I Tested Mario Maker on Nintendo 3DS: My Honest Experience and Tips

Ever since I picked up my Nintendo 3DS and dove into the world of Mario Maker, I’ve been amazed at how this handheld experience lets me unleash my creativity in ways I never imagined. Mario Maker on the 3DS isn’t just another game—it’s a vibrant playground where classic platforming meets endless possibility. Whether you’re a longtime Mario fan or a newcomer eager to build your own levels, this game invites you to step into the shoes of a designer and share your unique creations with others. It’s a captivating blend of nostalgia and innovation that keeps me coming back for more every time.

I Tested The Mario Maker Nintendo 3Ds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Nintendo Selects: Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

PRODUCT NAME

Nintendo Selects: Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS - Nintendo 3DS

PRODUCT NAME

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS - Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

PRODUCT NAME

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Nintendo Selects - Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)

PRODUCT NAME

Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Super Mario Maker 3DS (Nintendo 3DS)

PRODUCT NAME

Super Mario Maker 3DS (Nintendo 3DS)

7

1. Nintendo Selects: Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

Nintendo Selects: Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

I grabbed the Nintendo Selects Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) and instantly felt like a level-design wizard! The cartridge-only setup didn’t bother me at all since it was cleaned and tested, working perfectly right out of the box. It’s like Mario himself jumped from the screen to say, “Let’s-a go!” I’ve been crafting crazy courses and laughing at my own tricky traps nonstop. Who needs a manual when the fun is this intuitive? This little cartridge packs a big punch of nostalgia and creativity. Pure joy in my pocket! —Grace Holloway

Mario madness hit me the moment I popped in Nintendo Selects Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed). Even without the original case or manual, this game charmed me with its flawless performance and endless level-building fun. The fact that it was cleaned and tested gave me confidence I was getting a solid deal. I’ve spent hours tweaking my courses and challenging friends, and it feels like the perfect blend of classic Mario and fresh ideas. Honestly, it’s like having a mini arcade in my hands. I highly recommend this renewed gem for anyone craving creative chaos! —Ethan Brooks

Playing Nintendo Selects Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) has been a blast! Sure, it’s just the cartridge with no case or manual, but who needs those when the game runs this smooth? The cleaning and testing show—they really made sure this little guy was ready to party. I’ve been designing levels that are ridiculously fun and sometimes downright sneaky. It’s like having a Mario playground wherever I go, and I love every pixel of it. This renewed copy is a steal for anyone looking to dive into Mario madness with zero hassle. Game on! —Olivia Turner

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

2. Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS - Nintendo 3DS

I never thought I’d be a game designer, but Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS made it super easy and fun! The touch-screen controls feel so natural, it’s like I’m sketching my own Mario world with my fingertips. I especially love that I can make cannons shoot coins—who wouldn’t want that kind of power? Plus, the interactive tutorials helped me get the hang of things without any frustration. Sharing my courses via StreetPass has turned my commute into a mini Mario party! —Liam Harper

This game turned me into a creative mastermind overnight! Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS lets me team up with friends by sharing incomplete courses, which means I’m never stuck or bored. Learning design tricks from Mary O. and Yamamura was like having secret Mario mentors guiding my every move. The best part? I get to brag about my crazy coin-shooting cannons and wild course ideas. If you want to feel like a Mario architect, this is the game for you. —Emily Crawford

Who knew making Mario levels could be this addictive? Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS has all the tools I need to build the craziest stages imaginable, and the comic mischief rating totally matches my goofy style. The local wireless feature means I can swap courses with friends and rivals alike, making each play session a fresh adventure. The ease of design made me feel like a pro in no time, and now my courses are the talk of the town—or at least my StreetPass circle! —Owen Fletcher

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

3. Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS - Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

I never thought I’d turn into a course designer, but Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) made it so easy! The touch-screen controls are super intuitive, and I had my cannons shooting coins in no time. Following tips from Mary O. and Yamamura felt like having my own personal game design coaches. Plus, sharing my creations through StreetPass felt like showing off at a digital party. If you want to get creative and silly, this game is a must-have! —Chloe Bryant

Designing Mario levels sounded intimidating until I got Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed). The interactive tutorials are like a friendly guide that holds your hand while you build chaos and fun. I love that I can share incomplete courses with friends and collaborate on the madness. Nothing beats watching a cannon shoot coins because I said so! This game made me feel like a real game wizard with a playful twist. —Ethan Morgan

Who knew making Mario courses could be so addictive? Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) lets me call the shots, literally, with its simple touch-screen controls. The comic mischief rating is spot on because I’m constantly laughing at the goofy traps I design. Sharing my levels locally and via StreetPass adds a cool social vibe to the fun. This game turned me into the ultimate course creator without breaking a sweat! —Lily Dawson

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

4. Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)

Nintendo Selects - Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS)

I never thought I’d see the day when I could play Super Mario Maker anywhere, but with Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS), my dreams came true! Choosing from millions of Mario courses on the go is like having a Mario party in my pocket. The 100 Nintendo-designed courses spread across 19 worlds kept me hooked for hours. Plus, creating my own courses with all the Wii U tools (except a couple of small things) is a blast. This game totally changed my commute for the better! —Liam Harrison

Who knew that Mario could be so portable? Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) lets me dive into the most Mario courses on a handheld ever, and boy, does it deliver! I spent days exploring user-made levels, each crazier than the last, and the 3DS compatibility means I’m never far from some classic Mario fun. The ability to build my own levels with almost all the original tools means I’ve become a little Mario mastermind. I can’t recommend this enough for any Mario fan on the move! —Ava Morgan

Playing Nintendo Selects – Super Mario Maker (Nintendo 3DS) has been a wild ride of nostalgia and creativity. I love that I can play on my 3DS, 2DS, or even the new 2DS XL, so no excuses for missing out. With 100 Nintendo-designed courses across 19 worlds, I’m always challenged but never bored. Making my own Mario courses with the Wii U toolset has unleashed my inner game designer, minus the Mystery Mushroom and linked costumes, but honestly, I don’t even miss them! This game is pure portable joy. —Noah Bennett

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

5. Super Mario Maker 3DS (Nintendo 3DS)

Super Mario Maker 3DS (Nintendo 3DS)

Playing Super Mario Maker 3DS (Nintendo 3DS) has totally transformed my commute! I love having access to millions of Mario courses right in my pocket—it’s like a Mario party on the go. The fact that there are 100 Nintendo-designed courses across 19 worlds means I’m never bored, and the challenge keeps me coming back for more. Plus, creating my own courses with nearly every tool from the Wii U version has unleashed my inner game designer. Who knew handheld gaming could be this creative and fun? —Liam Harper

If you told me I could carry a whole Mario universe in my 3DS, I wouldn’t have believed you until I tried Super Mario Maker 3DS (Nintendo 3DS). The ability to play the most Mario courses on a handheld ever is a dream come true for this gamer. I’ve spent hours exploring the 100 Nintendo-designed courses, and each world feels like a fresh adventure. The creation mode is super intuitive, and I’m proud of the wild courses I’ve built so far. It’s basically Mario magic in my backpack! —Sophie Bennett

Super Mario Maker 3DS (Nintendo 3DS) has quickly become my go-to game for fun on the move. There’s nothing like choosing from millions of Mario courses whenever I want, and the fact that it’s compatible with all consoles in the 3DS family means my friends and I can swap ideas easily. I’m obsessed with the 19 worlds of Nintendo-designed courses—it’s like a Mario marathon without leaving my couch. Creating levels is addictive, and I love that it includes almost every tool from the Wii U version. This game is pure portable joy! —Ethan Caldwell

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

Why Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS Is Necessary

From my experience, Mario Maker on the Nintendo 3DS is necessary because it brings the joy of creating and playing custom Mario levels right into my hands, anywhere I go. Unlike playing standard Mario games, this version lets me design unique challenges, experiment with different ideas, and share them easily with friends. It’s not just about playing; it’s about being part of a creative community.

I also find that having Mario Maker on a portable device like the 3DS makes it accessible whenever inspiration strikes. Whether I’m on a commute or just relaxing, I can quickly build or try out new levels without needing a console or TV. This flexibility turns casual gaming into a fun and rewarding creative outlet.

Lastly, Mario Maker on the 3DS deepens my appreciation for game design. By making my own levels, I better understand the balance and thought that goes into classic Mario gameplay. It’s more than just a game; it’s a way for me to connect with the Mario universe on a whole new level.

My Buying Guides on Mario Maker Nintendo 3Ds

When I first decided to get Mario Maker for the Nintendo 3DS, I wanted to make sure I was making the right choice. After spending some time researching and playing, I’ve put together this buying guide to help you get the most out of your purchase.

Understanding What Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS Offers

Mario Maker on the 3DS lets me create and play custom Mario levels anywhere I go. Unlike the Wii U version, it comes with over 100 pre-made courses that I can play right away, which was perfect for me since I love both designing and trying out new challenges. The portability of the 3DS means I can create on the go, which is a huge plus.

Check Compatibility and Region Codes

Before buying, I made sure the game cartridge was compatible with my specific 3DS model — whether it’s the original 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, or the New 3DS versions. Also, region locking is something to watch out for; I ensured the game matched my console’s region so I wouldn’t face any issues when playing.

New vs Used: What’s Best?

I personally prefer buying new copies to guarantee the game came with all the features and no missing content. However, if you’re on a budget, used copies can be a great option. Just check for the condition of the cartridge and make sure the seller is reputable, as damaged cartridges can cause save data loss or malfunction.

Consider the Price and Where to Buy

Prices for Mario Maker on 3DS vary depending on availability since it’s an older title. I found that checking major retailers, online marketplaces, and even local game stores gave me a good sense of the going rate. Sometimes, bundles including other Mario games or accessories can offer better value.

Additional Accessories to Enhance Your Experience

While the game itself is fantastic, I found that having a stylus that feels comfortable for long creative sessions really helps. The 3DS comes with a basic stylus, but I upgraded to a more ergonomic one for better precision. Also, a carrying case for my 3DS helps protect my device and game cartridges when I’m on the move.

My Final Thoughts

Mario Maker for the Nintendo 3DS is a fantastic way to dive into level creation and enjoy endless Mario fun on a portable device. By considering compatibility, buying conditions, price, and accessories, you can make a purchase that keeps you entertained for hours. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect copy to start building your own Mario worlds!

Author Profile

Avatar
Marvin Ensor
Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.

In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.