Direct answer: Super Mario Maker (2015) is a Wii U exclusive, and its sequel Super Mario Maker 2 (2019) is a Nintendo Switch exclusive — neither has ever been officially released on PC. As with Nintendo’s other first-party franchises, level-creation Mario titles remain locked to Nintendo hardware. This guide explains your real options and points to genuinely available PC alternatives for level-building fans.
Why Neither Game Is on PC
- Super Mario Maker launched exclusively on Wii U in 2015, developed and published by Nintendo.
- Super Mario Maker 2 followed exclusively on Nintendo Switch in 2019.
- Nintendo has never released Mario platformers, including these level-editor titles, on PC.
- The Wii U eShop closed for new digital purchases in 2023, making the original Super Mario Maker no longer digitally purchasable at all.
How to Legitimately Play a Mario Maker Game Today
- Buy Super Mario Maker 2: Actively sold on the Nintendo eShop for Switch, with online level sharing and a course-building toolkit.
- Secondhand Wii U copies: Physical discs for the original are still findable through retro marketplaces if you own a Wii U.
PC Alternatives for Level-Building Fans
- LittleBigPlanet-style community builders: Some Steam titles offer similar level-creation and sharing tools, though none directly replicate Mario Maker’s exact toolset.
- Geometry Dash: Includes a robust free level editor and huge community level library, available on Steam.
- Super Mario 64-inspired fan projects: Various indie platformers on Steam draw inspiration from classic Mario level design, though none are official Nintendo products.
A Word on “Free Download” and Emulation Sites
Because there’s no official PC release, unofficial sites sometimes offer Wii U/Switch emulators paired with unlicensed game file dumps. Downloading and distributing copyrighted game files this way isn’t something we cover or endorse here, and installers from such sites are a common malware risk.
Pros and Cons of Your Realistic Options
✅ Super Mario Maker 2 (Switch)
- Actively sold today with online level sharing and full course tools
- Regularly updated with new content since launch
❌ Original Super Mario Maker (Wii U)
- No longer digitally purchasable since the eShop closure
- Requires discontinued Wii U hardware
Availability by Platform
🎮 Wii U
Original Super Mario Maker; digital purchases no longer available.
🎮 Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Maker 2 is actively sold via the Nintendo eShop.
🖥️ PC
No official release exists for either game.
Who Should — and Shouldn’t — Look for This
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Super Mario Maker on PC?
No, neither the original nor its sequel has ever been officially released on PC.
Can I still buy the original digitally?
No, the Wii U eShop closed for new purchases in 2023.
Is it safe to download a “PC version” from a third-party site?
No, since no official PC release exists, such downloads aren’t authorized and aren’t safe to run.
What should I play instead?
Super Mario Maker 2 on Nintendo Switch is the actively supported, purchasable option today.
Is there a PC game with a similar level editor?
Geometry Dash includes a free, robust level editor with a large community library, though it’s a different genre.
This page is written for informational purposes to clarify Super Mario Maker’s real platform availability. It does not link to or endorse any unofficial “free download” or emulation sources.
