Are Super Mario U and Super Luigi U the Same Game?

The short answer is no, New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U are not the same game, though they are deeply connected. While they share a common engine and art style, they offer vastly different gameplay experiences. New Super Luigi U is essentially an expansion, or more accurately, a standalone, highly modified version of New Super Mario Bros. U. It’s not merely a reskin; it’s a re-imagining of the levels designed around Luigi’s unique attributes, resulting in a more challenging and distinct experience.

The Core Differences

The most obvious difference is the protagonist. In New Super Mario Bros. U, you play as Mario. In New Super Luigi U, you play as Luigi. This switch is more than cosmetic. Luigi has unique physics; he jumps higher and has less ground friction than Mario, making him more difficult to control, particularly for players used to Mario’s more grounded gameplay.

This change in character is not the only adjustment. Every level in New Super Luigi U is completely redesigned. These aren’t just simple tweaks, but significant changes that capitalize on Luigi’s abilities and increased difficulty. The levels feature tighter platforming sections, more complex enemy placements, and trickier layouts overall. The goal is to provide a considerably tougher challenge than what was seen in the original New Super Mario Bros. U.

Another key difference is the time limit. New Super Luigi U has a much tighter time limit per level than New Super Mario Bros. U, further enhancing the feeling of urgency and challenge. These shorter time limits, combined with the more complex level design, make for a much more demanding experience.

Finally, New Super Luigi U introduces Nabbit as a playable character. While not entirely unique to the game (Nabbit appears in New Super Mario Bros. U as an NPC), he is available as a playable character in multiplayer, joining the options of Luigi, Toad and Toadette in the New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe version on Switch.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

It’s important to clarify that on the Nintendo Switch, both games are packaged together as New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. This version combines both titles, alongside some extra features such as the addition of Toadette as a playable character. This bundle provides players with both the original game and its significantly altered expansion, offering a great value proposition but not changing the fundamental differences between the original games.

Mario’s Absence

Another unusual aspect is Mario’s complete absence from New Super Luigi U. While he is referenced twice, in the intro scene and in a level featuring a Mario-based snowman, he is never seen as a playable character or in the general level designs. This makes New Super Luigi U stand out as a title focused exclusively on Luigi.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

To help clarify any further confusion, here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the two games and their differences:

Is New Super Luigi U just a DLC for New Super Mario Bros. U?

Technically, New Super Luigi U was initially released as DLC for New Super Mario Bros. U on the Wii U. However, it received a later retail release, making it a standalone game, though still needing the base game to play originally. In the New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe package it is included as a second title, playable on the same game.

Can I play as Luigi in New Super Mario Bros. U?

Yes, but only in multiplayer or in challenge mode. The primary single-player campaign in New Super Mario Bros. U requires you to play as Mario.

Is New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe on Switch the same as the Wii U version?

Yes and no. The core content remains the same, but New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe on Switch is a complete version of the Wii U release, with some content upgrades and a smattering of visual tweaks to boot. Notably, Toadette is a playable character, and the game comes bundled with New Super Luigi U.

What are the key differences between Mario and Luigi’s movement?

Luigi jumps higher and has less ground friction than Mario. This makes his movement feel slightly more floaty and challenging to control, particularly for players used to Mario.

Why are the levels in New Super Luigi U more difficult?

The levels are completely redesigned to account for Luigi’s unique movement and to provide a significantly tougher challenge than the original game. They are more compact, with tighter platforming, and often have shorter time limits.

Does the Nintendo Switch version include both games?

Yes, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe includes both the original New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U.

Are there secret exits in New Super Luigi U?

Yes, there are 12 secret exits across the eight worlds in New Super Luigi U.

Who is Nabbit?

Nabbit is a character that appears as a non-playable character in New Super Mario Bros. U. However, in New Super Luigi U, he is also available as a playable character in multiplayer.

What happened to Mario in New Super Luigi U?

Mario is absent from New Super Luigi U, though his hat can be seen in the intro scene.

How many stars can I earn in New Super Luigi U?

To obtain all five file stars, you’ll need to: Beat the final Bowser, Find every normal and secret flag, Catch Nabbit when he appears in each of the first seven worlds, Obtain every star coin in the standard 8 worlds and Obtain all star coins in every world and level, including level 9 in Superstar Road.

Is there any difference in the story between the two games?

The story of both games are fundamentally the same: Bowser kidnaps Peach and Mario/Luigi have to rescue her. However, since Mario is not in New Super Luigi U the story is shown with Luigi as the main character.

Who is Luigi’s girlfriend?

Princess Daisy is the princess of Sarasaland and is often depicted as Luigi’s girlfriend.

What is Luigi’s full name?

Luigi’s full name is Luigi Mario, as confirmed by series creator Shigeru Miyamoto.

Who is older, Mario or Luigi?

Mario is older than Luigi, although their age difference is considered to be very slight.

Is New Super Mario Bros. U worth playing?

Yes, absolutely! If you missed it on the Wii U, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe provides a great platforming experience with the inclusion of both the original game and its more challenging expansion.

Final Thoughts

While both games share the same foundation, New Super Luigi U is not simply a rehash of New Super Mario Bros. U. It’s a significant expansion that provides a completely different gameplay experience due to Luigi’s unique controls and the completely redesigned, challenging levels. Whether you’re a seasoned Mario fan or a newcomer to the series, exploring both titles provides a deep and rewarding platforming journey. With the release of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe on the Switch, players can easily experience both games and appreciate their individual qualities.