New Super Mario Bros. : le grand retour de la 2D

New Super Mario Bros.: The Grand Return of 2D

1390 mots | Temps de lecture : 6 minute(s)

New Super Mario Bros. — same title in French and English — is the platform game released in 2006 on Nintendo DS that revived the 2D side-scrolling Mario after about fifteen years of absence. Not to be confused with its sequels on Wii, 3DS, or Wii U: this one is indeed the original, the one that started it all.

Having become the best-selling game on the entire Nintendo DS, it is among the best-selling video games in history and spawned a whole sub-series. Let's look back at the plumber's big comeback.

Summary

The game that resurrected 2D side-scrolling Mario

Before 2006, the last true original 2D side-scrolling Super Mario platform game in the main series dated back to Super Mario World (1990). For about fifteen years, Nintendo had transitioned its mascot to 3D with Super Mario 64 and then Super Mario Sunshine, leaving the horizontal format dormant (excluding re-releases).

With this installment, Nintendo reconnected with classic horizontal scrolling: running to the right, jumping on Goombas, breaking blocks, and aiming for the end-level flag. The word "New" in the title clearly announced the intention to modernize the original formula with 2.5D graphics — 3D-modeled characters on scrolling backgrounds.

The result was immediately appealing, with the DS and its two screens serving as an ideal setting for a Mario that was both nostalgic and new. It was this game, and not its sequels, that reopened the way for 2D platforming.

Release dates and commercial success

New Super Mario Bros. was first released in North America on May 15, 2006, then in Japan on May 25, 2006, before arriving in Europe on June 30, 2006. The game was developed and published by Nintendo.

In terms of sales, the figures are dizzying, with approximately 30.8 million copies sold, making it the best-selling game on the entire Nintendo DS — a console that was already very successful.

This score places it among the best-selling video games of all time, across all platforms. For Nintendo, it was proof that the public still craved 2D Mario, a signal that would dictate the strategy for the following years.

Mega Mushroom, Mini Mushroom, and Blue Shell

Beyond the classics like the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Star, the game introduced new power-ups that would become iconic:

  • The Mega Mushroom transforms Mario into a giant capable of destroying everything in his path — enemies, blocks, pipes, and even the end-level flag.
  • The Mini Mushroom shrinks Mario to a tiny size: he can squeeze into secret passages, jump higher, and even run on water.
  • The portable Blue Koopa Shell allows Mario to retract into his shell and slide like a shell to sweep away enemies.

These three innovations brought a breath of fresh air mechanically and perfectly exploited levels full of secrets, with several hidden exits only opening with the right power-up in hand.

Bowser Jr., Dry Bowser, and the rescue of Peach

The story starts strong: Bowser Jr. takes advantage of an attack on the castle to kidnap Princess Peach. Mario immediately sets off in pursuit across eight worlds.

The first confrontation against Bowser holds a surprise: thrown into lava, the King of the Koopas sees his flesh consumed and rises as Dry Bowser, a skeletal frame as menacing as the original.

For the ultimate battle, Bowser Jr. resurrects his father by reassembling his bones, offering a final duel against a restored Bowser. A simple but incredibly effective scenario, true to the spirit of the series.

Mario vs. Luigi and the touch-screen mini-games

New Super Mario Bros. is not limited to the single-player adventure. Its competitive multiplayer mode "Mario vs. Luigi" pits two players against each other to collect as many Big Stars as possible on dedicated stages.

The game also inherited the Super Mario 64 DS touch-screen mini-games, graphically revamped and supplemented with new challenges that utilize the console's touch screen. Enough to extend the experience long after the main mode is finished.

Finally, the adventure revolves around eight worlds, a peculiarity, as it is the only "New" installment not to have nine. Each world hides alternative exits and Star Coins to find.

The launch of the entire 'New' sub-series

The triumph of 2006 had offspring. This game officially launched an entire sub-series, continued by New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009), New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS, 2012), and New Super Mario Bros. U (Wii U, 2012).

Each sequel adopted the recipe — 2.5D, inventive power-ups, and multiplayer — adding simultaneous multiplayer. But it all started with the DS installment, the true foundation stone.

A word on the lore: here, only Bowser Jr. assists his father, not the Koopalings. The identity of the mother of Bowser's children remains an unresolved mystery — Shigeru Miyamoto denied that the Koopalings are Bowser's children, and while Bowser Jr. is indeed his son, Nintendo has never revealed who his mother was. A debate that fans still engage in today.

New Super Mario Bros. in brief

Full Title New Super Mario Bros.
Console Nintendo DS
Release (North America) May 15, 2006
Release (Europe) June 30, 2006
Developer / Publisher Nintendo
Genre 2D Side-scrolling Platformer (2.5D)
Number of Worlds 8
Sales ~30.8 million (best-selling DS game)

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FAQ

  • What console was New Super Mario Bros. released on?
    On Nintendo DS, in 2006. It was released on May 15 in North America, May 25 in Japan, and June 30 in Europe. It is the original installment of the sub-series, distinct from the Wii, 3DS, and Wii U versions.
  • What are the new power-ups in the game?
    The Mega Mushroom, which makes Mario giant and destructive, and the Mini Mushroom, which makes him tiny and allows him to run on water. The portable Blue Koopa Shell also makes an appearance, alongside the classic Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Star.
  • Who kidnaps Princess Peach?
    It's Bowser Jr. who kidnaps Princess Peach at the beginning of the adventure. Mario pursues him across eight worlds. Bowser, defeated once, returns as Dry Bowser before being resurrected for the final battle.
  • How many copies of the game were sold?
    Approximately 30.8 million copies, making it the best-selling game on the entire Nintendo DS and one of the best-selling video games of all time, across all platforms.
  • Is New Super Mario Bros. on DS the same as the Wii or U versions?
    No. The 2006 Nintendo DS version is the original that relaunched 2D Mario. The Wii (2009), 2 (3DS, 2012), and U (Wii U, 2012) installments are sequels, released after it and offering simultaneous multiplayer.
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