Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island is a 1995 platformer developed by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo, casting the dinosaur Yoshi as the star while he carries Baby Mario to safety. Its hand-drawn, crayon-like art style gave it a distinctive storybook charm unlike anything else on the console.
Gameplay revolved around Yoshi's abilities to swallow enemies, produce eggs to throw as projectiles at targets and switches, and perform a floaty flutter jump that extended his airtime. Instead of a life system, players raced to recover Baby Mario before a countdown ran out whenever he was knocked off Yoshi's back. The game used the Super FX chip to power rotating and scaling effects in several inventive boss fights.
Praised for its creativity and polish, the game launched a sub-series centered on Yoshi. It has appeared on various classic-game services and inspired later handheld and console sequels, so its inventive, artful platforming remains easy to enjoy today.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Yoku's Island Express Indie
€ 19,99A relaxed indie platformer with hand-drawn charm and exploration.
Yoku's Island Express runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Tinykin Indie
€ 24,50A sunny, collect-everything platformer with the same gentle inventiveness and hand-drawn charm.
Tinykin runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
The Plucky Squire Indie
€ 29,99A storybook adventure that hops between 2D and 3D, as visually playful as Yoshi's crayon world.
The Plucky Squire runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Yoshi's Crafted World
€ 59,99The modern Yoshi platformer with a charming handcrafted art style.
Yoshi's Crafted World runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck.
Nintendo Switch Online
€ 19,99 + in-app purchasesYoshi's Island is available via the SNES app with a subscription.
Nintendo Switch Online runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck.
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