From 12-player lobbies to a chatting desk companion, here is everything dropping on 26th March.
If you thought you had seen everything the Flower Kingdom has to offer, Nintendo is about to prove you wrong. In a move that feels equal parts nostalgic and futuristic, the gaming giant has unveiled Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park.
Launching on 26th March, this isn’t just another shiny port for the new console. It is a robust expansion that fundamentally changes how we play, bringing Rosalina into the fold, adding chaotic 12-player lobbies, and introducing hardware-specific features for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Welcome to Bellabel Park
The highlight of the announcement is undoubtedly Bellabel Park. Think of it as the ultimate social hub for the Mushroom Kingdom. This new area features two distinct plazas designed to test both your cooperative spirit and your competitive edge.
The Local Multiplayer Plaza is where the party happens. It hosts 17 different attractions that you can tackle with up to three friends on a single system. Nintendo has also leaned into accessibility with the new ‘GameShare’ functionality. If one person owns the game, they can share it locally with up to three other players, making impromptu gaming sessions significantly easier.
For those looking to scale up the chaos, the Game Room Plaza supports up to 12 friends competing against one another. Whether playing locally or online, everyone brings their own system. It sounds like the perfect recipe for a noisy Friday night, especially with modes like Fast Cash: Tip Tap’s Coin Spree or the survival-based Knock ‘em Back: Bubble Blaster.
New Faces and New Tech
It wouldn’t be a Nintendo update without a roster shake-up. Fan-favourite Rosalina is finally making her debut in the Flower Kingdom as a fully playable character. She brings Co-Star Luma along for the ride, and this is where things get technically interesting.
Luma functions as an assist character (invincible to damage, helpful for coin collection), but can also be controlled directly using the Nintendo Switch 2 mouse control functionality. This is one of our first concrete looks at how the new hardware’s interface will bleed into gameplay mechanics.
For those who find the platforming a bit tricky, the new Assist Mode allows players to recover from pits without losing a life and avoid damage entirely. It is a welcome addition for parents playing with younger children or anyone who just wants a stress-free run.
The Koopalings Strike Back
Just when you thought it was safe to enjoy the scenery, the Koopalings are back to ruin the vibe. In a new narrative twist, they have stolen treasure from Bellabel Park and scattered it across the Flower Kingdom.
Unlike previous encounters where they waited in castles, the Koopalings now flee to various worlds. If you stumble upon one, you are immediately thrown into a course to battle them. It adds a nice layer of unpredictability to the map exploration.
A Chatty Companion in the Real World
Perhaps the most delightful (or terrifying, depending on your morning mood) announcement is the physical Talking Flower toy. Launching separately on 12th March, this interactive figure does exactly what it says on the tin.
It speaks freely, responds to button presses, and even functions as an alarm clock that greets you in the morning. It supposedly reacts to the time of day and temperature, so don’t be surprised if it critiques the heat before you have even had your coffee.
How to Get It
Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition lands on 26th March alongside three new amiibo: Elephant Mario, Poplin & Prince Florian, and Captain Toad & Talking Flower.
If you already own the original game and are upgrading to the Switch 2, you won’t need to buy the full title again, an upgrade pack is available for purchase starting today. It is a smart move that respects early adopters while ushering in the next generation of Nintendo hardware.
Get your jumping boots ready; Bellabel Park is open for business soon.
