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The 5 Best Mario Games You Can Play On Nintendo Switch (RANKED)

By Ransom Garcia

The 5 Best Mario Games You Can Play On Nintendo Switch (RANKED)

The “Super Mario Bros. Movie” continues to be a box office monster! At the time of writing this, the movie has crossed a global box office of $724 million! And with the success of the film, comes a reinvigorated curiosity of the games that made Mario a household name.

When it comes to video games, few characters have had the impact that Mario has had. The iconic plumber has been a beloved gaming figure for decades, capturing the hearts of players of all ages with his charm, wit, and adventurous spirit. For me, Mario was the first video game character I fell in love with as a child, and he’s been a constant presence in my life ever since. I’ve played nearly every Mario game out there, from the classic NES titles to the latest releases on the Nintendo Switch, and I’ve loved them all!

If you’re looking to dive into the world of Mario on the Switch, you’re in luck. There are plenty of great games to choose from, each offering its own unique take on the classic Mario formula. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, these are the 5 best (Mainline) Mario games you can play on Nintendo’s latest console.

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  • 5. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

    “Super Mario 3D World” was originally released for the Wii U in 2013, but it got a new lease on life with its re-release on the Nintendo Switch in 2021. The game takes the classic Mario formula and turns it up to eleven, with beautiful 3D environments, clever power-ups, and challenging platforming sections. Players can choose to play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or Toad, each with their own unique abilities that come in handy on their journey through the game’s colorful levels.

    But the real star of the show in “Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury” is the Bowser’s Fury add-on. This standalone adventure takes Mario to a new island filled with danger and intrigue, where he must team up with Bowser Jr. to stop Bowser’s rampaging fury. The game introduces a new power-up called the Giga Bell, which turns Mario into a giant cat and allows him to take on even the most fearsome foes.

    Overall, “Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury” is a must-play for any Mario fan. With its stunning visuals, challenging gameplay, and inventive power-ups, it’s a worthy addition to the Mario canon and a great showcase of what the Nintendo Switch is capable of.

  • 4. Mario Galaxy (Featured in Mario 3D All Stars)

    “Super Mario Galaxy” is a beloved classic that first released on the Wii in 2007. In the game, Mario travels through space to collect Power Stars and save Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches. What makes “Mario Galaxy” so much fun is its inventive use of gravity and imaginative level design. Each level takes place on a small planetoid with its own gravitational pull, making for an exhilarating and unique experience.

    One thing to note is that “Mario Galaxy” is included in the “Mario 3D All Stars” package for the Nintendo Switch. It almost feels like cheating because you get three great games on one card. So, if you haven’t played “Mario Galaxy” yet, now’s the perfect time to experience this timeless classic.

  • 3. Super Mario Maker 2

    @ransomgarcia

    This level is a pretty accurate depiction of my social anxiety #SuperMario

    ♬ Holding out for a Hero (from "Footloose") - Bonnie Tyler

    Yes, that was me running through a speed run level in “Super Mario Maker 2.” It still blows me away that someone created that level and that’s what makes “Super Mario Maker 2” so special! It’s a game that lets you create your own Mario levels and share them with players from around the world. With a robust set of tools and assets, you can create levels that range from traditional Mario fare to wildly imaginative creations that push the boundaries of what a Mario level can be.

    Overall, “Super Mario Maker 2” is a game that’s endlessly fun and offers nearly infinite replayability. Whether you’re a Mario fan or just someone who loves creating and sharing, “Super Mario Maker 2” is a must-play on the Nintendo Switch.

  • 2. Super Mario World (Nintendo Switch Online SNES)

    “Super Mario World” is a classic 2D platformer that was first released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990. It’s widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time thanks to its tight controls, colorful graphics, and imaginative level design.

    Another reason why “Super Mario World” is so beloved is its introduction of Yoshi, a lovable dinosaur who quickly became a fan favorite. Yoshi’s inclusion added a whole new layer of strategy to the game, making it even more exciting and fun to play.

    Despite being over 30 years old, “Super Mario World” is still available to play today with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. For me personally, this game holds a special place in my heart because my family never had a Super Nintendo when I was growing up. But I loved it so much that when I became an adult, I tracked down a SNES just to it as a part of my collection. It’s just as good today as it was when it came out, and that’s why it lands at number 2 on this list.

  • Honorable Mention: Super Mario Bros. 3

    Before we get to our top game, we have to address the elephant in the room: “Super Mario Bros. 3” didn’t make the cut. Now, some of you might be ready to hunt me down and take away my Mario fan club membership card, but hear me out. While “Super Mario Bros. 3” is an absolute classic and one of the most beloved games of all time, we had to make some tough choices to narrow down this list. But fear not, it still gets an honorable mention!

    “Super Mario Bros. 3” was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988 and quickly became a fan favorite. It introduced new power-ups like the Tanooki Suit and the Frog Suit, and added a world map that allowed players to choose their own path through the game. The levels were challenging and inventive, and the music was so catchy it’s still stuck in our heads today.

    Despite just missing out on a spot in the top 5, “Super Mario Bros. 3” is still a classic and beloved by fans around the world. And the best part? You can still play it today with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

  • 1. Super Mario Odyssey

    And now, we’ve arrived at number one on our list: “Super Mario Odyssey.” This game isn’t just my favorite mainline Mario game, it’s one of my favorite games of all time. It’s the perfect blend of classic Mario gameplay and innovative new mechanics, with stunning visuals and a killer soundtrack to boot.

    “Super Mario Odyssey” is a 3D platformer that was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2017. It follows Mario as he travels to different kingdoms in search of Power Moons, which he needs to power his airship and save Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches. Along the way, Mario teams up with a new ally, Cappy, who can possess enemies and objects to help Mario navigate through the game’s many challenges.

    But “Super Mario Odyssey” isn’t just a great game because of its mechanics and design. It also holds a special place in my heart because it’s the game my son and I played together during the early days of the Covid lockdown. We spent hours exploring each kingdom, collecting Power Moons, and helping Mario and Cappy save the day. It was a wonderful bonding experience, and it made me feel like a kid again to share this game with my son, who’s the same age I was when I first fell in love with the Mario series.

    Overall, “Super Mario Odyssey” is an amazing game that’s not only a blast to play, but also holds a special place in my heart. It’s a game that I’ll always remember fondly, and one that I highly recommend to any Mario fan or anyone looking for a fun, challenging, and heartwarming gaming experience.

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