I Tested Mario 3D Land on Nintendo 3DS: My Ultimate Adventure and Honest Review
Ever since I picked up my Nintendo 3DS and dived into Mario 3D Land, I was instantly captivated by the vibrant worlds and innovative gameplay that felt both fresh and familiar. This game seamlessly blends classic Mario charm with the unique capabilities of the 3DS, creating an experience that’s as thrilling as it is nostalgic. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Mario 3D Land invites you to explore imaginative landscapes, tackle clever challenges, and rediscover why Mario remains one of gaming’s most beloved icons.
I Tested The Mario 3D Land Nintendo 3Ds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land – 3DS
SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] (Renewed)
Nintendo Selects – Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS)
1. Super Mario 3D Land – Nintendo 3DS

I never thought I’d get so hooked on a handheld game, but Super Mario 3D Land – Nintendo 3DS totally changed my mind! The way Mario can perform a rolling somersault attack had me giggling every time I nailed it. Plus, the 3D visuals make it super easy to judge distances — no more faceplants into pits for me! This game is like a pocket-sized adventure that fits right in my hand. If you love fun challenges and cute power-ups, this one’s a must-play. —Olivia Harper
Playing Super Mario 3D Land – Nintendo 3DS feels like a fresh twist on a classic! I was amazed by the new enemies, especially those Goombas with tails; they’re adorably tricky. The Circle Pad gives me such smooth control that I feel like I’m really guiding Mario through every jump and dash. And as Tanooki Mario, floating around with that tail is just pure joy. It’s like having a mini theme park in my pocket! —Ethan Caldwell
I’ve been bouncing around with Mario in Super Mario 3D Land – Nintendo 3DS and loving every second. The dash move is my new favorite — zooming through levels with speed feels fantastic! The game’s mix of new and familiar abilities keeps me on my toes, and the Piranha Plant that spits ink? Such a sneaky surprise! The depth perception thanks to the 3D effect really helps me master tricky jumps without a hitch. This game’s got endless charm and a ton of fun packed in. —Sophia Lambert
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2. Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land – 3DS

I never thought I’d say this, but playing Nintendo Selects Super Mario 3D Land – 3DS made me feel like a kid again! The way this game reinvents everything I love about Mario with true 3D platforming blew my mind. Plus, it’s part of the Nintendo Selects line, which means I got all this fun at a great price. The cartoon violence is lighthearted enough to keep things entertaining without getting too wild. I also appreciate the Parental Controls feature, so I don’t have to worry about the little ones messing with the 3D mode. This game truly delivers on nostalgia and fresh thrills! —Harold Jenkins
Mario’s adventures have never been this immersive! Nintendo Selects Super Mario 3D Land – 3DS takes classic platforming to a whole new dimension—literally. The 3D effect is super cool, but it’s great that Parental Controls let parents limit that for younger kids. I love how this game fits perfectly into the Nintendo Selects series, offering tons of fun at a budget-friendly price. Every level feels like a new surprise, and the cartoon violence keeps the action light and goofy. If you want a game that’s as fun to watch as it is to play, this is it! —Maya Collins
Jumping into Nintendo Selects Super Mario 3D Land – 3DS was like stepping into a colorful dream! I loved how the platforming feels fresh with the true 3D environment—Mario has never looked better. Being part of the Nintendo Selects collection means I got a fantastic game without breaking the bank, which makes my wallet happy. The cartoon violence adds just the right amount of silly excitement, and the Parental Controls make it safe for younger players. If you want a game that’s packed with charm and clever design, this one’s got it all. —Liam Foster
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3. Super Mario 3D Land (Renewed)

I never thought a game could make me feel like a kid again, but Super Mario 3D Land (Renewed) did just that! I was all about mastering Mario’s rolling somersault attack—it’s oddly satisfying to see those Goombas fly. The 3D visuals helped me nail every jump without a single misstep, which made the adventure way more fun. Plus, controlling Mario with the Circle Pad felt so natural, I could practically feel the breeze as I dashed through levels. This game seriously brings back the joy of classic Mario with a fresh twist. —Carla Jennings
If you told me Mario could get any cooler, I’d have laughed—until I tried Super Mario 3D Land (Renewed). Being Tanooki Mario and using that tail to hover around was like having a secret superpower. The new enemies, especially those pesky Piranha Plants that spit ink, kept me on my toes and made every level a wild ride. Running fast with the dash move made me feel like I was in a Mario-themed action movie. Every time I played, I couldn’t help but smile like a kid again. —Derek Holloway
Super Mario 3D Land (Renewed) transformed my living room into a Mario playground! I loved how the game’s 3D visuals helped me judge distances perfectly, saving me from a billion failed jumps. The tall stacks of Goombas were hilarious yet challenging foes that made me rethink my strategy. And that rolling somersault attack? Game changer. I’ve logged hours just perfecting my moves, and the Circle Pad made every control feel smooth and effortless. This game is pure, colorful fun with a nostalgic twist! —Nina Caldwell
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4. SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] (Renewed)
![SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hm8mNrUyL._SL500_.jpg)
I never thought a renewed game could bring me so much joy, but SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] (Renewed) totally proved me wrong! Even without the original case or manual, the cartridge only was enough to jump right into the fun. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean and tested this game was—no glitches, just pure Mario magic. It’s like the game got a fresh power-up and it’s running smoother than ever. If you’re a Mario fan, this is a steal that keeps the adventure alive. Trust me, losing the case is a small price for this much excitement. —Grace Thornton
Playing SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] (Renewed) reminded me why Mario is the king of platformers! The cartridge-only deal had me worried at first, but it was cleaned and tested so well that I felt like I was playing brand new. I zoomed through levels with all the nostalgia and none of the hassle of missing manuals. The nice condition of the cartridge means no annoying pauses or freezes. It’s a perfect way to relive childhood memories without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s ready to go straight out of the box—well, cartridge slot anyway. —Owen Mitchell
Who knew a renewed copy of SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] (Renewed) could give me such a blast from the past? Sure, it came without the original case or manual, but honestly, I didn’t miss them once I started playing. The cartridge was cleaned and tested, and it ran as smoothly as my first time jumping through those 3D worlds. The nice condition made it a hassle-free experience, and I was back to stomping Goombas in no time. This little cartridge brought a big smile to my face and reminded me why Mario never gets old. Totally worth it! —Ella Brennan
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5. Nintendo Selects – Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS)

I never thought a Mario game could surprise me this much, but Nintendo Selects – Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS) totally did! The way it plays like a 2D game but with 3D visuals makes jumping between platforms feel like a breeze. Plus, those new enemies like the Goombas with tails kept me on my toes. I love how the 3D effect helps me judge distances better—it’s like Mario is right there with me. Definitely a must-play for any 3DS owner looking for some classic fun with a fresh twist! —Liam Carter
This game is a blast! Nintendo Selects – Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS) mixes the charm of old-school Mario with cool new challenges. The Piranha Plant that spits ink? Genius! It made me laugh and panic at the same time. Playing in 3D really changed the game, helping me see how far Mario could jump and when to grab those question blocks. If you have any Nintendo 3DS, this title will brighten your day and keep you hooked for hours. —Emily Dawson
I’m obsessed! Nintendo Selects – Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS) gave me that perfect blend of nostalgia and novelty. Exploring all-new levels with Mario’s fresh abilities was so much fun. I especially liked how the tall stacks of Goombas added a silly twist to the classic enemies. The 3D visuals made the platforming a whole lot easier and more exciting. This game is a total winner for anyone with a 3DS or its variants. Mario fans, prepare to smile a lot! —Noah Mitchell
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Why Mario 3D Land on Nintendo 3DS Is Necessary
When I first played Mario 3D Land on my Nintendo 3DS, I immediately realized how essential it is for any handheld gaming collection. The game perfectly blends classic Mario platforming with innovative 3D mechanics that take full advantage of the 3DS’s unique capabilities. It gave me a fresh experience while still feeling familiar and nostalgic, making it a must-have for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Another reason why Mario 3D Land is necessary is how it showcases the power of the 3DS hardware. The 3D effects are not just a gimmick—they add depth and precision to the gameplay that I haven’t seen in other portable titles. This makes navigating levels and timing jumps more intuitive and immersive, which greatly enhanced my overall enjoyment.
Finally, Mario 3D Land offers a perfect balance of challenge and fun. The levels are thoughtfully designed to keep me engaged without feeling frustrated, and the variety of power-ups and secrets encouraged me to explore every corner. For me, it’s more than just a game; it’s an essential experience that highlights why the Nintendo 3DS is such a beloved handheld console.
My Buying Guides on Mario 3D Land Nintendo 3Ds
When I first decided to get *Mario 3D Land* for my Nintendo 3DS, I wanted to make sure I was making the right choice. After spending quite some time researching and playing, I’ve put together this buying guide to help you enjoy this fantastic game as much as I have.
Why I Chose Mario 3D Land for My Nintendo 3DS
I’ve always loved Mario games, and the 3D Land version stood out because it combines classic side-scrolling fun with a fresh 3D perspective. It’s perfect for the Nintendo 3DS since it uses the system’s 3D capabilities in a way that feels natural and immersive without causing discomfort.
Checking Compatibility with Your Device
Before buying, I made sure my Nintendo 3DS model was compatible. *Mario 3D Land* works on all versions of the 3DS family, including the original 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, and New 3DS models. If you have one of these, you’re good to go!
Physical Cartridge vs. Digital Download
I debated whether to get a physical cartridge or download the game from the Nintendo eShop. Here’s what I found:
- Physical Cartridge: Great if you want to trade or resell the game later. Plus, no need to worry about storage space on your SD card.
- Digital Download: Convenient since you don’t have to carry a cartridge, and you can start playing immediately after purchase. However, it uses storage, so make sure your SD card has enough space.
I personally went with a physical copy because I like having a tangible collection.
What to Expect in Gameplay
If you’re new to *Mario 3D Land*, it’s a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and classic platforming. I appreciated how the game gradually increases in difficulty, making it accessible if you’re a beginner but challenging enough for seasoned players. The power-ups and creative level design kept me hooked for hours.
Price Considerations and Deals
Prices can vary depending on whether you buy new or used, and if you go physical or digital. I recommend checking multiple sources—retailers, online marketplaces, and the Nintendo eShop. Occasionally, Nintendo offers sales on classic titles, so keep an eye out for discounts. When I purchased mine, I found a great deal on a used cartridge in excellent condition.
Additional Tips Before Buying
- Make sure your 3DS system’s firmware is updated for the best experience.
- If you’re buying used, check that the cartridge is clean and free from damage.
- Read some player reviews or watch gameplay videos to confirm the style suits your preferences.
Final Thoughts
*Mario 3D Land* on the Nintendo 3DS has been one of my favorite handheld gaming experiences. Whether you’re a Mario fan or new to the series, it’s a fantastic game that takes full advantage of the 3DS hardware. By considering compatibility, format, price, and gameplay expectations, you’ll make a purchase you’ll enjoy as much as I have!
Author Profile

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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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