Mario vs. Donkey Kong has a new trailer that showcases the puzzle game’s mini-levels and various gameplay modes.
Shy Guys, piranha plants and Toad all pop up in the new clip, alongside new worlds filled with traps and obstacles.
Announced at the Nintendo Direct last September, Mario vs. Donkey Kong looks like it could be the first must-have Switch game of 2024.
Here’s what you need to know about the new title, including its release date and price.
Mario and Donkey Kong's beef: A short history
Old rivals Mario and Donkey Kong are back in this updated version of the 2004 Game Boy Advance game. The two have been feuding since the release of Donkey Kong in 1981, which is notable for being Mario’s first appearance in a video game.
Of course, the plucky plumber would go on to star in a series of classics, while a new look Donkey Kong returned in the joyous Donkey Kong Country in 1994 - and has since appeared in several excellent platformers across the Wii and Wii U.
Along the way, their paths have crossed in the Mario Kart games and the two sequels to Mario vs. Donkey Kong. More recently, the pair clashed again in one of the most memorable scenes in last year's blockbuster Super Mario. Bros Movie.
What is Mario vs. Donkey Kong?
In the upcoming game, you’ll take control of Mario to complete 130 puzzle-filled levels guarded by the destructive gorilla.
As you may have guessed, you can’t just try and dash through these stages like in other Mario games. Instead, you’ll have to observe your surroundings for buttons, keys and other features that unlock the different parts of each level.
To make things trickier, you may even have to lead a pack of mini-Marios across hazardous areas. At the end of each of the game’s eight worlds, you’ll have to thwack Donkey Kong to progress.
How is it different from the original?
For its Switch debut, Nintendo has completely rebooted the game with new visuals, music, and two new worlds (Merry Mini-Land and Slippery Summit).
There’s also a casual mode, which is basically an easy version of the game, and dozens of advanced levels that contain more pitfalls.
Does Mario vs Donkey Kong have co-op?
In another departure from the original, the new Mario vs. Donkey Kong has a local co-op mode for two players.
That means you and a pal can play together on the same Switch console. Teaming up may also work to your advantage as Nintendo hints that it can open up new routes through tricky levels.
What is Mario vs Donkey Kong’s release date?
Mario vs. Donkey Kong will land on the Nintendo Switch on February 16, and is available to pre-order now.
What is Mario vs Donkey Kong’s price?
Perhaps because it’s a remake, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is priced a bit lower than other Switch titles.
The game will cost £40 in the UK, according to its listing on the Nintendo eShop.
