Is Super Mario Maker 2 Still Worth Buying in 2026

Few games let you become a level designer for one of the most iconic franchises, and Super Mario Maker 2 on Nintendo Switch has been that creative sandbox since 2019, remaining a lively destination in 2026 for building, sharing, and playing custom Mario courses. But with no new updates in years and a potential sequel nowhere in sight, the big question is whether it’s still worth your time and money.

Release date: June 28, 2019 · Platform: Nintendo Switch · Metacritic score: 88/100 · Game modes: Single-player, multiplayer · Price (MSRP): $59.99

Eight key specs, one pattern: the game delivers a full-featured level editor with strong critical backing and broad family appeal.

Is Mario Maker 2 worth buying?

Super Mario Maker 2 landed with a Metacritic score of 88, making it one of the best-reviewed Switch games. The core appeal is simple: you build Mario levels using a huge set of tools and then share them with a global community. But value depends on what you’re after.

Pros of buying Super Mario Maker 2

• Endless creativity: design any side-scrolling level you can imagine (Super Mario Maker 2 Official Site – Make)
• Active community: millions of user-created courses available via Course World (Nintendo Australia)
• Strong single-player story mode with 100+ built-in courses
• Online multiplayer with up to four players (Super Mario Maker 2 Official Site – Multiplayer)

Cons to consider

• No PC, mobile, or other console versions (Nintendo US Store)
• No major updates since 2020
• Requires Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online features (GameSpot)
• Local multiplayer requires each player to own a Switch and copy of the game (GameSpot)

Price and value comparison

At a $59.99 MSRP, the game is still full price. But it offers a practically infinite library of community-made courses that can be saved locally for offline play (Nintendo Australia). The trade-off: you’re paying for a creative toolset that hasn’t seen new features in six years, but the existing content remains vast. The implication: for players who love level design, the value is high; for those who just want new Mario levels, the lack of official updates may sting.

Is Mario Maker 2 only on Switch?

Super Mario Maker 2 is a Nintendo Switch exclusive — there is no PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or mobile version. That exclusivity is by design, as the game leverages the Switch’s portability and touchscreen for level creation.

Platform exclusivity

• Available only on Nintendo Switch (Nintendo US Store)
• No official PC or phone versions exist
• Rumors of a PC port are unconfirmed and lack credible sources

No PC or mobile versions

Nintendo has never released a Mario Maker title on non-Nintendo hardware. The game’s editor relies on the Switch’s touchscreen for easy level building, a feature that would be hard to replicate on other platforms. Why this matters: if you don’t own a Switch, you cannot play Super Mario Maker 2 at all.

Is Mario Maker 2 worth it in 2026?

The game’s online ecosystem is still fully operational — you can share courses, play multiplayer, and download levels. But the lack of new official content since the April 2020 update (version 3.0.0) means the community is the primary driver of fresh experiences.

Current player base and online activity

• Online servers remain active as of 2026 (Nintendo US Store)
• Course World still offers a “practically infinite” number of community courses (Nintendo Australia)
• No major updates since 2020 (GameSpot)

Ongoing support and updates

Nintendo has not released any new course parts, game styles, or features since the 3.0.0 update in April 2020. The game is effectively in maintenance mode, with servers still running but no active development. The catch: the game is a finished product with a massive back catalog, but don’t expect new official content.

Comparison to newer games

Games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023) offer polished single-player campaigns, but they lack the creation tools that make Mario Maker 2 unique. If you want a game that evolves with its community, Mario Maker 2 still has no equal on Switch.

The pattern: the game’s value is sustained by the community, not by official updates.

Will Mario Maker 3 come out?

As of 2026, Nintendo has not announced or confirmed any sequel to Super Mario Maker 2. The original Mario Maker on Wii U got a successor, but the pattern suggests a wait of at least 5–6 years between releases.

Nintendo’s history with Mario Maker sequels

• Super Mario Maker (Wii U) released September 2015 (GameSpot)
• Super Mario Maker 2 (Switch) released June 2019 (GameSpot)
• Gap of about 3 years and 9 months

Official statements or lack thereof

Nintendo has not mentioned a Mario Maker 3 in any earnings call, Nintendo Direct, or press release. No credible leaks or rumors have surfaced from reliable industry insiders. The pattern: Nintendo is focusing on other Mario titles (like Wonder and the Mario movie), and a third Maker may not be a priority.

Speculation and community expectations

Some fans hope for a Mario Maker 3 on the eventual Switch successor, but that’s pure speculation. The trade-off: if you’re holding off on buying Mario Maker 2 because you expect a sequel soon, you might be waiting for something that may never come.

Is Mario Maker 2 still playable?

Yes — the game is fully playable offline in single-player mode, and online features remain operational. You can download courses to play offline later, and multiplayer works with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Online multiplayer and course sharing

• Course World supports online multiplayer with players worldwide (Super Mario Maker 2 Official Site – Multiplayer)
• Up to four players can play locally on one system (Super Mario Maker 2 Official Site – Play)
• Nearby Play requires each player to have a Switch and copy of the game (GameSpot)

Single-player story mode

Story mode offers over 100 built-in courses with a light narrative — no online required. This makes the game a complete experience even without internet access.

Offline play options

• All downloaded courses can be played offline (GameSpot)
• No online subscription needed for story mode or local multiplayer

The catch: the game remains fully functional now, but the future of online services is uncertain.

Specifications

Six key specs, one pattern: a focused creation tool with broad multiplayer support.

The pattern: these specs show a robust creation tool with strong multiplayer support.

Pros and Cons

The implication: the game’s pros outweigh the cons for creative players, but the lack of updates is a drawback for those seeking official content.

Timeline

• February 13, 2019 – Nintendo announces Super Mario Maker 2 during a Nintendo Direct (GameSpot)
• June 28, 2019 – Game released worldwide on Nintendo Switch (GameSpot)
• October 2019 – Major update adds Super Mario 3D World style and new course parts (GameSpot)
• April 2020 – Version 3.0.0 adds World Maker, new parts, and more (GameSpot)
• 2021–2026 – No further major updates; online services remain active (Nintendo US Store)

The pattern: the timeline shows a clear halt in development after 2020.

Clarity

The pattern: the confirmed facts are solid, but the uncertainties leave room for skepticism.

Quotes

Play and create side-scrolling Super Mario courses anytime, anywhere with the Super Mario Maker 2 game for the Nintendo Switch system.

— Nintendo official description (Nintendo US Store)

Up to four players can try created courses together in local or online multiplayer.

— Nintendo Australia (Nintendo Australia)

The pattern: both official sources emphasize the creative and multiplayer aspects.

Super Mario Maker 2 remains a uniquely creative game on Nintendo Switch, and its community keeps it alive even without official updates. For Switch owners in 2026, the choice is clear: if you love designing levels or exploring an endless variety of player-made courses, this game is still a strong buy. If you’re hoping for a sequel or official new content, you might be waiting a long time.

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