Super Mario Maker 3DS: How to Build and Share Courses

Quick answer

To build and share courses in Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS, start in Course Maker, place elements from the palette, then use the local wireless option to share with nearby friends. Finish Super Mario Challenge courses to unlock more building tools.

Step-by-step: build and share a course

1. Start Course Maker: From the main menu, select Course Maker. Choose a game style (Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, or New Super Mario Bros. U) and a theme (overworld, underground, castle, etc.). Pick a style you're comfortable with; each has different physics and elements. Checkpoint: You can change style and theme later, so don't worry about making the perfect choice now.
2. Place the ground and set the start: Use the stylus to draw the ground tiles. Place the starting position where Mario will appear. Make sure there's solid ground beneath it and some space to move. A common mistake is placing the start too close to enemies or pits. Checkpoint: Test the start by playing from the beginning to ensure Mario doesn't spawn in danger.
3. Add elements from the palette: Tap the palette icon to open the element menu. Drag blocks, enemies, coins, and power-ups onto the course. Use the eraser to remove mistakes. Remember that some elements are only available after unlocking them via Super Mario Challenge. Checkpoint: Keep the course readable; too many elements on screen can confuse players, especially on the small 3DS screen.
4. Test your course thoroughly: Press the play button to test your course from the start. Play through multiple times to check for unfair traps, impossible jumps, or soft-locks. Adjust as needed. A common mistake is forgetting to test after making changes. Checkpoint: If you can't complete your own course consistently, it's likely too hard or unclear for others.
5. Save your course: Once satisfied, save your course. You can keep editing later. Give it a descriptive name so you can identify it when sharing. The 3DS version allows you to save multiple courses, but check available slots to avoid overwriting. Checkpoint: Save before sharing; unsaved changes won't be included.
6. Share locally with friends: From the main menu, choose Course World, then select Share. Choose the course you want to share and follow the prompts for local wireless. Both you and your friend need a copy of the game and need to be within wireless range. There is no online sharing, so this must be done in person. Checkpoint: Ensure your friend has the game and their 3DS is nearby; you cannot share over the internet.
7. Play and refine: After sharing, ask your friend for feedback. Watch them play if possible to see where they struggle. Use that feedback to tweak your course. You can also play your friend's courses to get new ideas. Checkpoint: The best courses are iterated; don't be afraid to revise after seeing someone else play.

Product facts

• Super Mario Maker - Nintendo Selects (3DS): Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS - Create your own courses and play with many different ideas. This is the core experience: you build and play, so expect a creative toolkit rather than a traditional Mario platformer.

  

• Super Mario Maker - Nintendo Selects (3DS): 100 original courses designed by Nintendo await you in Super Mario Challenge, each one containing additional challenges to defeat and medals to earn. These courses are your main source of unlockable elements, so playing them is essential for expanding your Course Maker options.