Choosing guide · NexWave Games
Super Mario Odyssey or Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury: which should you choose?
Both feature Mario on Nintendo Switch, but they are not interchangeable adventures. Super Mario Odyssey gives you worlds filled with moons and surprises to discover. Super Mario 3D World focuses on separate courses and adds another adventure through Bowser’s Fury. The key question is not which box promises more. Decide whether you want free exploration, short completed stages or several players participating on more equal terms.
Odyssey rewards curiosity
In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario and Cappy visit different kingdoms. You investigate interesting places, try jumps and discover how Cappy gives certain enemies and objects new uses. Hunting Power Moons makes leaving the main path worthwhile. A world becomes a collection of questions: what is up there, what happens with that hat and where does this path lead?
This suits players who like choosing goals and learning their surroundings. Assist Mode offers extra help. A second player can control Cappy, but does not share Mario’s role. This is not an adventure with two independent Mario-like characters walking around equally. Choose Odyssey mainly for exploration; its second player offers another way to help and cooperate.
3D World: clear courses for one to four players
Super Mario 3D World builds levels around recognisable beginnings and endings. You seek secrets and Green Stars, but receive a more defined task than in a large Odyssey kingdom. Cat power adds climbing and ways to tackle enemies. Each course can develop its own idea, so situations change quickly. This appeals if you prefer completing a few whole stages to exploring one environment at length.
In 3D World, up to four people simultaneously control their own characters. Families or groups can genuinely tackle the course together. You share the screen and must consider each other, though. An experienced player may want to advance while someone is practising a jump. Cooperation works best when you wait and help rather than only racing to the flag.
Bowser’s Fury changes the comparison
The Switch release includes Bowser’s Fury, a separate adventure with a more open setting and Cat Shines to find. Giant Bowser’s appearances change the pace. A second player can help Mario as Bowser Jr. This is a supporting role; 3D World’s four-player setup does not apply here. The package therefore contains two different styles, not one story with identical rules everywhere.
Choose Odyssey mainly for solo discoveries and experimenting with Cappy. Choose 3D World + Bowser’s Fury for short courses, more equal cooperation in the main game and the extra Fury adventure. For a physical purchase, confirm the Nintendo Switch edition: Super Mario 3D World on Wii U does not include Bowser’s Fury. Match controller numbers to your mode too. You will buy the kind of evening you want, not merely a Mario title.