Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: Switch OLED Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury experience on the Nintendo Switch OLED. If you're a Mario fan or just curious about how this game shines on the new OLED screen, you're in the right place. We'll explore everything from the visual upgrades to the gameplay itself, and ultimately, whether it's worth picking up for your Switch.

Visual Feast on the OLED

Let's kick things off with the most obvious upgrade: the OLED screen. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is already a vibrant and colorful game, but the OLED display takes it to a whole new level. The enhanced contrast and deeper blacks make the game pop with incredible clarity. Imagine the lush greens of the Sprixie Kingdom or the fiery landscapes of Bowser's Fury – they look absolutely stunning. The colors are more saturated, and the details are sharper, providing a more immersive experience overall. Playing in handheld mode is a treat; the visuals are so crisp that you might find yourself preferring it over playing on a docked TV. The difference is genuinely night and day, especially if you're coming from the original Nintendo Switch or a non-OLED display. The improved screen also enhances the visibility in darker areas, which is particularly useful in Bowser's Fury where the stormy weather and shadowy environments can sometimes obscure details. Overall, the OLED screen elevates the visual experience of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, making it a feast for the eyes and adding a new layer of enjoyment to the gameplay. Whether you're collecting Green Stars or battling Bowser, the vibrant visuals on the OLED screen make every moment more engaging and exciting.

Gameplay: A Dynamic Duo

Super Mario 3D World is a delightful adventure that brings back the classic multiplayer fun of the series. You and up to three friends can team up to navigate colorful, inventive levels, each packed with unique challenges and secrets. The level design is top-notch, offering a blend of platforming, puzzle-solving, and exploration. The variety of power-ups, like the Super Bell that transforms you into a cat, adds a fun twist to the gameplay. Whether you're scaling walls, pouncing on enemies, or racing to the flagpole, there's never a dull moment. The controls are tight and responsive, making it easy to execute precise jumps and maneuvers. Plus, the addition of online multiplayer means you can now team up with friends from all over the world, adding even more replay value to this already fantastic game.

Then there's Bowser's Fury, an open-world expansion that introduces a fresh and exciting dynamic to the Mario universe. Here, you explore Lake Lapcat, a vast and interconnected world filled with islands, secrets, and a menacing Bowser. The open-world format allows for greater freedom of exploration, and the seamless transitions between areas keep the adventure flowing. Bowser's Fury also introduces a unique weather system, with the ever-present threat of Bowser emerging from the depths to unleash his fiery wrath. These epic showdowns are visually stunning and require strategic thinking to defeat him. With its innovative gameplay and challenging boss battles, Bowser's Fury is a must-play for any Mario fan. Together, Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury offer a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience that's sure to keep you hooked for hours on end.

Performance and Handheld Experience

The Nintendo Switch OLED shines when it comes to performance, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is no exception. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes, with consistent frame rates and minimal lag. The improved processing power of the Switch OLED ensures that the game looks and feels great, even during the most chaotic multiplayer sessions or intense boss battles. One of the biggest advantages of the Switch OLED is its enhanced handheld experience. The smaller bezels and larger screen make the game more immersive, while the vibrant colors and deep blacks of the OLED display bring the game to life in a way that the original Switch simply can't match. Whether you're playing on the go or lounging at home, the handheld experience is a joy. The ergonomics of the Switch OLED are also improved, with a more comfortable grip that makes it easier to play for extended periods. Overall, the performance and handheld experience of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury on the Nintendo Switch OLED are top-notch, offering a smooth, immersive, and enjoyable gaming experience that's hard to beat.

Is It Worth the Upgrade?

So, the big question: is Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury worth the upgrade, especially if you already own a Nintendo Switch? Well, it depends. If you're a hardcore Mario fan who wants to experience the game in its best possible form, then the answer is a resounding yes. The OLED screen elevates the visuals to a whole new level, making the game more vibrant, immersive, and enjoyable. The enhanced contrast and deeper blacks make the colors pop, while the improved handheld experience makes it a joy to play on the go. The addition of online multiplayer to Super Mario 3D World and the innovative open-world gameplay of Bowser's Fury also add significant value to the package.

However, if you're not particularly bothered by visuals or you primarily play your Switch docked, then the upgrade might not be as essential. The core gameplay remains the same, and while the OLED screen is a noticeable improvement, it's not a game-changer. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value visual fidelity and want to experience Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury in its best possible form, then the Nintendo Switch OLED is definitely worth the investment. But if you're happy with your current Switch and don't mind sacrificing some visual flair, then you can probably skip this upgrade. Either way, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a fantastic game that's sure to provide hours of fun.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury on the Nintendo Switch OLED is a visual treat and a fantastic gaming experience. The OLED screen enhances the game's vibrant colors and sharp details, making it more immersive and enjoyable. The gameplay is top-notch, with a delightful blend of platforming, puzzle-solving, and exploration. The addition of online multiplayer and the innovative open-world gameplay of Bowser's Fury add even more value to the package. While the upgrade might not be essential for everyone, if you value visual fidelity and want to experience the game in its best possible form, the Nintendo Switch OLED is definitely worth the investment. Overall, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a must-have for any Mario fan and a great showcase for the Nintendo Switch OLED's capabilities.