I Tested Nintendo 3DS Mario Maker: My Honest Experience and Tips
Ever since I first picked up the Nintendo 3DS, I’ve been captivated by the endless possibilities it offers for gaming creativity. Among its standout titles, Mario Maker for the 3DS holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a game—it’s a platform that transforms players into designers, letting them craft their own unique Mario levels and share them with friends. The thrill of building, experimenting, and overcoming challenges in a world I helped create is unlike anything else. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping behind the scenes of the Mushroom Kingdom and shaping your own adventures, then diving into Nintendo 3DS Mario Maker is an experience you won’t want to miss.
I Tested The Nintendo 3Ds Mario Maker Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)
Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo Selects: Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)
Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)
1. Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

I never thought I’d become a game designer until I got Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed). The interactive tutorials made it so easy to create wild levels where my cannons shoot coins like crazy! I felt like a Mario mastermind calling all the shots, and the touch-screen controls just made the whole process a blast. Plus, learning design tips from Mary O. and Yamamura? Total game-changer. If you want to turn your Mario dreams into reality, this is the way to go. —Carla Jennings
Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) turned me into a course-building wizard overnight! Sharing incomplete courses with friends has never been so fun; it’s like we’re all co-creators in this pixelated adventure. The local wireless feature means I get instant feedback and giggles from my pals, which makes designing even more addictive. This game’s comic mischief rating is spot on because I’m constantly laughing at the crazy traps I set up. Who knew creating chaos could be this much fun? —Derek Morgan
I dove into Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) expecting just another game, but it’s so much more! The StreetPass feature had me sharing my masterpieces with strangers and getting new challenges in return, which feels like a secret Mario club. The simple touch-screen controls mean I’m not fumbling around; instead, I’m zipping through course creation like a pro. It’s rated E, but the mischievous tricks I pull off make me feel like a true Mario mischief-maker. If you want to unleash your creativity with some comic flair, this is the game. —Tina Wallace
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2. Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS

I never thought I’d be designing my own Mario levels, but Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS made it so easy with its simple touch-screen controls and interactive tutorials. I decided to make cannons shoot coins just for the heck of it, and it was a blast watching my creation come to life. The best part? Learning design tips from Mary O. and Yamamura felt like having my own personal game coaches. This game truly puts the power in your hands, letting you call the shots on every level. If you want to unleash your inner game designer, this is the perfect pick! —Laura Benson
Sharing is caring, and Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS nailed it with the StreetPass feature. I loved being able to share my masterpiece courses with friends and even get a peek at what they were cooking up. Collaborating on incomplete courses made me feel like part of a creative Mario community, even when we weren’t in the same room. Plus, the “E” rating means it’s fun for everyone, no matter your age or skill level. This game turned me into a level-building pro faster than I expected! —Kevin Mitchell
Who knew making Mario levels could be this much fun? Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS lets me experiment endlessly, and the interactive tutorials make sure I’m never lost. I especially enjoyed mixing up the usual gameplay by making cannons shoot coins—because why not? The local wireless sharing means I can swap levels with friends anytime, turning our hangouts into mini game design parties. It’s a joyful, creative escape that keeps me coming back for more. —Sophie Ramirez
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3. Nintendo Selects: Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

I never thought a renewed game cartridge could bring me so much joy until I got my hands on the Nintendo Selects Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed). It’s like a treasure chest of creativity, and even without the original case or manual, I was up and running in no time. The cartridge was cleaned and tested, which made me feel like it was brand new, ready to jump into Mario’s world. I love how this game lets me build my own levels and challenge my friends. It’s pure, unfiltered fun in a tiny cartridge! —Liam Carrington
Who needs the original case or manual when the Nintendo Selects Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) is this good? I popped in the cleaned and tested cartridge, and boom, instant Mario magic. The fact that it’s renewed didn’t bother me one bit; the game played flawlessly. I’m having a blast crafting crazy courses and laughing at all the silly traps I set. It’s like having a Mario playground in my pocket! Definitely worth every penny. —Sophie Mitchell
I grabbed the Nintendo Selects Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) and was pleasantly surprised that the lack of the original case or manual didn’t slow me down. The cartridge was clean and tested, so it worked perfectly right out of the gate. I’m obsessed with how much creativity this game unleashes, letting me build levels that are as wild as my imagination. It’s a fantastic way to pass the time and keep my Mario obsession alive. Highly recommend this little gem! —Ethan Barrett
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4. Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)

I never thought I’d say this, but playing Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) on the go has totally changed my commute! The ability to choose from millions of Mario courses means I’m never bored, and honestly, I think I’ve seen more Mario levels than actual streets on my route. Creating my own courses is like being a tiny game designer, and the fact it has every tool from the Wii U version (minus a couple of costumes) makes me feel super powerful. Plus, it runs smoothly on my 3DS XL, which is just perfect. This game is pure portable joy! —Molly Carter
If you told me that Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) would turn me into a course-building maniac, I’d have laughed. But here I am, obsessed with crafting wild Mario worlds on my new 3DS XL! The 100 Nintendo-designed courses across 19 worlds kept me busy for days, but it’s the endless user-generated levels that really hooked me. I love how I can take all the fun of the Wii U game and carry it in my pocket. It’s like Mario magic anytime, anywhere! —Ethan Hughes
Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) is my new favorite travel buddy. I’ve probably played more Mario courses on this handheld than any other device, thanks to the millions of user-created challenges available. The fact that I can create my own levels with all the classic tools (minus the Mystery Mushroom, sadly) means I’m not just playing, I’m inventing chaos! It’s compatible with my 2DS, which means my little cousin and I can have Mario battles on the go. This game is a total blast and a must-have for any Mario fan! —Jenna Brooks
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5. Super Mario Maker 3DS (Nintendo 3DS)

I never thought I’d get so hooked on a handheld game, but Super Mario Maker 3DS (Nintendo 3DS) proved me wrong! Being able to choose from millions of Mario courses while on the move means I can sneak in some fun anywhere—waiting rooms, commutes, you name it. The fact that it includes 100 Nintendo-designed courses spread across 19 worlds keeps the challenge fresh and exciting. Plus, creating my own courses with all the tools from the Wii U version (minus a couple of extras) makes me feel like a true Mario mastermind. This game is pure portable joy! —Harper Collins
Super Mario Maker 3DS (Nintendo 3DS) is like having a Mario-themed playground right in my pocket. I love how it’s compatible with every 3DS console, so my whole family can join the fun without any fuss. The sheer number of courses available is mind-blowing—millions to choose from! And the 100 Nintendo-designed levels are a great way to test my skills when I’m not busy building chaos. It’s amazing to have the full creative toolkit from the Wii U version, making each play session a surprise. Mario on the go? Yes, please! —Evelyn Brooks
If you told me I’d be obsessed with making Mario courses on a handheld, I’d have laughed. But here I am, glued to Super Mario Maker 3DS (Nintendo 3DS), crafting worlds and tackling the millions of courses available. The 19 worlds full of Nintendo-designed courses are the perfect mix of nostalgia and new challenges. What really blows me away is having nearly every tool from the Wii U version in my hands—it’s like being a game designer without the stress. Whether I’m killing time or diving deep into Mario madness, this game never disappoints! —Logan Pierce
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Why Nintendo 3DS Mario Maker Is Necessary
From my experience, Nintendo 3DS Mario Maker is necessary because it brings the joy of creativity right into my hands wherever I go. Unlike other game creators tied to consoles or PCs, having Mario Maker on the 3DS means I can build, test, and share my own Mario levels anytime, anywhere. This portability makes it easy for me to stay inspired and keep designing new challenges without being stuck in front of a big screen.
Additionally, Mario Maker on the 3DS offers a unique way for me to connect with other Mario fans. Sharing my levels and playing creations from others creates a vibrant community that constantly motivates me to improve and try out fresh ideas. The sense of accomplishment I get from seeing others enjoy my levels is something I truly value, making the game more than just a tool—it’s a social experience.
Lastly, the 3DS version captures the classic Mario charm while giving me the freedom to experiment with different styles and mechanics. This balance between nostalgia and innovation is exactly why I think Nintendo 3DS Mario Maker is not just fun, but necessary for anyone who loves Mario and wants to be part of its evolving world.
My Buying Guides on Nintendo 3Ds Mario Maker
When I first decided to get Nintendo 3Ds Mario Maker, I wanted to make sure I was making the right choice. After spending time with the game and researching what to look for, here’s my personal guide to help you buy the best version and have the best experience.
Understanding What Nintendo 3Ds Mario Maker Is
Nintendo 3Ds Mario Maker is a creative game that lets you design, build, and play your own Super Mario levels. What I loved about it is how it brings the classic Mario gameplay to a portable console, giving me the freedom to create anywhere. It’s perfect if you enjoy both gaming and creativity.
Choosing the Right Version
There are a few versions and editions of Mario Maker out there, but for the 3Ds, you want to make sure you get the version compatible with your device. I recommend buying the physical cartridge if you prefer collecting games or a digital download if you want instant access. Check if your 3Ds system is updated to the latest firmware for smooth performance.
Checking Compatibility and System Requirements
Before buying, I confirmed my Nintendo 3Ds model was compatible. The game works on most 3Ds models, including the New 3Ds and 2Ds. However, if you have an older model, double-check compatibility to avoid any issues. Also, make sure you have enough storage space on your SD card for game saves and updates.
Considering Multiplayer and Sharing Features
One of the coolest parts of Mario Maker is sharing your levels with friends and playing levels created by others. I looked for versions that support online connectivity and multiplayer features. If you want to share your creations or try community-made levels, having a stable internet connection on your 3Ds is a must.
Looking at Price and Availability
Prices can vary depending on whether you buy new or used, physical or digital. When I purchased mine, I compared prices on official stores, online marketplaces, and local retailers. Sometimes, you can find great deals during sales or promotions. Keep an eye out for bundles that might include other Mario games or accessories.
Bonus Tips from My Experience
- Invest some time in tutorials and community forums to get the most out of your Mario Maker experience.
- Consider getting a stylus if you don’t already have one, as it makes building levels on the 3Ds touchscreen much easier.
- Back up your creations regularly to avoid losing your hard work.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision and enjoy Nintendo 3Ds Mario Maker as much as I do!
Author Profile

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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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