block from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Stretch Block
A block made up of five segments that stretches to act as a bridge in certain levels.
HintblockNSMBU.png
Super Guide Block
Appears after Mario loses five lives in a row in one stage. When this block is hit, Luigi clears the stage for Mario.
Model of a Treasure Chest from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Treasure chest
Chests award the player character a Super Star that goes into their inventory. In Enemy Courses, Nabbit steals the Star if the character does not grab it in time.
Trigger objects
Squared screenshot of a ! Switch from New Super Mario Bros. U.
! Switch
Activating the switch enables the axe to destroy the bridge, causing Bowser to fall.
Model of a ? Switch from New Super Mario Bros. U.
? Switch
Changes or adds things to an area, such as platforms, for a limited time.
A sprite of a goal ring from New Super Mario Bros. U
Goal ring
The goals in Challenge Mode, appearing in place of Goal Poles.
Green Ring
Green Ring
Makes fifteen Green Coins appear. If the player collects all five groups of green coins before they disappear, they receive either a power-up, which varies in between levels, or a 1-Up Mushroom, depending on the player's current size.
Model of a P Switch from New Super Mario Bros. U.
P Switch
Not only turns bricks into coins or vice versa, but also reveals Blue Coins.
Model of a Red Ring from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Red Ring
Makes eight Red Coins appear. If the player collects all eight coins before they disappear, they receive either a power-up, which varies in between levels, or a 1-Up Mushroom, depending on the player's current size.
Pipes
NSMBU Warp Pipe Render.png
Giant pipe
Big Piranha Plants sit in giant pipes. None of these ones are Warp Pipes.
Current NSMBU
Jet Pipe
These underwater pipes expel strong currents that push the player character.
Green Warp Pipe
Pipe
Pipes going through the ground that transport the player to new areas. In World Coin-2 and World Coin-7, a golden Warp Pipe leading to the next area appears when players have collected enough coins in an area.
Squared screenshot of a Pipe Cannon from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Pipe Cannon
Pipes that launch players to another location or a platform that they are unable to reach.
MiniWarpPipeNSMBU.png
Small pipe
Mini variants of warp pipes that can be accessed with a Mini Mushroom.
Climbable objects
Model of a Vine Block from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Beanstalk
Used to reach Coin Heavens or other secret places. They emerge from Vine Blocks, which resemble Invisible Blocks or Brick Blocks.
Squared screenshot of a hanging chain from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Hanging chain
Chains that the player character can swing back and forth on like rope swings.
Squared screenshot of a hanging vine from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Hanging vine
Hanging vines found in Spinning Platforms of Doom. They function like rope swings.
Moving Fence in New Super Mario Bros. U
Moving Fence
Chain-link fences that shift through the air. A stationary one appears in Fire Bar Cliffs.
Squared screenshot of a Pole from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Pole
Striped poles that the player can climb up and slide down after jumping onto them.
Assembled sprites of a rocky wall from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Rocky wall
Rocky walls can be climbed like rope ladders but with more horizontal breath. They are found in mountainous levels. Movement is restricted at the top of these walls, where the player character can only sidestep.
Squared screenshot of a rope ladder from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Rope ladder
A climbable object used to get on top of platforms.
Platforms
Model of a blue arrow lift from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Arrow lift
Lifts that appear turn from blue to red when activated, causing them will move in the opposite direction from where they are pointing while idle.
Bean Platform Curled NSMBU
Bean Platform
Large beans serving as platforms that periodically coil and uncoil.
Squared screenshot of a Bouncy Cloud from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Bouncy Cloud
Cloud platforms that makes the player and enemies bounces very high.
Squared screenshot of a bridge from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Bridge
A floor made up of skeleton bones. When Bowser Jr. slams down on a bridge with his Junior Clown Car, it causes brief ripples that can stun the player and enemies.
Squared screenshot of a Clockwork Block from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Clockwork Block[11]
A platform with gears that moves left and right.
Cloud Lift NSMBU
Cloud Lift
Long platforms that move to the right when initially landed on.
Model of a medium-sized Cog from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Cog
Gear-like platforms that the player must go under to pass. If they remain under one, they will be squished and lose a life.
Assembled sprite of a Conveyor Belt from New Super Mario Bros. U. It saw subsequent use in New Super Luigi U.
Conveyor Belt
Moving platforms that carry the player and, sometimes, Iron Blocks and enemies.
Squared screenshot of a Cross Lift from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Cross Lift
A lift that not only expands and contracts horizontally, but also conversely expands and contracts vertically.
Squared screenshot of a Flatbed Ferry from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Flatbed Ferry
Lifts that travel along tracks. Some tracks are self-connected or lead to a rounded end that sends the Flatbed Ferry back the way it came. Others lack an obstruction at the end, causing the lift to fall.
Squared screenshot of a floating crate from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Floating crate
These large wooden crates float in water and sink when stood on. The float back into place once jumped off of.
Floor NSMBU
Floor
Platforms that the player can bump from below to stun enemies.
Squared screenshot of a Ice Chunk from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Ice Chunk
A giant variant of an Ice Block that serves as a platform. It functions similarly to Iron Blocks, which can also crush the player.
Squared screenshot of an ice platform from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Ice platform
Columnar lifts made of ice. Some move back and forth or up and down.
Iron Block NSMBU
Iron Block
An iron box that drops on Conveyor Belts. They are indestructible and causes the player to lose a life if crushed.
Leaf Platform NSMBU
Leaf Platform
Leaves that serve as platforms appearing on giant beanstalks. When they first sprout, they appear to be green, only to turn red and brown then slowly float down after some time has passed.
Model of a Lift from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Lift
Wooden platforms that are suspended above ground. Many of them move in set paths and are of varied lengths.
Model of a Light-Up-Lift from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Light Block
A block-like platform that shines light in dark areas.
NSMBU Mole to Goal Screenshot.png
Limited Lift
A lift that the player can travel with a limited capacity of at least five enemies. It stops once the counter reaches 0.
Squared screenshot of a Limited Lift from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Limited Lift (Remote-Control)[12]
Girder-like Limited Lifts that begin to rise once a player character is on top of it. The player can tilt the lift, but stops if the counter on it reaches 0.
Squared screenshot of a Bolt Lift from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Nut
A set of nuts that are screwed onto a very long bolt that function as lifts. The player must continually jump to avoid falling.
Squared screenshot of a Paddle Platform from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Paddle Platform
A paddle wheel-like platforms made of 4 smaller platforms that moves in a wheel on tracks.
Squared screenshot of a palm tree from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Palm tree
Trees of varying heights that serve as platforms.
Squared screenshot of a Pendulum Platform from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Pendulum Platform
Chained platforms that sway from side to side indefinitely.
Squared screenshot of a Remote-Control Platform from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Remote-Control Platform
A lift that the player can tilt and move on tracks by tilting the Wii U GamePad or the Wii Remote or by alternating between pressing ZL Button and ZR Button. It reacts only when a player is standing on it.
Squared screenshot of a Rocking Platform from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Rocking Platform[13]
Wooden platforms in the air that tilt back and forth on their own.
Model of a rolling log from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Rolling log
Cylindrical wooden platforms that, when stood on, roll over. The player must run along them or jump carefully to avoid falling off until they reach their destination on a set path.
Sand Geyser NSMBU
Sand Geyser
Pillars of sand that rises up from pits at regular intervals, and can be used as platforms.
Scale Lift NSMBU
Scale Lift
Scale-like platforms that causes the one platform to rise if the player lands on the parallel one. It will fall off if they stand on it for too long.
Squared screenshot of Screwtop Lift from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Screwtop Lift
A lift with a Screwtop that the player can move in a set direction by spinning.
Squared screenshot of a Screwtop Platform from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Screwtop Platform
A platform with a Screwtop that the player can move in a set direction by spinning.
Squared screenshot of a Screwtop Shroom from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Screwtop Shroom
A Mushroom Platform that only appears in Rising Tides of Lava. When the Screwtop on it is spun on, it lowers another lift's height.
Squared screenshot of a Seesaw Log Bridge from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Seesaw Log Bridge
Solid wooden platforms that teeter to one side when a player or element stands on the opposite side.
Model of a Seesaw Shroom from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Seesaw Shroom
A mushroom platform that acts as a seesaw.
Don't. Touch. Anything. challenge from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Slide Lift
Lifts that are aligned either horizontally or vertically and move in a rectangular fashion either clockwise or counterclockwise.
Model of a Spine Coaster from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Spine Coaster
Rideable creatures made of bone used to aid Mario and company to pass through pits and pits.
Model of a Star Lift from New Super Mario Bros. U. It was subsequently used in New Super Luigi U.
Star Lift
Star-shaped platforms that spin depending on which side of them is weighed down by the player.
Stretch Shroom NSMBU
Stretch Shroom
Mushroom Platforms that contract and extend at constant intervals, pulling anything and anyone on the ends of the platforms to the center when they contract.
Stone-Eye NSMBU
Stone-Eye
Giant gray stone heads that either move in different patterns, or stay completely stationary. Stone-Eyes are sentient, indicated by their eyes that constantly stare at the player.
NSMBU Hammerswing Caverns Screenshot.jpg
Swinging Hammer
Hammer-like platforms that swing back and forth in a 180° arc.
Model of a tilting mushroom from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Tilting mushroom
Mushroom Platforms that tilt back and forth on their own.
Turning Floor NSMBU
Turning Floor
Continually moving objects that turn clockwise or counterclockwise, moving anything on them.
Water Ball NSMBU
Water Ball
A huge mass of water that floats in the air. Acts as if Mario and co. are in water.
NSMBU Water Geyser Artwork.png
Water Geyser
Pillars of water that rise from below and serve as platforms.
Top of a Wobble Rock
Wobble Rock
Rock platforms that wobble from left to right when the player stands near one of its edges.
Other objects
Squared screenshot of a boss cannon from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Boss cannon
Cannons found at the end of enemy castles. Boss cannons launch the player character to one of a nearby airship to battle one of the Koopalings.
Squared screenshot of a Checkpoint Flag from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Checkpoint Flag
A flag that acts like a checkpoint. It has Bowser's insignia, but if a player touches it, it is replaced by whichever character's symbol turned it. If that character is in their Small form, they transform into their Super form.
Model of a door from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Door
Doors bring the player character to another area. In Ghost Houses, doors are sometimes involved in puzzles. One-way boss doors occur at the end of every fortress that bring the player character to a boss battle.
Squared screenshot of a false wall from New Super Mario Bros. U.
False wall[14]
Hidden alcoves found throughout many levels. False walls often conceal blocks, pipes, or Star Coins.
Flower NSMBU
Flower
A common background object that releases a coin when spun next to.
FlagpoleNSMBU.png
Goal Pole
Flagpoles found at the end of every level. Touching one completes the level.
A Goal Pole as seen in New Super Mario Bros. U
Goal Pole (secret)
Flagpoles with red flags, found at the end of some levels. Touching one completes the level and leads to secret exits.
Squared screenshot of mist from New Super Mario Bros. U.
Mist
Dense haze that obscures the player's view and conceals objects. They can temporarily be blown away through various means, such as Spin Jumping. Enemies sometimes are concealed in mist.
Door sprite
Trick door[15]
Some of the doors found in Ghost Houses are illusions crafted by Boos. Attempting to open one makes it disappear and releases a coin.

Reception

New Super Mario Bros. U has received generally positive reviews. The game currently maintains an 84 average on Metacritic[16] and had an 84.48% on GameRankings.[17] GameXplain gave the single-player and multi-player modes 4 stars out of 5,[18] IGN gave it a score of 9.1 out of 10,[19] EGM[20] gave a score of 9/10, Joystiq gave it 4.5 stars out of 5,[21] Polygon[22] and Destructoid[23] gave the same score of 8.5/10, VentureBeat[24] gave it a score of 83/100 (83%), Games Radar gave it 4 stars out of 5,[25] and Gamespot gave a score of 8.5.[26]

The game has been praised for its balanced gameplay and challenge mode, with IGN's Rich George describing it as "the best thing to come to Mario's world since 3D", while criticizing it as not pushing the Wii U's visuals and audio potential. He also stated, "though it doesn't necessarily redefine Nintendo's iconic hero, it still manages to capture the sense of carefree adventure that many of us felt as kids." He also criticized the game's "weak graphics and audio, plus the return of the irritating chaotic, bouncy multiplayer mode." He praised the progressing difficulty in the game and the additional difficulty of Challenge Mode.

Reviews
Reviewer, Publication Score Comment
Jim Sterling, Destructoid 8.5/10 "New Super Mario Bros. U is a great little platformer that kicks off the Wii U launch with a bang. Players know exactly what they're getting with this one -- an entertaining and incomplex bit of gaming that provides challenge and smirks in equal measure. While certainly a "safe" game to launch with, it is by no means unremarkable, and the only people who would fail to have fun are those with a fundamental aversion to Mario or platformers in general. Literally everybody else would find it incredibly difficult to dislike this one ... even if some of those latter stages will make them temporarily despise it. Because nobody likes lava levels. Nobody."
Christian Donlan, Eurogamer 9/10 "Is the plumber's Wii U debut as good as his recent 3D outings? Not quite, but for the New Super Mario Bros. series, it's a real step forward in detailing, imagination and character. There's always been a keen Mario brain working away inside these 2D design exercises. Now, it feels like there's a proper soul to go along with it."
Richard George, IGN 9.1/10 "It's difficult to find freshness or brilliance in a 2D landscape. Mario's world is now three decades old. That would seem to suggest new territory is scarce, and in some ways the formulaic New Mario series had come to reinforce that fear. But New Super Mario Bros. U demonstrates there's not just life left in this type of game, but that it can be modern and nostalgic at the same time. Nintendo's approach here strikes a great balance in all areas, ranging from its difficulty to design to enemies and bosses. And for everything the basic Story Mode does right – and that's a considerable amount – the Challenge Mode will be remembered as a key moment in the life of the New Mario series, where Nintendo realized it didn’t have to sacrifice the core gamer’s experience at the expense of a more casual audience. This is how Mario can and will appeal to everyone."
Aggregators
Compiler Platform / Score
Metacritic 84
GameRankings 84.48%

Sales

As of March 31, 2014, New Super Mario Bros. U is the 3rd best-selling game for the Wii U, having sold about 4.16 million copies worldwide. As of September 30, 2021, it had sold 5.82 million copies worldwide.[27]

Updates

1.1.0

Release date: November 18, 2012

Released at launch, the first update adds the game's Miiverse functionality.

1.2.0

Release date: March 15, 2013[28]

The second update causes any Miiverse posts made in-game to be posted to a separate "Game Posts" community rather than the standard community.

1.3.0

Release date: June 20, 2013[29]

The third game update adds the ability for the game to receive the New Super Luigi U downloadable content and puts a prompt in-game to go to the Nintendo eShop to download it. The update also adds support for the Wii U Pro Controller.

New Super Luigi U

Final North American box art for New Super Luigi U
New Super Luigi U retail box art.
Main article: New Super Luigi U

In July 2013, as part of the Year of Luigi celebration, a large-scale expansion pack titled New Super Luigi U was released as downloadable content for New Super Mario Bros. U on the Nintendo eShop, and was later released as a standalone title at retail. The pack contains 82 new courses in place of the original ones, featuring Luigi as the main character in the place of Mario, who does not appear at all within the game.

The game features the same multiplayer, with the option of playing as Yellow Toad, Blue Toad, or Nabbit (who cannot power-up like the other characters, but is impervious to enemy damage). The game features similar physics to that of Luigi's style of gameplay in Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, in that the characters run faster and jump higher, but stop slower. The levels have also been designed to be more challenging, with each one being shorter and featuring a 100 second time limit.

The Mario & Luigi Deluxe Set Wii U bundle released in November 2013 includes with it both games put onto one disc, titled New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U. In addition to being a compilation of both games, this release includes several bonus videos.

With the discontinuation of digital purchases for Wii U in March 2023, it is no longer possible to buy New Super Luigi U as DLC for New Super Mario Bros. U, though it can still be downloaded by those who purchased it when it was available.

Development

As stated above, New Super Mario Bros. U was based upon the New Super Mario Bros. Mii Wii U experience demo shown off at E3 2011.[30] A translation of a Spanish online magazine revealed that the new title was in development and would be revealed at E3 2012,[31] with the game fully revealed to be New Super Mario Bros. U during the E3 trailer.[32]

New Super Mario Bros. U began development soon after the completion of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, using pre-existing elements from the Wii game, as development equipment for the Wii U did not exist at the time.[33] The game's singular, interconnected world map was inspired by the one seen in Super Mario World; Masataka Takemoto desired to take the map from that game and use the Wii U in order to recreate and expand upon the concept.[34] The map being seamless also had a role in Miiverse integration, as with the setup of the map it was possible to display comments across each of the levels.[35] The concept of drop-in play with one player on the Gamepad placing blocks was brought up early in development. When the Wii U Gamepad was brought up during development, the team began to conceptualize ways to use it, talking specifically about the drop-in play. Wanting to make a feature with "controls that you can understand right away with no explanation," the concept of using the GamePad to place blocks the other players can jump on went through.[33]

Challenge Mode was based upon the idea of setting a self-challenge in the previous games, as well as the challenge site for New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Because of ideas like this, the developers decided to put the Challenge Mode into the game from the beginning. The challenges were created with all types of skill levels in mind.[36]

Boost Rush Mode was based on the Free-for-All Mode featured in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, in that they wanted a similar mode for playing the main game stages in short bursts. The developers tried connecting courses together and playing them through, but found it uneventful; they then added the concept of collecting coins resulting in the screen scrolling faster, and found it to fit a Super Mario-style of gameplay.[34]

Pre-release and unused content

Miis, playing in New Super Mario Bros. U.
Four Miis in Acorn Plains-1.
Main article: List of New Super Mario Bros. U pre-release and unused content

Miis were originally going to be playable in the game's Story Mode. In the final game, Mii playability is restricted to the bonus modes. Additionally, Boost Mode was also originally titled "Assist Play". The Acorn Plains map as seen in the E3 showcase for the game is also very different from the version seen in final game.

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:New Super Mario Bros. U.

Media

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of New Super Mario Bros. U media.
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

Glitches

Main article: List of New Super Mario Bros. U / New Super Luigi U glitches

By entering a Warp Pipe or door in any stage exactly when the timer hits zero, the player does not die, and they can explore the level indefinitely.

Staff

Main article: List of New Super Mario Bros. U staff

New Super Mario Bros. U was produced by Takashi Tezuka and Hiroyuki Kimura, with Masataka Takemoto as the director and Tsutomu Kaneshige and Shinichi Ikeamtsu as the general coordinators. Satoru Iwata was the executive producer, with the general producer being Shigeru Miyamoto. Masanobu Sato was the lead designer, and Shiro Mouri was the programming director. The music was composed by Shiho Fujii and Mahito Yokota, with Koji Kondo as sound adviser.

References to other games

References in later games

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese Newニュー スーパーマリオブラザーズ U[6]
Nyū Sūpā Mario Burazāzu Yū
New Super Mario Bros. U
Chinese (simplified) New 超级马力欧兄弟 U[37]
New Chāojí Mǎlì'ōu Xiōngdì U
New Super Mario Bros. U
Chinese (traditional) New 超級瑪利歐兄弟U[37]
New Chāojí Mǎlì'ōu Xiōngdì U
New Super Mario Bros. U
Korean 뉴 슈퍼 마리오브라더스 U[?]
Nyu Syupeo Mariobeuradeoseu Yu
New Super Mario Bros. U; as named in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Trivia

References

  1. ^ New Super Mario Bros. U – Game Info. Nintendo of America (American English). Archived September 16, 2012, 23:36:46 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  2. ^ Nintendo.com.au
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External links