Where did you originally find the image? I might be able to see if there are any higher quality copies.
That's just what happens when you crop a small part of an image. Here are some similar images from the Mario Wiki if that helps, but I don't know if that exact render is used elsewhere.
The image has to be from New Super Mario Bros U. too, so screenshots, sprites, and NSMBU artwork will work.
I also tried to find official artwork from NSMBU, but I couldn't find any, so I'll take a screenshot tomorrow.