Mario
Balanced captain and an all-around player.
Documented for this version
D-pad | Move the controlled player. |
|---|---|
A | Pass the ball. |
B | Switch the controlled player. |
Touch Screen | Dribble, shoot, steal, dunk, and perform other basketball actions. |
Start | Pause the game. |
The Touch Screen is central to offensive and defensive actions.
Some actions depend on the player's position, timing, and available charge.
How it plays
Matches use a three-on-three format viewed from an angled court perspective. The objective is to score more points than the opposing team before time expires, with shots gaining value from their distance and special moves.
Players move with the directional controls and use the Touch Screen for dribbling, shooting, steals, dunks, and other actions. Coins can increase a team's scoring potential, while items create temporary advantages or disruptions. Tournament play provides structured progression, alongside exhibition and multiplayer modes.
Plan your run
Build a team with complementary statistics rather than choosing only large characters. Use coins when you can safely collect them, but do not abandon defensive position for a small scoring bonus.
Save special shots for clear opportunities, especially after creating space or forcing a turnover. Learn the timing of each character's touchscreen actions, and protect the ball near the sidelines where failed moves are more costly.
Meet the cast
Balanced captain and an all-around player.
Mario's brother, with a versatile playing style.
A technical player specializing in control and shooting.
An energetic player with strong athletic ability.
A nimble character suited to quick movement.
A powerful player who relies on strength.
A mobile and tricky defensive player.
A large, powerful character with physical advantages.
A smaller character with a mischievous style.
A fast Koopa character with aerial-themed moves.
A ghost character with deceptive movement.
A Final Fantasy guest character with agile techniques.
A Final Fantasy guest character with a distinctive support style.
A Final Fantasy guest character known for speed.
A Dragon Quest guest character with unusual movement.
Documented inputs
Documented unlockAdvance through Championship mode and meet in-game conditions to unlock hidden characters and extra courts.
Documented unlockLocal Nintendo DS multiplayer allows versus play without entering cheat codes.
Before you begin
Use the Touch Screen deliberately: rushed swipes are easier to block.
Keep at least one defender between the ball handler and the basket.
Try different team types because speed, power, and technique change the feel of a match.
Mario Hoops 3-on-3 is an arcade basketball game developed by Square Enix and published by Nintendo for Nintendo DS. It combines standard three-on-three basketball with Mario-style courts, items, coins, and exaggerated special shots. Players control teams assembled from familiar Mario characters, while several Final Fantasy characters appear as unlockable guests. Matches are designed around quick touchscreen actions rather than strict simulation, making dribbling, stealing, shooting, and trick moves accessible during fast games. The game was generally received as a distinctive and entertaining handheld sports title, especially for its crossover roster and inventive use of the DS touchscreen.
Catalog entry maintained by EmuGamers Editorial Team
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