New Super Mario Bros. (2006) | Nintendo DS Video Game
Play New Super Mario Bros. (DS) online and explore 80 levels filled with Mega Mushrooms, Mini-Mushroom secrets, and epic boss fights. Save Princess Peach from Bowser Jr. in this definitive 2.5D adventure.
Game Intro: A Return to Form
Back in 2006, the DS was the king of handhelds, but it was missing one thing: a proper, side-scrolling Mario adventure. New Super Mario Bros. changed that, effectively reviving the classic 2D platforming style that put Nintendo on the map. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern (for the time) mechanics.
The setup is classic Mario. You’re out for a walk with Princess Peach when Bowser’s castle gets struck by lightning. While you go to investigate the smoke, Bowser Jr. pulls a fast one and snatches the Princess. From there, you’re off on a trek through eight massive worlds. What makes this entry special is the "2.5D" look—the levels are flat, but the character models are 3D, giving everything a depth that the old NES and SNES games just couldn't pull off.
How to Play: The Perfect Mix of Old and New
If you’ve ever picked up a controller, you know the drill: run to the right and reach the flag. However, this isn't just a rehash of the 80s. Nintendo pulled moves from Super Mario 64, like the wall jump and ground pound, and dropped them into a 2D space. It feels incredibly fluid.
You’ll navigate a world map on the bottom screen, choosing your path through over 80 levels. Along the way, you’ve got your standard power-ups like the Fire Flower and Starman, but the new additions are the real stars:
- The Mega Mushroom: You turn into a screen-filling giant that literally flattens everything—pipes, enemies, and blocks alike.
- The Mini-Mushroom: You shrink down to a tiny speck. You’re vulnerable, sure, but you can run on water and squeeze into hidden pipes that hold the game’s best secrets.
- The Blue Shell: You can tuck in and slide around like a Koopa, which is great for speedrunning through tight corridors.
Each world ends with a showdown against Bowser Jr. or a unique boss, leading up to a pretty grim encounter with Bowser himself (let’s just say he doesn't handle a lava bath very well this time around).
Controls: Tight and Responsive
The DS layout keeps things simple, which is exactly what a platformer needs. Whether you’re playing as Mario or his brother Luigi (who you can unlock with a cheeky little button code), the physics feel weighty and precise.
- D-Pad / Arrow Keys: Move left and right; press down to crouch or enter pipes.
- A or B Button / X or Z Key: Jump. Tap for a short hop, hold for a high jump. Hit it again mid-air near a wall to perform a wall jump.
- X or Y Button: Dash. Hold this while moving to pick up speed. This is also how you breathe fireballs if you have the Fire Flower.
- L and R Buttons: Used for certain camera pans on the map or specific interactions.
- Touch Screen: You’ll see a "reserve" item slot here. If you pick up a mushroom while you're already big, it stores the extra one. Just tap the icon on the bottom screen to drop it into the level whenever you’re in a pinch.
Touch Device Controls
You can use on-screen controls on touch devices, such as Android mobiles, Apple phones, iPhones, tablets, iPads, and other devices with touch support.
