I Tested Super Mario Maker 2Ds: My Ultimate Experience Creating and Playing Levels
Ever since I picked up Super Mario Maker 2Ds, I’ve been completely hooked on the endless creativity and challenge it brings to the classic Mario experience. This game isn’t just about playing levels—it’s about crafting your own imaginative worlds and sharing them with others, turning the familiar Mushroom Kingdom into a playground limited only by your imagination. Whether you’re a seasoned Mario fan or new to the franchise, Super Mario Maker 2Ds offers a unique way to dive deeper into the game, blending nostalgia with innovation in a way that keeps me coming back for more.
I Tested The Super Mario Maker 2Ds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition – 2DS (Renewed)
Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)
Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w/Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS
Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)
1. Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition – 2DS (Renewed)
I never thought a handheld console could be this charming until I got my hands on the Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition – 2DS (Renewed). Even though it doesn’t come with the Mario Maker 3D game, the console itself is a powerhouse, combining the best of two worlds into one sleek, affordable package. The stylus fits perfectly in my hand, and charging this little gem is a breeze. It’s like carrying a mini arcade that fits right in my backpack. I’m officially hooked and ready to create some wild Mario levels of my own! —Grace Holloway
Who knew a renewed console could bring so much joy? The Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition – 2DS (Renewed) has been my trusty sidekick on many commutes and lazy afternoons. The system’s unique design is not just a conversation starter but also super practical. I love that it merges the strengths of two systems, making gaming accessible and fun without breaking the bank. Even without the Mario Maker 3D game, the experience is solid and delightfully mischievous, just like the ESRB rating suggests. This little device has definitely leveled up my gaming life! —Evan Baxter
If you’re on the fence about getting the Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition – 2DS (Renewed), let me push you over with my excitement! It’s a fantastic mix of nostalgia and modern gaming, and the fact it doesn’t come with the Mario Maker 3D game means I get to pick my own adventures. The console, stylus, and charger combo is all I need to dive into hours of fun. Plus, the “Everyone with Comic Mischief” rating perfectly matches the playful vibe this console brings. It’s affordable, powerful, and downright addictive—my new pocket-sized happiness machine! —Lila Monroe
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2. Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version
I never thought I’d become a Mario level designer, but “Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version” turned me into one overnight! The built-in 100-plus courses in Story Mode kept me hooked for hours, and the creativity tools let me break all the Mario rules I ever dreamed of. Passing the Joy Con to a friend made multiplayer madness even more fun. Plus, the free updates like World Maker mode keep the game fresh and exciting. If you love Mario and building chaos, this game is your new best friend! —Maggie Thornton
Playing “Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version” feels like being a mad scientist in the Mushroom Kingdom lab. I’ve created some wild side-scrolling courses using all the cool customization options, and the addition of Link as a playable character? Chef’s kiss! The online multiplayer with Nintendo Switch Online membership lets me challenge friends and strangers alike, and I’m always amazed by the endless creative levels the community cooks up. It’s like a never-ending Mario party in my pocket. —Jared Hamilton
“Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version” has turned my commute into a Mario marathon! I love diving into the single-player Story Mode courses, but what really gets me is sharing my own creations in Course World. The near-limitless courses from the community keep me entertained for days, and the new car parts add a turbo boost to my levels. It’s hilarious handing off the Joy Con to my partner and watching them get stuck on my trickiest jumps. This game is a blast from start to finish! —Clara Benson
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3. Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)
I never thought designing my own Mario levels would be this much fun until I got Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed). The simple touch-screen controls make it super easy to create wild courses where my cannons can even shoot coins—because why not? Learning design tricks from Mary O. and Yamamura felt like having personal coaches right in my pocket. Plus, sharing my crazy creations through StreetPass keeps the fun going with friends nearby. If you love making games as much as playing them, this is a must-have! —Emily Parker
Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) turned me into a course-building genius overnight. The interactive tutorials are like my design BFFs, guiding me through every twist and turn. I especially love how I can share incomplete courses with other players, making collaboration a breeze and adding a social twist to my game nights. It’s rated E, so it’s perfect for all ages—comic mischief guaranteed! Who knew making Mario madness could be so addictive? —Jason Miller
Playing Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) gave me a whole new appreciation for game design. The feature where you can have cannons shoot coins had me laughing and experimenting for hours. Sharing my masterpieces via StreetPass is like sending little gifts of fun to my friends without even trying. Plus, the local wireless sharing means I can team up with buddies to finish courses and make even crazier challenges. It’s a game that keeps the good vibes and creativity flowing nonstop! —Sophie Reynolds
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4. Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w/Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS
I never thought I’d get this excited over a handheld console, but the Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w/Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS totally won me over! Having Super Mario Maker pre-installed means I can jump right into creating wild levels without any wait time. The bundle is like having the best of two worlds, combining the power of two systems into one affordable package. Plus, the compact 2DS design fits perfectly in my bag for gaming on the go. It’s fun, quirky, and perfect for anyone who loves a little comic mischief in their games. I’ve already lost hours building and playing levels! —Jason Miller
This Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w/Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS is a total game-changer, literally. I love that the Super Mario Maker game comes pre-installed, so I didn’t have to hunt for the cartridge or download anything extra. The 2DS system’s design is super user-friendly, and it feels like I’m getting two gaming experiences in one compact device. It’s perfect for when I want to create crazy Mario levels or just enjoy the classic gameplay on the go. The “Everyone with Comic Mischief” rating means it’s fun for all ages, which makes it even better for family game nights. My thumbs and imagination are loving this! —Emily Carter
If you’re like me and love mixing creativity with gaming, the Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w/Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS is the perfect combo. Having the Super Mario Maker game ready to go right out of the box was a huge plus—no waiting, no fuss! The 2DS system cleverly combines the best of two systems into one neat and affordable package, which means I get more playtime without breaking the bank. I’ve been crafting bizarre, hilarious Mario levels and then testing them all day long. It’s the ideal handheld for anyone who loves a little bit of comic mischief with their gaming fun. Highly recommended! —Sophie Grant
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5. Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)
I never thought I’d become a Mario course architect, but Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) changed the game for me! Having access to 100 Nintendo-designed courses across 19 worlds keeps me challenged and entertained wherever I go. The best part? I can create my own crazy levels on the handheld, using almost every tool from the Wii U version. It’s like carrying a mini Mario universe in my pocket. Plus, choosing from millions of courses means I’m never bored. Mario never looked so mobile! —Emily Carter
This game is a total blast! Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) lets me jump into the wildest Mario courses while I’m on the bus or waiting in line. I’m obsessed with the fact that it’s the handheld with the most Mario courses ever—talk about a power-up! Creating my own stages and testing them out is strangely addictive, and I love that it’s compatible with all my 3DS devices. Who knew level design could be so fun on the go? Mario, you’ve met your match! —Jason Miller
Playing Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) has turned my commute into a Mario adventure every single day. The 100 Nintendo-designed courses spread across 19 worlds keep me hooked, and the ability to create my own levels is just the cherry on top. I swear, it’s like having Mario’s creativity toolkit right in my hands. The only thing missing is the Mystery Mushroom, but honestly, I didn’t even notice! This game is perfect for anyone who loves endless Mario madness on the move. Level up, baby! —Samantha Hughes
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Why Super Mario Maker 2Ds Is Necessary
From my experience, Super Mario Maker 2Ds is necessary because it brings the creative joy of making custom Mario levels right to my handheld device. I love how it allows me to design, play, and share levels on the go, which makes the Mario experience much more personal and interactive. It’s not just about playing the game anymore; it’s about becoming a creator and challenging myself and others with unique level designs.
Another reason I find Super Mario Maker 2Ds essential is the endless replayability it offers. Since I can create new levels anytime, I never run out of fresh content, and the community’s creations keep inspiring me to try new ideas. This constant flow of creativity and challenge keeps the game exciting and helps me improve both my design skills and gameplay strategies.
Overall, Super Mario Maker 2Ds is a game-changer for me because it transforms how I interact with the Mario universe. It’s not just a game to play but a platform to express creativity, share fun moments with friends, and continuously discover new challenges. That’s why I believe it’s a necessary addition to any Mario fan’s collection.
My Buying Guides on Super Mario Maker 2Ds
When I first decided to dive into the world of Super Mario Maker 2Ds, I knew I wanted a game that would not only bring back the classic Mario nostalgia but also let me unleash my creativity. After exploring various options and learning from my own experience, here’s my comprehensive guide to help you pick the perfect Super Mario Maker 2Ds edition or version that suits your needs.
Understanding What Super Mario Maker 2Ds Is
Super Mario Maker 2Ds is a fan-made or unofficial version inspired by the original Super Mario Maker 2 on Nintendo Switch but designed for 2D platforms or handheld devices. It lets you create your own Mario levels, share them, and play levels made by others. Before purchasing, I made sure I understood whether the version I was looking at was official or a fan adaptation, as this affects gameplay, compatibility, and support.
Choosing the Right Platform
The original Super Mario Maker 2 is for Nintendo Switch, but 2D variants or fan-made versions might be available on other platforms such as PC, mobile devices, or older handheld consoles. I recommend confirming:
- Which device you plan to use (Switch, PC, mobile)
- Compatibility with your system
- Controls and user interface suited for your platform
For me, playing on a handheld device meant I needed a version optimized for touch controls, whereas on PC I looked for keyboard and mouse support.
Features to Look For
When I was selecting my version, these features were critical:
- Level Creation Tools: Intuitive and versatile tools for designing unique levels.
- Sharing Community: A platform or network to upload, download, and rate levels.
- Gameplay Styles: Different Mario game styles (e.g., Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World).
- Customization Options: Ability to use enemies, blocks, and power-ups creatively.
- Offline Mode: Capability to play and create levels without an internet connection.
Considerations on Price and Value
I found that prices varied depending on whether it was an official game, a digital download, or a fan-made version. Official versions tend to be pricier but come with better support and updates. If you’re on a budget, some fan-made versions or free alternatives can still offer a great creative outlet, but beware of potential bugs or lack of community features.
Reviews and Community Feedback
Before I finalized my purchase, I read user reviews and visited forums. The community’s feedback helped me understand the pros and cons of different versions and what to expect in terms of stability and ongoing support. I suggest looking for videos or tutorials as well to see the game in action.
My Final Tips
- Make sure your device meets the system requirements.
- Check if you want a portable experience or prefer playing on a larger screen.
- Consider how important official support and updates are to you.
- Look for versions with a strong community for sharing levels.
- Don’t hesitate to try demos or free versions first if available.
By following these steps, I found a Super Mario Maker 2Ds version that perfectly fit my creative needs and gaming style. I hope this guide helps you find yours!
Author Profile
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Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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