New Super Mario Bros 2 releases free 'Gold Classics' pack

New Super Mario Bros U might be capturing the spotlight as a standout Wii U launch title, but Nintendo is releasing some free downloadable content to keep the 3DS New Super Mario Bros 2 going as well. The company announced today that it is releasing a free "Gold Classics" pack, with three new courses inspired by the revered elder games in Mario's library.

The pack includes Coin Rush courses based on the original Super Mario Bros and Super Mario Bros 3, and will be free until February 1, 2013. After that point the pack will join the others at $2.50. Nintendo says this free pack is to mark the milestone of players reaching a grand total of 300 billion coins collected in the game, otherwise known as "Scrooge McDuck money."

"Nintendo fans have once again demonstrated their passion for the Super Mario Bros. franchise," said Nintendo marketing VP Scott Moffitt, in the announcement. "The Gold Classics Pack is just one small way for us to thank players for their dedication. We're all eager to see just how high that coin tally can get."