New | Super Mario Bros 23ds Link New

The 3DS's capabilities are put to excellent use here, with vibrant, detailed environments and character models that are among the best on the system. The game's visual style is a perfect blend of classic Mario charm and modern flair. The soundtrack, composed by Asuka Hayazaki and Hajime Wakai, is equally impressive, with catchy, upbeat melodies that perfectly complement the on-screen action.

With a playtime of around 6-8 hours, "New Super Mario Bros. 2" offers a substantial experience that's well worth the $40 price tag. The inclusion of StreetPass and SpotPass features, which enable players to receive exclusive content and compete with others worldwide, adds significant replay value.

The "Gold Rush" mode, where Mario can collect gold coins to earn in-game currency, is a great addition, adding a fun and challenging layer of replayability to the game. The "3DS Link" feature, which allows players to trade coins and compete with friends, is also a nice touch, although its implementation feels a bit limited.