Mario
The heroic plumber and one of the adult party members.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
A | Control Mario's actions and confirm commands. |
|---|---|
B | Control Luigi's actions and confirm commands. |
X | Control Baby Mario's actions and confirm commands. |
Y | Control Baby Luigi's actions and confirm commands. |
Control Pad | Move the active party members and navigate menus. |
Touch Screen | Interact with selected touch-based interfaces and activities. Use is limited to documented touch-screen sections. |
Combos and sequences
AB | Perform paired adult-brother commands when the game prompts for both adult characters. Timing and availability depend on the selected action. |
|---|---|
XY | Perform paired baby-brother commands when the game prompts for both baby characters. Timing and availability depend on the selected action. |
Control notes
Button assignments follow the standard Nintendo DS version layout.
Battle commands display their required timing and button prompts.
How it plays
How does Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time play?
The adventure uses a top-down and side-view perspective, with exploration areas connected by story events, puzzles, and battles. The adult brothers and babies can separate, stack, roll, dig, or cooperate to cross obstacles and reach hidden paths.
Combat is turn-based, but attacks and defenses depend on timing. Players select jumps, hammers, items, and Bros. attacks, then press the correct buttons to increase damage or avoid enemy attacks. Experience raises levels, while equipment and beans improve the party's capabilities.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time?
Use the field abilities of both age groups rather than treating the babies as simple support characters. Baby Mario and Baby Luigi can access routes and interact with objects that the adult pair cannot.
In battle, learn enemy attack animations and prioritize timed dodges. Practice Bros. attacks against early enemies, keep healing items available, and revisit earlier areas when new abilities reveal optional paths or beans.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Luigi
Mario's brother, whose field and battle abilities complement Mario's.
Baby Mario
Mario's younger self, who joins the time-traveling adventure.
Baby Luigi
Luigi's younger self and the fourth member of the cooperative party.
Princess Peach
The Mushroom Kingdom princess whose abduction drives the main quest.
Baby Peach
Princess Peach as a baby, encountered during the past-era story.
Toadsworth
Peach's elderly attendant, who assists the brothers and their younger selves.
Princess Shroob
The Shroob ruler responsible for the invasion of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Elder Princess Shroob
The older Shroob princess and a major force behind the game's conflict.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Watch enemy movements closely; successful jumps and hammer counters prevent damage.
- 2
Experiment with Bros. attacks in safe battles so their timing becomes familiar.
- 3
Search previously visited areas after gaining a new field ability.
Community discussion
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