- the game gives a few control tips early on
- long-jump returns
- climb trees and vault off the top
- music includes flashbacks to old-school tunes, plus new tunes with a jazzy style
- music is either orchestral or sounds very close to it
- three stages of running speed
- GamePad touch screen is an assist tool to reveal, collect and break blocks and coins, freeze enemies and mess around with a floating Mario hand
- you can even use this hand to trace a pattern in sand
- the cannon box can damage coop partners
- drop-in multiplayer
- multiplayer controller support for the sideways Wii Remote, Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Wii U Pro Controller and the Classic Controller
- kick balls at enemies and at Bowser in his car as early as the first castle
- early level names include Switch Scramble Circus and Double Cherry Pass