Summary
Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s Switch remake is bringing its unique formula to modern audiences, and there are a few changes in its new incarnation. The game looks like it will be largely faithful to the original gameplay-wise, with many aspects looking lifted from the first game. However, since it has been nearly twenty years, it’s not surprising that a few things will have been updated for the Switch port.Mario vs. Donkey Kongis a series that hasn’t been seen for many years, and the Switch port has the duty of bringing it back into relevance.
Mario vs. Donkey Kongis the latestMariospin-off to come to the Switch. More of a puzzle platformer than the traditionalMariostyle, the game sees Mario traversing various levels to find the Mini-Mario toys that have been stolen by Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong’s role as the villain calls back to their original clash in the originalDonkey Konggame, even though both characters have since been developed into the heroes of their own respective Nintendo franchises. It’s a newer take on their past dynamic, complete with a twist on the genre, and it manages to make for one of Mario’s more unique adventures.
RELATED:The Best 2D Super Mario Games, Ranked
Mario vs. Donkey Kong is Getting a Glow-Up For the Switch
Rather than if the original game had been added toNintendo Switch Online’s GBA expansion,Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s remake comes with an upgrade in presentation. The pixelated graphics that made up the original have been replaced with 3D models, as well as a new color palette. The result of this is a much more visually appealing game, with the chance to add more detail than the Game Boy Advance could have allowed. The trailer also showed a remade version of a cutscene from early in the game, but fully animated rather than a slideshow, indicating another change to the game’s presentation.
Alongside the graphics, some of the enemies have received new looks to show off inNintendo’s next big remake. The most obvious are the Ninjis, who have replaced their old pink outfits with the more modern black ones. The fire-spitting Piranha Plant enemies also got a new look, featuring more prominent teeth and a more toy-like robot design to look more fitting alongside the Mini-Marios. The rope-climbing Snapjaws additionally received a new headshape that makes them look like robotic, sharp-toothed Yoshi heads. These redesigns give the enemies new personality, while also bringing them more in line withSuper Mario Bros.' modern art style.
There is one new feature that has the potential to completely change the game, and that isMario vs. Donkey Kong’s new co-op mechanic. In the remake, a second player can jump into the game as Toad to assist Mario in completing stages. Toad has the same abilities as Mario, so both players can use the same approaches to the puzzles. Two player co-op obviously makes the game better for friends and family to play together, but it could also potentially open new strategies for beating levels. Co-op is clearlyMario vs. Donkey Kong’s most exciting addition to be revealed to date.
In reviving a spin-off,Mario vs. Donkey Kongmust not only preserve what’s good about it, but also make proper improvements. This is especially true since it will release in the wake ofnear-guaranteed successSuper Mario Bros. Wonder. In reviving its series,Mario vs. Donkey Konghas the duty of showing that its gameplay is not only still relevant, but excellent. A lot of the differences that can be seen so far are cosmetic, but more is sure to come out as the game’s release nears. As it stands,Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s revamp gives it a strong chance of surpassing the original.
Mario vs. Donkey Kongwill be released on July 21, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch.
