Super Mario games are always a staple in every Nintendo console, and they’re also many people’s “first” games. The Nintendo Switch has a solid game repertoire starring our favorite Italian plumber. Take a look at our pick for the best 10 Mario games on Nintendo Switch.
What are the Best Mario Games on Nintendo Switch?
If you count the NES, SNES, N64, and GBA games available thanks to the Nintendo Switch Online membership, this list would be at least three times longer, so we’re only going to be taking into account games published for the Nintendo Switch. Not like it limits our options, though. Mario stars in all kinds of games, from super casual family party ones to more dedicated single-player adventures.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Honestly, we can’t blame Nintendo for re-releasing this game after it was overlooked simply because it was originally for the WiiU system. The game is great, its multiplayer mode brings a lot of fun, and it also includes Super Luigi U, a slightly harder game starring Luigi. It’s a modern twist of the classic platform games from decades ago that sparks new energy into these series.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Though there’s some controversy around this title, you can’t deny it’s wonderful to be able to play three of Mario’s greatest adventures in a single place. Super Mario 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy are all outstanding video games, and are considered by many to be of the best Mario games of all time. This compilation for Switch is fantastic if you missed any (or all) of the titles when they were originally released.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
At this point in time, we have learned that the experience of playing a game can outweigh the technical aspects of it. This is the case with Kingdom Battle, as many could argue that its sequel, Sparks of Hope, is the “better” game. However, Kingdom Battle was so unexpectedly fun, refreshing, and engaging that it completely deserves the spot on this list. If you’ve never played it, we highly recommend getting it as soon as you can.
Super Mario RPG
What was originally a cult video game from the 90s can now be enjoyed by anyone who owns a Switch. And it should. This remake of Super Mario RPG: Legend of The Seven Stars is genuinely a unique game, a Mario-flavored classic RPG adventure that paved the way for the Paper Mario franchise. On top of that it also features a handful of mini games to divert yourself from the main story. An absolute gem of a game.
Super Mario Maker 2
A fully-fledged community-driven game. This game was fire during its prime, and it still continues to be super fun. If you didn’t know yet, this game allows you to create your own Super Mario courses, place whichever elements you want, and as many enemies as you like. You can also give them the aesthetics from the most popular Super Mario games prior. Building is addictive, and playing courses made by other people around the world gives you endless options. Super Mario Maker 2 is definitely a must-have.
Paper Mario: The Origami King
There’s no doubt that after The Thousand Year Door, Paper Mario games became a bit… mid. Fortunately, the franchise came back to life with this title, and with flying colors. This game is full of incredibly funny and clever dialogue, and behind that comedy lies a very emotional story. It has a little flaw, which is the unnecessarily complicated battle system, but if you can overlook that bit, The Origami King is truly an amazingly-executed game.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart games have always been an anchor in the system they’re in. Play them with your friends and enjoy sending the Blue Shell or play them alone to get the highest possible rank and unlock everything. There’s a reason why Nintendo has been trying to keep this game alive for 10 years, and that’s because it’s great. Now with the Booster Course Pass complete, all the new courses and characters make it feel like it’s an entirely new game, far from its original version released on the WiiU.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Not just one of the best Mario games on Switch, but also one of the best platformers, too. It’s another title that faced the misfortune of being released for WiiU first, but it saw the glory with this revamp and the addition of Bowser’s Fury. This game incorporates so many new and fun elements that will sure make an appealing experience for anyone.
Super Mario Odyssey
The newest Super Mario 3D adventure that brought our moustache guy to a whole new way of exploring. This game’s got everything, like a mix of all the essentials that make all the other Mario games remarkable. The main story is superb, but even after that is over, there’s still so much more to do, explore, discover and gather. Cappy gives you a wide range of possibilities to solve all the levels and puzzles and it’s just so, so entertaining. One of the best games you could add to your Switch library.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
And on top of the list, we’ve got the newest addition to the family. The most recent spin of the classic Mario platformer recipe, now with more spice and extra ingredients. If a ton of new abilities and power-ups weren’t enough, now also the multiplayer option it’s been freshly tweaked, now with online functionalities. The “wonder” part of the title fits like a glove, as there’s many bits in the game that will make you go “that’s so clever!”.
