《New 超級瑪利歐兄弟 U》（日文原名：『NEWスーパーマリオブラザーズ U』）是任天堂於2012年為Wii U推出的2D橫向卷軸動作遊戲，是《新超級瑪利歐兄弟》系列的第四部主機作品，也是首款支援高畫質1080p輸出的瑪利歐橫向過關遊戲。作為Wii U的首發陣容之一，不僅繼承系列一貫的玩法與節奏，也透過全新的關卡設計與主機特色，為經典配方注入新鮮活力。

在劇情方面，並未嘗試劇烈改變系列傳統，而是保留標誌性的「拯救碧姬公主」主軸。遊戲開場便是一場典型的災難：庫巴與他的孩子們突襲碧姬城堡，並將瑪利歐與同伴們從城堡內打飛到遙遠的森林深處，接著佔領整個蘑菇王國。瑪利歐（以及盧易吉、奇諾比奧等可選角色），踏上一場從外圍回到王宮的旅程，途經草原、沙漠、冰雪、高山、雲端、火山等多樣地形，最終突破重重阻礙對抗庫巴，成功救回碧姬。

在操作與玩法方面，延續《New 超級瑪利歐兄弟 Wii》的多人同樂機制，最多支援四名玩家同時使用Wii遙控器進行遊戲，外加一名玩家可透過Wii U GamePad 啟用「輔助模式」（Boost Mode），在關卡中即時放置平台或擊退敵人來協助同伴。這種玩法讓家庭或好友間的合作與混亂達到前所未有的互動感，也是主要賣點之一。

關卡設計則回歸「世界地圖」式的冒險風格，自由探索各個地區並選擇通關路線，不再是單一線性通關。地圖設計風格明顯受到《超級瑪利歐世界》的影響，包括隱藏道路、秘密出口與分支路徑，極大提升探索樂趣與重玩價值。

新要素方面，最受注目的莫過於「飛行松鼠瑪利歐」（Flying Squirrel Mario）這個全新變身能力。透過取得「超級松鼠道具」（Super Acorn）後，能夠滑翔並攀附牆壁，跳躍增添更多靈活性與策略性。其他經典道具如火焰花、冰凍花、迷你菇也皆有登場，並搭配新增的「挑戰模式」、「一命模式」與「加時模式」等，提供進階玩家額外挑戰。

此外，在音樂、畫面風格上也全面升級。採用明亮且細膩的卡通渲染風格，角色動畫更加流暢，背景畫面動態豐富，與前作相比整體視覺表現明顯提升。音樂方面延續由近藤浩治領軍的熟悉旋律，並針對每個主題關卡設計相應樂曲，從輕快的草原音樂到緊張的城堡旋律，塑造出豐富的音效氛圍。

在市場評價方面，獲得整體正面的回應。評論普遍稱讚其穩定的關卡設計、多樣化的合作玩法與充滿懷舊感的畫面風格。特別是在Wii U初期軟體陣容相對薄弱的情況下，被視為代表任天堂品質的穩健之作。不過也有批評指出，其創新程度不及早期的《超級瑪利歐世界》或《超級瑪利歐兄弟 3》，部分玩家認為本作在遊戲核心機制上仍過於保守，未能完全展現Wii U GamePad的潛力。

儘管如此，《New 超級瑪利歐兄弟 U》仍是Wii U平台銷量最佳的作品之一，之後更推出擴充版本《New 超級路易吉 U》，並在2019年移植至 Nintendo Switch，成為《New 超級瑪利歐兄弟 U 豪華版》。不僅延續遊戲壽命，也證明該作憑藉穩健的遊玩體驗與高品質關卡設計，依舊是瑪利歐粉絲與動作平台愛好者不容錯過的佳作。

New Super Mario Bros. U (Japanese title: 『NEWスーパーマリオブラザーズ U』) is a 2D side-scrolling platformer developed and published by Nintendo in 2012 for the Wii U. As the fourth home console installment in the New Super Mario Bros. series, it also marked the first Mario sidescroller to support full high-definition 1080p output. Launched as part of the Wii U’s initial lineup, the game retained the core rhythm and mechanics that defined the series, while introducing fresh level design and leveraging unique Wii U features to breathe new life into its classic formula.

The story stays true to the franchise's familiar themes rather than attempting a dramatic departure. It begins with a familiar disaster: Bowser and his Koopalings launch a surprise attack on Princess Peach’s castle, hurling Mario and his companions deep into a distant forest. Bowser then takes control of the entire Mushroom Kingdom. Mario (along with Luigi, Toad, and other playable characters) must embark on a journey from the outskirts back to the castle, traversing various terrains such as grasslands, deserts, snowy mountains, clouds, and volcanoes, ultimately facing Bowser in a final showdown to rescue Peach.

Gameplay and controls build upon the cooperative mechanics introduced in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Up to four players can join locally using Wii Remotes, with a fifth player able to assist via the Wii U GamePad using "Boost Mode." This mode allows the GamePad player to place platforms or disrupt enemies in real-time, enhancing teamwork—or chaos—among friends and family. This asymmetrical multiplayer feature became one of the game’s standout elements.

The world map adopts a more open "Super Mario World"-style design, where players can explore regions freely and select alternate paths, moving away from strictly linear progression. The game features hidden routes, secret exits, and branching paths that greatly increase the sense of exploration and replayability.

Among the new features, the most notable is the introduction of the “Flying Squirrel Mario” transformation. By grabbing a Super Acorn, players can glide through the air and cling to walls, adding both agility and strategic depth to platforming. Classic power-ups like the Fire Flower, Ice Flower, and Mini Mushroom make a return, while additional challenge-based modes such as “Challenge Mode,” “Boost Rush Mode,” and “Coin Battle” provide added difficulty for seasoned players.

The game also boasts visual and audio enhancements. With a clean, bright cartoon style rendered in HD, animations are smoother, and dynamic backgrounds add richness to the game’s atmosphere. The soundtrack, led by longtime Mario composer Koji Kondo, blends familiar melodies with stage-specific themes, ranging from cheerful grassland tunes to intense castle music, further immersing players in the world.

Critically, New Super Mario Bros. U received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its solid level design, engaging multiplayer options, and nostalgic art direction. Especially during the Wii U's launch window—when its software lineup was relatively sparse—this title stood out as a polished and reliable showcase of Nintendo’s craftsmanship. Nonetheless, some reviewers noted the game lacked the innovation seen in earlier entries like Super Mario World or Super Mario Bros. 3, with certain players feeling that the core mechanics remained too conservative and that the Wii U GamePad's capabilities were underutilized.

Despite these criticisms, New Super Mario Bros. U became one of the Wii U’s best-selling titles. It later received an expansion, New Super Luigi U, and in 2019, both games were bundled and re-released on the Nintendo Switch as New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. This not only extended the title’s life but also reaffirmed its reputation as a well-crafted experience beloved by Mario fans and platforming enthusiasts alike.