The Sonic Colors series has been one of the most beloved modern Sonic titles. Originally released in 2010 for the Wii and DS, and later remastered as Sonic Colors: Ultimate for modern consoles in 2021, each version offers a different take on the fast-paced adventure. But what exactly are the differences between these versions, and which one is worth your time? In my post you’ll find out.

Sonic Colors DS

Sonic Colors DS (or just DS to save time) rather than a simple port, the DS version was a completely different game. Built by the team behind Sonic Rush, it’s a pure side-scroller.

Gameplay: Fast 2D action similar to Sonic Rush.

Unique Content: Different levels, bosses, and story dialogue compared to the Wii version.

Characters: Features cameos and missions from Knuckles, Blaze, and others.

Style: Dialogue-heavy storytelling instead of full cutscenes.

• Pros
  • Exclusive stages and bosses.
  • Fun Sonic Rush–style speed and tricks.
  • Great for handheld play.
• Cons
  • No 3D gameplay at all.
  • Story feels less cinematic (lots of text, fewer cutscenes).
  • Some missions can feel like filler.

Sonic Colors Wii

Sonic Colors Wii (or Wii for short) version was the main release and the first to bring Sonic into the colorful world of Dr. Eggman’s interstellar amusement park.

Gameplay: A hybrid of 3D platforming and 2D side-scrolling.

Wisps: Introduced the power-up system, letting Sonic transform with abilities like Laser, Drill, and Rocket.

Story: Full voice acting and animated cutscenes with plenty of Sonic-style humor.

Extras: Local co-op “Sonic Simulator” stages.

• Pros
  • Original experience with balanced 2D/3D gameplay.
  • Full story and cinematic presentation.
  • Wisps feel fresh and fun.
• Cons
  • Wii graphics look dated now.
  • Controls can feel a bit stiff compared to newer Sonic games.

Sonic Colors Ultimate Switch

Sonic Colors Ultimate (AKA Switch) is a remaster of the Wii version, Sonic Colors: Ultimate modernized the game for new players and longtime fans alike.

Gameplay: Same as Wii but polished up.

New Features:

Jade Ghost Wisp (new power-up).

Customization for Sonic (shoes, gloves, boost effects).

Remixed music and updated UI.

Tails tokens for extra help.

Performance: Runs at 30fps on Switch (other platforms can hit 60fps).

• Pros
  • Best-looking version with HD graphics.
  • Extra customization and the new Jade Ghost Wisp.
  • Quality-of-life improvements make it easier for new players.
• Cons
  • Switch version only runs at 30fps.
  • Some players prefer the original Wii soundtrack over the remixes.
  • Lacks the DS version’s exclusive levels.

Summary

Overall, Wii and Switch are the same but the Switch has a few updates to the Wii. While the DS is 100% unique. So if you have Switch don’t bother getting Wii but you could still get DS.

DS: A completely different take, leaning into fast 2D action with unique content.

Wii: The classic hybrid that started it all—best for experiencing the game as it was meant to be.

Switch: The modern upgrade—great visuals, more features, but slightly limited on Switch performance compared to other consoles.

• If you want the pure, original experience, go for the Wii version.
• If you prefer fast-paced 2D gameplay, the DS version is worth tracking down.
• If you want the modern, most accessible version, the Switch (or other Ultimate releases) is the way to go.

What’s the difference between Sonic Colors for DS, Wii and Switch? 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 Magical Garden Island.

Super Mario Bros Wonder was added to our collection of multiplayer Nintendo Switch games. We just couldn’t resist getting another Mario game.

This version of Mario goes back to it’s roots as a classic side scrolling game. While I love all the 3D worlds to explore in most newer games. It’s refreshing to see Nintendo put out a side scroller.

In Super Mario Bros Wonder Bowser shows up uninvited and takes over a kingdom. Which seems to be a common theme with many Mario games. It’s up to you to take down Bowser’s defenses then defeat him to free the kingdom.

If you’ve played any Mario game then you’ll recognize much of the gameplay. Jumping, running, collecting coins, and reaching the goal pole are essential elements of most Mario games. A few new power ups are added. Some familiar enemies and many new ones are added too.

Mario is joined by Luigi, Toad, Toadette, Daisy, Peach, Yoshi, and ette. While he faces off against Bowser, Bowser jr, and many more enemies.

Super Mario Bros Wonder is a fresh face on a classic game. We enjoyed playing it from beginning to end. We’ll go over what we liked, what we didn’t, and whether we think it was worth it.

If you’re a fan of Mario Bros games then there’s no reason to pass on this game. It’s a fun game solo or multiplayer. There was plenty of content to keep us occupied.

If you like games with a lot of running and jumping then this is the game for you. It captures the gameplay from he original Super Mario Brothers and improves upon it.

There’s plenty of achievements and hidden content in this game. If you like checking off boxes or discovering hidden features, then Mario Wonder won’t disappoint.

We tested Super Mario Bros Wonder with 1 player, 2 players, 3 players, and 4 players. In my experience, it’s a great game for playing solo or multiplayer.

It didn’t feel cluttered with 4 players. We couldn’t bump into or hit each other which I liked. It was easy to track your character and keep up since everyone had the same speed and jump height.

Going too far off screen resulted in a loss of life, unless your ghost could tag another player within 5 seconds. Most of the time we could respawn without losing a life. Still, I prefer the Mario 3d world method of respawning.

Playing with 3 characters wasn’t much different than 4 in our test results. It was slightly easier tracking our characters. Playing with 2 players seemed much better. We could easily track our character and help each other.

Playing solo was fun too. yet, my test revealed it’s much harder playing solo. There’s no second chance. If you get hit or miss a jump it’s a loss of a life. Whereas in multiplayer there’s always an opportunity to respawn.

Super Mario Bros Wonder is similar to Sonic Superstars. They were released within a week of each other. Both games are great side scrollers.

Each game has it’s share of stages, bonus levels, and boss fights. Both have you running and jumping through stages while collecting items and fighting enemies.

The main difference between Super Mario Bros Wonder and Sonic Superstars is the difficulty. The levels are hard in Mario, while the boss fights are easier. Compared to Sonic where the levels are relatively easy compared to the boss fights.

I found myself struggling in many of the advanced levels in Mario. It took me several attempts to complete many levels. Once we made it to the final boss, we defeated Bowser on the fist try.

Sonic was the opposite. While the Sonic levels weren’t easy. They didn’t require the precise aim and excruciatingly timed jumps found in Mario. The boss fights with Dr Eggman did take some skill and patience.

My skills aren’t the greatest, so I found Mario Wonder the more challenging of the two. Both were great fun to play in my opinion. However, Mario Wonder is more appealing if a challenge is what you’re looking for.

The best parts about Super Mario Bros Wonder is the side scrolling gameplay. I liked that the side scrolling didn’t require aiming my jumps like in 3D Worlds. Nintendo definitely made the jumps in Mario Wonder precise. But I found gauging my distance is easier than aiming a jump in a 3d world.

The graphics and sounds are top notch. The snow course was everyone’s favorite. The piranha plants singing during their parade was especially good. Bowser dancing in the final fight was mesmerizing.

The new content was terrific. We loved the Wonder Flower power up transformations. Turning into a new character to play a portion of the stage was a great way to mix it up. Definitely a benefit.

The new power ups were awesome as well. We enjoyed the elephant’s ability to bash through walls and enemies. Shooting water with it’s trunk was a nice touch. I liked the drill’s ability to burrow and move along the floors and ceiling. Others liked the bubbles more.

The talking flower throughout the game was good too. It gave some clues and laughs everywhere it appeared.

The main drawback to Super Mario Bros Wonder is their method of respawning. If you go off screen or get killed then you have 5 seconds to reach another player to respawn. Otherwise you lose a life.

I didn’t like the potential loss of life for merely trailing off screen or bubbling to get to another player. It was particularly brutal during long falling or running sequences. Dashing barely kept up with a falling player.

When you respawned there was a cloud animation which was extremely confusing. Plus the character dropped in so I couldn’t run or jump if necessary. Many times I’d respawn only to immediately fall back into lava, a pit, or trail off screen.

While you can buy or earn extra lives, it’s capped at 99. Which was a tad annoying when buying 99 lives at the store. We had 35 lives, bought the 99 option and only got 64 lives for our purchase.

Coins and fruit are the currency of this game. There were no points to earn extra lives. Getting rid of the point system is another drawback.

Our Super Mario Bros. Wonder review gives it 9 out of 10 stars. It exceeded my expectations. We liked it more than Mario 3d World, which has remained high on our play list.

While I don’t think any new game should cost $60. This game offered a lot more than Mario Strikers so shelling out the money didn’t sting as much.

Overall, Mario Wonder delivers on the fun factor. We had a great time playing through to the end and I look forward to many more hours playing this game. If you enjoy other Mario Brothers games then Super Mario Bros Wonder is definitely worth getting in my opinion.

Super Mario Bros Wonder review brought to you by David M.

I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.