New Super Mario Bros shots

New Super Mario Bros heralds the long-awaited return of Nintendo's much-loved Super Mario Bros series, which first appeared on the company's NES console 20 years ago. And, as the shots on the right show, it should provide fans with a heart-warming trip down 8-bit memory lane.

The game will offer players a traditional 2D platforming experience, while also adding some 3D elements into the mix. The DS touch screen will be exploited, although currently this only stretches to being used as a score board and inventory control.

A two-player wireless mode will give players the chance to compete against each other, with one player taking the role of Mario and the other controlling Luigi as they race head-to-head through one of three levels.

Let's keep those retro fingers crossed that New Super Mario Bros will be as good as we all want it to be.

New Super Mario Bros will be released for DS in winter 2005