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Mario vs. Donkey Kong
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Mario vs. Donkey Kong

byNintendo Software Technology•2024

A remake of the first game in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, originally released for the Game Boy Advance. In this puzzle-platformer, the player controls Mario in a quest to recover the Mini Marios kidnapped by his eternal rival, Donkey Kong. Run, jump, and backflip your way to rescuing the stolen Mini-Mario toys in this puzzling twist on Mario...

Details

Released
February 15, 2024
Genres
Action · Platform · Puzzle
Publisher
Nintendo
Platforms
Switch

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Mario vs. Donkey Kong Reviews

Professional reviews from gaming critics

Mario making Mario merchandise in a Mario game... interesting concept. Donkey Kong desiring said merchandise enough to steal the lot of them... that means

Mar 4, 2024

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a timeless classic that appeals to players both old and new. With its simple yet engaging puzzles and beloved characters, it offers an adventure suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re flying solo or teaming up for some two-player fun, looking for a quick game to hop on to pass the time, or delving into a complex challenge, Mario vs. Donkey Kong delivers a delightful experience that caters to everyone.

Feb 28, 2024

It is hard to believe it’s been twenty years since the original release of two of my favorite childhood games. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door gets a remake/master later this year, but to start 2024 off with a bang, at least in the Nintendo side of things, we get an entirely unexpected remake of the GBA game Mario Vs. Donkey Kong. This one came as a real surprise to myself, because even though there have been six-ish (some games are hard to tell if they count) titles in the series, not ...

Feb 27, 2024

Nintendo revitalizes a forgotten saga with promising success as Mario vs. Donkey Kong triumphantly returns after decades, infused with renewed vigor. Despite not being entirely novel, the game exudes freshness while honoring a beloved franchise and its outstanding predecessor, deserving recognition from millions of players and fans.

Feb 25, 2024

Guide Mario as you puzzle your way through over 130 levels to rescue the Mini-Mario toys!

Mar 1, 2024

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is what sheer simple fun Mario vs. Donkey Kong really is. It's so simple in concept, but never really gets old or tiresome as they keep building up new ideas along the way. It's hard not to keep obsessively going to see what challenge is coming next. There might be moments where it's easy to get stumped, but it's easily fixed simply by looking around and re-examining the options to come to the proper solution. If there's anything that's a downside about the title, it's that we only wish there was even more to play. Hopefully this entry puts it back on the ma...

Feb 23, 2024

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a great remake – implementing a strong shift in artistic direction, engaging co-op options and well-crafted puzzle and platforming elements. Co-op is an especially clever inclusion, and combined with difficulty options, broadens the appeal of an otherwise niche experience to a wider audience. While hardcore players might be let down by the lack of difficulty, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a sensational update that fans of the series and even newcomers will enjoy.

May 7, 2025

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a great looking remake of an already fun game, which is made better by the inclusion of two new worlds to complete. Unfortunately, the game is quite easy, and the entire experience ends too quickly, which may hamper replayability. Still, it is well worth grabbing a friend or family member and dedicating a weekend to completing the game.

Feb 24, 2024

Mario vs Donkey Kong on the Nintendo Switch is a satisfactory update of a great and often overlooked entry on the Game Boy Advance.

Feb 23, 2024

Mario vs Donkey Kong is a charming puzzler that’s great in short bursts, but the repetitive formula, short length, and occasionally frustrating controls leave it paling in comparison to other top-tier Mario outings on Switch.

Dec 5, 2024

While it's been pleasing to see Nintendo revitalise certain parts of their back catalogue, Mario vs. Donkey Kong feels a bit dated, despite the modern graphics. I just wish there had been a slightly grander effort to modernise the feel of the game.

Feb 28, 2024

While Mario vs. Donkey Kong has a charming concept and visual direction, the twenty-year-old puzzle platformer shows its age through frustrating level design, bizarre controls, and very little content that improves upon the original. Further, with its $49.99 price point, it's hard to justify purchasing the remake unless you're a die-hard fan of the original GBA title.

Feb 24, 2024