With the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario is expected to step up and deliver a new video game capable of demonstrating the new system's potential and impressing players with a 3D adventure that surpasses what was seen in the previous generation with Super Mario Odyssey. However, the Japanese company remains tight-lipped on the matter, so we'll have to wait a little longer to find out what their plans are. Nevertheless, the most famous plumber in video games hasn't taken long to make his presence felt on the current system.

Following the launch of Mario Tennis Fever, Nintendo does not want one of its flagship franchises to lose momentum during a very special period, as the Super Mario Galaxy film is approaching its cinema release. For this reason, the Nintendo Switch 2 is receiving a very special title that already generated a great deal of positive feedback when it launched on the original Nintendo Switch: Super Mario Bros. Wonder. And, unlike what usually happens with some titles that are re-released on new systems, the Kyoto-based company has chosen to add enough content to give all players a compelling reason to return to this psychedelic adventure.

This comes in the form of Bellabel Park, a sort of amusement park that lets you enjoy a multitude of experiences in co-operative and competitive multiplayer, allowing you to share the game's thrills with friends. It's similar to what Mario Party offers, but with Wonder's signature features to create a perfect blend that promises plenty of fun.

Super Mario continues to demonstrate great graphical and gameplay potential

The transition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder to the new Nintendo Switch 2 architecture is not merely a cosmetic upgrade. While the original game was already a visual masterpiece on the previous console, this complete version takes full advantage of the upgraded hardware to deliver a visual experience that borders on technical perfection. The game now runs at a native 4K resolution in docked mode, allowing every detail of the animations — from Mario's facial expressions when transforming into an elephant to the subtle movements of the backgrounds — to shine with astonishing clarity. But where the new console's power really shows is in the handling of Wonder Effects.

These effects, which alter the reality of each level in unpredictable ways, now feature enhanced particle effects and global illumination that make the experience far more immersive. The dynamic shadows and reflections on the liquid surfaces of the Flower Kingdom react realistically to the constant changes in the environment, creating a 'playable cartoon' feel that surpasses anything previously seen in the 2D platformer genre. What's more, the frame rate remains rock-solid, ensuring that controls are more precise than ever — something vital when the stage decides to start singing or tilting chaotically.

This technical upgrade also serves as a bridge for those eagerly awaiting the Super Mario Galaxy film. Nintendo has included subtle visual and audio nods that connect both universes, taking advantage of the increased storage capacity of the new cartridges to include previously unseen cutscenes and a remastered orchestral soundtrack. It's not just the same game with better textures, but a full-blown statement of intent about how Nintendo approaches colour and visual joy in the new generation, proving that raw realism isn't needed to impress — just impeccable art direction backed by hardware that's up to the task.

Bellabel Park: the multiplayer revolution in platform games

The major new addition that fully justifies this edition is Bellabel Park. This new game mode moves away from the linear structure of traditional levels to offer an interactive hub where up to eight players can gather simultaneously. Drawing direct inspiration from the mini-game structure of Mario Party, Bellabel Park uses the mechanics of the Wonder Flowers to create short, frantic and extremely fun challenges. Here, competition and cooperation intertwine: you can take part in obstacle courses where the ground disappears to the beat of the music, or face off against your friends in arenas where the goal is to collect the most coins while all the characters have been transformed into Goombas.

The most fascinating aspect of this mode is how it uses the power-ups from the base game (the Elephant Apple, the Bubble Flower or the Drill Mushroom) in competitive contexts. Imagine a game of capture the flag where an elephant player must defend a position while three other players use bubbles to try and lift them out of the zone. Bellabel Park also features a shared progression system, where medals earned in these minigames unlock new panels, exclusive badges and costumes for the characters that can then be used in the main adventure.

Furthermore, Nintendo has implemented an online mode that takes advantage of the improved network infrastructure of the Nintendo Switch 2. Matches in Bellabel Park feature minimal latency, allowing the collective madness to be enjoyed without lag, even when the screen is filled with visual effects and simultaneous transformations. It's the perfect option for afternoons spent gaming with family or friends, offering enough variety to extend the game's lifespan indefinitely. With this addition, Super Mario Bros. Wonder goes from being a superb platforming adventure to the definitive social title of the console's early months.