Review – Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park

An already inventive platformer receives a polished upgrade.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder already surprised us back in 2023 with its jolly vibe, vibrant colors, accessible features, and occasionally challenging platforming sections. Now paired with a noticeable technical upgrade via the recently released Switch 2 Edition and the Meetup in Bellabel Park expansion that shifts part of the focus toward multiplayer and almost Mario Party-like content, that positive impression hasn’t faded a bit. Thanks to Nintendo, we were able to get our hands on the upgrade pack, and dove right into this brand-new edition of the Wonder-ful platformer in the long-running Super Mario series.

For the people coming from the original release, even though the Switch 2 Edition will now be the default when launching the game after the upgrade, the legacy version remains accessible directly from the start menu via a yellow icon on the right for those who want to keep the base experience alongside.

A Frantic Minecart Ride to Bellabel Park

In case you are a total newcomer to the game, first, a brief look back at the base game’s story and setting. Invited by Prince Florian to the Flower Kingdom, Mario and his friends set out to stop Bowser after he merges with the castle through the power of a Wonder Flower. As is typical for the series, Mario and company need to travel through distinct worlds, collecting Wonder Seeds to remove progression barriers, while tackling levels that constantly twist expectations.

Access to the expansion content, however, comes surprisingly early. Clearing the first four levels of World 1 already unlocks Bellabel Park, which integrates cleanly into the Overworld rather than being positioned as a separate mode. Following a Poplin into a brigade tent after using a Wonder Seed on a flower sets things in motion, leading into a frantic minecart ride that carries you into Bellabel Park. This eventually leads to a confrontation with the Koopalings, who seem to have stolen all seven Bellabel Flowers.

Substantial for Solo and Multiplayer Experiences

The new Bellabel Park content comes in two layers. On the one hand, you have a new theme park hub serving as a gateway to “trial-style” levels, specifically designed for a collaborative experience via online or local co-op. Structurally, it splits into different areas: a central plaza, a local multiplayer section, and dedicated spaces for online play with friends. That last part, however, comes with a notable restriction. While strangers can be seen wandering around the hub, jumping into attractions only works locally or through friend-based online sessions. No matchmaking with random participants exists, and minigames do not populate with bots either, meaning another human player is always required. I found this rather weird because you can play the rest of the game online with strangers, yet once you go to attraction central, a notice appears stating that only gamerooms with friends are supported.

Within those constraints, the offering is broad, featuring more than a dozen minigames. Local play is divided into versus and co-op, though I consider the co-op games the most fun. In one, the “maker” creates a path with donut blocks while the other navigates, while another pairs Captain Toad with Plucky, a bird who lifts Toad from the ground. Note that some activities are strictly designed for two participants, meaning if you play with four, there will be two spectators. To see everything, I recommend doing the attraction tour at the big Wiggler, where a sequence of up to ten minigames plays out in succession.

As noted, this expansion is complemented by new content integrated with the existing worlds via a global questline involving Brigade Tents scattered throughout the map. Unlike the hub’s cooperative focus, these tents house “Showdown” challenges that can be tackled in single-player, effectively acting as a sprawling boss rush mode for dedicated collectors. Because these tents are integrated into the Overworld, the experience involves a fair amount of backtracking and grinding across the kingdom. It is a substantial, if somewhat “grindy”, addition that rewards those looking to master the game’s combat mechanics and technical platforming. You can expect a series of increasingly brutal challenges leading to a total of 15 boss encounters, though it is worth noting that several of these are high-difficulty rematches rather than entirely unique fights.

Rosalina, Some Stellar Assistance, and Other Additions

In this Switch 2 Edition, Rosalina also joins the roster as a new playable character, while an assisted approach to co-op becomes more explicit through a second player acting as Co-Star Luma. Invincible and able to float freely across the screen, collect items, and help attack enemies, it makes cooperative play more forgiving, with an option to even use the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Meanwhile, amiibo support for Elephant Mario, Toad Boss, and Poplin grants mid-level power-ups. These work alongside newly introduced Dual Badges, which are unlocked in the park by watering sprouts with Bellabel Water earned from minigames. Blossoming these sprouts grants the power of two existing badges combined, adding small but noticeable twists to the level design.

The edition also introduces 4K resolution alongside several graphical refinements, animation updates, and hidden secrets that weren’t present in the original version. While the graphical leap isn’t transformative due to the specific art direction the base game already offers, the technical adjustments translate into sharpened visuals and a frame rate that remains a steady sixty frames per second, even during chaotic sequences. Admittedly, there are occasional loading times when switching worlds, but these never feel disruptive.

Final Thoughts

If you are a newcomer to Super Mario Bros. Wonder, this Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is an overall great package, as the addition of Bellabel Park makes the game’s scope and possibilities for collectors who don’t mind the grind and fans of the multiplayer even vaster. Truth be told, the amusement park within Bellabel Park has less added value for solo players, with no random matchmaking and a total reliance on friends. Rosalina is a cool new character and the invincible Co-Star Luma makes it possible to play in co-op with even the youngest member of the family.

While the minigames are definitely fun and challenging, at least on the later difficulties, the should-I-buy-the-upgrade value largely depends on your history with the title. If you already completed the main game on the original Switch, paying an extra third of the price on top seems a bit steep for the added content. Ultimately, the core platforming and minigames’ party-like experience remain as strong as ever, now presented in a cleaner package that is a must-have for your collection if you do not already own the original game.

Launch Trailer – ENGLISH

Trailer – DUTCH / NEDERLANDS

Additional Information

Release Date: Mar 26, 2026
Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch 2. Download code provided by Nintendo Benelux
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Relevant links: Digital and physical editions available via the Nintendo eShop (NL-BE, NL-NL, US) and retailers