NSMB DS was far from a revelation. Imo it has the weakest controls, new power ups, and level design of any 2D Mario. NSMB Wii was a marked improvement on just about every front, but NSMB 2 is the first one that felt natural to me, particularly in regards to the controls and overall variety of the level design (i.e. a better blend of horizontal and vertical scrolling, especially within the course of a single stage.) It's frustrating that people write it off as a mere expansion pack, or worse yet a fan hack, referencing the fact that it was made by a newer team. I personally suspect the development shake up may have something to do with why it feels more vital and left stiffly mannered. I even prefer it to NSMB U, although I haven't completed that one yet, so we'll see if that opinion holds. Regardless, I feel it's vastly superior to NSMB DS, and to a lesser degree NSMB Wii. Even if the main game wasn't as strong as it is, coin rush would still be the best addition in nearly two decades.