After a long wait, Mario and Luigi are back on Nintendo Switch with Mario & Luigi: Brothership. The new RPG sends the brothers sailing across the islands of Concordia, and early signs point to a return to form—though not without a few rough edges.

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Release year: 2024 · Platform: Nintendo Switch · Metacritic score: 78 · Average playtime (story): 30 hours · Number of islands: 5

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact sales figures vs. other Mario RPGs
  • Whether LGBTQ characters appear in the game
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Full exploration of 5 islands and side quests can push playtime to 50+ hours (RPGFan)

Five core specs, one pattern: the game prioritizes accessibility over complexity while retaining the series’ signature charm. Here’s how the details stack up.

Specification Value
Game title Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Release date November 7, 2024
Platform Nintendo Switch
Developer Nintendo
Genre Role-playing game (RPG)
Number of playable characters 2 (Mario and Luigi)
Combat system Turn-based with Bros. Moves
Average main story playtime ~30 hours
Completionist playtime ~50 hours (RPGFan)
Number of explorable islands 5
Metacritic score 78 (Metacritic)

Was Mario and Luigi’s Brothership a success?

Sales performance relative to series

Official sales figures for Mario & Luigi: Brothership have not been released by Nintendo as of early 2025. Without those numbers, it’s impossible to rank it against blockbuster Mario titles. RPG Site (dedicated RPG publication) calls it “the biggest and boldest entry in the series to date,” suggesting Nintendo invested heavily in the scope of the adventure. But bigger doesn’t always mean better-selling; the long gap since the previous Mario & Luigi game may have dampened audience momentum.

Critical reception overview

The game holds a Metacritic aggregate of 78 (Metacritic (review aggregate)), placing it in the “generally favorable” range. IGN (leading games media) highlights that “Luigi Logic excels in Brothership’s boss battles,” while RPGFan (specialist RPG outlet) calls it “one of the better games in the series.” On the downside, RPG Site criticizes that the game is “too long for its own good.”

Community reception

Reddit threads show a mix of nostalgia and frustration, with many praising the classic turn-based combat but some finding the pacing uneven. Geeks Under Grace (faith-friendly gaming site) describes it as “very clean and family-friendly,” suggesting broad appeal for younger players.

Bottom line: Critical consensus gives Brothership a solid but not spectacular nod. For series fans, the gameplay delivers. For newcomers, the entry barrier is low, but the length might test patience.

Do Mario and Luigi: Brothership require two players?

Single-player mode details

No second player is needed. The Nintendo Store (official product listing) clearly positions the game as a single-player RPG. In combat, you control both Mario and Luigi’s actions turn by turn, using Bros. Attacks that combine their moves.

Co-op multiplayer availability

There is no local or online co-op mode. Brothership is designed entirely for one player, with all exploration and battle sequences handled solo.

Player count per session

One human player controls both plumbers. The AI does not take over either brother in battles—you issue every command yourself.

The upshot

If you’re looking for a couch co-op Mario RPG, this isn’t it. But the single-player design means you get full control over the strategic depth of each encounter.

How long does it take to beat Mario Brothership?

Main story completion time

Based on multiple reviews, the main story runs approximately 30 hours. RPGFan reports that a focused playthrough can finish the critical path in that window, while RPG Site logged over 40 hours when including side content.

100% completion time

Players who explore every island and complete all side quests can expect 50 hours or more. RPGFan’s review notes that “the game can take upwards of 50 hours if the player fully explores islands and pursues side quests.”

Factors affecting playtime

The core loop involves sailing Shipshape Island, discovering new islands, and completing challenges to reconnect them to the Uni-Tree (Geeks Under Grace). Exploration is rewarded with collectibles and optional bosses, adding significant time.

The trade-off

Completionists get a hefty RPG, but those who prefer a tighter narrative may find the padding frustrating. RPG Site warns the game is “too long for its own good.”

Can you play Mario and Luigi: Brothership alone?

Full solo playthrough viability

Yes—the game is built for solo play. You control both brothers in every battle and puzzle. No AI partner takes over unless you choose a specific strategic assist option (not detailed in reviews).

AI partner control

In previous Mario & Luigi games, the active character follows simple commands while the other is controlled by the player. In Brothership, this pattern continues: you direct both Mario and Luigi in turn-based sequences (RPGFan describes the controls as “jump and hammer, with simple repeated button combinations”).

Comparison to previous games

Unlike Super Mario Bros. Wonder or Mario Kart, Brothership is a pure single-player RPG, consistent with earlier entries like Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. The difference is the scope: RPG Site calls it “the biggest entry in the series.”

Is Mario and Luigi: Brothership a fun game?

Review positivity rate

The Metacritic score of 78 (Metacritic) indicates strong but not universal praise. On Metacritic, the user score sits at 7.2 out of 10—suggesting a split where critics and players mostly agree on the game’s strengths and weaknesses.

User score vs critic score

The gap is small. Both groups appreciate the creative combat and island-hopping premise, but some users echo RPG Site’s criticism of the length.

Common praise points

  • Fun and creative turn-based combat (RPGFan)
  • Engaging boss battles (IGN)
  • Family-friendly and clean design (Geeks Under Grace)
The catch

The fun is real but pacing matters. If you enjoy deep exploration, you’ll love it. If you prefer a brisk RPG, the 40+ hour commitment may feel like a chore.

Timeline

  • 2024: Mario & Luigi: Brothership announced and released for Nintendo Switch (Nintendo Store)
  • 2024: Metacritic review aggregate published, score 78 (Metacritic)

What we know and what’s still uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Game is a single-player RPG on Nintendo Switch (Nintendo Store)
  • Co-op multiplayer is not required
  • Average main story playtime ~30 hours, completionist ~50 hours (RPGFan, RPG Site)
  • Metacritic score of 78 (Metacritic)

What’s unclear

  • Exact sales figures compared to other Mario games
  • Whether LGBTQ characters exist in the game

Developer and critic quotes

“All hands on deck for an island-hopping adventure starring Mario and Luigi.”

— Nintendo Store (official product page)

“Brothership is one of the better games in the series. It’s fun, it’s engaging, it’s creative, and it’s even full of heart.”

— RPGFan review

“Luigi Logic excels in Brothership’s boss battles.”

— IGN review

Final verdict

Mario & Luigi: Brothership successfully revives a beloved series with modern polish and a hefty world to explore. But the length that makes it generous for completionists also risks wearing out its welcome. For parents looking for a long, safe RPG for their kids, this is a solid pick. For adults with limited time, the commitment is real—and the game doesn’t always earn it.

Additional sources

facebook.com, youtube.com

The game’s narrative draws from the history of Mario and Luigi, enriching the Brothership experience.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gameplay style of Mario & Luigi: Brothership?

It’s a turn-based RPG where you control both Mario and Luigi in combat, using Bros. Moves and Bros. Attacks. The overworld involves sailing Shipshape Island and exploring five islands to restore Concordia’s Uni-Tree (Geeks Under Grace).

Does the game have a multiplayer or co-op mode?

No. It is a single-player game only. You control both brothers yourself (Nintendo Store).

What are the main islands in the game?

There are five islands to discover in the Concordia world. Their names and themes are detailed through exploration (Nintendo Store).

How does the combat system work?

Turn-based battles require you to input jump or hammer commands for each brother. Timing and button combinations power stronger Bros. Attacks (RPGFan).

Is the game suitable for new players to the series?

Yes. Geeks Under Grace describes it as “very clean and family-friendly,” and the tutorial eases newcomers into the mechanics.

What are the system requirements for Nintendo Switch?

The game runs on any Nintendo Switch model. It requires a standard game card or digital download. No special accessories are needed.

Are there any post-game activities?

Yes. After the main story, players can revisit islands for side quests and challenge battles. RPG Site notes that 100% completion takes 40+ hours.