Here’s What’s New in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Super Mario 3D World may have already released on the Wii U back in 2011, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth picking up for those who have already played it. Alongside a more noticeable new addition, Nintendo has made some refinements and introduced some new features to the game for its Nintendo Switch release on Feb. 12. So what’s new in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury? Here’s what you need to know.

Bowser’s Fury

Easily the most obvious new addition in the package is the all-new adventure, Bowser’s Fury. This title sees Mario traveling to Lake Lapcat and teaming up with Bowser Jr. to try and get his dad out of a tantrum. To do so, you’ll be collecting Cat Shines from the various islands across the lake.

It’s the kind of Mario game we’ve never really seen before. The map is sprawling and each of the levels are contained within the overworld. In other words, there are no portals and load screens here.

With each island offering its own unique spin on the classic Mario platforming and a bunch of Cat Shines up for grabs for completing various different tasks, Bowser’s Fury is a veritable treat for Nintendo Switch owners.

That being said, it is on the short side if you’re looking to just beat the final boss. Completionists should enjoy the grind out to get all of the Cat Shines, though.

Snapshot Mode

One of the more minor additions to Super Mario 3D World on the Nintendo Switch is the introduction of the Snapshot Mode. Here, players can freeze the action either mid-level or in the overworld to quickly move the camera, apply various filters and effects, and get a nice pretty picture. Think photo mode but in a Mario game.

On top of that, the Snapshot Mode also makes use of the various collectible Stamps in Super Mario 3D World. Players can add these stamps to any of their snapshots in both Super Mario 3D World and Bowser’s Fury to give it that personal touch.

Online Multiplayer

While the original Wii U version of Super Mario 3D World featured four-player local co-op, the Switch takes it one step further by introducing online multiplayer, too.

This enables players to simply create their own multiplayer room for players on their friends list to join, or for them to join a room their friends may already have set up.

You can add a password to prevent random players from your friends list from joining, and you’ll each select one of the four characters as you make your way through the various levels.

It’s worth pointing out that only Super Mario 3D World has online multiplayer. Bowser’s Fury also has co-op multiplayer, but this is limited to local couch co-op play.

Minor QoL Improvements

While Nintendo has done a solid job in porting this Wii U classic over to the Switch, there aren’t a whole lot of improvements made on the Quality of Life (QOL) front here.

One of the most noticeable changes according to the Nintendo website is the increased sprint speed, and the reduced time it takes for your character’s dash power-up to kick-in. It’s not all that noticeable, unless you’ve been playing a lot of Mario 3D World on the Wii U.

Finally, you’ve got a slight improvement to how the game runs, but again, it’s not all that noticeable. Visuals may be slightly sharper, especially when playing in docked mode, but aren’t anything all that groundbreaking. However, Bowser’s Fury looks considerably better having been built specifically for the Switch.