The mall’s center is buzzing with excitement as families file into the Nintendo section. Giant screens flash colorful levels of the new game, and kids press their faces up against them. I stand by the counter, waiting for my turn to try it out on one of the demo stations. The air smells like plastic and polished wood from all the consoles and controllers. A young man in a red shirt is handing out flyers with shiny graphics of Mario and Luigi soaring through clouds.

The line moves slowly as everyone tries the game for the first time. I finally get to sit down. The screen lights up, showing a bright blue sky and clouds shaped like coins. I press Start and the familiar chiptunes play. As Mario runs across the ledge, I notice he can now jump higher than ever before, soaring past buildings into sky-high ledges.

I start the game proper, choosing the Koopa Troopa Beach level. The camera pans out to show a huge map with different zones you can visit. I choose Cloud Top Castle and begin running through the clouds, jumping on Goombas. They pop up unexpectedly—green spots among the white cotton candy sky. I perfect my jump timing, sending them flying.

The game’s new features are impressive—smash attacks for multiplayer battles, speedrunning challenges that require you to run as fast as possible without touching anything. The level design is more varied and challenging than ever. I spend an hour exploring each zone, trying out all the power-ups and secret areas. By the time I leave, my fingers ache from pressing the buttons so much.

Walking through the crowded mall, I can’t stop thinking about how much fun this new game is. The launch party has convinced me that Mario’s adventures will be a hit for sure.