Skip to main content

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is getting a Nintendo Switch remake in February

Mario vs. Donkey Kong was announced during today’s Nintendo Direct. Launching on February 16, this new title is the first entry in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series to hit the Nintendo Switch and the latest in the series since its last entry in 2016.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong - Nintendo Direct 9.14.2023

The Mario vs. Donkey Kong series is a successor to the original Donkey Kong series of games. It began in 2004 with Mario vs. Donkey Kong for the Game Boy Advance. This new Switch entry is a complete remake of that original title.

Recommended Videos

Like the original, the Mario vs. Donkey Kong Switch remake is a puzzle game where you play as Mario. Throughout the game, you’ll complete puzzles to collect the mini-Mario robot toys and eventually defeat Donkey Kong. The puzzles involve using a variety of switches and making your way across platforms and other obstacles to get free and collect these toys. Other times you’ll be collecting keys to progress through levels.

Mario jumping towards Donkey Kong in Mario vs Donkey Kong for the Switch.
Nintendo

However, it differs in that this new entry to the series features full-on 3D graphics. There are no 3D gameplay gimmicks or overhauls to be found here, but it looks much better than the original Gameboy Advance version.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Another key difference in this new remake is that it offers co-op multiplayer. Here, a second player can take the helm of Toad and help Mario progress through levels and defeat Donkey Kong.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a welcome surprise and another addition to the Switch’s massive library of puzzle games. It is set to release on February 16, 2024.

DeAngelo Epps
Former Digital Trends Contributor
De'Angelo Epps is a gaming writer passionate about the culture, communities, and industry surrounding gaming. His work ranges…
The best Lego games for Nintendo Switch
Aloy holds a bow in Lego Horizon Adventures.

You can't talk about the best Switch games without at least one Lego game coming up. These games have adapted all of the major franchises, from superheroes to fantasy characters, into some of the most enjoyable games for kids and adults. Or, better yet, play them together since nearly all of them are best played in local multiplayer. At this point in the Switch's lifecycle, there are over a dozen Lego games out there to pick from. While you could always go with whichever one is based on your favorite franchise, there are a few others not based on a license that are just as good. These are our picks for the best Lego games on the Switch that mix in both license properties and original IPs.

If you do plan on playing these with a friend or family member, make sure you have a spare controller ready.

Read more
Nintendo Switch’s successor must overcome one major challenge
Someone picks up a Nintendo Switch OLED Model.

The latest news on the Nintendo Switch’s successor, colloquially referred to as the Nintendo Switch 2, excites me. Unfortunately, it also demonstrates a major hurdle that Nintendo Switch 2 will have to overcome.

While Nintendo has yet to go all out in terms ofexplaining what the Switch 2 is yet (or if that’s even its name), we did learn in the company’s latest financial results that the console will be backward compatible with Nintendo Switch titles. That’s a win for not just Switch 2, but game preservation and the Nintendo Account system. Although backward compatibility is a net win for Nintendo’s next system, as it was for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, it reminds me that Nintendo must succeed where PlayStation and Xbox have struggled this generation.

Read more
The best gear in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Luigi kicks a shell in Mario & Luigi: Brothership.

The Mario & Luigi series has always been a lighter take on RPGs, but still has all the core elements you expect from the genre. With Mario & Luigi: Brothership, you can count on the return of turn-based battles, puzzles, leveling up, and plenty of gear to find, buy, and equip to alter your stats. This isn't the most challenging RPG on the market, but not upgrading or maximizing your gear can certainly make it far more challenging than it needs to be. You will need to manage both Mario and Luigi's gear individually with dozens of ways to build their abilities. Before you invest in that expensive pair of gloves or shiny pair of boots, let us point you in the right direction on what the best gear is in Mario & Luigi: Brothership.
Best gear in Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Gear can be broken down into five categories: Boots, Hammers, Wear, Gloves, and Accessories. In total, each brother can equip up to five pieces of gear. Some gear can be found, while most needs to be purchased or crafted as you go through the game. We'll run through the best one or two for each category for each of the brothers.
Best gear for Mario

Starting at the bottom, the best Boots for Mario are the Gobblick Boots DX. These give you Jump +123 and Stache +5 but also give you 10% of damage dealt back as HP so you can keep on the attack and not worry about healing as often.

Read more