Nathan is not yet impressed with Mario's 3DS outing.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/26723
Mario typically serves as the must-have software for any platform it appears on. The tentatively titled Super Mario for the 3DS is clearly being created with this intent, but the E3 demo makes me doubt the likelihood of Nintendo's goal being met.
Previous entries of the Mario franchise on handheld devices have primarily avoided issues with the smaller screen size. Perhaps it is simply the camera angle, but Super Mario 3DS feels very cramped. The environment looks slightly scaled up or zoomed in, perhaps to improve visibility, but it ends up creating the feeling that I can't see everything I need. I feel as if the way I am being forced to look at some sections of the levels limits my viewing field and inhibits my platforming ability. Mario moves sluggishly, and the included run button doesn't result in the same traction players expect from a 3D Mario.
Nothing I saw within the demo levels was new or inspiring to me, unlike the Galaxy series. Even the Tanooki suit, which is being touted as a major feature of the title, doesn't allow Mario to fly. Rather, the player can hammer the button to slow their descent. To top it all off, I don't think the Circle Pad is the best way to control Mario.
I want to be pleasantly surprised with this Mario, but everything I have played indicates otherwise.