No, this is not one of those NSMB Hacking vs. NSMB2 Hacking discussion threads. This is just about the graphics.

So, we can't deny that NSMB2 has higher quality graphics than NSMBDS. That's logical, because NSMB2 is newer and its handheld is has more pixels and all.

Despiting this, I think I prefer NSMBDS's graphics. Why? Because it looks more.. realistic. Let's just compare NSMBDS's and NSMB2's World 1 Maps. (If the images look small on the device, just click them to see them bigger.)





Do you see what I mean? NSMB2's Worldmap is more colourful and it has, I don't know, something that makes it look more like a little kid's game. E.g. NSMBDS's tower model is way more realistic than NSMB2's one. And you can also see that just making the cannon blue in NSMB2 also gives the game a certain atmosphere.

Also compare how Nintendo 'modernised' e.g. the Scuttlebugs.



They now look less scary, don't they?


Well, this is basically why I prefer the graphics of NSMBDS. I'm sure NSMB2 would have looked waaaayy different than it looks now if they had been wanting to make it look realistic rather than childish.


EDIT:
Though I wouldn't say I find NSMBWii's graphics were bad, which is funny, since NSMB2 is almost an exact copy of NSMBWii when talking about graphics (and musics). But then you should compare e.g. the World 1 Maps of NSMBDS, NSMB2 and NSMBWii. It looks like they made something that is between DS and 2. It looks moderner but still realistic.

The several versions of the world 1 vary, on momment in a more cartoon style, on other momment in a more serious style. I always liked all styles. After all, Mario is Mario.

But thanks for the perception

[] -P