Super Mario Bros Wonder Complete Controls Guide and Beginner Tips

Super Mario Bros Wonder was released for the Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2023. Nintendo brought back the traditional 2D side-scrolling platformer with New Super Mario Bros U being the last 2D Mario title since 2012. Sonic Superstar’s release around the same time was also Sonic’s return to 2D platforming although the studios say it was coincidental. 

Super Mario Bros Wonder has new power-ups, a new perk system, and local and multiplayer functionality. There are eight playable characters that you have the option of picking from to run through levels defeating Goombas and Piranha plants to reach the end of the level. Moreover, you also have different color options for Toads and Yoshis. 

Mario and his friends are tasked with returning the Wonder Power to the Flower Kingdom after Bowser steals it and imprisons the citizens of the Flower Kingdom. 

Below are the full controls for Super Mario Wonder on Nintendo Switch. 

Super Mario Bros Wonder: Double Joy-Con Controls

Controls	Double Joy-Con
Menu	Plus Button (+)
Move	Left Analog Stick / D-Pad
Greeting	X
Select Greeting	Hold X, then tilt the Left Analog
Dash	Hold Y
Deploy Item Balloon	Hold A
Jump	B

Super Mario Bros Wonder: Single Joy-Con Controls 

Controls	Single Joy-Con
Menu	Minus Button (-)
Move	Analog Stick
Greeting	D-Pad Up
Select Greeting	Hold D-Pad Up, then tilt Left Analog
Dash	Hold D-Pad Left
Deploy Item Balloon	Hold D-Pad Right
Jump	D-Pad Down

Super Mario Bros Wonder: Action Guide 

Basic Controls	Double Joy-Con	Single Joy-Con
Crouch	Down / ZL	Analog Down
Crouch and Move	Move while Crouching	Move while Crouching
Slide on a slope	Down / ZL on a slope	Analog Down on Slope
Ground Pound	Down / ZL in midair	Analog Down in midair
Spin Jump	Press R / Press ZR / Shake	Press SR / Shake
Mid-Air Spin	Press R / Press ZR / Shake in midair	Press SR / Shake in midair
Hold Item	Touch item while holding Y	Touch item while holding D-Pad Left
Drop Held Item	Release Y while crouching	Release D-Pad Left while crouching
Wall Jump	Jump against a wall, then press B to jump again	Jump against a wall, then press D-Pad Down to jump again
Place Standee	Press X while crouching	Press D-Pad Up while crouching

Super Mario Bros Wonder: Local Multiplayer / Online Play

	Double Joy-Con	Single Joy-Con
Become a Ghost	Press and hold L + R	Press and Hold SL + SR
Float	Left Analog Stick / D-Pad	Analog Stick
Give up	Press L + R	Press SL + SR

Things to Keep in Mind When Playing Super Mario Bros Wonder

1. Unlock the secret final level

Completion of Super Mario Bros Wonder requires collecting all Wonder Seeds, 10-Flower Coins, and reaching the top of every flagpole. This will unlock the Final Final Test Badge Marathon which measures your skills with multiple badges. Once you complete this five-star level you will receive the Sound Off Badge which is the final item for 100% completion of the game.  

2. Search for Wonder Flowers

Wonder Flowers are power-ups that transform that environment and or player through Wonder Effects. Most levels have two Wonder Seeds and Wonder Flowers always lead to one so it is very important to search for them on each level. Try wall jumping to find hidden ledges and wall slides to see if some pits lead to hidden areas. Super Mario Wonder can’t be completed 100% without collecting every Wonder Seed. 

3. Visit every Poplin shop

Each world in Super Mario Bros Wonder has a shop called the Poplin Shop. Here you can buy Wonder Seeds, 1-Up Mushrooms, Standees, and Badges. You can only buy one Wonder Seed from each shop but it is important to make sure you visit each one at least once to make sure you don’t miss any unique items. 

4. Talk to everyone

There are a handful of Flower Kingdom citizens that you will run into and many of them will assist you in your journey. Talk to every character that you can find as they may repair bridges for you, open new areas, or simply provide subtle hints that will lead to uncovering secret levels. Remember, they are all prisoners of Bowser with a common goal of helping you fight him. 

5. Replay Levels to Find New Secrets

The Mario Bros. franchise has always been known for secret areas and easter egg items. Super Mario Wonder is full of hidden paths, blocks, vines, and puzzles. It’s impossible to find everything in the first playthrough and some things will be easier with badges that may not be available until later in the game. Circle back to levels that need 10-Flower coins, Wonder Seeds, and/or where you haven’t reached the top of the flag. A handful of levels have secret exits that will open up hidden levels and one hidden world. 

So there you have all the controls and some tips that you need to have success in Super Mario Bros Wonder. Revisit this control guide and our other current and future articles covering Super Mario Bros Wonder. 

Also check out: Sonic Superstars characters