Why Super Mario Maker?

Super Mario Maker is a creative platform game that allows players to design, play, and share their own Mario levels. Instead of only playing levels designed by developers, players are given the tools to create their own courses using enemies, blocks, power-ups, and many other familiar objects from the Mario series. The game celebrates the long history of Mario platform games by allowing players to build levels using several different visual styles inspired by classic titles.

The original version of Super Mario Maker was released for the Nintendo Wii U, and later a version called Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS was released for the Nintendo 3DS system. While both versions share the same basic idea of creating and playing Mario levels, there are some important differences between them.

The Wii U version is generally considered the main version of the game. One of its biggest strengths is the level creation system. Using the Wii U GamePad touchscreen, players can easily drag and drop items onto the stage. This makes building levels feel smooth and intuitive, almost like drawing on a digital canvas. Players can experiment with placing enemies, pipes, moving platforms, and many other objects.

The Wii U version also allows players to design levels using multiple visual styles based on classic Mario games. These include the looks of Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros. U. Each style changes how the game looks and feels while still letting players create creative and interesting courses.

Another major feature of the Wii U version is online level sharing. Players can upload their creations to the internet so other players around the world can try them. In addition, players can browse and play thousands of courses made by other people. This feature gives the game nearly endless replay value because new levels are constantly being added.

The Nintendo 3DS version includes the same basic building tools and gameplay mechanics, but there are some limitations compared to the Wii U version. The level editor still works well on the 3DS touchscreen, allowing players to place objects and build levels in a similar way. However, the biggest difference is that the 3DS version does not allow players to upload their levels online for others to download.

Instead, the 3DS version focuses more on local sharing. Players can share levels with nearby friends through local wireless connections. While this still allows players to exchange courses, it greatly reduces the massive online community that made the Wii U version so exciting.

The 3DS version does include many pre-made levels that players can try. These built-in courses provide plenty of challenges and examples of creative level design. For players who mainly want to play levels rather than create them, this can still provide a lot of entertainment.

Another difference is that the Wii U version has more online features, such as searching for popular levels or exploring different categories of player-created courses. These features help players discover creative or challenging levels from around the world.

Visually, both versions look similar because they share the same art styles. However, the Wii U version generally runs on a larger screen and can feel easier to view when designing complicated levels. The 3DS version is portable, which means players can create or play levels anywhere.

The music and sound effects in both versions are cheerful and familiar. Each visual style includes classic Mario sounds that longtime fans will recognize. These details help give the game a strong sense of nostalgia.

Despite the differences between versions, the core idea of creative level design remains fun in both games. Players can experiment with unusual enemy placements, tricky jumps, or clever puzzles. Some players enjoy designing traditional Mario-style levels, while others create wild or humorous challenges.

However, the game also has a few drawbacks.

Because the game allows anyone to design levels, not every level is well designed. Some courses may feel unfair or confusing. This is more noticeable in the Wii U version due to its large online library of levels.

Additionally, designing complicated courses can take time and practice. New players might need a while to fully understand how different objects interact.

The 3DS version’s lack of full online sharing is also a significant limitation for players who want their levels to reach a large audience.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 1-player on one Nintendo 2DS/3DS and Wii U.

Pros

Powerful level creation tools.

Multiple visual styles from classic Mario games.

Encourages creativity and experimentation.

Wii U version includes online sharing and thousands of player-created levels.

3DS version allows portable level building and play.

Fun for both creating and playing courses.

Cons

Some player-created levels may be poorly designed or overly difficult.

Creating advanced levels can take time to learn.

The 3DS version lacks the full online sharing features of the Wii U version.

The Wii U version requires internet features to fully experience the community content.

Summary

Overall, Super Mario Maker is a unique and creative Mario game that gives players the power to become level designers. The Wii U version offers the best experience because of its online sharing and large community of creators. However, the 3DS version still provides fun level creation and portable gameplay for players who want to design courses on the go. Both versions celebrate the creativity and imagination of Mario fans, making Super Mario Maker one of the most inventive games in the series.

Super Mario Maker – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee

Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee! is a charming blend of nostalgia and modern simplicity, reimagining the classic Pokémon Yellow with the art style and mechanics of the Nintendo Switch era. It’s designed to welcome both newcomers and longtime fans with a lighter, friendlier approach. Instead of traditional wild battles, you catch Pokémon by using motion controls or touch gestures, much like Pokémon GO. Your partner Eevee isn’t just your starter — it rides on your shoulder, reacts to your actions, and can learn exclusive partner moves.

The Kanto region has never looked more vibrant, and the ability to see Pokémon roaming in the overworld adds a wonderful sense of life. While it’s simpler than mainline entries, Let’s Go Eevee! stands out as one of the most heartwarming Pokémon experiences, bridging the gap between casual and classic gameplay.

Pokemon Unite

Switching genres entirely, Pokémon Unite takes the world of Pokémon into the realm of team-based strategy and fast-paced action. It’s a MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) where players control individual Pokémon, each with their own movesets and evolution paths, and battle in 5v5 matches to score the most points. The focus isn’t on catching or collecting but on coordination, quick reflexes, and smart teamwork.

What makes Unite unique is how it blends competitive strategy with Pokémon charm — Pikachu can zap entire teams, Snorlax can block opponents with its belly, and Lucario can dash through defenses. The game is free-to-play with rotating Pokémon selections and cosmetic unlocks, making it easy to jump into yet deep enough for competitive players. It’s Pokémon reimagined as an eSport, and surprisingly, it works.

Pokemon Sword/Shield

Pokémon Shield represents the first full mainline entry on the Switch and introduces players to the Galar region, inspired by the United Kingdom. It’s a mix of classic Pokémon adventure and modern updates like the Wild Area, an open zone filled with roaming Pokémon and dynamic weather. The introduction of Dynamaxing — temporary giant Pokémon forms used in battles — adds a flashy new layer to strategy.

Galar’s design balances cozy countryside charm with large stadium battles that feel like sporting events, and the gym leaders’ personalities help bring the world to life. While some fans found the story straightforward, the presentation and scope made Shield a key step forward in making Pokémon feel larger and livelier.

Pokemon Scarlet/Violet

Pokémon Violet brings the franchise fully into an open-world format. Set in the Paldea region, inspired by Spain, the game allows players to explore freely, tackling objectives in any order. There are three main story paths — battling gyms, taking on massive Titan Pokémon, and challenging the rebellious Team Star — all intertwined in a surprisingly emotional narrative.

One of Violet’s most distinct features is its futuristic theme, contrasting with Scarlet’s past-focused aesthetic. Legendary Pokémon Miraidon doubles as your traversal partner, transforming into a motorbike-like creature for exploration. Though technical issues at launch drew criticism, the creativity, character design, and new Pokémon species made Violet an ambitious and memorable leap forward.

Pokemon Diamond/Pearl

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (and the original, just Diamond) brings players to the Sinnoh region, a mountainous land known for its deep mythology about the Pokémon world’s creation. The original DS version introduced online trading and battling, along with polished visuals for its time. Sinnoh’s story centers around the legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia, weaving science, myth, and moral tension into the adventure.

The remake stays faithful to the classic design, offering nostalgia with a modern polish. While it doesn’t innovate as boldly as other recent titles, its strong structure, balanced gameplay, and memorable soundtrack remind players why Sinnoh remains a fan-favorite generation.

Detective Pikachu

Detective Pikachu is a story-driven adventure game that follows Tim Goodman, a teenager searching for his missing father, and a unique talking Pikachu who claims to have worked with Tim’s dad as a detective. Together, they investigate strange events happening throughout Ryme City, interviewing Pokémon and humans alike, collecting clues, and solving a series of connected mysteries. The game focuses on narrative and character interactions rather than traditional Pokémon battles—each Pokémon’s personality and abilities play a role in uncovering the truth. With its light humor, cinematic style, and buddy-cop feel, it blends mystery-solving with Pokémon charm while gradually revealing a bigger conspiracy involving Tim’s father.

Detective Pikachu Returns continues the story of Tim and his gruff, coffee-loving Pikachu as they pick up new cases in Ryme City and get closer to understanding what happened to Tim’s missing dad. The sequel expands the world with new districts, more Pokémon to question, and additional partners Pikachu can team up with to use special abilities during investigations. While the gameplay remains focused on clue-gathering, puzzle-solving, and dialog, this entry leans even more into cinematic storytelling, offering larger set pieces and deeper emotional moments. The game aims to resolve lingering mysteries from the first title, delivering a more polished but familiar detective adventure filled with humor, Pokémon personality, and heart.

Together, these games show just how flexible and imaginative the Pokémon franchise has become. Let’s Go, Eevee! focuses on nostalgia and accessibility, Unite brings competition, Shield and Violet expand world design, Diamond grounds everything in classic storytelling, and Legends: Arceus paves the way for Pokémon’s future. Detective Pikachu has you solving mysteries. Whether you love cozy collecting, deep battles, open-world exploration or mysteries, each title captures a different facet of what makes Pokémon timeless.

Pokemon Games Gift Guide brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Why Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the latest installment in the popular Super Smash Bros. fighting game series developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It features a characters selection of over 70 characters from various video game series, including Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Kirby, and more.

The game offers an incredibly fun and fast-paced gameplay experience, with up to 8-players battling it out on a variety of stages. The controls start off a bit hard to get used two because X is jump, but you can change that in the settings.

The graphics in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed character models. The music is also top-notch, featuring remixes of classic video game tunes.

There are also ten fun modes to choose from. Here is a list of them all below:

• Smash – Play normal game fighting with either teams or free-for-all up to 8-players.
• Special Smash – Play a game of smash but with different rules that mix the game up.
• Squad Strike – Play with two teams and ither 3 or 5 characters. Once one person gets knocked off they switch to the next character until one team wins. This mode is only 2-players.
• Tourney – In this mode you can have up to 32 participants competing and fight off against them to make it to the top. This mode is up to 4-players.
• Spirit Board – Play this mode to try and unlock spirts (which upgrade stats like attack power or speed). This mode is up to 4-players.
• Classic mode – Play as a character for six matches against CPUs to win. This mode is up to 2-players.
• Training – Train and practice your skills for smash matches. This mode is only 1-player.
• Mob Smash – Face off against 100 CPUs to win. This mode is up to 4-players.
• Home-Run Contest – Try to make Mr. Sandbag blast off the stage. This mode is up to 4-players.
• Online – Play a smash match with players from all over the world.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 8-players on one Nintendo Switch.

Pros

There is multiple pros for this game. Like there’s over 70 different characters and 100 stages to choose from.

There is also lots of different gameplay modes to play, including classic, adventure, online multiplayer, and more.

Stunning visuals and sound design, with graphics that truly shine on the Nintendo Switch. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has refined gameplay mechanics, making it the best-playing entry in the series to date.

Cons

There’s not really two much cons to this game. Online matchmaking can be inconsistent, leading to lag or disconnects.

Learning the controls might be a little overwhelming due to all the different combinations. When there is a “Challenger Approaching” you can choose to do it later you would have to fail to try it later which doesn’t seem right.

Summary

Overall, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. With its large roster of characters, fun gameplay, and variety of modes, it offers endless hours of entertainment for both casual and competitive players.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.