Summary
Super Mario Bros. Wondercould take its multiplayer capabilities to the next level by adding an upgrade to the series' formula. As a part of Nintendo’s flagship franchise,Super Mario Bros. Wonderis in a prime position to show off the best that the Switch is capable of. Not to mention, since it will be the first 2D Mario adventure in several years, there is a lot of pressure for the game to be a magnificent return to form for Nintendo’s greatest hero. WhileWonderalready looks impressive, a few tweaks could put the game over the top. Specifically, the addition of online multiplayer could make it a lot more appealing to a modern audience.
Super Mario Bros. Wonderis one of theNintendo Switch’s biggest games in development, and it’s not hard to see why. In addition to calling back to Mario’s platforming roots, there is a lot for players to get excited over. It’s Daisy’s first playable appearance in a main series platformer, and the Wonder Flower sets up a lot of wild new possibilities for level design. Following up onSuper Mario Odyssey,Super Mario Bros. Wonderwas always going to need to innovate in a major way to be a worthy successor. Thankfully, early gameplay footage points towards it living up to the task.
RELATED:How Super Mario Bros. Wonder Might Put its Own Twist on Bowser
Why Online Play Could Help Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s Multiplayer
Multiplayer has been a part ofSuper Mario Bros.since the beginning, and it’sconfirmed inSuper Mario Bros. Wonderas well. In the style that started inNew Super Mario Bros. Wii, up to four players will be able to tackle a course simultaneously. This approach has a few perks that make it an excellent fit for the series. For one, it allows players to coordinate their moves with each other to tackle a course more efficiently than they could on their own. The dynamic also lets less-experienced players get through more of the game when playing with a skillful partner.
Unfortunately, an excellent possible addition to the series' multiplayer action may not be in the cards. As it stands,Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s multiplayer is limitedto players on the same console. While this has been the case for everySuper Mario Bros. game thus far,Wondercould benefit greatly from introducing online multiplayer to the series. While couch co-op is a series tradition, sticking too close to the past can run the risk of forsaking progress, especially where technology is concerned.Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s multiplayer doesn’t have to be limited to the same format as past adventures, especially with its new features.
Online multiplayer is one of the best additions thatSuper Mario Bros. Wondercould receive. The Nintendo Switch is very capable of online play, as shown bySplatoon 3’s ability to play with friends online. ASuper Marioplatformer could likely handle the same sort of online mechanics. Not to mention, it would make it easier for players to connect with each other. Friends or family members who lived far apart wouldn’t have to wait until they’re together in order to play together. An online option would enable them to playSuper Mario Bros. Wondertogether no matter how far apart they are.
Online play is only growing in the gaming sphere, Nintendo included, so it feels odd for Mario to not join the trend. Online functionality makes it easier for friends to play together, and withSuper Mario Bros. Wonder’s difficulty, players would probably appreciate the extra help. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with couch co-op, which is the reason why it has thrived for decades. The issue is the limitations that come with not embracing online as an option. Without online multiplayer functionality,Super Mario Bros. Wonderwill miss out on a factor that could boost the players' experience.
Super Mario Bros. Wonderwill be released on Jul 27, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch
MORE:Super Mario Bros. Wonder is Perfect For Reviving a Past Paper Mario Gimmick
