In the world of game franchises, only a few games have made major, lasting changes to their series. In a storied franchise like Mario, this feat is even more impressive.
Super Mario Bros 3 stands out among NES classic games not only for its innovative gameplay mechanics but also for its lasting influence on the platforming genre, inspiring countless sequels and spin-offs.
TL;DR – Why Super Mario Bros 3 Still Reigns Supreme
- Inventive Power-Ups: Frog Suit, Tanooki Suit, and P-Wing changed gameplay forever.
- Iconic World Design: 8 varied worlds and mini-games kept the experience fresh.
- Lasting Influence: Set the standard for all 2D Mario games that followed.
This game changed how 90s Mario games were made and set a new standard for all 2D platform games that came after it. Super Mario Bros 3 is often seen as one of the best NES games for kids.
🗨️ "The game was designed as if it were a stage play, with everything happening on a theater set – even the curtain opening at the start."
— Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Mario
Source: IGN Interview, 2023
The Table of Contents
Super Mario Bros 3 has fun gameplay, bright graphics, and friendly themes. This makes it a great way for children to start exploring video games.
Release Date of Super Mario Bros 3 on NES - A Milestone in Gaming History
- In 1990 for the NES, Super Mario Bros 3 was an absolute smash-hit.
- How many copies of Super Mario Bros 3 were sold? As of 2024 a little over 17 million copies
have been sold according to statista.com
Gamers enjoyed the new overworld map and the many suits that Mario could wear. They liked the item storage feature as well. This game also marked the first appearance of the Koopa Kids.
With more than 17 million units sold worldwide, Super Mario Bros 3 is one of the best commercially successful video games of all time.
The hype for the game was so massive, that it had an entire live action movie called The Wizard (starring Fred Savage and Tobey Maguire) that was basically a long advertisement for the game.
The Story of Super Mario Bros 3 on NES - A Classic Mario Adventure
Bowser is up to no good again and wants to take over the Mushroom Kingdom with the Koopa Kids. Everyone’s favorite plumber is hell-bent on not letting this happen.
To add more excitement, the Koopa Kids have turned the Mushroom Kings into monsters by taking their magic wand.
To save the day, Mario needs to defeat the Koopa Kids one by one. He must also return the Mushroom Kings to normal.
Finally, he has to face Bowser and beat him to rescue the Mushroom Kingdom. Also, Princess Toadstool is waiting for him at the end.
Super Mario Bros 3 on NES Gameplay - Mechanics, Features, and Tips
The platforming action is good, and there are some changes to the gameplay that are now common in the series. These include the ability to fly and pick up Koopa shells to use as weapons.
There are many new enemy types, including Dry Bones, Flying Goombas, Chain Chomps, and Boos. If you've played some of these classic NES games, you might have encountered these foes. Super Mario Bros 3 is where they made their debut. The controls are tight and responsive, making your adventures even more fun.
However, the changes continue beyond that. Super Mario Bros 3 introduced numerous new power-ups to the franchise beyond the normal fire-spitting and size-boosting ones. The new powers Mario has access to include – The Frog Suit, The Tanooki Suit, the P-Wing and something called the Super Leaf.
Gameplay Strategies for Different Levels in Super Mario Bros 3 on NES
Depending on which level you’re attempting to beat, you must pick and choose among these
power ups carefully. In some levels, it is helpful to equip an item that lets you fly. In other levels, you might need to adjust your attacks to make them stronger.
The Frog Suit is useful for underwater levels, making it easy to swim. However, it doesn’t help much when you are on land. You can also use the Whistle, which allows you to access the Warp World, in case you’re feeling the speed run itch.
The unique power-ups and intricate level designs in Super Mario Bros 3 not only enhance gameplay but also contribute to a nostalgic retro gaming experience that captivates both new players and seasoned veterans alike.
Power-Up Strategies for Each Level in Super Mario Bros 3 on NES
NES Mario Bros 3 will take you through flying levels, ground (and underground levels)And everyone’s favorite underwater levels. The levels are all beautifully designed and have a nice connected feel. You’ll come across airships, platforms that move along cables and levels that scroll both ways.
This makes level design more complex than in earlier games in the series. The navigation allows players to move around, which gives a sense of size. The game starts off fairly easy, but there’s a huge difficulty spike near the end. Fear not, however, since all the extra lives you’ve accrued to this point will come in handy.
Super Mario Bros 3 allows players to progress through the game In a non-linear fashion through a world map. You can decide which route you want to take to the end castle and even skip over some levels along the way occasionally.
Mini Games in Super Mario Bros 3 on NES - Fun Challenges and Rewards
The worlds are also filled with mini-games and Toad Houses, which are special locations that players can visit throughout the game. Each Mini Game House typically offers a chance to 
play one of two games: the "Matching Game" (where you match cards) and the "Coin Ship Game" (where you collect coins while dodging enemies).
Finishing these mini-games can give you power-ups, extra lives, or other helpful bonuses. These rewards can make it easier to progress in the game.
Mini Game Houses in Super Mario Bros 3 add a fun change to the gameplay. They give players a nice break from the main levels. They give you a chance to gather items and earn extra lives, adding a strategic element to the game.
How many Worlds are in Super Mario Bros 3 NES
There are a total of 8 different worlds, or super mario levels, each with about 4 different sublevels, culminating in defeating a Koopa at a castle. Each world features a specific theme, and the difficulty of the super mario levels increases as players advance.
World 1: Grassland - Easy Level in Super Mario Bros 3 NES
- Best Suits: Super Mushroom and Fire Flower - Reason: These basic power-ups help you familiarize yourself with the game's mechanics. The Fire Flower is especially useful for taking out Goombas and Koopa Troopas from a distance.
- Enemies: Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and other basic enemies.
- Challenges: You are introduced to the basic mechanics of jumping, running, and collecting power-ups. The levels are fairly easy, providing a warm-up for new players.
- Notable Level: 1-4 features the first castle where you face Bowser's minion, setting the stage for the adventure.
World 2: Desert Land - Easy Level in Super Mario Bros 3 NES
- Best Suits: Super Mushroom and Fire Flower - Reason: These suits are still helpful, and the fireballs help you handle new enemies while you move smoothly through the sandy levels.
- Enemies: New enemies like Pokeys and Mummified Koopas.
- Challenges: You must deal with shifting sands, which can slow down movement, and learn to navigate through various traps like falling rocks.
- Notable Level: 2-4 takes place in a castle with tricky platforming and enemies hiding behind various obstacles.
World 3: The Water Level - Save Your Frog Suits in Super Mario Bros 3 NES
- Best Suit: Frog Suit - Reason: The Frog Suit is great for underwater levels. It helps you swim easily and move through the water without trouble.
- The Frog Suit makes water levels far easier.
- Enemies: Cheep-Cheeps and other aquatic enemies.
- Challenges: The introduction of swimming mechanics. You need to learn how to move in underwater levels. They have different rules than land levels.
- Notable Level: 3-4 is a castle level where you must avoid fire and navigate through tight spaces.
World 4: Giant Land - Discover Giant Enemies and Unique Challenges in Super Mario
Bros 3 NES
- Best Suits: Super Mushroom and Tanooki Suit - The Tanooki Suit helps you float and glide over big enemies and obstacles.
- This makes it helpful for navigating through the big game world.
- Enemies: Giant versions of common enemies like Goombas and Koopa Troopas.
- Challenges: You must adapt to larger platforms and obstacles, which change the dynamics of jumps and dodges.
- Notable Level: 4-2 emphasizes climbing and maneuvering through giant objects and enemies.
World 5: Sky Land - Navigate Cloud Levels in Super Mario Bros 3 NES
- Best Suit: Tanooki Suit or Cape Feather (if available)The Tanooki Suit helps you fight flying enemies. If you also get a Cape Feather, you can fly. This makes it simpler to move through the sky levels.
- Enemies: New aerial enemies like Snifits and Bill Blasters.
- Challenges: You must navigate through cloud formations while maintaining balance on floating platforms. Wind mechanics are also introduced.
- Notable Level: 5-3 presents a mix of cloud hopping and moving platforms that challenge your timing and control.
World 6: Ice Land - Experience Slippery Challenges in Super Mario Bros 3 NES
- Best Suit: Tanooki Suit - Reason: The Tanooki Suit is very useful because it can help you slip less on ice. Plus, being able to tail whip enemies is helpful with the various icy foes.
- Enemies: Ice-themed enemies like Snow Pokeys and Frosty.
- Challenges: Moving on slippery surfaces adds more difficulty, needing careful timing and control.
- Notable Level: 6-4 is a challenging ice castle filled with traps and harder enemies, testing your skills.
World 7: Pipe Land - Enjoy Challenging Levels in Super Mario Bros 3 NES
- Best Suits: Super Mushroom and Tanooki Suit - Reason: The Tanooki Suit's ability to glide can be beneficial in navigating through the numerous pipes and mazes. The Super Mushroom gives you a valuable buffer against damage.
- You will encounter many mazes and hidden areas made by pipes. This adds difficulty to your exploration.
- Level 7-3 has a maze design. You need to find the correct pipes to move through it.
World 8: The Dark Land - Save Your P-Wings for the Final Challenge in Super Mario Bros 3 NES
- Best Suits: P-Wing or Tanooki Suit - Reason: In Dark Land, using a P-Wing can help you fly over difficult areas and avoid enemies.
- The Tanooki Suit is helpful because it gives you some protection from enemies. It also helps you get through tough parts of the game.
- Enemies: Stronger variants of past enemies, along with the final boss: Bowser.
- You face the toughest enemies and traps in the game, with high stakes as you approach the final showdown.
- Level 8-4 ends with the final battle against Bowser. This level has tricky traps, and players must use all the skills they learned in the game.
Super Mario Bros 3 Review Final Thoughts: Is SMB 3 A Good Game?
We rate Super Mario Bros 3 a near-perfect 9.5/10 — a solid ★★★★★ on our retro game scale.
There is almost nothing to dislike about the classic Super Mario Bros 3. The gameplay is excellent, with well-designed platforming. The levels are diverse and challenging, which makes the game enjoyable from start to finish.
The campaign will last you a decent amount of time if you play it all the way through. The absence of a save game can be frustrating at times, but it's a small issue. You can easily solve it by using the Warp Worlds. Great gameplay, fantastic sound and retro goodness makes this one of the best Mario games of all time!
Warp Whistles and Wisdom – SMB3 Frequently Asked Questions
When was Super Mario Bros 3 released on NES?
How many worlds are in Super Mario Bros 3?
- There are 8 different worlds in Super Mario Bros 3. Each has its own unique theme and set of levels, including Grassland, Desert Land, Water Land, and Dark Land.
Why is Super Mario Bros 3 considered one of the best NES games?
- Super Mario Bros 3 is praised for its creative level design, tight controls, new power-ups, world map navigation, and high replay value.
- The game introduced many gameplay elements that became staples of the Mario franchise.
What was Shigeru Miyamoto's vision behind Super Mario Bros 3?
- According to Miyamoto, the game was designed like a stage play, complete with curtain openers and scenery props.
- This creative direction is why the game’s visuals resemble a theatrical performance.
Can I still sell Super Mario Bros 3 today?
- Yes! You can sell your NES copy of Super Mario Bros 3 at The Old School Game Vault, a trusted platform for retro video game trade-ins.
Where can I find all the Warp Whistles in Super Mario Bros 3?
- Warp Whistle #1 – World 1-3: Crouch on the white block at the end, fall behind the scenery, and enter the Toad House.
Warp Whistle #2 – World 1 Fortress: Use the Raccoon Leaf to fly up to the ceiling and enter a hidden door with the whistle.
Warp Whistle #3 – World 2 Desert Land: Use a Hammer on the top-right rock on the map to access a Fire Bros battle — win to earn the third Warp Whistle.
Can you save your game in Super Mario Bros 3?
- No, the original NES version of Super Mario Bros 3 does not support saving.
- However, in 2-player mode, pressing Start + A on the map screen after a Game Over can allow the other player to continue in the same world.
- True saving was added in later versions like Super Mario All-Stars and the Game Boy Advance port.
How do you win the slot machine in Super Mario Bros 3?
- To win the slot machine mini-game, line up three matching symbols — Mushroom, Fire Flower, or Star — to earn extra lives. The reels follow a set pattern, so with good timing, you can match all three. Press the A button just before your desired symbol reaches the center of the reel. The Mushroom is often the easiest pattern to match for a 1-Up.
How do you get 1-Ups in Super Mario Bros 3?
- Collecting 100 coins
- Finding hidden green mushrooms
- Jumping on multiple enemies in a row
- Winning mini-games
- Matching cards in Toad Houses
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