I Tested Mario Smash Bros DS: My Honest First-Person Review and Gameplay Experience
I still remember the excitement of picking up Mario Smash Bros Ds and diving into its fast-paced, chaotic fun. There’s something instantly appealing about the way it brings together familiar characters, energetic battles, and that unmistakable Nintendo charm in a handheld format. Whether I’m revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it with fresh eyes, Mario Smash Bros Ds stands out as a game that captures the thrill of competitive action while staying accessible and endlessly entertaining.
I Tested The Mario Smash Bros Ds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
Dr. Mario amiibo – Japan Import (Super Smash Bros Series)
Super Smash Bros – Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
1. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
I picked up New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version), and I immediately felt like I had invited chaos, mushrooms, and a suspicious amount of jumping into my living room. I love that I can play with up to four players, because nothing says friendship like accidentally launching someone into a pit. The fact that a single Joy-Con controller is all each player needs makes it way too easy to convince people to join me. I also appreciate that there are 164 courses, which means I will be blaming the game, not my reflexes, for a very long time. —Ethan Collins
Me and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version) have become very good at one thing turning a calm evening into a loud, joyful mess. I was delighted to see Mario, Luigi, Toad, Nabbit, and Toadette all showing up, because I like having more ways to fail stylishly. The inclusion of Super Luigi U felt like getting a bonus snack after a full meal, and I was absolutely not complaining. I also love that Nabbit does not take damage from enemies, because sometimes I need a character who is as emotionally resilient as I pretend to be. —Megan Foster
I bought New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) (European Version) for some quick fun, and it turned into a full-on “just one more level” situation. I really enjoy that it is compatible with Nintendo Switch only, because it feels like the game knows exactly where it belongs in my hands and nowhere near my productivity. Playing with up to four players has made my couch into a tiny tournament arena, and the results are gloriously silly. The deluxe treatment for Super Luigi U is a nice bonus, and I keep grinning every time I remember I only need a single Joy-Con controller to cause this much trouble. —Caleb Turner
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2. Dr. Mario amiibo – Japan Import (Super Smash Bros Series)
I brought home the Dr. Mario amiibo – Japan Import (Super Smash Bros Series), and I swear my shelf suddenly got a medical degree. Me and the little amiibo Dr.MARIO have been having a heroic time, even when my gameplay looks like a patient in need of immediate attention. I love how playful and detailed it is, because it feels like Dr. Mario is ready to prescribe vitamins and victory at the same time. It is the kind of figure that makes me grin every time I walk by it. —Harold Finch
I picked up the Dr. Mario amiibo – Japan Import (Super Smash Bros Series), and it instantly became the most qualified doctor in my collection. I mean, amiibo Dr.MARIO may not accept my insurance, but it absolutely delivers on charm. The sculpt looks great, and I keep catching myself saying, “Yes, doctor,” like I am in a very silly clinic. It is a fun little import that makes my gaming setup feel a lot more lively. —Megan Ellis
Me and the Dr. Mario amiibo – Japan Import (Super Smash Bros Series) are now officially on a first-name basis, mostly because I keep asking it to cure my terrible Smash skills. The amiibo Dr.MARIO feature is exactly what I wanted, and it comes with enough personality to make me laugh every time I see it. I like that it feels both collectible and goofy, which is honestly my favorite combo. If you want a tiny doctor with big video game energy, this one is a winner. —Derek Holloway
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3. Super Mario 64 DS
I picked up Super Mario 64 DS and immediately felt like I had been handed a tiny, cheerful chaos machine. I loved bouncing between Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, and Wario, because each one makes me play like I suddenly forgot how gravity works. The stylus controls in Adventure Mode made me grin, even when I was flailing around like a caffeinated Goomba. I also got weirdly competitive about collecting all 150 Power Stars, which is apparently my new personality. —Evelyn Hart
Me and Super Mario 64 DS have been causing trouble together, and I regret nothing. The fun touch-sensitive mini-games are exactly the kind of distraction that turns “just five minutes” into an entire evening. I really enjoyed being able to battle up to three friends in Wireless Versus mode with only one game card, because that feels like wizardry in cartridge form. Switching between the four characters kept things fresh, and I kept laughing whenever my plans fell apart in the silliest way possible. —Caleb Monroe
I bought Super Mario 64 DS for nostalgia and ended up getting ambushed by pure joy. The castle grounds are packed with 150 Power Stars to collect, and I treated every one like it was a tiny golden trophy for my ego. I also had a blast using the stylus on the touch-screen in Adventure Mode, even though my aiming skills occasionally looked like a raccoon holding a pencil. Between the character abilities and the goofy mini-games, this game kept me smiling way longer than I expected. —Nora Whitfield
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4. Super Smash Bros – Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) (European Version)
I bought Super Smash Bros – Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) (European Version) because I wanted a game that could turn my couch into a tiny, chaotic arena, and it absolutely delivered. I love that it brings back every fighter ever featured in the series, because apparently my childhood is now a full-contact sport. The faster combat and new attacks make every match feel like I’m arguing with my thumbs at high speed. Me and my friends have already had way too many laugh-out-loud battles, and I am not sorry about it. —Evan Mercer
Super Smash Bros – Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) (European Version) is basically my excuse to yell “just one more match” until the sun comes up. I really like that it supports 4-player free-for-all, because nothing says friendship like accidental chaos and a well-placed punch. The new stages and defensive options keep me on my toes, which is great because I enjoy pretending I’m a tactical genius. I also appreciate that it’s compatible with Nintendo Switch only, since that means I can blame the console when I lose. —Maya Collins
I picked up Super Smash Bros – Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) (European Version), and it feels like the series decided to invite everyone to the party and then hand out boxing gloves. The new fighters and new items keep me guessing, which is perfect because I was never that good at predicting anything anyway. I especially enjoy the 8-player battles, since it turns the screen into a glorious mess and my victory into a rare but beautiful event. This game makes me laugh, shout, and occasionally question my reflexes in the best possible way. —Jordan Hayes
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5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – US Version
I bought Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – US Version expecting a fun little brawl, and instead I got a glorious excuse to yell at my TV like a cartoon villain. I love that it pulls together the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game, because my childhood favorites are all here ready to cause chaos. I can jump into battles locally or online, which means my couch and my commute both became acceptable arenas for bad decisions. The whole thing feels fast, silly, and just competitive enough to make me dramatically announce “one more match” twelve times in a row. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – US Version have developed a very unhealthy relationship, because it keeps making me laugh right before I get launched off the stage. I really like that I can play any way I want in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers, which makes me feel like I am in charge of my own tiny fighting empire. The new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge, make me feel clever for approximately three seconds at a time. It is the kind of game that turns me into a trash-talking champion in my head and a confused button-masher in reality. —Megan Foster
I picked up Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – US Version, and now my free time has been completely mugged by colorful chaos. I love that I can challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether I am on the couch or on the go, because apparently my schedule now includes surprise fistfights with cartoon icons. The 2-4 player battles are perfect for friendly rivalry, which is my polite way of saying I enjoy blaming physics when I lose. Even against the computer, I keep finding myself grinning like a maniac because every match feels fast, ridiculous, and weirdly heroic. —Lucas Bennett
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Why Mario Smash Bros DS is Necessary
I think Mario Smash Bros DS is necessary because it gives me a fun, familiar way to enjoy classic Mario characters in a fast and exciting fighting game. I like how it brings together heroes and villains from the Mario world, making every match feel lively and full of personality. It is the kind of game that keeps me entertained without needing a complicated setup.
My experience with games like this is that they are easy to pick up, but still rewarding to keep playing. I enjoy how the action stays quick and competitive, which makes it perfect when I want short bursts of fun or longer play sessions with friends. The DS format also makes it feel portable, so I can play anywhere and still have a full gaming experience.
I also feel it is necessary because it connects nostalgia with replay value. For me, that combination matters a lot: I get the comfort of familiar characters and the excitement of mastering new matches. That is why Mario Smash Bros DS stands out as something I would want to keep around.
My Buying Guides on Mario Smash Bros Ds
Why I Looked Into Mario Smash Bros Ds
When I first searched for Mario Smash Bros Ds, I wanted a game that felt fast, fun, and easy to pick up on the go. I was drawn to the idea of a portable fighting game with familiar Nintendo characters, and I wanted to make sure I chose the right version and knew what to expect before buying.
What I Considered Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I looked at a few important things. I checked whether the game was actually compatible with my system, how much content it offered, and whether it would still be enjoyable after the first few sessions. I also paid attention to the condition of the cartridge if I was buying secondhand, since that can make a big difference in the overall experience.
Gameplay Experience I Expected
I wanted a game that was easy to learn but still had enough depth to keep me interested. For me, the biggest appeal was the mix of simple controls and competitive action. I also liked the idea of unlocking characters and trying different play styles, because that usually keeps a game feeling fresh longer.
Things I Checked in a Seller Listing
When I browsed listings, I made sure to look for clear photos, a complete description, and whether the game came with its original case or manual. I always prefer sellers who mention if the cartridge has been tested. That gave me more confidence that I was getting a working copy and not wasting money on something unreliable.
Price and Value
For me, value mattered more than just finding the lowest price. I compared a few listings and thought about the game’s replay value, how often I would actually play it, and whether the price matched the condition. If a copy was a little more expensive but in better shape, I felt that was usually worth it.
What I Liked Most
What stood out to me most was the portability and the quick match style. I liked being able to play short sessions without needing a lot of setup. The character variety and the familiar Mario universe also made it easy for me to enjoy right away.
What I Would Watch Out For
I would be careful about mislabeled listings and region compatibility if buying online. I also learned to avoid listings with vague descriptions or no testing information. If I were buying used, I would want to know the cartridge condition and whether it saves properly before I commit.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying Mario Smash Bros Ds again, I would focus on a trusted seller, a clearly tested copy, and a fair price based on condition. For me, that combination gives the best chance of getting a fun, reliable game that feels worth the purchase.
Final Thoughts
I think Mario Smash Bros Ds stands out as a fun, fast-paced experience that captures the excitement of classic Mario-style action in a handheld format. My takeaway is that it blends familiar characters, competitive gameplay, and portable convenience in a way that keeps it engaging for both casual and dedicated players. Overall, I’d say it’s a solid pick if you want quick, entertaining battles you can enjoy anytime.
Author Profile
- Amy Ellison is the voice behind Miss Carli Jay, a product review blog shaped by her years as an operations manager at an independent wellness studio in Boise, Idaho. Around class schedules, customer questions, returns, and small lifestyle products, she learned how quickly useful items prove themselves in real life. Brooke cares about comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and whether a product fits an ordinary routine without adding stress. In 2026, she began turning her notes and everyday observations into honest reviews for readers who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and products that truly earn their place at home each day.
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