An enhanced port for the Nintendo Switch was announced in the Nintendo Direct from September 13, 2018 and released worldwide on January 11, 2019. Prior to its announcement, rumors of a Switch port had surfaced stating that the game will be re-released and include both the original game and the New Super Luigi U campaign, with "New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe" as the pending title.[21] The game was upgraded to run at native 1080p instead of 720p and now features HD Rumble support throughout.[22][23] Toadette and Nabbit are introduced as playable characters, with the former gaining access to a brand new power up called the Super Crown and the latter now being playable in the original campaign instead of being exclusive to New Super Luigi U. Blue Toad was downgraded to a color variation of Yellow Toad.[24] Boost Mode was also removed, along with its associated challenges in Challenge Mode.
 
New Super Mario Bros. U iterates on the gameplay featured in New Super Mario Bros. Wii with additional features. The objective of each level is to reach the goal flag at the end of each level while avoiding enemies and hazards. The game can be controlled either using Wii U Pro Controllers, Wii Remotes, or Off-TV Play using the Wii U GamePad, where the game can be played solely on the GamePad's screen.[4][5] Four players each using a controller play as a different character, being Mario, Luigi, Yellow Toad, and Blue Toad. In the "Boost Mode" feature, a fifth player using the Wii U GamePad can interact with the environment, such as putting blocks down that can be stepped on or stunning enemies by holding down on them.[6][7] Certain game modes also allow players to play their own custom Mii characters. Bowser, The Koopalings, Kamek, Boom Boom, and Bowser Jr. appear as the game's main villains. Nabbit is a new antagonist who is chased after stealing a item from Toad. Once Nabbit is caught, Toad rewards the item to the player.