 |
| Banner for Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 upgrade pack |
Nintendo is once again bridging generational gaps with a new upgrade pack, this time for the critically acclaimed Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Set for release on March 26th, the pack promises enhanced 4K visuals and fresh content for the platformer on the Switch 2. But the announcement is being met with a familiar grumble from the community, as the $19.99 upgrade cost has sparked a debate about value and Nintendo’s approach to backwards compatibility.
For owners of the original Switch version, the upgrade unlocks a suite of new features. The headline addition is Bellabel Park, a new area offering mini-games and challenging boss courses. Joining the roster are the beloved Rosalina and her Luma as playable characters. While these additions are substantial, Nintendo has notably focused them on multiplayer and co-op experiences—a design choice that doesn’t fully resonate with players who prefer to adventure through the Flower Kingdom solo.
The reaction online has been pointed. Gaming deal aggregator Wario64 shared the news on social media, instantly drawing a flood of replies from fans weighing the cost against the content.
Mario Wonder Upgrade Pack is $19.99 https://t.co/pICioxlJIS
— Wario64 (@Wario64) January 22, 2026
One top comment captured the prevailing skepticism: “I ain't spending $20 for multiplayer DLC, come on man. This should be free with online.” This sentiment references Nintendo’s own precedent of adding online multiplayer features to older titles through its Nintendo Switch Online service, leaving some to wonder why this isn’t a free patch.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Performance Upgrades: The Big Draw
Beyond the new stages and characters, the core appeal for many is the promised technical overhaul. The upgrade pack is designed to make the game perform like a native Switch 2 title, with a listing that confirms smoother 4K/60fps gameplay. While details on other potential technical improvements—like reduced load times or enhanced textures—are scarce, this visual boost is a significant selling point.
Yet, this has led to another faction of fans voicing a different request: a cheaper, performance-only upgrade option. “Some buyers don’t dispute the pack's value but would prefer a cheaper option without the extra content,” a sentiment echoing from online forums to social media threads. Solo players, in particular, are left wishing the graphical enhancements were a free update, with the DLC content as a separate, optional purchase.
The “Double-Dip” Debate Heats Up Again
For players who purchased Super Mario Bros. Wonder at its original $59.99 price point, the total investment to have the best version now climbs to $79.99. This has inevitably reignited the “double-dip” criticism that surrounded Nintendo’s $69.99 re-release of *Super Mario Galaxy 1+2* last year. Critics argue that they are being asked to pay a premium a second time for what is essentially the same game, albeit with meaningful but not transformative upgrades.
The conversation also ties into a broader anticipation for the Switch 2’s lineup. Some followers argue that Nintendo’ newest handheld lacks a recent system-seller and that instead of revisiting a recent hit like Wonder, their attention is fixed on the next Nintendo Direct and the hope for a brand-new 3D Mario adventure.
As the March 26th release date approaches, the debate underscores a growing tension in modern gaming: how companies balance rewarding early adopters, delivering meaningful enhancements for new hardware, and setting a price that feels fair. Nintendo has delivered a substantial upgrade for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, but for a segment of its fanbase, the cost of entry to Bellabel Park feels just a little too high.