As was speculated before today’s Nintendo Direct, the Big N announced a brand new 2D Mario platformer for its popular hybrid console. Dubbed Super Mario Wonder, the game is set for an October 20, 2023, release and will feature one of the most bizarre power-ups yet: Elephant Mario.
Having finally ditched the cut-and-paste style of the New Super Mario Bros. titles, Super Mario Wonder will employ an almost papercraft style with highly animated 2D sprites playing over richly detailed environments. While the general gameplay doesn’t reshape the mold of Mario’s past, a plethora of new power-ups will alter the way Mario and his friends progress through the stage. That’s an interesting twist, for certain.
As is to be expected with sidescrolling Mario titles now, Wonder will retain four-player co-op action with players able to choose Mario, Luigi, Toad, Yoshi, Peach, and Daisy. The way Nintendo’s marketing has it written, it suggests that extra characters may be unlockable in-game. With over more than a decade since the last 2D Mario, Nintendo has certainly upped its game when it comes to its flagship series.
Super Mario Wonder is currently available for digital pre-order on the Nintendo eShop. It will retail for $59.99 USD.
