How to Get Luigi on New Super Mario Bros. DS

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: July 2, 2022 References

Do you like Luigi? Are you tired of playing as Mario? Well, there is a way to play as Luigi in New Super Mario Bros, allowing you to mix things up with only a one simple trick.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Unlocking Luigi in NSMB I

1
Start the game like normal. Some rumors on the internet claim you need to beat the game before you get Luigi, but this is only true for the sequel, not the original.^{[1]
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2
Navigate to the file selection screen but don't pick a game just yet. This is the screen with you three potential save files, allowing you to have three games at once. Do not pick your game just yet.

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3
Highlight your desired file. This will work with any file. Make sure the game you want to play has the selection box around it.
4
Hold the L and R buttons, located on the upper shoulders of the DS. Keep both of them held down simultaneously.
5
Still holding L and R, hit the A button to start your game. This should unlock the plucky, lanky Luigi to play. You can repeat this procedure anytime you'd rather play with him instead of Mario.
6
Let go of L, and R and start playing. You should hear Luigi shout out "Luigi!" if you have done it correctly. If not, turn the DS off and try again.
- Keep L and R held down the entire time, only letting go after you hear the green bomber's signature voice.^{[2]
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7
Play the game exactly like normal, as Luigi hasn't changed in playstyle. Shifting to Luigi is purely cosmetic -- he doesn't have any different stats or playing characteristics. He will have different sound effects and animations, however!^{[3]
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- Some people believe Luigi has a higher jump, but slips and slides more than Mario. However, there is no evidence of this change from the manufacturers. This is likely because he is more powerful in the game "New Super Luigi U."^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Unlocking Luigi in NSMB II

1
Beat the entire game on any difficulty. Once you toss off the Koopa King Bowser at the end of World Six, make sure you hit save.
2
After saving, turn the game off and restart it. Make sure, of course, that you actually save the game, otherwise you'll have to defeat Bowser all over again!
3
Open the game and navigate to the file select screen. This is simply the screen where you pick which game file you want to play on. Don't click one just yet.
4
Hold the two shoulder buttons, L and R, simultaneously. Don't let go until you finish the next step.
5
Still holding L and R, click on the game file that you want to play as Luigi. You should hear the green-clad plumber shout out a simple "Let's a-Go!" or other quick noise to indicate that you selected him.
6
Play as Luigi, knowing that he handles exactly the same as Mario. From here, you can go back through any of the stages as the less-known younger brother of the family. The controls and timing are all identical to the older plumber in red.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

Is there a way to be Wario?

Lugia2453

Top Answerer

No, Wario is not in this game.
Question

I did method one, and it didn't work. How long do you have to hold it for?

Gabriel Derksen

Community Answer

There's no reason it shouldn't have worked unless your buttons are broken. You just need to hold down L and R and press A with them both held down.
Question

Is there a way to be Yoshi?

Community Answer

No. They don't even feature Yoshi in the new Super Mario Bros., so you can't be Yoshi.