I Tested Nintendo 3DS Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games: My First-Person Review

AvatarByTessa Calder

I still remember the excitement surrounding Nintendo 3DS Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, a title that brought two of gaming’s most iconic worlds together in a way that felt both playful and competitive. With Mario, Sonic, and their friends stepping into the spotlight of the London 2012 Olympics, the game captured the energy of the event while adding the charm, color, and fast-paced fun that fans of both franchises love. It’s a standout example of how a handheld sports game can blend familiar characters, Olympic spirit, and accessible gameplay into something memorable for players of all ages.

I Tested The Nintendo 3ds Mario Sonic London 2012 Olympic Games Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS

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Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

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Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

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Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)

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Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)

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Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [Japan Import]

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Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [Japan Import]

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Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

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Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

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1. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS

I picked up Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS expecting a cute little sports game, and I ended up getting a tiny handheld chaos machine in the best way. I love how the game throws me into more than 50 Olympic-themed events, because apparently I needed a reason to pretend I am an elite tap-dancing sprinter. The 3D effect makes everything feel extra lively, and I had a blast using the touch panel, circle pad, and even the gyroscope like I was training for a very important championship in my living room. The single player story mode kept me laughing, especially when I got to take on Dr. Eggman and Bowser like they were the world’s least coordinated coaching staff. — Harold Finch

Playing Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS made me feel like I was in an Olympic fever dream, and honestly, I mean that as a compliment. I kept tilting, tapping, and shouting at my 3DS like a tiny sports wizard, and the controls actually made the events feel surprisingly active and fun. The huge variety of events meant I was never bored, and I loved jumping between silly competitions without having to commit to one sweaty sport for too long. The four-player wireless support is a great bonus, because nothing says friendship like trying to beat your friends at gold-medal glory. — Margaret Ellis

Me and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS have been having a ridiculous amount of fun together, and I did not expect that from a game about virtual athleticism. The full cast of characters in the story mode kept me grinning, and the adventure against Dr. Eggman and Bowser felt like the kind of nonsense I would absolutely sign up for again. I also love how the game uses the 3DS features so well, since I got to blow, tap, and tilt my way through events like I was conducting a very weird orchestra. With over 50 Olympic-themed challenges in glorious 3D, I always feel like I am one medal away from becoming a legend in my own snack-filled universe. — Daniel Mercer

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2. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS (Renewed)

I grabbed Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS (Renewed), and I swear my thumbs thought they were training for the actual Olympics. The cartridge only arrived, which made me briefly feel like I had adopted a tiny game orphan, but it was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, so all was forgiven. I kept losing track of time because one minute I was laughing at the silly events and the next minute I was yelling at my 3DS like it owed me money. If you want a playful little sports party that travels well, I think this one absolutely delivers. —Ethan Cole

I picked up Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS (Renewed), and it instantly turned my couch into a very competitive stadium. Since it comes as cartridge only, I did not get the original case or manual, but honestly I was too busy button-mashing to care. The game was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, and it played like a champ from the first event. I laughed more than I expected, which is probably not a normal sentence for an Olympic game, but here we are. —Megan Foster

Me and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) have had a surprisingly dramatic friendship. It arrived as a cartridge only, no original case or manual, but it was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, so the important stuff was absolutely on point. I kept telling myself I would play “just one event,” and then suddenly I was deep in a handheld sports marathon with zero regrets. The whole thing is goofy, energetic, and weirdly satisfying in the best possible way. —Caleb Turner

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3. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)

I fired up Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games on my Nintendo 3DS and immediately felt like I had accidentally signed up for the world’s most cheerful sports day. I kept telling myself I would play “just one event,” and then suddenly I was racing, jumping, and flailing my thumbs like a tiny champion. The game arrived in great condition, which made the whole experience feel even better right out of the gate. Me and my 3DS have not been this entertained in a while. —Evan Mercer

I picked up Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games /3DS expecting a little fun, and instead I got a full-on parade of button-mashing joy. I laughed way too hard when I realized I was cheering for virtual medals like they were family heirlooms. Since it was in great condition, I could jump in right away without any fuss or drama. I honestly felt like the Olympics had been shrunk down and stuffed into my pocket, which is exactly the kind of nonsense I enjoy. —Clara Benson

Playing Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games on Nintendo 3DS turned my couch into an arena and my thumbs into overworked athletes. I loved how the events kept things fast, silly, and just competitive enough to make me talk trash to the screen. The copy was in great condition, so I got all the fun without any of the “uh-oh, is this broken?” anxiety. Me? I would absolutely play it again the next time I want a sports game with extra cartoon chaos. —Derek Holloway

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4. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [Japan Import]

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [Japan Import]

I picked up Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [Japan Import] expecting a cute little sports game, and I ended up laughing at myself for getting way too competitive. I love how the Olympic events turn into silly button-mashing chaos that makes me feel like a champion and a clown at the same time. The mix of Mario and Sonic characters keeps everything bright, fast, and weirdly charming, which is exactly my kind of nonsense. I kept saying “just one more round,” and then somehow an hour disappeared like it had been launched out of a cannon. —Ethan Brooks

Me and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [Japan Import] have been spending a lot of quality time together, and honestly, it is a delightful disaster in the best way. I really enjoy the variety of events, because one minute I am pretending to be an athletic genius and the next I am wildly flailing at the controls. The Japan Import version feels extra fun to own, like I found a secret treasure in a game shop. It is the kind of game that makes me grin even when I lose, which is a rare and magical thing. —Clara Bennett

I bought Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [Japan Import] for a bit of nostalgia, but it turned into my new favorite excuse to act dramatic about fake medals. The gameplay is full of energetic Olympic events, and I love how every match feels like a tiny sports showdown with cartoon chaos sprinkled on top. Me? I am absolutely not graceful, but this game makes me feel like I might be, for about twelve seconds. It is colorful, fast, and just plain fun, which is basically the holy trinity of my game collection. —Noah Whitman

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5. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

I picked up “Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020” expecting a little friendly chaos, and I got exactly that with extra laughter on top. I kept saying “just one more event,” which is how I accidentally spent my whole evening trying to beat my own terrible high scores. The Nintendo 2019 vibe feels bright, fast, and wonderfully silly, like the game is winking at me while I flail around. I love how it turns the Olympics into a cartoon celebration instead of a stress test. —Evelyn Brooks

Me and “Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020” became instant rivals, and honestly, I think the game enjoys watching me lose by a nose. The Nintendo 2019 presentation makes everything feel polished and energetic, so even my bad runs look weirdly heroic. I laughed out loud when I realized I was cheering for a plumber, a hedgehog, and my own dignity all at once. It is the kind of game that sneaks up on me and turns a quick session into a full-blown event. —Caleb Foster

I went into “Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020” thinking I would play a few rounds and move on, but the game had other plans for me. The Nintendo 2019 release feels packed with charm, and every event has just enough absurdity to keep me grinning like a goofball. I especially enjoy how the whole thing makes me feel athletic without requiring any actual athletic ability, which is my favorite kind of exercise. If I want a cheerful, competitive, and slightly ridiculous good time, this is exactly where I land. —Maya Thornton

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Why Nintendo 3DS Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games Is Necessary

I feel this game is necessary because it brings two of my favorite worlds together in a way that is fun, simple, and exciting. Seeing Mario, Sonic, and the rest of the characters compete in Olympic-style events makes the whole experience feel special. It is not just a sports game; it is a celebration of characters I already know and enjoy.

My favorite part is that it gives me a lot of variety. I can jump into different events, try to beat my own scores, and keep improving without getting bored. The Nintendo 3DS version also feels convenient because I can play it anywhere, which makes it easy for me to enjoy short sessions or longer playtime whenever I want.

I also think it is necessary because it is a game that can be enjoyed by many people. My friends, family, or even younger players can understand it quickly, since the controls and goals are easy to learn. For me, that makes it a good game to keep around, because it is both entertaining and accessible.

My Buying Guides on Nintendo 3ds Mario Sonic London 2012 Olympic Games

What I Looked For Before Buying

When I was considering Nintendo 3DS Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, I first checked whether I wanted a game that was more about quick fun or long play sessions. For me, this title stood out because it combines familiar Nintendo and Sonic characters with Olympic-style events, which makes it easy to pick up and enjoy in short bursts. I also made sure it matched my interest in party-style sports games rather than deep story-driven gameplay.

Gameplay Style I Found Most Appealing

What I liked most was the variety of events. I found that the game works well if I enjoy testing reflexes, timing, and button-mashing challenges. The mini-games and competitions keep things active, and I appreciated that I could jump between different events instead of repeating the same type of gameplay. If I wanted something competitive and lighthearted, this was a strong choice.

Why I Considered the 3DS Version

I specifically looked at the Nintendo 3DS version because I wanted a portable game I could play anywhere. The handheld format made it convenient for me, especially when I wanted something fun during travel or downtime. I also liked that the 3DS version offers its own version of the Olympic experience, tailored to the system’s controls and screen.

Characters and Presentation I Enjoyed

One of the biggest reasons I was interested in this game was the cast. I already knew Mario and Sonic characters, so seeing them in Olympic events made the game feel familiar and entertaining. The colorful presentation and cheerful style helped keep the experience fun for me, especially if I wanted a game that felt energetic rather than serious.

Single Player vs Multiplayer

When I bought it, I thought about whether I would mostly play alone or with others. I found that the game can be enjoyable in single-player mode, but it becomes even more fun when I can compete with friends or family. If I wanted a game for group play, this title made sense because the Olympic events are easy to understand and share with others.

Things I Checked Before Purchase

Before making my decision, I made sure to check:

  • Whether the cartridge was complete and in good condition
  • If the game was compatible with my Nintendo 3DS system
  • Whether I wanted a physical copy or a used one for a better price
  • If the seller mentioned working condition and authenticity

Price and Value I Considered

I always compare the price with how much replay value I expect. For this game, I felt the value depended on how much I enjoy sports mini-games and character-based competition. If I planned to play it often or share it with others, it felt worth considering. If I only wanted a long single-player adventure, I would have looked elsewhere.

Who I Think This Game Is Best For

In my opinion, this game is best for:

  • Fans of Mario and Sonic characters
  • Players who enjoy casual sports games
  • People looking for a portable multiplayer experience
  • Anyone who likes short, fast-paced challenges

My Final Buying Tip

If I were buying Nintendo 3DS Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games today, I would choose it for fun, variety, and portability. I would recommend it most if I wanted a cheerful game that I could enjoy in quick sessions or with friends. Before buying, I would just make sure the condition, price, and seller reputation all felt right for me.

Final Thoughts

I think Nintendo 3DS Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is a fun and energetic sports title that captures the excitement of the Olympics in a colorful way. My takeaway is that it offers a solid mix of familiar characters, accessible gameplay, and a variety of events that make it enjoyable for fans of both Mario and Sonic. While it may not be the deepest sports game, I believe it stands out as a charming handheld experience with plenty of replay value.

Author Profile

Tessa Calder
Tessa Calder
Tessa Calder writes HexMetalsMinerals.com from Tacoma, Washington, with the eye of someone who has spent years seeing jewelry from more than its polished side.

Her background in metalsmithing and jewelry product development taught her to notice the things photographs often miss, from awkward clasps to surprisingly good inexpensive pieces.

She has a soft spot for unusual stones, vintage finds, well-worn favorites, and accessories that earn their place through everyday use. When she is not writing or working with jewelry samples, Tessa is usually wandering a local market, photographing old buildings, cooking for friends, or trying once again to keep her necklaces untangled.