Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars

All levels are played in small environments. Many only have a limited amount of objects to help the characters and in some cases additional elements need to be picked up in the environment before they can be used. This also requires removing items when the characters have passed a section. Along the way small coins and a large 'M' coin can be collected for additional points or an additional challenge. The characters need to reach the exit together and cannot be left behind. Up to three stars can be earned by completing a level.

The game includes a level editor. In the workshop players can design custom levels and share them through the Miiverse. Sharing levels is rewarded with stars. They are also earned by playing custom levels, having your levels played, and players can tip each other's creations with stars, which the title references. Levels can only be shared if the original creator can fully complete the level collecting all coins and not losing any Minis. Stars unlock new elements for the level editor and open up bonus levels.

The game is a Cross-Buy title across the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems, with some minor differences between the two versions. On the 3DS, the game is controlled through touch on the bottom screen, while the top screen shows a smaller version of the gameplay and additional information such as score, remaining items, and time. Players can send and receive custom levels using SpotPass and StreetPass, regardless of the platform they were created or played on. Stars and progress are not carried over across platforms.

The levels have the same general layout for both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, but the 3DS versions have some level layout differences due to the smaller screen display.