One key aspect introduced in this title is the simultaneous multiplayer: while not the first game in the series to do so, it is the first 3D title in the Super Mario franchise to incorporate up to four players cooperating with each other to reach the goal. The game's plot centers around Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad having to rescue the rulers of the Sprixie Kingdom, the Sprixie Princesses from Bowser. The game builds upon the previous installment, following a similar 3D level-design convention inspired from the 2D platformer titles where players must navigate through a linear-designed level within a time limit to reach a level's Goal Pole.

The title is a sequel to the 2011 Nintendo 3DS installment Super Mario 3D Land. It is the seventeenth title in the Super Mario series, the seventh 3D Super Mario title overall, and the fifth 3D Super Mario title on a home console after Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Super Mario 3D World is a 3D platformer action game for the Wii U, released in November 2013.