With the launch less than three weeks away, Nintendo has started to reveal more details about many of the upcoming Wii U launch titles.
Today we get word on some new game modes and a new character called “Nabbit” coming to New Super Mario Bros. U.
We already know about some of the new game modes and today we get more details on them and the new world map.
Much like the format in Super Mario World, the world map will be the first side scrolling Mario game since 1991 to feature a “seamless” map that connects each of the worlds. Due to the interconnectivity players will able to play through the game in a non-linear fashion if they so choose. The world map is also said to feature many secret exits and branching routes.

Nintendo has also given us more details of the various challenge modes and the multiplayer Coin Battle mode (below).
Most interestingly is the new character called “Nabbit” which is featured in a new game mode by the same name. Nabbit (right) is a thief that steals goodies from Mario’s Toad allies, challenging the player to go after him and recover the items. Nabbit will appear on the world map challenging you to chase it through various stages. If you catch it you will be rewarded with a special P-Acorn which, much like the P-Wing, will allow you to continuously fly through a stage.
Here is Nintendo’s full breakdown of each of the modes including Nabbit:
- Challenge Mode: Challenge Mode tasks players with completing specific objectives, such as clearing a course without touching a single coin or touching the ground. There are four single-player Challenge categories: Time Attack, Coin Collection, 1-Up Rally and Special (miscellaneous challenges). Boost Mode Challenges require two players, with one player using the Wii U GamePad controller and the other using a Wii Remote controller. Once players complete a Challenge, the game saves a replay of the action so players can show off their accomplishments.
- Coin Battle: Up to five players can play together and compete to see who can collect the most coins. One player will use the Wii U GamePad controller while the other four players use the Wii Remote controller. The player using the Wii U GamePad controller in Boost Mode can place Boost Blocks to help grab hard-to-reach coins. Players can also use the GamePad to edit and customize the coin layout in courses found only in Coin Battle. The coin layout can then be saved and played by the players using Wii Remote controllers.
- Nabbit: From time to time, a creature named Nabbit will appear on the world map. Players must enter the course and catch the speedy Nabbit to recover items stolen from Toad. If Nabbit is nabbed, players receive a powerful P-Acorn, which will allow them to fly continuously through an entire stage. The only way to obtain a P-Acorn is to catch Nabbit.
Craig Hunter – who has written 1159 posts on The Jace Hall Show.
Craig Hunter is a main contributor for the Jace Hall Show and has been an avid gamer for over 15 years. He also freelances for a number of websites and magazines covering mobile products and emerging technologies.

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