Why Nintendo’s Super Mario Maker 2 Is This Summer’s Hottest New Switch Game
Nintendo Switch owners are having an absolute blast playing Super Mario Maker 2, the hottest new game that was recently made available exclusively for the hybrid console. It features new tools and items that were not available in the first iteration of the game for the Wii U, including a the ability to create slopes for the first time. But having access to new goodies is not the sole reason why it is so popular, leading to more than 196,000 copies being sold in its first week in Japan.
There are a number of factors at play here. Chief among them is the combination of Mario, Nintendo's most iconic character, and the Switch, a console that to some extent defied the odds with lower end hardware (compared to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) and became a huge hit among gamers. The success of the Switch is proof that fun gameplay matters most, and that exactly what Super Mario Maker 2 delivers.
"Mario fans of the world, unite! Now you can play, create, and share the side-scrolling Super Mario courses of your dreams in the Super Mario Maker 2 game, available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch system! Dive into the single-player Story Mode and play built-in courses to rebuild Princess Peach’s castle, and make and play your own courses, alone or together," Nintendo says.
Super Mario Maker 2 ships with more than 100 built-in courses in Story Mode. However, the real fun comes from creating levels, whether for your own amusement, or to share with other Switch owners (so long as you both have a Nintendo Switch Online membership). This has led to some epic creations and meme levels, including one based off the Simpsons meme about steamed hams...
"Ah, Super Mario, welcome! I hope you're prepared for an unforgettable luncheon!"#SuperMarioMaker2 #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/7COesOeTXv
— J Fresh (@JFreshSplat) July 3, 2019
Yes, that is actually a playable level. If you have the game, you can give it a go with ID 2WN-XWF-W8G. And of course there is an abundance of insanely difficult levels, for those who like a ridiculous challenge (remember, the creator has to actually play through a level in its entirety before it is accepted and able to be shared).
If you are looking for a challenge or interesting levels to play, there is a thread on Reddit that is dedicated to the task.
Nintendo also deserves kudos for its savvy timing. Super Mario Maker 2 lands as summer breaks kick into full swing. As for the game itself, you can snag it direct from Nintendo (digital version) or Amazon (digital or physical) for $59.99, or $69.99 with a 12-month Nintendo Online Switch membership bundled.
