Unleash Your Creativity: Discovering the Best Super Mario Maker 2 Alternatives

Super Mario Maker 2, available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, has delighted countless fans by offering an unparalleled platform for creating, playing, and sharing custom Super Mario courses. Its intuitive Course Maker, extensive features, and vibrant online community make it a go-to for aspiring game designers and Mario enthusiasts. However, for those looking to expand their horizons beyond the Nintendo ecosystem, or perhaps seeking different feature sets and platforms, exploring a Super Mario Maker 2 alternative is a fantastic idea. Whether you're after a classic NES feel, a DS-era recreation, or a broader social platformer, there are options available to spark your creativity.

Top Super Mario Maker 2 Alternatives

While Super Mario Maker 2 offers a comprehensive package, several other fantastic tools and games allow you to design and play your own levels. Here are some of the top alternatives that offer unique twists on the level-creation experience.

Super Mario Bros. Game & Builder

Super Mario Bros. Game & Builder

Super Mario Bros. Game & Builder is an excellent Super Mario Maker 2 alternative for those who yearn for the nostalgic charm of the original NES classic. This application provides a faithful simulation of the original Super Mario Bros. game and allows users to build their own games with all the classic elements. It's available across multiple platforms including Free, Mac, Windows, and Linux, and offers features such as gaming, a level editor, and portability.

New Super Mario Bros. Editor

New Super Mario Bros. Editor

New Super Mario Bros. Editor, also known as NSMBe, serves as a dedicated level editor for the popular Nintendo DS game, New Super Mario Bros. If you're a fan of the DS era's Mario adventures and wish to create your own stages within that style, this is a strong Super Mario Maker 2 alternative. It is Free and Open Source, runs on Windows with .NET Framework, and boasts complete editing capabilities for graphics, making it a powerful portable tool for level design.

Super Mario 64 DS Editor

Super Mario 64 DS Editor

For those interested in 3D level creation within the Mario universe, Super Mario 64 DS Editor (SM64DSe) stands out as an excellent Super Mario Maker 2 alternative. This free and open-source editor for Super Mario 64 DS runs on Windows and Mono. It offers advanced features like model, texture, and animation importing/exporting with .obj and .dae support, along with 3D graphical rendering, providing a robust platform for more complex level design and gaming.

Jumpaï : The Social Platformer

Jumpaï : The Social Platformer

Jumpaï: The Social Platformer offers a broader, community-focused approach to level creation, making it a compelling Super Mario Maker 2 alternative for those who prioritize social interaction and sharing. This free platformer allows users to create levels and share them online to play with others. It's available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, providing a versatile option for gamers looking for a level-designing experience with a strong online community aspect, much like Super Mario Maker 2's Course World.

Ultimately, the best Super Mario Maker 2 alternative depends on your specific needs, preferred platform, and the kind of creative control you desire. Whether you're seeking a nostalgic trip, a dedicated editor for a specific Mario title, or a fresh take on social level creation, there's a tool out there ready to help you bring your platforming dreams to life.

Christopher Hill

Christopher Hill

Writes about developer tools, performance optimization, and software engineering trends.