:Yoshi's New Island

File:Yoshi's New Island - Mega Eggdozer gameplay.jpg in the first level of the game, aiming a Mega Eggdozer at a pipe structure. The more destruction caused by the Eggdozer, the more the bar at the top is filled.]]

Yoshi's New Island is a platform game with gameplay similar to that of the other Yoshi's Island games, revolving around one of multiple friendly dinosaurs known as Yoshis needing to reach the goal at the end of each level while protecting an infant Mario from enemies like Shy Guys and other obstacles.{{cite web|last=Grubb|first=Jeffrey|date=March 13, 2014|url=https://venturebeat.com/games/yoshis-new-island-is-a-solid-platformer-thats-not-quite-as-good-as-its-predecessor-review/|title=Yoshi's New Island is a skewed dream version of the original (review)|website=VentureBeat|access-date=August 28, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829032125/https://venturebeat.com/games/yoshis-new-island-is-a-solid-platformer-thats-not-quite-as-good-as-its-predecessor-review/|archive-date=August 29, 2024}} The game features six areas on the island known as worlds, each comprising eight mandatory levels and two optional levels, for a total of 60 levels.{{cite magazine|last=Greenwald|first=Will|date=March 25, 2014|url=https://uk.pcmag.com/migrated-48579-gaming/3814/yoshis-new-island-for-nintendo-3ds-review|title=Yoshi's New Island (for Nintendo 3DS) review|magazine=PCMag|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930121409/https://uk.pcmag.com/migrated-48579-gaming/3814/yoshis-new-island-for-nintendo-3ds-review|archive-date=September 30, 2022|access-date=August 28, 2024}} The fourth level of each world is a castle level that ends with a battle against the evil wizard Kamek,{{cite web|last=Riendeau|first=Danielle|date=March 13, 2014|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/13/5493546/yoshis-new-island-review-bringing-up-baby|title=Yoshi's New Island review: bringing up baby|website=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=August 28, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809112003/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/13/5493546/yoshis-new-island-review-bringing-up-baby|archive-date=August 9, 2024}} while the eighth level concludes with a battle against a boss, a standard enemy enhanced and enlarged by Kamek's magic.{{cite web|last=Arendt|first=Susan|date=March 13, 2014|url=https://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/13/yoshis-new-island-review-not-quite-dino-might/|title=Yoshi's New Island review: Not quite dino-might|website=Joystiq|access-date=August 22, 2024|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218015959/https://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/13/yoshis-new-island-review-not-quite-dino-might/|archive-date=February 18, 2015}}{{cite web|last=Mejia|first=Ozzie|date=March 13, 2014|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/83512/yoshis-new-island-review-rotten-egg|title=Yoshi's New Island review: rotten egg|website=Shacknews|access-date=August 29, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802142232/https://www.shacknews.com/article/83512/yoshis-new-island-review-rotten-egg|archive-date=August 2, 2024}} Each boss is defeated in three hits.

Yoshi's returning abilities include hovering in midair briefly (known as "flutter jumping"),{{sfn|Nintendo|2014|p=13}} swallowing and spitting out enemies, and throwing eggs to attack foes and solve puzzles. If damage is taken, Yoshi has 10–30 seconds to retrieve Baby Mario from a moving bubble before the infant is taken away by Kamek's underlings, which results in the loss of a life. If all lives are lost, the player receives a game over and must start from the beginning of the level with five lives.{{sfn|Nintendo|2014|p=23}} Certain obstacles, such as spikes and bottomless pits, cause Yoshi to lose a life instantly.{{cite web|last=Totilo|first=Stephen|date=March 14, 2014|url=https://kotaku.com/yoshis-new-island-the-kotaku-review-1543941600|title=Yoshi's New Island: The Kotaku review|website=Kotaku|access-date=September 25, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802142227/https://kotaku.com/yoshis-new-island-the-kotaku-review-1543941600|archive-date=August 2, 2024}} If the player loses several lives in a row while attempting to complete a level, Yoshi can obtain the Flutter Wings, a power-up that enables indefinite hovering. Losing a life with the Flutter Wings unlocks a golden variant of the power-up, which provides both flight and invincibility.

Each level can be finished with several collectible items: up to five flowers, twenty red coins, and thirty stars.{{cite web|author=JoshuaMoore|date=March 13, 2014|url=https://www.siliconera.com/yoshis-new-island-fails-innovate-never-charm/|title=Yoshi's New Island fails to innovate, but never to charm|website=Siliconera|access-date=September 1, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811211651/https://www.siliconera.com/yoshis-new-island-fails-innovate-never-charm/|archive-date=August 11, 2022}} The lattermost collectible also adds to the amount of time Yoshi has to rescue Baby Mario upon taking damage.{{cite web|last=Agnello|first=Anthony John|date=August 23, 2019|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/yoshis-new-island-review/|title=Yoshi's New Island review|website=Digital Trends|access-date=September 6, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804232235/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/yoshis-new-island-review/|archive-date=August 4, 2024}} Unlike in the previous Yoshi's Island games, Yoshi does not need to collect every collectible in one attempt to 100% complete a level.{{cite web|author=Mikame|date=July 27, 2014|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2014/07/27/78920.html|title=【女子もゲーム三昧】75回目 クリアは簡単、ノルマはキツい！やり込みゲー3DS『ヨッシー New アイランド』をプレイ|trans-title=[A woman enjoys playing games] 75th post – Easy to clear, but the quotas are tough! Playing the 3DS grinding game Yoshi's New Island|website=inside-games.jp|language=Japanese|access-date=March 4, 2025|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330114030/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2014/07/27/78920.html|archive-date=March 30, 2023}} One of the optional levels in each world is unlocked by obtaining every collectible and finishing with full health in each level of that world, while the other is opened up after 30 medals are collected by jumping through a roulette ring, which functions as the goal of most levels and replaces the post-level minigames from the previous Yoshi's Island installments. For each flower collected in a level, one is added to the ring;{{cite web|last=Kaluszka|first=Aaron|date=January 24, 2014|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/36406/yoshis-new-island-nintendo-3ds|title=Yoshi's New Island|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=September 24, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829170041/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/36701/yoshis-new-island-hands-on-preview|archive-date=August 29, 2024}} if the ring's meter lands on a flower, the player receives medals, which can also earn extra lives.{{cite web|last=Klepek|first=Patrick|date=March 13, 2014|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/yoshi-s-new-island-review/1900-633/|title=Yoshi's New Island review|website=Giant Bomb|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 19, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319003115/http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/yoshi-s-new-island-review/1900-633/|archive-date=March 19, 2014}}

Certain levels feature a section in which Yoshi transforms into one of six objects: a bobsled, a helicopter, a hot air balloon, a jackhammer, a mine cart, or a submarine.{{cite magazine|last=Carsillo|first=Ray|date=March 13, 2014|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-yoshis-new-island/|title=EGM review: Yoshi's New Island|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503195754/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-yoshis-new-island/|archive-date=May 3, 2014|access-date=October 7, 2024}} All of Yoshi's transformations are controlled with the console's gyroscope. Other sections revolve around the use of a power-up known as the Yoshi Star, which briefly transforms Yoshi into Super Yoshi,{{sfn|Nintendo|2014|p=27}} providing temporary invincibility in addition to enabling Yoshi to travel at high speeds as well as run up walls and across ceilings for a short period of time.

Mega Eggdozers, a feature introduced in Yoshi's New Island, are massive eggs that can be thrown to destroy normally indestructible terrain and obstacles in the way, providing access to previously obstructed areas as well as potentially earning the player extra lives.{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Peter|date=January 24, 2014|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/yoshi-s-new-old-island/1100-6417306/|title=Yoshi's New (Old) Island|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=September 27, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922051741/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/yoshi-s-new-old-island/1100-6417306/|archive-date=September 22, 2020}} Additionally, there is a metal variant of the Mega Eggdozer known as the Metal Eggdozer, which also clears paths in addition to weighing Yoshi down, diminishing jumps while allowing for exploration of underwater areas.{{sfn|Nintendo|2014|p=33}} Both Mega Eggdozers and Metal Eggdozers can be obtained by eating giant Shy Guys or hitting certain blocks.

In addition to the game's story mode, there are six cooperative two-player minigames centered around Yoshi's platforming skillset; for instance, one minigame tasks the player with using eggs to pop as many balloons as possible within a time limit, while another challenges the player to use Yoshi's hovering ability to travel as far as possible while collecting coins.{{cite web|last=Koopman|first=Daan|date=February 27, 2014|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/36701/yoshis-new-island-hands-on-preview|title=Yoshi's New Island hands-on preview|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=September 24, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829170041/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/36701/yoshis-new-island-hands-on-preview|archive-date=August 29, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Farokhmanesh|first=Megan|date=February 27, 2014|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/2/27/5406810/yoshis-new-island-multiplayer|title=Yoshi's New Island multiplayer leaves the baby at home|website=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=November 8, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618174934/https://www.polygon.com/2014/2/27/5406810/yoshis-new-island-multiplayer|archive-date=June 18, 2024}} A new minigame is unlocked every time a world is cleared. Yoshi's New Island supports local multiplayer via Download Play.{{cite web|last=Dayus|first=Oscar|date=July 13, 2017|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-ds-style-download-play-is-possible-on-one/1100-6451648/|title=Nintendo DS-style Download Play is possible on one Switch game, here's how|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=November 13, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306104153/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-ds-style-download-play-is-possible-on-one/1100-6451648/|archive-date=March 6, 2024}}

Yoshi's New Island serves as a direct sequel to Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, taking place immediately following the events of the game, wherein a stork delivers twins Baby Mario and Baby Luigi to a couple in the Mushroom Kingdom presumed to be their parents. The opening of Yoshi's New Island reveals that the stork had delivered the babies to the wrong couple, much to the couple's confusion and the stork's horror. The stork reclaims the babies and sets off to locate their real parents, though is ambushed by the evil wizard Kamek mid-flight. Kamek captures the stork and Baby Luigi, though Baby Mario falls and reunites with the Yoshi clan on Egg Island, a floating island that was once "a peaceful second home" for the Yoshis until it was taken over by Baby Bowser, who decided that it would make "an epic vacation home". It is discovered that Baby Mario can telepathically sense Baby Luigi's location, and the Yoshi clan agrees to help him rescue his brother by taking turns escorting him across the island.

Once Baby Mario and Yoshi reach Baby Bowser's castle, Kamek unsuccessfully attempts to stop them, and Baby Bowser is woken up. Baby Bowser wants to ride Yoshi, though is defeated in battle. Kamek then uses his magic to greatly enlarge Baby Bowser, though he is defeated again and shrinks back to his original size. Yoshi proceeds to rescue the captured stork and save Baby Luigi.

After this point, if the player has used the Flutter Wings or the Golden Flutter Wings to finish a level, Baby Mario and Baby Luigi are delivered back home, only for the adult Bowser to abruptly tear apart the screen and challenge the player to complete every level without the power-ups in order to face him in battle.

If the player completes every level without using either of the aforementioned power-ups, adult Bowser suddenly appears after "warping through space and time" to avenge his younger self's defeat. After the adult Bowser is defeated, Kamek once again uses his magic to make Bowser huge. Once Bowser has been defeated yet again, Yoshi reunites with the stork and Baby Luigi, and both brothers are brought back to their true home. Moreover, it is revealed that "Mr. Pipe",{{sfn|Nintendo|2014|p=28}} a moving Warp Pipe who supplied the Yoshis with items over the course of their journey, is actually the adult Mario, who returns to his own timeline.

The third entry in the Yoshi's Island series, Yoshi's New Island had its development outsourced to Arzest, with some members having previously been involved in the development of the original Yoshi's Island and Yoshi's Island DS.{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=March 4, 2014|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/03/interview_takashi_tezuka_on_bringing_yoshis_new_island_to_the_3ds|title=Interview: Takashi Tezuka on bringing Yoshi's New Island to the 3DS|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=August 26, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603053231/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/03/interview_takashi_tezuka_on_bringing_yoshis_new_island_to_the_3ds|archive-date=June 3, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Ronaghan|first=Neal|date=March 12, 2014|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/36822/from-shinobi-to-yoshi-the-story-of-yoshis-new-islands-director|title=From Shinobi to Yoshi: The story of Yoshi's New Island{{'}}s director|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=September 1, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901010019/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/36822/from-shinobi-to-yoshi-the-story-of-yoshis-new-islands-director|archive-date=September 1, 2023}}{{cite web|last=Red|first=Carmine|date=June 11, 2013|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/34560/arzest-developing-yoshis-new-island|title=Arzest developing Yoshi's New Island|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=June 15, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527221632/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/34560/arzest-developing-yoshis-new-island|archive-date=May 27, 2024}} From Arzest, Masahide Kobayashi directed the game, founder Naoto Ohshima served as a producer,{{cite web|last=George|first=Richard|date=June 13, 2013|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/13/e3-2013-discovering-yoshis-island-again|title=E3 2013: Discovering Yoshi's Island (again)|website=IGN|access-date=June 15, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806102050/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/13/e3-2013-discovering-yoshis-island-again|archive-date=August 6, 2024}} Masamichi Harada served as art director, and Masayoshi Ishi composed the game's soundtrack.{{cite magazine|last=LeChevallier|first=Mike|date=March 30, 2014|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/yoshis-new-island/|title=Review: Yoshi's New Island|magazine=Slant Magazine|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803203719/https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/yoshis-new-island/|archive-date=August 3, 2024|access-date=August 24, 2024}} Nintendo producer Takashi Tezuka had previously directed both Super Mario World and the original Yoshi's Island.{{cite web|last=Ronaghan|first=Neal|date=August 1, 2016|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/43108/know-your-nintendo-developer-takashi-tezuka|title=Know your Nintendo developer: Takashi Tezuka|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=February 20, 2025|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901083533/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/43108/know-your-nintendo-developer-takashi-tezuka|archive-date=September 1, 2023}} During an interview with Nintendo Life, Tezuka stated that a Yoshi's Island sequel was chosen over a Yoshi's Story successor due to being simpler in both gameplay and construction, as well as the former's hand-drawn art style being better suited for the Nintendo 3DS. The use of oil paintings, watercolors, and crayon drawings for the game's aesthetics helped its graphical style retain what Tezuka described as the "warm and friendly vibe" of the original Yoshi's Island as well as the "handicraft feel" the series had become known for.

During an interview with Nintendo World Report, Tezuka stated that Yoshi's New Island was developed in tandem with Yoshi's Woolly World, despite the latter title being developed by Good-Feel, and both games shared some level design staff.{{cite web|last1=Berube|first1=Justin|last2=Johnson|first2=Clay|last3=Kaluszka|first3=Aaron|last4=Ronaghan|first4=Neal|date=June 19, 2014|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/interview/37850/interview-with-takashi-tezuka-on-yoshis-woolly-world-mario-maker|title=Interview with Takashi Tezuka on Yoshi's Woolly World, Mario Maker|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=August 26, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831142121/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/interview/37850/interview-with-takashi-tezuka-on-yoshis-woolly-world-mario-maker|archive-date=August 31, 2023}} According to Tezuka, the concept of throwing giant eggs originated from the development team being interested in "creating something big and impactful". Moreover, in the Nintendo Life interview, Tezuka stated that the game's levels were made easier in comparison to those of its predecessor, though the collectibles would be difficult and time-consuming enough to provide "a nice challenge for more experienced players".

The game was first announced by Nintendo president Satoru Iwata during a Nintendo Direct presentation in April 2013.{{cite web|last=MacDonald|first=Keza|date=April 17, 2013|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/17/yoshis-island-3ds-announced|title=Yoshi's Island 3DS announced|website=IGN|access-date=September 28, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208063508/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/17/yoshis-island-3ds-announced|archive-date=February 8, 2023}}{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=April 17, 2013|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-17-new-yoshis-island-coming-to-3ds|title=New Yoshi's Island announced for 3DS|website=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=June 15, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804180609/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-17-new-yoshis-island-coming-to-3ds|archive-date=August 4, 2020}} Its name was revealed at E3 2013, a video game trade show, where a trailer for the game was also featured,{{cite web|last=Sahdev|first=Ishaan|date=June 12, 2013|url=https://www.siliconera.com/yoshis-island-for-3ds-gets-a-new-name-and-a-new-trailer/|title=Yoshi's Island for 3DS gets a new name and a new trailer|website=Siliconera|access-date=September 9, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019121742/https://www.siliconera.com/yoshis-island-for-3ds-gets-a-new-name-and-a-new-trailer/|archive-date=October 19, 2023}} showing three level segments and a boss battle.{{cite web|last=Culafi|first=Alex|date=June 11, 2013|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/34566/yoshis-new-island-nintendo-3ds|title=Yoshi's New Island|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=September 24, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906155012/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/34566/yoshis-new-island-nintendo-3ds|archive-date=September 6, 2023}} The game's release date was announced in January 2014.{{cite web|last=Karmali|first=Luke|date=January 23, 2014|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/23/yoshis-new-island-release-date-announced|title=Yoshi's New Island release date announced|website=IGN|access-date=September 28, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203154736/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/23/yoshis-new-island-release-date-announced|archive-date=February 3, 2023}}{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=January 23, 2014|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/yoshis-new-island-gets-3ds-release-date|title=Yoshi's New Island gets 3DS release date|website=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=November 1, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820180034/https://www.eurogamer.net/yoshis-new-island-gets-3ds-release-date|archive-date=August 20, 2024}} In early March 2014, it was announced that a special edition Yoshi-themed Nintendo 3DS XL system would be made available for $200 on the game's earliest release date.{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=March 2, 2014|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/03/north_american_retailers_list_limited_edition_yoshi_3ds_xl|title=North American retailers list limited edition Yoshi 3DS XL|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=September 27, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603060357/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/03/north_american_retailers_list_limited_edition_yoshi_3ds_xl|archive-date=June 3, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|date=March 14, 2014|orig-date=March 3, 2014|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/get-this-adorable-yoshi-s-new-island-3ds-xl-on-march-14/1100-6418062/|title=Get this adorable Yoshi's New Island 3DS XL on March 14|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=September 27, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321070435/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/get-this-adorable-yoshi-s-new-island-3ds-xl-on-march-14/1100-6418062/|archive-date=March 21, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Karmali|first=Luke|date=March 3, 2014|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/03/yoshi-themed-nintendo-3ds-xl-revealed|title=Yoshi-themed Nintendo 3DS XL revealed|website=IGN|access-date=September 28, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201055441/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/03/yoshi-themed-nintendo-3ds-xl-revealed|archive-date=February 1, 2023}} On March 9, five days before Yoshi's New Island was first released, Nintendo promoted the game by having three young actors in California (Benjamin Stockham of About a Boy, Garrett Clayton of Teen Beach Movie, and Bella Thorne of Shake It Up) pose with the special edition 3DS XL system and throw balloons containing green paint at a large egg.{{cite news|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=March 11, 2014|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/03/nintendo_of_america_releases_snaps_of_young_celebrities_plugging_yoshis_new_island|title=Nintendo of America releases snaps of young celebrities plugging Yoshi's New Island|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=August 26, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603051735/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/03/nintendo_of_america_releases_snaps_of_young_celebrities_plugging_yoshis_new_island|archive-date=June 3, 2024}} A limited edition T-shirt with a Yoshi's New Island design was later made purchasable in the United States through Club Nintendo,{{cite web|author=Ami|date=April 1, 2014|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2014/04/01/75679.html|title=米クラブニンテンドーに『ヨッシー New アイランド』Tシャツが追加|trans-title=Yoshi's New Island T-shirt added to the American Club Nintendo|website=inside-games.jp|language=Japanese|access-date=March 4, 2025|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811020418/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2014/04/01/75679.html|archive-date=August 11, 2014}} a customer loyalty program that supplied items to members in Japan and other countries.{{cite web|last=Red|first=Carmine|date=September 13, 2012|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31673/club-nintendo-picross-added-to-japanese-club-nintendo-rewards|title=Club Nintendo Picross added to Japanese Club Nintendo rewards|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=March 4, 2025|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901225745/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31673/club-nintendo-picross-added-to-japanese-club-nintendo-rewards|archive-date=September 1, 2023}} Yoshi's New Island was published by Nintendo and released in both North America and Europe on March 14, 2014, in Australia on March 15, and in Japan on July 24, 2014.

{{Video game reviews

|MC=64/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/yoshis-new-island/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds|title=Yoshi's New Island 3DS critic reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 14, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117121052/https://www.metacritic.com/game/yoshis-new-island/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds|archive-date=January 17, 2024}}

|Destruct=7/10{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Chris|date=March 13, 2014|url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-yoshi-s-new-island-271374.phtml|title=Review: Yoshi's New Island|website=Destructoid|access-date=March 14, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314095158/http://www.destructoid.com/review-yoshi-s-new-island-271374.phtml|archive-date=March 14, 2014}}

|Edge=4/10{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/yoshis-new-island-review/|title=Yoshi's New Island review|magazine=Edge|date=March 13, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318041134/http://www.edge-online.com/review/yoshis-new-island-review/|archive-date=March 18, 2014|access-date=March 14, 2014}}

|EuroG=4/10{{cite web|last=Schilling|first=Chris|date=March 13, 2014|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/yoshis-new-island-review|title=Yoshi's New Island review|website=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=March 14, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802104714/https://www.eurogamer.net/yoshis-new-island-review|archive-date=August 2, 2024}}

|Fam=8/10{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/game/title/29281/reviews|title=ヨッシー New アイランド(ニンテンドー3DS)のレビュー・評価・感想情報|trans-title=Yoshi's New Island (Nintendo 3DS) reviews, ratings, and impressions|magazine=Famitsu|language=Japanese|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228182436/https://www.famitsu.com/game/title/29281/reviews|archive-date=February 28, 2025|access-date=February 28, 2025}}

|GI=7/10{{cite magazine|author=Ryckert, Dan|date=March 13, 2014|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/yoshis_new_island/b/3ds/archive/2014/03/13/yoshis-new-island-review.aspx|title=Yoshi's New Island review|magazine=Game Informer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420132547/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/yoshis_new_island/b/3ds/archive/2014/03/13/yoshis-new-island-review.aspx|archive-date=April 20, 2024|access-date=March 14, 2014}}

|GSpot=5/10{{cite web|last=Mc Shea|first=Tom|date=March 13, 2014|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/yoshi-s-new-island-review/1900-6415694/|title=Yoshi's New Island review|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 14, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313220638/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/yoshi-s-new-island-review/1900-6415694/|archive-date=March 13, 2014}}

|GRadar=3/5{{cite web|last=Bailey|first=Kathryn|date=March 13, 2014|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/yoshis-new-island-review/|title=Yoshi's New Island review|website=GamesRadar+|access-date=August 28, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812205233/https://www.gamesradar.com/yoshis-new-island-review/|archive-date=August 12, 2024}}

|IGN=7.9/10{{cite web|last=Otero|first=Jose|date=March 13, 2014|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/13/yoshis-new-island-review|title=Yoshi's New Island review|website=IGN|access-date=March 14, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802104711/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/13/yoshis-new-island-review|archive-date=August 2, 2024}}

|NLife=5/10{{cite web|last=Letcavage|first=Dave|date=March 13, 2014|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/yoshis_new_island|title=Yoshi's New Island review (3DS)|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=March 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618174954/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/yoshis_new_island|archive-date=June 18, 2024}}

|NWR=6/10{{cite web|last=Culafi|first=Alex|date=March 13, 2014|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/36828/yoshis-new-island-review|title=Yoshi's New Island review|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=March 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317073229/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/36828/yoshis-new-island-review|archive-date=March 17, 2014}}
7.5/10{{cite web|last=Koopman|first=Daan|date=March 13, 2014|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/36830/yoshis-new-island-review|title=Yoshi's New Island review|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=August 29, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901170114/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/36830/yoshis-new-island-review|archive-date=September 1, 2023}}

}}

Yoshi's New Island received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. In Japan, four critics from Famitsu praised the game's art style and new Eggdozer mechanic. Yoshi's New Island was later inducted into Famitsu{{'}}s Gold Hall of Fame in the magazine's July 31, 2014, issue.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201407/18057188.html|title=『ヨッシー New アイランド』がゴールド殿堂入り――週刊ファミ通2014年7月31日号新作ゲームクロスレビューより|trans-title=Yoshi's New Island enters the golden hall of fame – from the cross-review of new games in weekly edition of Famitsu on July 31, 2014|magazine=Famitsu|language=Japanese|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928175803/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201407/18057188.html|archive-date=September 28, 2024|access-date=March 1, 2025}}

Destructoid{{'}}s Chris Carter praised the game's sense of charm, which GameSpot{{'}}s Tom Mc Shea and The Observer{{'}}s Chris Dring attributed to its aesthetics.{{cite news|last=Dring|first=Chris|date=March 22, 2014|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/mar/23/yoshis-new-island-review-unspectacular|title=Yoshi's New Island review – 'solid but unspectacular'|work=The Observer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519181054/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/mar/23/yoshis-new-island-review-unspectacular|archive-date=May 19, 2022|access-date=August 29, 2024}} Additionally, Alex Culafi of Nintendo World Report and Kathryn Bailey of GamesRadar+ noted nostalgia in the game's sound effects and level design, though Edge magazine attributed this sense of nostalgia to the game's storyline being nearly identical to that of the original Yoshi's Island. Mc Shea wrote that "every element of this game panders to nostalgic memories rather than forging new paths", noting that whereas Yoshi's Island DS established an identity via its unique system of swapping babies with different abilities, Yoshi's New Island recycled most of its best elements from the original game, making it forgettable.

The game's art style proved controversial. Alex Culafi of Nintendo World Report wrote that the 3D visuals were "among the best 3DS has to offer", with GameSpot{{'}}s Tom Mc Shea adding that the game had an "enchanting artistic design". Conversely, Giant Bomb{{'}}s Patrick Klepek stated that the aesthetic style felt half-hearted, while Slant Magazine{{'}}s Mike LeChevallier described the visuals as "mostly vapid and stiff". Similarly, PCMag{{'}}s Will Greenwald panned the watercolor effect as generic, odd, and "jarringly artificial", and Kyle Orland of Ars Technica noted that the art style and animation appeared "a little overdone and lifeless".{{cite web|last=Orland|first=Kyle|date=March 13, 2014|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/03/review-yoshis-new-island-is-a-solid-new-yoshis-island/|title=Review: Yoshi's New Island is a solid new Yoshi's Island|website=Ars Technica|access-date=August 14, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814193900/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/03/review-yoshis-new-island-is-a-solid-new-yoshis-island/|archive-date=August 14, 2016}} All four reviewers agreed that the visual style lacked the flair or charm of the original Yoshi's Island, with Jose Otero of IGN and Chris Schilling of Eurogamer adding that the art style was inconsistent.

Critics were also divided on the game's level design. IGN{{'}}s Jose Otera, Ars Technica{{'}}s Kyle Orland, and Giant Bomb{{'}}s Patrick Klepek praised this aspect, particularly enjoying the variety and placement of collectibles; Klepek stated that "[w]hat [Yoshi's New Island] does nail is the satisfaction of exploration". However, Nintendo Life{{'}}s Dave Letcavage wrote that the level design "overall evokes little wonder and is often average at best", Eurogamer{{'}}s Chris Schilling stated that it had "sedative qualities", and Kathryn Bailey of GamesRadar+ criticized some of the levels for their perceived linearity, simplicity, and repetitiveness. All three critics felt that the platforming was rarely difficult. Furthermore, Edge described the levels as bland and characterless, while The Observer{{'}}s Chris Dring deemed the level design sloppy.

The game's soundtrack received heavy criticism, with the music being described as clunky, lackluster, and "bewilderingly poor". Both of Nintendo World Report{{'}}s reviewers noted that many songs were variations of the same theme, while Ars Technica{{'}}s Kyle Orland criticized the use of kazoos in several songs. Multiple reviewers also criticized the game for a perceived lack of difficulty in its boss fights, pointing out that most battles relied on simply striking the boss three times; Nintendo World Report{{'}}s Alex Culafi considered these encounters to be "[o]ne of the game's biggest weaknesses", while Nintendo Life{{'}}s Dave Letcavage summarized the fights as "shallow, simple, and uninspired, often ending before they really begin". The use of motion controls in the transformation sections also received criticism, being referred to as imprecise as well as "clunky and awkward"; Polygon{{'}}s Danielle Riendeau and Nintendo World Report{{'}}s Dan Koopman singled out the submarine segments as being tedious. Although Kyle Orland referred to the Eggdozer mechanic as a promising idea, he noted that it was "used exclusively in extremely contrived situations"; similarly, Eurogamer{{'}}s Chris Schilling wrote that it was "used prescriptively and predictably", while IGN{{'}}s Jose Otero felt that the "level designs never really commit to the idea". A handful of critics also noted a brief delay with throwing eggs, particularly while stationary.

Retrospectively, Nintendo Life placed Yoshi's New Island eighth in its ranking of 13 Yoshi titles, criticizing its failure to introduce new elements and enhance the mechanics established in its predecessors.{{cite web|last=Gray|first=Kate|date=February 22, 2023|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/every-yoshi-game-ranked|title=Every Yoshi game ranked|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=November 13, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007114539/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/every-yoshi-game-ranked|archive-date=October 7, 2024}} Destructoid listed Yoshi's New Island eighth in its ranking of the "10 best Yoshi Games of all time", stating that the game offered "some genuinely fun new levels, particularly near the end", though ultimately "played it too safe for its own good".{{cite web|last=Andriessen|first=CJ|date=March 31, 2023|url=https://www.destructoid.com/best-yoshi-games-of-all-time-ranked/|title=10 best Yoshi Games of all time, ranked|website=Destructoid|access-date=November 13, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208005806/https://www.destructoid.com/best-yoshi-games-of-all-time-ranked/|archive-date=December 8, 2023}} TheGamer placed Yoshi's New Island next to last in its ranking of eight mainline Yoshi games, heavily criticizing its art style and writing that "while it contains some fun and creative levels, it failed to innovate or move the franchise forward in any meaningful ways".{{cite web|last=Chamaillard|first=Kyle|date=March 24, 2024|orig-date=August 8, 2022|url=https://www.thegamer.com/yoshi-every-main-game-ranked/|title=Every main Yoshi game, ranked|website=TheGamer|publisher=Valnet|access-date=November 13, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011055840/https://www.thegamer.com/yoshi-every-main-game-ranked/|archive-date=October 11, 2022}}

Yoshi's New Island debuted at #2 on the Japanese sales charts, selling 58,000 copies.{{cite web|last=Sahdev|first=Ishaan|date=July 30, 2014|url=https://www.siliconera.com/week-sales-yoshis-new-island-arrives-time-corpse-party/|title=This week in sales: Yoshi's New Island arrives in time for a corpse party|website=Siliconera|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506151829/https://www.siliconera.com/week-sales-yoshis-new-island-arrives-time-corpse-party/|archive-date=May 6, 2023}} By October 2014, the game had sold 197,000 copies in Japan.{{cite web|last=Sahdev|first=Ishaan|date=October 22, 2014|url=https://www.siliconera.com/week-sales-template-monster-hunter-4-ultimate-week-2/|title=This week in sales: Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate week 2|website=Siliconera|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520025122/https://www.siliconera.com/week-sales-template-monster-hunter-4-ultimate-week-2/|archive-date=May 20, 2024}} As of December 31, 2020, worldwide sales had reached 2.06 million copies, making Yoshi's New Island the 33rd-best-selling game for the Nintendo 3DS.{{cite book|title=2021CESAゲーム白書 (2021 CESA Games White Papers)|publisher=Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association|year=2021|isbn=978-4-902346-43-5}} The game was added to the Nintendo Selects label in Europe on October 16, 2015,{{cite web|last=Copeland|first=Wesley|date=September 28, 2015|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/28/6-3ds-games-join-the-nintendo-select-range|title=6 3DS games join the Nintendo Select range|website=IGN|access-date=September 28, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411092349/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/28/6-3ds-games-join-the-nintendo-select-range|archive-date=April 11, 2024}} and in North America on March 11, 2016.{{cite web|last=Deschamps|first=Marc|date=February 29, 2016|url=https://www.nintendojo.com/news/nintendo-of-america-officially-announces-new-nintendo-select-titles|title=Nintendo of America officially announces new Nintendo Select titles|website=Nintendojo|access-date=March 13, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025213552/https://www.nintendojo.com/news/nintendo-of-america-officially-announces-new-nintendo-select-titles|archive-date=October 25, 2020}}{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=February 29, 2016|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/02/nintendo_of_america_confirms_new_wii_u_3ds_and_wii_nintendo_selects_titles_for_11th_march|title=Nintendo of America confirms new Wii U, 3DS and Wii Nintendo Selects titles for 11th March|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=October 8, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602103103/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/02/nintendo_of_america_confirms_new_wii_u_3ds_and_wii_nintendo_selects_titles_for_11th_march|archive-date=June 2, 2024}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite web|ref={{sfnRef|Nintendo|2014}}|url=https://www.nintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/nintendo_3ds_2/yoshi_s_new_island/ElectronicManual_Nintendo3DS_YoshisNewIsland_EN.pdf|title=Yoshi's New Island|publisher=Nintendo|year=2014|access-date=August 16, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210032133/https://www.nintendo.com/eu/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/nintendo_3ds_2/yoshi_s_new_island/ElectronicManual_Nintendo3DS_YoshisNewIsland_EN.pdf|archive-date=December 10, 2024}}

• [https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-3DS-games/Yoshi-s-New-Island-766852.html Official website for Europe]
• [https://www.nintendo.com/au/games/nintendo-3ds/yoshis-new-island/ Official website for Australia]
• [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/ataj/index.html Official website for Japan] {{in lang|ja}}
• {{IMDb title|3089966}}
• {{MobyGames|id=/yoshis-new-island}}

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