Why New Super Mario Bros.?

1. The old numbering system is beyond repair.

Many believe the game should use a number to show that it's a sequel... however, few can agree to WHAT number.  Let's look at some major games in the Mario series and what they're called in Japan and the west.

||Super Mario Bros.|Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. 2|Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels

Doki Doki Panic/Super Mario USA|Super Mario Bros. 2

Super Mario Bros. 3|Super Mario Bros. 3

Super Mario Bros. 4: Super Mario World|Super Mario World

Super Mario: Yoshi's Island|Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Yoshi's Story|Yoshi's Story

Super Mario 64|Super Mario 64

Super Mario Sunshine|Super Mario Sunshine||

Some would say it should be called SMB4, since the 4 was only used in Japan.  Others would say SMB5 even if confusing to many people, since 4 was already used in Japan.  Others would say Yoshi's Island should count, so it'd be SMB6.  Yoshi's Story never had Mario in the title, but since it's a sequel to Yoshi's Island wouldn't that mean a followup should be SMB7?  Maybe the 3D games should count?  Perhaps the dual Super Mario Bros. 2s should be accounted for in some way?  The old numbering system is a mess best left alone.

2. It's still a Super Mario Bros. game.

This game is a real return to the Super Mario Bros. 2D platforming roots.  To give it a different series name like the old Super Mario Land games would unnecessarily set it apart as something lesser.

3. Super Mario Bros. DS, maybe?

That would marry the semi-new series to the DS.  Super Mario Sunshine would've had an awkward name if it were Super Mario 64 2 on GameCube.

Considering the old ports released in recent years with titles like "Super Mario Advance" and "Super Mario 64 DS", something like Super Mario Bros. DS would also be easier to mistake for another rerelease.

So why New?

It retains the important part of the title, Super Mario Bros.  It drops the baggage of the old numbering system and allows for a fresh start.  It allows for a possible future "New Super Mario Bros. 2" to be on any system without naming oddities.  It signifies that it's a truly new 2D Mario game after well over a decade.  That's why.