Should I let my child play Super Mario Bros. Wonder?
7+
Yes
From age 7. It's a cheerful platform game with no chat with strangers and nothing made by other players.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a bright, cheerful platform game that families can play together on one console. ESRB rates it for everyone and PEGI rates it 3, but Common Sense Media recommends it from 7, and we follow the highest rating. Online, other players appear as shadows running through the same level, and can leave helpful standees, but there's no chat. The only extra cost is an optional paid upgrade for Switch 2, and Nintendo lets you restrict spending.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder passes all 7 safety checks. See how we decided, and the official age ratings
What is Super Mario Bros. Wonder?
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a classic side-scrolling Mario game: run, jump and collect coins through colourful levels full of surprises. Up to four people can play together on one console.
Our advice by age
- Under 7
- NoCommon Sense Media recommends it from 7, and we follow the highest rating. PEGI rates it 3, so it's mild, but younger children may find it hard.
- 7 and over
- YesYes. Playing together on one console is a great way to start.
What to watch out for
Online playRisk is low by default, low with controls on
Other players appear as shadows running through the same level, but there's no chat. Online play needs a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Cartoon violenceRisk is low by default, low with controls on
Mario jumps on enemies and fights big bosses that breathe fire. It's cartoonish and nobody gets hurt.
CostsRisk is low by default, low with controls on
The Switch 2 Edition adds extra modes as a paid upgrade. Nintendo's spending restrictions stop anything being bought without you.
What's good about it
- Up to four players on one console, so great for families
- No chat with strangers
- No content made by other players
- Rewards trying again and working together
How to set it up safely
Required steps are the conditions of our verdict. If you can't do them, our answer is no. Takes about ten minutes. Do it with your child so they know what's switched on and why.
Set up Nintendo's parental controls with a PINRecommended
Use the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. Only someone with the PIN can change the settings.
Restrict spendingRecommended
Set a spending restriction from your Nintendo Account, so upgrades and other purchases need you.
Set a daily time limitRecommended
The Parental Controls app can pause the game when time's up.
Recent news
- Some Switch 1 owners aren't happy about Super Mario Bros. Wonder's Switch 2 EditionGame Rant
The new content, including an easier assist mode, is only on Switch 2. Check which console you have before buying.
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup in Bellabel Park arrives on Switch 2 in MarchNintendo Life
A Switch 2 Edition with new multiplayer modes came out on 26 March 2026, as a full game or a paid upgrade.
Common questions
What age is Super Mario Bros. Wonder suitable for?
7 and over. ESRB rates it for everyone and PEGI rates it 3, but Common Sense Media recommends it from 7, and we follow the highest rating.
Is it OK for a 5-year-old?
We'd wait until 7, because Common Sense Media recommends 7+. The content is gentle (PEGI 3), so if you play together, you'll quickly see whether it suits your child.
Can strangers talk to my child in Super Mario Bros. Wonder?
No. There's no chat. Online, other players only appear as shadows in the same level.
Does it cost money after buying it?
Only the optional Switch 2 upgrade, and Nintendo Switch Online for online play. Set a spending restriction so nothing is bought without you.
What would change your verdict?
Chat with strangers being added, or official action against Nintendo over child safety. We re-check every review at least every three months.
How old was your child when they first played Super Mario Bros. Wonder?
Other parents' answers. They don't change our verdict.