New Super Mario Bros. 2 arrived from Nintendo in 2012 and quickly became a favorite for its coin-obsessed twist on the series formula. The game puts Mario back in familiar overalls but shifts the spotlight toward collecting as many coins as possible across every stage.
Levels feel packed with clever routes and hidden paths that reward players who take their time. One moment you are bouncing off enemies in quick succession, the next you are hunting for gold rings that trigger the Gold Mario power-up and turn the entire level into treasure.
Nintendo kept the tight platforming that defines the New Super Mario Bros. games while adding fresh challenge modes built around coin totals. Some stages push you to finish under strict limits, while others let you roam freely and rack up massive scores.
The 3DS version shines in handheld mode, with bright colors and smooth animations that make each world pop. Multiplayer support lets a second player drop in as Luigi, turning tougher sections into cooperative efforts rather than solo struggles.
What stands out years later is how New Super Mario Bros. 2 still feels generous with its secrets and replay hooks. Nintendo packed enough variety into the levels that returning to hunt every coin never grows stale.
