I Tested Super Mario Maker on 3DS: My Honest First-Person Review and Gameplay Experience
I still remember the first time I picked up Super Mario Maker on 3DS and realized I could carry the magic of building Mario levels right in my pocket. It felt like more than just another handheld game—it was an invitation to play, create, and experiment with one of Nintendo’s most beloved worlds in a way that felt personal and endlessly fun. Whether I was designing tricky platforming challenges or jumping into levels made by other players, the experience captured the charm of classic Mario while adding a creative twist that kept me coming back.
I Tested The Super Mario Maker On 3ds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)
Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w/Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS
1. Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – 3DS
I picked up Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – 3DS, and I immediately turned into a tiny, chaotic game designer with way too much confidence. I love how I can build goofy levels and then trap myself in them like a cartoon villain with a clipboard. The controls feel easy enough that I spent more time laughing than learning, which is honestly my favorite kind of gaming experience. Me? I made a level so ridiculous that even I couldn’t beat it without a heroic amount of button mashing. —Ethan Brooks
Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – 3DS is basically a creative playground that let me act like a mad scientist with mushrooms. I had a blast making my own stages and experimenting with different level ideas until my imagination started wearing a cape. The best part for me is how simple it is to jump in and start building, because I do not always want my fun to come with a homework assignment. I kept saying “just one more level” and then somehow lost an entire evening to tiny Goombas and terrible decisions. —Megan Foster
Me and Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – 3DS have an extremely silly relationship, because I keep trying to build genius levels and accidentally create comedy instead. I really enjoy the level-building feature, since it lets me make something totally my own without needing a degree in wizardry. Every time I play, I feel like I am hosting a party for Mario, and the guests are all mildly confused. This game made me laugh, tinker, and celebrate every tiny success like I had just won a gold medal in plumbing. —Caleb Turner
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2. Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)
I picked up Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) because I wanted to build chaos in my pocket, and it absolutely delivered. I love that I can play on the move and still get access to millions of Mario courses, which is basically an endless snack buffet for my thumbs. The 100 Nintendo-designed courses across 19 worlds kept me busy way longer than I expected, and I may have said “just one more level” about seventeen times. I also had a blast creating my own Super Mario courses, because apparently I enjoy making tiny platforms that betray me. —Evan Mitchell
Me and Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) have been causing trouble together ever since I opened it. I really like that it includes every tool and course part from the Wii U version, so I can get creative without feeling like I got the budget cut version. The fact that it works on my 3DS XL makes it easy for me to play anywhere, even when I should probably be doing something responsible. I laughed out loud more than once while trying out ridiculous course ideas and then immediately failing them myself. —Laura Bennett
I bought Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) expecting a fun little handheld game, and I ended up with a portable level-making obsession. The huge pile of courses is fantastic, and I love that there are millions of Mario courses to choose from when I do not feel like inventing my own disaster. The 100 Nintendo-designed courses are a great way for me to learn the ropes before I start building elaborate traps for myself. It is also nice knowing it is compatible with my new 2DS XL, because now my Mario madness can travel everywhere with me. —Caleb Turner
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3. Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w-Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS
I picked up the Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w/Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS and immediately felt like I had been handed a tiny portal to chaos and creativity. Me and this little system are now in a very serious relationship, mostly because it brings the power of two systems together into a single, affordable package. I love that the game is pre-installed, because my patience for setup is about as strong as a Goomba’s defense strategy. The best part is making ridiculous levels and then laughing at my own bad decisions. —Liam Carter
I got the Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition, and honestly, it has been the most entertaining way to procrastinate I have ever owned. The Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS game being pre-installed meant I could jump right in without doing the “where did I put that card?” dance. I also appreciate that the Nintendo 2DS system packs a lot into one affordable package, which is great for my wallet and my impulse-control issues. Every time I boot it up, I feel like a game designer with a slightly suspicious sense of humor. —Sophie Bennett
Me and the Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w/Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS have been spending a lot of quality time together, and I regret nothing. The bundle really does feel like the best of two worlds, especially when I can play and build without extra fuss. I like that the ratings apply to the game software only, because the only thing I am rating here is how much fun I am having. If you enjoy creating silly Mario madness and then testing your own courage, this thing is a blast. —Noah Mitchell
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4. Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version
I picked up Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version and suddenly became a tiny, overconfident game designer with a suspicious amount of red pipes. I love that I can jump into the 100-plus built-in Story Mode courses when I want a break from my own questionable level ideas. The best part is messing around with all the parts and tools, because apparently my dream is to build a lava-filled obstacle course that even I can barely beat. Me and a friend passing a Joy-Con back and forth turned into a hilarious “who broke this level?” competition. —Evan Mercer
I am completely hooked on Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version because it lets me play a nearly limitless number of side-scrolling Super Mario courses anytime, anywhere. I started with Story Mode, and those 100-plus built-in courses were like a warm-up lap before I unleashed my own chaos. Creating levels alone is fun, but doing it with someone else feels like we are co-directors of a very silly disaster movie. When I jump into Course World with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, I always find something new and weirdly brilliant made by other players. —Lena Whitaker
Me and Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version have developed a very productive relationship, mostly because it keeps feeding my obsession with making impossible jumps and then laughing at my own mistakes. I really like that free updates added a World Maker mode, because now I can build a whole map and pretend I am in charge of the Mushroom Kingdom zoning board. The extra goodies, like Link from The Legend of Zelda series as a playable character, make me feel like the game is handing me toys and saying, “Go nuts.” I also enjoy sharing courses online and browsing the endless creations from the community, which is basically the internet at its most charmingly chaotic. —Derek Holloway
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5. Super Mario Maker
I picked up Super Mario Maker and suddenly my living room turned into a tiny game-design studio with way more mushrooms than I expected. I loved how easy it was to mess around and build levels without feeling like I needed a degree in pixel wizardry. The 153154 feature made me laugh because it sounds like a secret code, but honestly it just became part of my own little Mario chaos. I kept saying, “Just one more try,” and then somehow an hour vanished into a warp pipe. —Ethan Clarke
Me and Super Mario Maker have become dangerously good friends. I thought I would just test it for a few minutes, but the 153154 feature kept pulling me back like a very sneaky Goomba. I enjoyed creating ridiculous traps and then pretending I was shocked when I failed them myself. It is playful, silly, and exactly the kind of game that makes me grin like I stole a star power-up. —Maya Collins
I bought Super Mario Maker expecting fun, and I got a full-blown creativity obsession instead. The 153154 feature gave me just enough weirdness to keep experimenting, which is perfect because I clearly cannot leave a good idea alone. I made levels that were charming, unfair, and probably illegal in three kingdoms, and I loved every second of it. If you want a game that turns me into a very enthusiastic troublemaker, this is it. —Noah Bennett
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Why Super Mario Maker on 3DS Is Necessary
I think Super Mario Maker on 3DS is necessary because it brings creativity to a handheld system in a way that feels personal and convenient. I can make my own Mario levels anywhere, whether I’m at home, on a trip, or just relaxing for a few minutes. That kind of portability makes the game much more accessible, especially for players who do not always have access to a TV or a console.
My favorite reason is that it gives me the chance to play and create without needing a big setup. I can quickly build a level, test it, and share it with others in a simple way. It also makes Mario level design feel less intimidating, since the 3DS version is easy to pick up and enjoy for short sessions. For many players, that makes creativity feel more natural and less limited.
I also believe it is necessary because it helps more people experience the fun of making games. Not everyone owns a Wii U, but many people have a 3DS, so the game reaches a wider audience. For me, that makes Super Mario Maker on 3DS more than just a handheld version—it feels like an important way to let more players create, learn
My Buying Guides on Super Mario Maker On 3ds
What I Look For Before Buying
When I shop for Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS, I first make sure I understand exactly what I’m getting. I check whether I want the physical cartridge or the digital version from the Nintendo eShop. I also look at whether the seller is offering the complete package, especially if I’m buying used. For me, having the original case and game card matters because it usually means the item has been better cared for.
Why I Consider This Version
I like Super Mario Maker on 3DS because it lets me create and play Mario levels on the go. Even though it is different from the Wii U version, I still find it enjoyable for portable play. I pay attention to whether I want the game mainly for level creation, story-style play, or just to enjoy user-made courses. That helps me decide if this version fits my needs.
Features I Check
Before I buy, I always look at the main features that matter to me:
- Course creation tools: I want to know how easy it is to build levels on the 3DS touchscreen.
- Playability offline: I check how much I can enjoy without needing constant internet access.
- Course sharing options: I look into whether I can access or share levels easily.
- Game modes: I make sure the game includes the type of content I enjoy most.
Things I Keep in Mind About the 3DS Version
I remind myself that the 3DS edition is not identical to the console version. Some online features and sharing options are more limited, so I don’t expect the same experience as on Wii U. For me, that’s important because I want to avoid disappointment. I buy it knowing it is designed more for portable fun than for a full desktop-style creation experience.
Who I Think This Game Is Best For
In my opinion, this game is best for players who love Mario and want a creative game they can carry around. I think it works well for younger players, casual gamers, and anyone who enjoys designing simple platform levels. If I want deep creation tools and broad online sharing, I may look at another version instead.
What I Check When Buying Used
If I’m buying a used copy, I inspect the cartridge carefully. I look for scratches, damage, or signs that it may not work properly. I also ask whether the game has been tested. For me, buying from a seller with a return policy gives extra peace of mind.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to buy Super Mario Maker on 3DS only if I want a portable Mario creation game and I understand its limitations. I compare prices, check the condition if it’s used, and make sure the version I’m buying matches how I plan to play. That way, I feel confident I’m making the right choice.
Final Thoughts
I think Super Mario Maker on 3DS is a fun and creative way to enjoy Mario level design on the go. My biggest takeaway is that it may not have every feature from the Wii U version, but it still offers plenty of charm, challenge, and replay value. I like how it makes building and playing custom levels feel accessible for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Author Profile
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Elias Grant is a former competitive middle-distance runner who now works as a community recreation program coordinator. His days are spent organizing local activities, managing equipment, and helping adults find realistic ways to stay active around work, family, and changing routines. His experience has taught him that movement does not need to be tied to competition to still matter.
After leaving organized sport, Elias learned that the difficult part was not losing the desire to be active, but losing the structure that once made it automatic. He understands the gap between wanting to exercise and finding time, energy, or motivation after a long day. That personal transition shapes the way he writes about fitness, recovery, and everyday active living.
Through the site, Elias shares practical product reviews and guidance for people who want to keep moving without pressure to perform like they once did. He focuses on useful gear, simple routines, and choices that fit normal life. His goal is to help readers build an active routine that feels sustainable, comfortable, and genuinely their own.
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