Top Super Mario Games On Nintendo Switch: Ranked!
Hey guys! If you're a Nintendo Switch owner and a Super Mario fan, you're in for a treat! The Switch is home to some of the best Mario games ever made, offering a mix of classic platforming, innovative gameplay, and tons of replayability. But with so many Mario titles available, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why I've put together this list of the top Super Mario games on Nintendo Switch, ranked from great to absolutely essential. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's jump into the Mushroom Kingdom!
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a great Mario game; it's a masterpiece of 3D platforming. This game completely reinvents the Mario formula with the introduction of Cappy, a sentient hat that allows Mario to "capture" enemies and objects. This capture mechanic opens up a massive range of gameplay possibilities, letting you control everything from Goombas and Bullet Bills to T-Rexes and taxis. Seriously, who wouldn't want to control a T-Rex? The level design in Odyssey is phenomenal, with each kingdom feeling like a unique and vibrant world packed with secrets and challenges. You'll explore bustling cities, lush forests, and even the moon!
What makes Super Mario Odyssey stand out is its sheer sense of freedom and exploration. Unlike the more linear Mario games, Odyssey encourages you to wander off the beaten path, discover hidden areas, and collect Power Moons. There are hundreds of Power Moons to find, and collecting them all is a rewarding challenge that will keep you playing for hours. The game also features a charming story, memorable characters, and a fantastic soundtrack. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, Super Mario Odyssey is an absolute must-have for your Nintendo Switch library. It's the kind of game that reminds you why you love video games in the first place.
The controls are tight and responsive, making it a joy to move Mario around the diverse landscapes. The capture mechanic is intuitive and adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay. Experimenting with different captures is half the fun, and you'll constantly be surprised by the creative ways you can use them to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. Graphically, Super Mario Odyssey is stunning, with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and smooth performance. The game runs flawlessly on the Nintendo Switch, both in handheld mode and on the big screen. Super Mario Odyssey is a triumph of game design, and it's a testament to Nintendo's ability to constantly innovate and surprise us. If you only buy one Mario game for your Switch, make it this one.
2. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Next up, we have Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, a fantastic two-in-one package that offers both a classic Mario experience and a brand-new adventure. Super Mario 3D World is a multiplayer-focused platformer that originally appeared on the Wii U. It features colorful graphics, creative level design, and the ability to play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad, each with their unique abilities. The levels are designed with multiplayer in mind, encouraging teamwork and friendly competition. The Cat Suit power-up is a highlight, allowing you to climb walls and pounce on enemies.
Bowser’s Fury, on the other hand, is a completely different experience. It's an open-world Mario adventure where you explore a vast lake filled with islands. The twist? Bowser is constantly transforming into a giant, enraged monster, and you need to stop him. This creates a sense of urgency and excitement as you navigate the world, collecting Cat Shines to power up the Giga Bell and take on Bowser. Bowser’s Fury is a shorter experience than Super Mario 3D World, but it's packed with innovative ideas and thrilling moments. The seamless transition between exploring the open world and battling Bowser is incredibly impressive, and it's a glimpse into what a future open-world Mario game could look like.
The combination of Super Mario 3D World's classic multiplayer fun and Bowser’s Fury's experimental open-world gameplay makes this package a must-have for Mario fans. Whether you're playing with friends and family or tackling the challenges solo, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Super Mario 3D World offers a wealth of content, with dozens of levels to explore and plenty of secrets to uncover. The level design is consistently excellent, with each stage introducing new mechanics and challenges. Bowser’s Fury is a shorter but more focused experience, offering a unique and thrilling adventure that you won't soon forget. Together, these two games provide hours of entertainment and showcase the versatility of the Mario franchise.
3. Super Mario Maker 2
Unleash your inner game designer with Super Mario Maker 2! This game is all about creating and sharing your own Mario levels. The possibilities are endless, with a huge selection of tools, enemies, and themes to choose from. You can create levels in the style of Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. U, and even Super Mario 3D World. The game also includes a story mode with over 100 Nintendo-designed levels, providing inspiration and showing off the creative potential of the level editor.
Super Mario Maker 2 isn't just about creating levels; it's also about playing levels created by other players. The game has a massive online community, with millions of levels uploaded every day. You can browse levels by difficulty, theme, or popularity, and you're sure to find something that suits your taste. Playing levels created by other players is a great way to discover new ideas and challenge yourself. Some levels are incredibly creative and innovative, while others are brutally difficult. But that's part of the fun! The game also features multiplayer modes, allowing you to play levels with friends online or locally.
Whether you're a seasoned game designer or a complete beginner, Super Mario Maker 2 is a fantastic tool for unleashing your creativity. The level editor is intuitive and easy to use, and the game provides plenty of tutorials and tips to help you get started. The online community is active and supportive, and there's always something new to discover. Super Mario Maker 2 is a game that you can keep coming back to again and again, and it's a testament to the power of user-generated content. Super Mario Maker 2 is more than just a game; it's a platform for creativity and community, and it's a must-have for any Mario fan who wants to create and share their own Mario adventures.
4. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a classic 2D Mario platformer that's perfect for both solo and multiplayer fun. This game is a port of the Wii U title, and it includes both New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, offering a wealth of content for your money. The game features colorful graphics, tight controls, and challenging level design. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, or Nabbit, each with their unique abilities. The game also includes a variety of power-ups, such as the Super Acorn, which allows you to glide through the air.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is designed with multiplayer in mind, and it's best enjoyed with friends and family. The game supports up to four players, and the chaotic multiplayer action is always a blast. You'll be jumping, bouncing, and bumping your way through the levels, trying to collect coins and reach the flagpole first. The game also includes a variety of challenge modes, which test your skills and provide a unique twist on the classic Mario gameplay. These challenges range from time trials to coin collecting to enemy dodging, and they're a great way to hone your skills and compete with friends.
While New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe may not be as innovative as some of the other Mario games on this list, it's a solid and enjoyable platformer that's perfect for fans of the classic Mario formula. The level design is consistently excellent, the controls are tight and responsive, and the multiplayer is a blast. The inclusion of both New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U provides a wealth of content, and the challenge modes add even more replayability. If you're looking for a classic 2D Mario experience on your Nintendo Switch, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a great choice. It's a reliable and enjoyable platformer that's sure to provide hours of fun, especially when played with friends and family. The accessible gameplay and familiar mechanics make it a great entry point for newcomers to the Mario series, while the challenging levels and hidden secrets will keep seasoned players engaged.
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Okay, okay, I know Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn't technically a Super Mario game in the traditional sense, but it features all your favorite Mario characters and settings, so I had to include it. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate kart racing game, with a huge roster of characters, a massive selection of tracks, and a variety of game modes. The game looks gorgeous, runs smoothly, and is just pure fun to play, whether you're racing solo or with friends.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, and it includes all the DLC from the original Wii U release. The game features 48 tracks, including classic courses from previous Mario Kart games, as well as brand-new tracks. The roster of characters is equally impressive, with over 40 racers to choose from, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and many more. The game also includes a variety of items, which can be used to attack your opponents or defend yourself. Mastering the use of these items is key to winning races.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that's easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. The controls are simple and intuitive, but there's a surprising amount of depth to the gameplay. Learning how to drift, use items effectively, and navigate the tracks is essential to becoming a top racer. The game also features a variety of customization options, allowing you to create your own kart and personalize your racing experience. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore racing fan, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that you can enjoy for years to come. It's a timeless classic that's perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a quick race on the go. The combination of accessible gameplay, deep mechanics, and a massive amount of content makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner.
So there you have it, my list of the top Super Mario games on Nintendo Switch! Each of these games offers something unique and special, and they're all worth checking out. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, there's a Mario game on the Switch that's perfect for you. Now go out there and start your Mario adventure!