Nintendo is bringing Super Mario Bros. Wonder back into the spotlight with a paid Switch 2 upgrade pack arriving March 26. Players can expect smoother performance and sharper presentation, including 4K visuals at 60fps, alongside a batch of new content. But while the idea of a “next-gen” refresh sounds appealing, the $19.99 upgrade price is already sparking backlash from fans who feel this kind of update should cost less—or be included at no charge.
The upgrade pack adds Bellabel Park, a new area built around fresh mini-games and boss courses. Nintendo is also expanding the roster with Rosalina as a playable character, accompanied by Luma. For players who love co-op chaos and multiplayer-focused challenges, this could be a fun reason to return. Still, not everyone is convinced, especially fans who primarily play 2D Mario games solo and aren’t excited about additions that lean heavily toward multiplayer and cooperative play.
Online reactions have been mixed, with some of the loudest criticism aimed at the value proposition. A common complaint is that $20 feels steep for what many see as “multiplayer DLC,” with some players arguing it should be bundled into Nintendo Switch Online instead. That expectation comes from how Nintendo has previously delivered extra features through its subscription service, particularly with older, classic titles.
Beyond the new modes and characters, the performance boost is a major selling point—but it’s also where some questions remain. The listing highlights 4K/60fps gameplay, yet doesn’t go into detail about other improvements that typically come with a Switch 2 enhancement. That lack of specifics is fueling a different kind of frustration: some buyers say they’d happily pay a small fee for the technical upgrades alone but want the extra content offered separately, so they aren’t forced into a single $19.99 bundle.
Pricing is another flashpoint. For anyone who already purchased Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the original Switch for $59.99, adding the upgrade brings the total close to $79.99. That number is reopening familiar debates about Nintendo charging premium prices for upgraded versions of existing games, especially when the updates stop short of being full remakes.
There’s also a broader concern in the community: some fans believe Switch 2 still needs a must-have, brand-new flagship release to justify the jump, and they’d rather see Nintendo focus on a fresh 3D Mario adventure than revisit a recent 2D hit. For those players, the upgrade pack isn’t a selling point—it’s something to skip while waiting for a major announcement in the next Nintendo Direct.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder on Switch 2 may look and run better, and the new content could be a great fit for multiplayer households. But with the $19.99 price tag and the co-op-heavy additions, Nintendo’s latest upgrade strategy is once again dividing its audience.
