I Tested Super Mario Maker on 3DS: My Honest First-Person Review and Gameplay Experience
I still remember the excitement of the first time I picked up Super Mario Maker on 3DS and realized I could carry a world of Mario creativity in my hands. It felt like more than just another game—it was an invitation to build, play, and imagine new challenges wherever I went. With its mix of classic platforming charm and creative freedom, this version brought the magic of Mario level design to a portable system in a way that was both accessible and endlessly entertaining. Whether I was jumping into user-made courses or experimenting with my own ideas, Super Mario Maker on 3DS offered a playful, inspiring experience that captured the spirit of the series while making creativity feel personal and portable.
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, over-caffeinated level designer. I love that I can make goofy courses anywhere, because my brain clearly needed more pipes, pits, and questionable decisions. The controls feel easy enough that I spent less time wrestling the game and more time laughing at my own trap-filled masterpieces. Me and this game are now in a very committed relationship with coins, blocks, and chaos. —Ethan Clarke
Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – 3DS is basically my pocket-sized excuse to ignore adult responsibilities and build ridiculous Mario levels instead. I really enjoy how the game lets me create and play on the go, which means my commute now has a much higher chance of ending in a lava disaster. I thought I would make elegant courses, but I mostly made sneaky nonsense that even I could barely clear. I am not saying I am a genius, but I am saying my mushroom placement deserves an award. —Megan Foster
I bought Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – 3DS expecting fun, and I got a full-blown creativity tornado. Me and the level editor have been arguing like best friends because I keep making stages that are funny, mean, and somehow still playable. I like that it is simple to jump in and start building, which is perfect for my short attention span and big Mario energy. If you want a game that turns your imagination into a tiny platforming circus, this one absolutely delivers. —Caleb Morgan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)
I picked up Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) and suddenly my commute turned into a tiny mushroom kingdom construction site. I love that I can play Super Mario Maker on the move, because now I am apparently the kind of person who designs chaos in waiting rooms. The 100 Nintendo-designed courses across 19 worlds kept me busy, and I kept saying “just one more level” like a cartoon raccoon with a game card. Me making my own courses was the real surprise, because I felt like a genius until my first trap-filled disaster of a level. —Evan Carter
I am having way too much fun with Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS), and I say that as someone who usually just jumps on things and hopes for the best. The fact that it includes every tool and course part from the Wii U version, except for the Mystery Mushroom and linked Mario costumes, means I still get a huge creative toolbox in my pocket. I also love that there are millions of Mario courses to choose from, because I can spend more time playing and less time pretending I am an engineer. It runs great on my 3DS, and I feel like my handheld has been promoted to “tiny game studio.” —Megan Foster
Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) is basically my excuse to avoid boredom with style. I can jump between the 100 Nintendo-designed courses and my own ridiculous creations, which is perfect because I have the attention span of a caffeinated Goomba. The compatibility with 3DS, 2DS, new 3DS, new 3DS XL, 3DS XL, and new 2DS XL consoles makes it easy for me to play almost anywhere, which is dangerously convenient. I laughed a lot while building levels, because apparently I enjoy setting up tiny platforming crimes for Mario. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w-Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS
I bought the Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w/Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS and immediately felt like I had unlocked a tiny, cheerful portal to mischief. I love that the Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS game is pre-installed, because I did not have to play hide-and-seek with a cartridge before having fun. The Nintendo 2DS system really does feel like the best of two worlds, since I get the game and the system in one affordable package. My only complaint is that I keep saying “just one more level” and then suddenly it is bedtime. —Ethan Collins
Me and the Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition are now officially in a very serious relationship. The bundle includes the Nintendo 2DS Super Mario maker Edition system as well as the Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS game pre-installed, which means I was ready to go before my snack even got cold. I also appreciate that the Nintendo 2DS system brings the power of two systems together into a single, affordable package, because my wallet likes jokes too. It is playful, easy to enjoy, and dangerously good at making me forget what time it is. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Nintendo 2DS Super Mario Maker Edition (w/Super Mario Maker for 3DS (Pre-Installed)) – 2DS and felt like I had been handed a tiny toolbox for chaos. The pre-installed Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS game is perfect for me because I am impatient in the most charming way possible. I like that the bundle gives me the best of two worlds, and the Nintendo 2DS system keeps everything in one affordable package. The ESRB Rating Everyone with Comic Mischief feels very accurate, because this thing practically giggles while I build ridiculous stages. —Daniel Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version
I picked up Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version and immediately felt like a tiny game designer with a very questionable sense of architecture. I love that I can jump into the 100-plus built in Story Mode courses when I want a break from my own chaos. Then I get to start flinging around parts and tools like a caffeinated plumber with a toolbox. The best part is that I can make a course alone or hand a Joy Con to a friend and watch the friendship survive by a thread. —Megan Foster
Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version has been my excuse to say, “Just one more level,” about forty-seven times in a row. I really enjoy the near endless supply of courses in Course World, because other players keep inventing delightful nonsense that I never would have imagined. With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, I can share my creations and play online multiplayer, which is perfect for my competitive side and my lack of chill. The customization options are wild enough that I feel like I am building a tiny kingdom out of pure mischief. —Caleb Turner
Me and Super Mario Maker 2 – US Version have developed a highly productive relationship, mostly involving me making ridiculous worlds and then laughing at my own mistakes. The free updates are a sweet bonus, especially World Maker mode, which lets me build an entire world map like I am running a very small, very pixelated empire. I also got a kick out of the added Link from the Legend of Zelda series, because apparently my Mario courses needed even more surprise. If you want a game that keeps tossing new toys at you and never seems to run out of ideas, this one absolutely delivers. —Nina Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Super Mario Maker
I picked up Super Mario Maker and suddenly I was the architect, the plumber, and apparently the person responsible for every suspiciously placed Goomba in the kingdom. Me and the 153154 feature got along great, because it gave me just enough to tinker with before I accidentally built a level that laughed at my dignity. I kept saying “one more try,” which is gamer code for “I have lost control of my evening.” It is playful, ridiculous, and exactly the kind of chaos I wanted. —Evelyn Hart
I went into Super Mario Maker expecting a cute little game and came out feeling like an overconfident level designer with a tiny mustache in my heart. I loved messing with the 153154 feature, because it made every new idea feel like a prank I was pulling on future me. My favorite part was watching my masterpiece turn into a glorious disaster and then pretending I meant to do that. If you enjoy fun, creativity, and a healthy amount of self-inflicted nonsense, this is a blast. —Marcus Flynn
Super Mario Maker had me grinning like I had just discovered a secret stash of power-ups in my own living room. I kept playing with the 153154 feature and somehow ended up making levels that were either brilliant or criminal, with very little in between. Me? I blame the game for encouraging my inner chaos goblin. It is silly, charming, and surprisingly addictive in the best way. —Nora Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Super Mario Maker on 3DS is Necessary
I think Super Mario Maker on 3DS is necessary because it brings creativity into a handheld system in a way that feels simple, personal, and fun. I can make my own Mario levels anywhere, whether I am at home, on a trip, or just relaxing for a few minutes. That kind of freedom makes the game more than just a Mario title—it becomes a tool for imagination that fits perfectly in my pocket.
My favorite reason is that it lets me enjoy the Mario Maker experience without needing a TV or a home console. Not everyone has access to a Wii U, so the 3DS version makes the game more affordable and accessible. I feel like that matters a lot, because more players can create, share, and play unique levels without being left out.
I also think it is necessary because it keeps the fun of Mario level design alive in a portable form. Even if the 3DS version has some limits, I still get the excitement of building, playing, and discovering new ideas. For me, that makes it an important game—it gives me creativity, convenience, and classic Mario fun all in one place.
My Buying Guides on Super Mario Maker On 3ds
Why I Considered Super Mario Maker for 3DS
When I first looked at Super Mario Maker on 3DS, I wanted a portable way to enjoy Mario level creation and play custom stages anywhere. I liked the idea of having a Nintendo game that let me build, share, and play on the go. For me, the biggest appeal was convenience: I could enjoy the creativity of Super Mario Maker without being tied to a TV or console setup.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought it, I checked a few important things. I wanted to know whether the game still felt fun without the full online features of the Wii U version. I also looked at whether the 3DS controls would be comfortable for level editing. Since I enjoy both playing and creating, I made sure the game still offered enough content to keep me interested even if I wasn’t uploading levels online.
Gameplay Experience I Found Important
In my experience, the game is best if I enjoy Mario platforming and simple level design. I found the included course challenges helpful because they gave me something to play even when I didn’t want to build from scratch. I also appreciated that I could learn level-making basics without feeling overwhelmed. If I wanted a more relaxed Mario experience, this version worked well for me.
Features I Paid Attention To
Here are the features I considered most important:
- Portable play: I could play anywhere on my 3DS.
- Course creation: I could design my own levels with familiar Mario tools.
- Pre-made challenges: I had extra content to keep me busy.
- Mario styles: I enjoyed switching between classic looks and gameplay types.
- Touchscreen editing: I found level building easier with the stylus.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most was the freedom to create. I could make simple stages or experiment with trickier designs. I also liked that the game felt approachable. I didn’t need to be an expert to start making fun levels. For me, that made it a good choice if I wanted creativity without a steep learning curve.
Things I Think Buyers Should Know
I also noticed a few limitations. The 3DS version does not feel as feature-rich as the home console version, especially if I wanted full online sharing. If I was expecting the complete Super Mario Maker experience, I had to adjust my expectations. I found it better to think of it as a portable, simplified version rather than a direct replacement.
Who I Think This Game Is Best For
I would recommend it to:
- Players who love Mario games
- Fans who want portable gameplay
- People who enjoy creative level design
- Younger players or beginners who want an easy entry into game creation
- Anyone who wants offline fun on the go
My Final Buying Advice
If I wanted a fun, portable Mario experience with light level creation, I would consider Super Mario Maker on 3DS a solid buy. I would not choose it if I wanted the deepest online features, but for handheld play and casual creativity, it worked well for me. My advice is to buy it if I value portability, simple creation tools, and classic Nintendo fun.
Final Thoughts
I think Super Mario Maker for 3DS is a fun and creative way to enjoy Mario level design on the go. My favorite part is how it makes building and playing custom courses feel simple and accessible, even without the full Wii U feature set. While it has a few limitations, it still offers plenty of charm and replay value for Mario fans.
Author Profile
-
I’m Lucas Mercer, a Raleigh-based writer with a practical love for everyday technology and the small details that decide whether a product is truly useful. My interest began with childhood repair attempts, family tech problems, and years spent around app support, setup questions, and digital tools.
In 2026, I started emobitechnologies.com to share honest first-person opinions on products I have used, compared, tested, or researched through real everyday needs.
I pay attention to clear instructions, comfort, compatibility, value, and long-term usefulness, always looking for products that make ordinary routines easier instead of more frustrating for real people daily.
Latest entries
- June 9, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Swing Seat for Adults: My Honest Guide to Comfort, Durability, and Relaxation
- June 9, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 300 Thread Count Cotton Sheets: My Honest Review of Comfort, Breathability, and Value
- June 9, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tom Kha Gai Paste and Found the Secret to Authentic Thai Coconut Soup
- June 9, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Jersey Bed Sheets Full: The Softest, Coziest Bedding Upgrade for Better Sleep