A second GBA is not needed to enjoy everything this game to offer.
Super Mario Bros. 3 is one of my favorite games, period. I always adored the level designs, which are beautiful when you perform it all in great succession. Changing into Raccoon Mario was where it was at for me and flying about with the suit remains one joyful memory. Even though I hadn’t played the game in a few years, it all came back to me when I picked up Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 on the Japanese Wii U Virtual Console.
This version looks fantastic both on the television and the screen of the Wii U GamePad. The only gripe that I have is the sound. There is nothing wrong with the music, but the chants by the Mario and Luigi remain an annoyance of mine. I never liked them in the GBA Mario games, but it is something that I have to accept, I suppose. It also always takes a little while to get used to the GBA button setup, but after a level and a half you just want to keep going. I played through the game in just a few days and it was more addicting than remember. The changes that were implemented in this version make it also a game that also everyone can enjoy and instantly replay - the Power Meter lasts longer, you can carry shells to new areas and you can play any level you want after beating the game.
The best quality about this release isn't even all of that, because Nintendo saw fit to drop a major bomb - this Virtual Console version of Super Mario Advance 4 has all the e-Reader levels ready for you to play and enjoy. While we don't know if this will be implemented in a possible western release , it better be. These levels range from retro remakes to insane levels that will challenge you in brand new ways. This means that even if you have played Super Mario Bros. 3 many times, there is still something extra to keep you engaged more than other typical GBA Virtual Console releases.