Up to five players can play simultaneously.
Wii U Pro Controller support was added in the 1.3.0 patch.
The game can be controlled either using Wii Remotes or the Wii U GamePad, the latter of which allows for Off-TV Play, where the game can be played solely on the GamePad's screen, without the use of a television. The objective of each level is to reach the goal flag at the end of each level while avoiding enemies and hazards. U iterates on the gameplay featured in New Super Mario Bros. Players can use the Wii U GamePad's stylus to add platforms and stun enemies on the main screen. He manages to jump up onto the airship, but his weight causes it to crash, and they are forced to flee on Bowser Jr.'s Koopa Clown Car. and the Koopalings attempt to escape, almost leaving Bowser behind. By defeating Bowser, the castle returns to normal. By conquering them, they get closer to Peach's castle, which has been transformed into an evil reflection of Bowser. On the way, they encounter seven Koopalings each controlling their own worlds, plus Kamek, Nabbit, Bowser Jr., and many minor monsters like Goomba. Mario and friends must now travel across this new land returning to Peach's castle in order to save her. Princess Peach is held captive in her castle by Bowser, Bowser Jr., and the Koopalings who invade and use a giant mechanical arm to throw Mario, Luigi, and two Toads far away. The game received positive reviews, and is one of the best-selling games on the Wii U. An additional campaign for the Year of Luigi, New Super Luigi U, was released as downloadable content in 2013. It is the fourth title in the New Super Mario Bros. U is a 2D side-scrollingplatform video game developed and published in 2012 by Nintendo for the Wii U.