IGN:
You'd think there'd be a difference. Mario's been doing this kind of thing for decades – running, jumping, saving the princess. You'd think he'd have some advantage, some noticeably better skillset than a pair of simple upstarts setting out on their first-ever adventure. But, no. Nintendo decided against that. Nintendo decided that, in 2009's New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the world's most famous platforming hero would be able to be matched step for step, jump for jump by a couple of nameless, personality-less Toads.
That said i cant wait for new super mario bros 2 on 3ds in 2 weeks. I watched a video review and damn if it doesnt still have that charm. It instantly took me back to the fun i had on the ds with the first and i saw some remnants of past older games like the raccoon tail.