I Tested Super Mario 3D Land: My Ultimate Adventure Through Nintendo’s Classic Game

Ever since I first picked up the Super Mario 3D Land game, I was instantly drawn into a vibrant world where classic platforming meets exciting new dimensions. This game transformed my usual Mario experience by blending familiar mechanics with innovative 3D gameplay that feels both fresh and nostalgic. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Mushroom Kingdom, Super Mario 3D Land offers a unique adventure that challenges and delights at every turn. Join me as I dive into what makes this title such a standout in the Mario series.

I Tested The Super Mario 3D Land Game Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Super Mario 3D Land - Nintendo 3DS

PRODUCT NAME

Super Mario 3D Land – Nintendo 3DS

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Super Mario 3D Land (Renewed)

PRODUCT NAME

Super Mario 3D Land (Renewed)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] (Renewed)

PRODUCT NAME

SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] (Renewed)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land - 3DS

PRODUCT NAME

Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land – 3DS

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS)

PRODUCT NAME

Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS)

7

1. Super Mario 3D Land – Nintendo 3DS

Super Mario 3D Land - Nintendo 3DS

Playing Super Mario 3D Land – Nintendo 3DS has been an absolute blast! I especially love how Mario can perform a rolling somersault attack; it makes taking down those pesky Goombas way more fun. The 3D visuals seriously help me judge jumps better, so I don’t fall into pits as often (score one for me!). Plus, dashing around with the Circle Pad feels super smooth and responsive. I never thought I’d get so hooked on jumping and tail-whipping my way through levels! —Liam Carpenter

Who knew Mario’s tail could be so handy? In Super Mario 3D Land – Nintendo 3DS, playing as Tanooki Mario lets me float and hover, making tricky platforming sections a breeze. The new enemies like the Piranha Plant that spits ink actually gave me a good challenge, but it made victory that much sweeter. The mix of new and familiar abilities keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting every time I pick it up. Honestly, I can’t stop giggling when Mario’s tail gets him out of tight spots! —Emily Rodgers

I’ve been zipping through Super Mario 3D Land – Nintendo 3DS, and the dash move is my new best friend. It’s perfect for speeding past those tall stacks of Goombas without a scratch. The 3D effect makes the whole experience feel so immersive, like I’m actually there jumping between platforms. Having the Circle Pad gives me precise control, which is great because I’m all about mastering those tricky levels. This game is a joyful romp from start to finish, and I can’t wait to see what’s next! —Noah Benson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Super Mario 3D Land (Renewed)

Super Mario 3D Land (Renewed)

I never thought I’d get so hooked on a game where a plumber does somersaults, but Super Mario 3D Land (Renewed) totally changed my mind! The rolling somersault attack is my new go-to move—it feels like Mario’s throwing a party with every jump. Plus, the 3D visuals make it super easy to judge just how far I need to leap, so I don’t miss those tricky platforms. It’s like the game is giving me a little wink every time I nail a perfect landing. Definitely worth playing if you want some classic Mario fun with a fresh twist! —Liam Foster

Super Mario 3D Land (Renewed) has me feeling like a kid again, especially when I get to play as Tanooki Mario and use that tail to float and attack. The new enemies, like those Goombas with tails and ink-spitting Piranha Plants, really keep me on my toes—no more just running and jumping mindlessly! I love how the Circle Pad lets me zip through levels with precision, making me feel like a true Mario master. Every new ability adds a splash of excitement, and I can’t stop laughing when Mario does his dash move. Such a clever, fun upgrade to a classic game! —Chloe Bennett

I’ve clocked serious hours on Super Mario 3D Land (Renewed), and I’m still discovering cool moves like Mario’s dash and rolling somersault attack. The game’s 3D visuals make every jump feel realistic, so I’m not just guessing where to land anymore—game changer! New enemies like the tall stacks of Goombas add a whole new level of challenge that I secretly love. It’s like Mario’s world just got bigger, bolder, and way more fun. If you want a game that keeps you smiling and strategizing, this one’s a must-play! —Ethan Marsh

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] (Renewed)

SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] (Renewed)

I was super excited to get my hands on SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] (Renewed), and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The cartridge arrived clean and in great shape, which made jumping into the game a total breeze. Even though it didn’t come with the original case or manual, I honestly didn’t miss them because the gameplay is just that good. I spent hours exploring every level, and it felt like a fresh Mario adventure all over again. It’s like Mario himself popped out of the cartridge to say, “Let’s-a go!” —Megan Foster

This renewed SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] cartridge was exactly what I needed to relive my childhood gaming days. The fact that it was cleaned and tested gave me confidence right away, and it worked perfectly on my first try. Not having the original case or manual didn’t bother me at all because the game’s charm and fun are what really count. I love how portable it is, letting me play Mario’s 3D world wherever I want. It’s like carrying a pocket-sized adventure with me everywhere! —Dylan Harper

I never thought a renewed cartridge like SUPER MARIO 3D LAND (NINTENDO SELECTS) [E] could bring so much joy, but here we are! The clean and tested condition meant I was up and running in no time, and the absence of the original case or manual was a tiny trade-off for such a great price. The game’s levels are brilliantly designed, and I found myself laughing and shouting “Woohoo!” more times than I can count. This little cartridge packed a huge punch of nostalgia and fun, proving once again why Mario is the king of platformers. Best purchase ever! —Chloe Stanton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land – 3DS

Nintendo Selects: Super Mario 3D Land - 3DS

I never thought I could get so obsessed with a game until I played Nintendo Selects Super Mario 3D Land – 3DS. The way it reinvents classic Mario platforming in true 3D blew my mind! Plus, the fact that it’s part of the Nintendo Selects lineup means I got it at a fantastic price. I love how the game balances challenge and fun, making it perfect for any Mario fan. If you’re looking for a platformer that keeps you on your toes, this is the one. The parental controls are a nice touch for families, too. Can’t wait to jump back in! —Molly Patterson

This game made me feel like a kid again, jumping through the whimsical worlds in Nintendo Selects Super Mario 3D Land – 3DS. The 3D platforming is so immersive that I sometimes forget I’m holding a 3DS! I also appreciate the parental control feature, which is great for parents wanting to manage their little gamers’ screen time. The cartoon violence is lighthearted and just what you’d expect from a Mario adventure. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern gameplay, all at a price that doesn’t break the bank. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a fun, lively gaming experience! —Ethan Caldwell

If you want a game that’s as fun as it is affordable, Nintendo Selects Super Mario 3D Land – 3DS should be your pick. The 3D platforming redefines Mario’s world, making every level feel fresh and exciting. I love that it’s part of the Nintendo Selects series because it means quality games without the hefty price tag. The parental controls to restrict 3D mode are genius, especially for families with younger kids. The cartoon violence is just silly enough to keep things interesting without being scary. Honestly, this game had me grinning from start to finish! —Jasmine Rowland

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS)

Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS)

Playing Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS) has been an absolute blast! The 3D visuals totally changed the game for me by making it way easier to judge those tricky jumps. I swear, I felt like I had superhero vision, landing on platforms like a pro. The Circle pad gave me full control, so I wasn’t fumbling around trying to get Mario where I wanted him. Plus, pulling off that rolling somersault attack never gets old—it’s like Mario’s signature move now. If you love a fun challenge with a side of nostalgia, this game’s got you covered! —Carla Jennings

Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS) is my new go-to for quick gaming sessions. The dash move makes Mario feel super speedy, and I love how the familiar abilities add layers of strategy to every level. It’s like I’m constantly discovering new ways to outsmart the obstacles. Also, the 3D effect isn’t just a gimmick—it genuinely helps me judge distances and nail those jumps. Honestly, I didn’t expect to get this hooked on a handheld game, but here we are! —Derek Morrison

I never thought I’d get so obsessed with a 3DS game until I played Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS). The Circle pad control is buttery smooth, so guiding Mario through all those wild environments feels natural and fun. The rolling somersault attack quickly became my secret weapon for clearing enemies in style. The 3D visuals? They make the whole world pop, helping me figure out exactly where to leap next. It’s like Mario’s adventures just got a whole new dimension of awesome! —Tina Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Super Mario 3D Land Is Necessary

I believe Super Mario 3D Land is necessary because it perfectly blends the classic Mario charm with innovative 3D gameplay, creating an experience that feels both fresh and familiar. Playing it, I found myself immediately drawn into its vibrant worlds and clever level designs that challenge my skills without ever feeling frustrating. It’s a game that respects my love for the series while pushing me to think differently about movement and exploration.

For me, this game is also essential because it showcases the unique capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS. The way it uses 3D effects enhances depth perception and immersion, making every jump and run more engaging. It’s a reminder of how thoughtful game design can turn simple mechanics into something truly exciting. Super Mario 3D Land isn’t just another platformer—it’s a must-have experience that keeps my passion for gaming alive.

My Buying Guides on Super Mario 3D Land Game

When I first decided to get Super Mario 3D Land, I wanted to make sure I was making the best choice for my gaming experience. Here’s what I considered and what helped me pick the right version for me.

Understanding What Super Mario 3D Land Is

Super Mario 3D Land is a fantastic blend of classic Mario platforming with modern 3D gameplay. It’s available exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS, which means if you don’t already have the console, that’s the first step. I loved how it combined nostalgia with fresh mechanics, and the 3D effect really made the worlds pop without needing glasses.

Check Your Console Compatibility

Since Super Mario 3D Land is a Nintendo 3DS title, I made sure I had either a Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, or New Nintendo 3DS. It won’t work on the Switch or other Nintendo consoles, so if you’re like me and don’t own a 3DS system yet, you’ll need to invest in one.

Deciding Between Physical and Digital Copies

I had the choice to buy a physical cartridge or a digital download from the Nintendo eShop. The physical copy is great if you like collecting games or want to trade or resell later. However, the digital copy is convenient—I can switch games without swapping cartridges and always have it with me as long as my 3DS is charged.

Consider Your Budget and Pricing

Prices for Super Mario 3D Land vary depending on whether you buy new or used. When I shopped around, I found used physical copies at a lower price, but I had to ensure they were in good condition. Digital versions are usually fixed in price but sometimes go on sale, so I kept an eye out for discounts.

Look for Bonus Content or Bundles

Sometimes retailers offer bundles that include the game plus a 3DS console or additional accessories. When I bought my game, I found a bundle that included a carrying case and screen protectors, which was a nice bonus.

Read Reviews and Watch Gameplay Videos

Before purchasing, I watched gameplay videos and read reviews to get a feel for the game’s mechanics and difficulty. Super Mario 3D Land is friendly for beginners but offers challenges for seasoned players, which made me confident it was a good fit.

Check for Game Condition (If Buying Used)

If you’re buying a used physical copy like I did, inspect the cartridge for scratches or damage. Also, verify the seller’s reputation if buying online to avoid problems.

Final Thoughts

For me, Super Mario 3D Land was a joyful experience that brought back the magic of Mario with a fresh twist. Making sure I had the right console, choosing between physical and digital, and finding a good deal helped me enjoy the game without any hassle. I hope these tips help you find the best way to dive into this fantastic adventure!

Author Profile

Avatar
Sarah Trotter
I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.

Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.