The game uses a side-view perspective across eight main worlds, each containing platform stages, fortress levels, airships, bonus areas, and a world map. The objective is to reach the end of stages, defeat enemies, collect power-ups, and ultimately defeat Bowser.

Mario and Luigi can run, jump, stomp enemies, swim, enter pipes, and use suits or items such as the Super Leaf, Tanooki Suit, Frog Suit, and Hammer Suit. Extra stages and power-ups can be accessed through compatible e-Reader cards in supported versions.

Learn each world’s hazards before spending rare power-ups. Keep a reserve item in the inventory and use the world map’s Toad Houses and mushroom houses to restock.

The Tanooki Suit is especially useful because it combines flight with a temporary statue ability. Explore suspicious walls, pipes, and high platforms; many stages hide power-ups, coins, and alternate routes.