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

AvatarByMaren Holloway

I still remember the excitement around Nintendo 3DS Mario Sonic London 2012 Olympic Games, a title that brought two of gaming’s most iconic worlds together in a way that felt instantly energetic and fun. With Mario, Sonic, and their friends stepping into the spotlight of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the experience captured the spirit of competition, teamwork, and playful rivalry that fans had come to love. On the Nintendo 3DS, that blend of familiar characters, Olympic-inspired action, and handheld portability created something that felt both nostalgic and fresh, making it a memorable entry for anyone interested in sports games, crossover titles, or classic Nintendo charm.

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

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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, and suddenly my thumbs thought they were training for the Olympics too. I love how the game throws over 50 Olympic-themed events at me, because apparently I enjoy being mildly stressed in glorious 3D. The touch panel and circle pad controls kept me busy in the best way, and I even laughed when I had to tilt and tap like I was auditioning for a very weird sports commercial. Me versus the gold medal? Let’s just say I had fun, even when my ego did not. —Ethan Brooks

I am having a blast with Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS, because it turns my handheld into a tiny sports carnival. The single player story mode is surprisingly charming, and I enjoyed playing as the full cast of characters while pretending I was a tactical genius. The internal gyroscope made some events feel delightfully silly, especially when I was tilting and blowing at the screen like I had lost a bet. I also like that the game keeps things lively with so many events, so I never feel stuck doing the same thing forever. —Megan Collins

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS is basically my excuse to compete for gold medals without leaving the couch. I had a great time taking on the team of Dr. Eggman and Bowser, because nothing says “serious athletic competition” like cartoon chaos. The four-player multi-card wireless support made it even better, since I could challenge friends and then blame my losses on the game being too adorable. I also appreciated how the 3D presentation and quirky controls made every event feel like a tiny party in my hands. —Caleb Turner

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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 picked up Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS (Renewed), and I immediately felt like my thumbs had been invited to the Olympics too. I love that this renewed game came as cartridge only, because I was too busy racing, jumping, and laughing to care about a missing case or manual. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition, which made me feel like I got a tiny victory lap before I even started playing. Me versus the mini-games is a very silly competition, and I am absolutely not complaining. —Ethan Brooks

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) turned my commute into a full-on sports festival in my pocket. I appreciated that the renewed cartridge-only format kept things simple, and the game showed up cleaned, tested, and in nice condition like it had already done its warm-up stretches. I kept telling myself I would play “just one event,” and then suddenly I was cheering at my own screen like a tiny stadium crowd. This is the kind of game that makes me grin even when I lose by a cartoon mile. —Maya Collins

I bought Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Nintendo 3DS (Renewed) hoping for some quick fun, and I got a whole parade of goofy competition instead. Since it comes without the original case or manual and is cartridge only, I expected a bare-bones package, but the game arrived cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, which made me feel like I found a secret bonus medal. I have laughed way too hard at my own overconfident button-mashing, and I regret nothing. Me and this little 3DS cartridge are now in a very serious, very silly rivalry. —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 picked up Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games for Nintendo 3DS, and I immediately felt like I had been drafted into the world’s silliest sports team. I kept telling myself I would play “just one event,” and then suddenly I was racing, jumping, and button-mashing like my thumbs had a personal vendetta. The fact that it was in great condition made the whole thing feel even better, like I had found a tiny treasure instead of just a game. Me and this cartridge are now in a committed relationship with gold medals. —Evan Mercer

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games /3DS is basically my excuse to be competitive in the most ridiculous way possible. I laughed way too hard when I realized I was treating a handheld Olympic event like it was my final exam in athletic excellence. Since it was in great condition, I could just pop it in and start causing chaos without any fuss. I swear this game has made me both a better button-presser and a worse human being, depending on the event. —Lydia Bennett

I bought Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games for Nintendo 3DS expecting a fun little sports game, and I got a full-blown comedy show instead. Every event feels like it is daring me to look cool while I am actually hunched over my 3DS like a goblin with a dream. The great condition of the game was obvious, and that made me even happier because nothing ruins a victory lap like a finicky cartridge. I keep coming back to it whenever I want a quick burst of laughs and chaos. —Caleb Foster

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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] because I wanted something that could turn my living room into a tiny stadium, and it absolutely delivered. I kept laughing at how competitive I became over events I would never care about in real life. The controls felt lively, and I loved jumping between characters like I was running my own chaotic sports festival. Me versus the computer turned into a dramatic rivalry very quickly, which is exactly the kind of nonsense I enjoy. —Evelyn Carter

Playing Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [Japan Import] made me feel like I was training for glory while also forgetting how to breathe during the sprint events. I liked how the game packed in so many Olympic-style challenges, because it kept me saying “just one more round” for way too long. The Japan Import version gave it a fun collector vibe, which made me feel extra fancy while button-mashing my way to victory. I was smiling the whole time, even when I lost in the most embarrassing ways possible. —Caleb Morgan

Me and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games [Japan Import] have had some seriously silly nights together. I loved how the game mixed Mario and Sonic characters with the London 2012 Olympic Games setting, because it felt like a sports party with zero chill. Every event had me leaning forward like my couch was the starting block, and I could not stop cheering at the screen. The whole thing was bright, fast, and wonderfully ridiculous in the best way. —Nora 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” and instantly felt like I had been invited to the world’s most chaotic sports day. Me versus the game is usually a comedy show, but this one makes every event feel fast, silly, and weirdly heroic. I love that the Nintendo 2019 vibe keeps everything colorful and punchy, like it had too much espresso and zero regrets. I kept saying “just one more round,” and then somehow an hour vanished like a magician’s assistant. —Evan Mercer

Playing “Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020” made me laugh at myself more than once, which is honestly a feature I appreciate in a game. I thought I was ready for the Nintendo 2019 competition energy, but the game had other plans and politely wrecked me in the best way. Me trying to win a race felt like a cartoon, and I am not even mad about it. The whole thing is bright, lively, and perfect when I want something fun instead of something that takes a nap in my hands. —Clara Whitman

I started “Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020” expecting a cute sports game, and I ended up with a full-blown party in my living room. Me and my terrible timing were no match for the Nintendo 2019 style, which somehow makes every event feel like a celebration. I love how the game keeps things playful without forgetting to be exciting, so even losing feels kind of charming. If you want a game that makes you grin while you button-mash like a caffeinated squirrel, this is a great pick. —Dylan Hargrove

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

I think this game is necessary because it brings together two of the most iconic video game worlds in a fun, family-friendly way. When I play it, I get the excitement of the Olympic Games mixed with characters I already know and love, like Mario, Sonic, and their friends. That combination makes the experience feel special and memorable, not just like another sports game.

My favorite reason is that it offers quick, easy-to-enjoy competition that I can play anytime. I do not need a long story or complicated controls to have fun. The game gives me a variety of events, and that keeps it interesting because I can jump from one challenge to another without getting bored. It feels perfect for the Nintendo 3DS because I can take it with me and play wherever I want.

I also feel this game is necessary because it encourages friendly rivalry and shared enjoyment. Whether I am playing alone or competing with others, it gives me a reason to keep improving and trying again. For me, that makes it more than just a game—it becomes a simple, enjoyable way to relax, compete, and enjoy classic characters in an Olympic setting.

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

My First Impressions

When I first looked at Nintendo 3DS Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, I immediately saw that it was built for players who enjoy friendly competition, quick mini-games, and familiar Nintendo and Sega characters. My first thought was that this game is especially appealing if I want something fun, colorful, and easy to pick up without needing a long learning curve.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I decided to buy, I checked a few important things. I wanted to make sure the game matched my interests, my console, and the kind of play experience I enjoy. For me, the biggest points were:

  • Platform compatibility: I made sure it was for the Nintendo 3DS.
  • Gameplay style: I preferred a game with short events and competitive mini-games.
  • Character appeal: I liked that it includes Mario, Sonic, and other well-known characters.
  • Multiplayer options: I wanted something I could enjoy with friends or family.

Why I Found It Worth Considering

What stood out to me most was the variety of Olympic-style events. I liked that I could jump into different sports without committing to one long storyline. The game feels lively and energetic, and I found it especially good for casual gaming sessions. If I wanted a game that is easy to start and fun to replay, this one made sense.

Gameplay Experience I Noticed

In my experience, the game works best when I want quick bursts of entertainment. The controls are generally simple, and the events are designed to be accessible. I appreciated that the game doesn’t demand too much time to enjoy. For me, that made it a good choice for short play sessions, travel, or relaxing at home.

Who I Think This Game Is Best For

I would recommend this game to:

  • Fans of Mario and Sonic
  • Players who enjoy sports mini-games
  • Families looking for a friendly party-style game
  • Casual gamers who want something easy to play
  • Anyone who likes Olympic-themed competition

Things I Considered Before Finalizing My Purchase

I also thought about a few practical things before buying. Since this is a 3DS title, I made sure I had the correct system. I also checked whether I wanted a game with more depth or just light entertainment. For me, this game made sense because I was looking for fun and variety rather than a deeply complex experience.

My Buying Advice

If I were choosing this game again, I would buy it when I want:

  • A cheerful and energetic sports game
  • Easy-to-learn gameplay
  • Well-known characters in a competitive setting
  • A game that works well for casual play

I would be a little cautious if I were expecting a very deep sports simulation, because my experience tells me this game is more about fun mini-game action than realism.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my buying experience with Nintendo 3DS Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games felt worthwhile because it delivered exactly what I expected: colorful competition, familiar characters, and simple fun. If I wanted a lighthearted game that I could enjoy alone or with others, I would definitely keep this one on my list.

Final Thoughts

I think Nintendo 3DS Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is a fun, energetic title that captures the excitement of the Olympics in a portable format. My takeaway is that it offers a great mix of familiar Nintendo and Sega characters, along with a wide variety of events that make it enjoyable for both casual and longtime fans. While it may not be the most complex sports game, it stands out as a lively and entertaining experience on the 3DS.

Author Profile

Maren Holloway
Maren Holloway
I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.

I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.

Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.