New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Guide: how to find all the secret outlets

To mark the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., fans of this franchise will receive new content for the Nintendo Switch. One of them is the remastering of Super Mario 3D World, plus an expansion called Bowser’s Fury. However, we won’t see that content until February 2021, so in the meantime, why not play New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe again to warm up the engines?

Playing New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe again can be a little tricky, as it has a lot of surprises. There are secret exits and world jumps that you can easily lose sight of. Fortunately, with this guide we can direct you to the right areas, so you can find some of the best kept secrets in the game.

In each of the eight worlds, there is at least one level with a secret exit. Once you find them, you will lower a red flag and unlock secret levels. Some of these hidden exits also create bridges to other worlds, allowing you to skip levels and part of the game.

Secret exits and world jumps in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Although we recommend playing each level of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - because it’s great - finding and using these secret exits adds more fun to the game. Plus, to really play all the levels, you have to find all the secret exits. In this guide, we’ll show you how to find all 12 secret exits in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.

World 1: Acorn Plains

Tilted Tunnel

When you pass the checkpoint flag, near the end of the Tilted Tunnel, you have to jump to a big rock that moves upwards, it is just above a red ring.

Above the rock there is a hidden area that will allow you to run across the top of the level. Keep running until you reach a small ramp, jump on it and you will reach an even higher platform. Run until you fall into a green pipe and head for the red flag on the other side.

The first secret exit in New Super Mario Bros. U opens a path to a secret level called A Blooper’s Secret Lair. Complete that level and a path will be opened to Soda Jungle, World 5.

World 2: Layer Cake Desert

Spike’s Spouting Sands

Just before departure, you will pass through a tall green pipe (where the last star coin is) and then through a final red arrow. Throw yourself down from the red arrow pillar and as you fall run to the left, where there will be a false wall. The green pipe there will throw you into the air and you will reach a path where you will find the red exit flag.

On the Layer Cake Desert map a new level will open, called A Piranha Plants on Ice. Complete that level to open a path to Soda Jungle again.

World 3: Sparkling Waters

Haunted Shipwreck

When you reach a room full of false walls, look for an arrow pointing to the right above the platform. Just to the left of it is a hidden path looking up. To go up this path you will have to take a turn and make two jumps towards the wall, until you reach a secret area at the top left of the screen. If it sounds too complicated, we recommend you watch the video.

Reaching the secret exit unlocks a new level in Sparkling Waters, called A Skyward Stalk. Complete the hidden level to get a new path to world 6, Rock Candy Mines.

World 4: Frosted Glacier

Swaying Ghost House

This secret exit is complicated. In the last room of the house, you must jump over a P-switch, then jump over the temporary blocks that are activated by that switch and climb to the top. The regular entrance is surrounded by a giant Boo and a group of small Boo. However, if you continue to jump up, a false sky and a hidden door will be revealed.

To do this, you will probably need a power-up, such as a squirrel suit, or simply great jumping skills. The secret door leads to a different exit with the final star coin and a red flag.

The secret exit unlocks the level called A Fliprus Lake, on the Frosted Glacier map. Complete the secret level and you will open a path to the world 6, Rock Candy Mines.

World 5: Soda Jungle

Bridge over Poisoned Waters

For this secret outing you do need the squirrel suit. After crossing the two moving block bridges, you will see a small and lonely block under a cornice. Knock out the nearby Koopa Troopa, grab its shell and slide it down to hit the block, it will reveal a stem that reaches up to the sky. Climb up the stem to the end and then jump left. Finally, from the highest ledge, it glides across the sky to the red flag.

This secret exit allows you to jump to a new level in Soda Jungle, called Seesaw Brigde.

Which-Way Labyrinth

When you enter the ghost house, go to the door on the second platform to the left. This will take you to a room with an elevator. Instead of entering through the door that will be visible when you reach the top, stay in the elevator and go to the left side of the elevator. When you reach the top a false sky will be revealed with a path to a secret door. Go to the door and finish the level in the usual way.

The secret exit opens a path to a new level called A Flight of the Para-Beetles in Soda Jungle. Complete the level to open a path to world 7, Meringue Clouds.

Painted Swampland

When passing through a red ring, there is a series of pipes that sway. At the end, there is a protruding ledge with a Boo protecting it. You must walk along the green pipe diagonally under that ledge to a false wall, which will reveal another pipe. After entering, you must run through the small cave to the pipe on the right and when you come out you will find the secret exit flag.

The secret exit opens a path to a new level in Soda Jungle, called the Wiggler Stampede.

Deepsea Ruins

When you are reaching the top, instead of entering the pipe at the top of the screen, continue swimming to the right. After this, a huge pillar will fall, revealing the third star coin and a pipe leading to the secret flag.

The secret exit opens a path to Wiggler Stampede as well.

World 6: Rock Candy Mines

Grinding-Stone Tower

To reach this secret exit you will need to be smaller, which can be achieved with a mini mushroom (as seen in the video). Once you reach the top of the tower, after climbing the horizontal green pipes, you will see a small green pipe on the right. Head towards it to skip the boss stage. Climb to the next room (not to mention the star coin on the left) and finally go to the pipe that leads to the secret flag.

The secret exit gives you access to a new level of Rock Candy Mines, called Thrilling Spine Coaster.

Walking Piranha Plants

After passing the three platforms that move up and down with piranha plants, you will find a very high cornice. On the other side, there is a slightly protruding wall at the bottom of the screen, to the left. There you will find the false wall that will lead you to a pipe and then to the secret flag.

The secret exit opens a shortcut to the second entrance to Roy’s Conveyor Belt.

World 7: Meringue Clouds

Spinning Spirit House

After passing the upper right door in the initial room, grab the spring and take it to the left. Use it to jump to the top again and then drop through the false floor below the upper left corner. There is a secret door there that leads to the final room. Avoid the ghosts and then go outside. Finally, run towards the secret flag.

The secret exit will lead you to an alternate entrance to Ludwig’s Clockwork Tower.

World 8: Peach’s Castle

Meteor Moat

When you reach the long stretch of land with a shower of fireballs, look down to find a P-switch. Once you push it, you will have to jump across several moving platforms until you see a pipe above. Jump into the pipe and it will take you to the secret exit.

The secret exit unlocks a new level in Peach’s Castle, called Firefall Cliffs.