Best Mario Games On Nintendo Switch: Ranked!
Hey guys! Are you ready to jump into the mushroom kingdom and explore the best Mario games available on the Nintendo Switch? Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, the Switch offers a fantastic collection of Mario adventures that cater to all tastes. From classic platforming to exciting sports and party games, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into a comprehensive list of Mario games that you can play on your Nintendo Switch right now!
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is often hailed as one of the best Mario games ever made, and for good reason. This game is a masterpiece of creativity, exploration, and sheer fun. In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario embarks on a globetrotting adventure to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser, who plans to force her into marriage. What sets this game apart is the introduction of Cappy, a sentient hat that allows Mario to "capture" enemies and objects, granting him their abilities. This mechanic opens up a world of possibilities, letting you control everything from a Goomba to a T-Rex!
The game's level design is simply brilliant. Each kingdom is a vibrant, self-contained world filled with secrets, challenges, and unique characters. Whether you're exploring the bustling Metro Kingdom, the sandy Tostarena, or the lush Wooded Kingdom, there’s always something new to discover. The game encourages exploration and rewards curiosity, making every playthrough feel fresh and exciting. The sheer variety of objectives and collectibles, such as Power Moons, means you'll be kept busy for hours on end. Super Mario Odyssey isn’t just a game; it’s an experience that celebrates the joy of play and discovery.
One of the standout features of Super Mario Odyssey is its accessibility. While the game offers plenty of challenges for seasoned gamers, it also provides options for newcomers, such as Assist Mode, which makes it easier to navigate the levels and avoid falling off platforms. The controls are tight and responsive, making Mario a joy to control as he leaps, dives, and captures his way through the various kingdoms. The game also supports two-player co-op, allowing a friend to control Cappy and assist Mario on his adventure. Whether you're playing solo or with a friend, Super Mario Odyssey is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate kart racing game for the Nintendo Switch. It takes everything that made Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U great and enhances it with new characters, karts, and battle modes. If you're looking for a fun, competitive game to play with friends and family, look no further. With its vibrant graphics, tight controls, and a massive selection of tracks, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers endless hours of entertainment.
The game features a roster of 42 characters, including fan favorites like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, as well as newcomers like the Inklings from Splatoon. Each character has their own unique stats, affecting their speed, acceleration, and handling. You can also customize your kart with a variety of frames, tires, and gliders, allowing you to create the perfect vehicle for your racing style. The tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are some of the best in the series, featuring a mix of classic courses and new, inventive designs. From the gravity-defying twists and turns of Rainbow Road to the underwater adventures of Dolphin Shoals, each track is a visual and gameplay delight.
One of the biggest additions to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the revamped battle mode. The game features eight different battle arenas and five different battle modes, including Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, Coin Runners, Renegade Roundup, and Shine Thief. Whether you're popping balloons, launching Bob-ombs, or chasing after the Shine Sprite, the battle mode offers a frantic and hilarious alternative to traditional racing. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also supports online multiplayer, allowing you to race against players from all over the world. With its smooth online performance and a variety of matchmaking options, it’s easy to find a race that suits your skill level. The game also supports local wireless play, allowing you to connect with up to eight consoles for some serious multiplayer action.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a fantastic package that offers two unique Mario experiences in one. Super Mario 3D World is a delightful multiplayer platformer that originally appeared on the Wii U, while Bowser's Fury is a brand-new, open-world adventure. Together, they provide hours of fun and excitement for Mario fans of all ages. Super Mario 3D World is a classic Mario game with a twist. Up to four players can team up to tackle a series of colorful and creative levels, each filled with challenges, secrets, and power-ups. The game introduces the Super Bell, which transforms the characters into cat-like forms, allowing them to climb walls and pounce on enemies. The multiplayer aspect adds a whole new dimension to the gameplay, as you work together (or compete against each other) to reach the goal.
The level design in Super Mario 3D World is top-notch, with each stage offering a unique theme and set of challenges. From the grassy plains of World 1 to the icy landscapes of World 5, the game is constantly throwing new ideas and mechanics at you. The power-ups are also a highlight, with the Boomerang Flower, Double Cherry, and Propeller Box adding even more variety to the gameplay. Bowser's Fury, on the other hand, is a completely different experience. This open-world adventure sees Mario teaming up with Bowser Jr. to stop his father, Bowser, who has been transformed into a giant, rampaging monster. The game takes place in Lake Lapcat, a series of islands connected by water. As you explore the lake, you'll encounter various challenges and enemies, as well as collectibles like Cat Shines.
The main draw of Bowser's Fury is the dynamic weather system, which causes Bowser to awaken periodically and wreak havoc on the landscape. During these moments, the environment becomes dark and stormy, and Bowser unleashes powerful attacks that you must avoid. To defeat Bowser, you'll need to collect enough Cat Shines to activate the Giga Bell, which transforms Mario into a giant cat form, allowing you to battle Bowser head-on. The combination of Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury makes this package a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. Whether you're looking for a fun multiplayer game or a sprawling open-world adventure, this game has something for everyone.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is another excellent 2D platformer that brings the classic Mario gameplay to the Nintendo Switch. This game is a re-release of New Super Mario Bros. U from the Wii U, but it includes the New Super Luigi U expansion, offering even more levels and challenges. If you're a fan of traditional Mario games, you'll feel right at home with this one. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe features a world map with interconnected levels, each filled with secrets, collectibles, and enemies. The game supports up to four players in local multiplayer, allowing you and your friends to team up to conquer the various stages.
The game introduces several new power-ups, including the Super Acorn, which transforms Mario into a flying squirrel, allowing him to glide through the air and cling to walls. The level design is challenging but fair, with plenty of opportunities for skillful platforming and exploration. The New Super Luigi U expansion offers a more challenging experience, with shorter levels and tighter time limits. This mode is perfect for experienced Mario players who are looking for a greater challenge. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a great choice for anyone who loves classic Mario gameplay. With its tight controls, challenging levels, and fun multiplayer mode, this game offers hours of entertainment for players of all ages.
Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Maker 2 is a creative powerhouse that allows you to design and play your own Mario levels. This game is perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of creating their own Mario adventure. With its intuitive tools and a vast library of assets, Super Mario Maker 2 lets you unleash your imagination and build levels that are as easy or as challenging as you want. The game features a variety of themes, including Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Super Mario 3D World. Each theme has its own unique set of assets and gameplay mechanics, allowing you to create levels that feel authentic to the original games.
The level editor is easy to use, with a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to place blocks, enemies, and power-ups with ease. You can also customize the behavior of enemies and objects, creating unique challenges and puzzles. Once you've created your level, you can upload it to the online Course World, where other players can try it out. You can also browse and play levels created by other players, giving you access to a seemingly endless supply of new Mario adventures. Super Mario Maker 2 is a must-have for any Mario fan who loves to create and share their creations with the world. With its endless possibilities and a vibrant online community, this game offers hours of fun and inspiration.
Mario Party Superstars
Mario Party Superstars brings back the classic Mario Party experience with a collection of the best boards and minigames from the series' history. This game is perfect for parties and get-togethers, offering a fun and competitive experience for players of all ages. With its simple controls and a variety of game modes, Mario Party Superstars is easy to pick up and play, even for newcomers to the series. The game features five classic boards from the Nintendo 64 era, including Peach's Birthday Cake, Space Land, and Woody Woods. These boards have been faithfully recreated with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics.
The minigames in Mario Party Superstars are some of the best in the series, with a mix of classic and new challenges. From button-mashing contests to strategic puzzles, there's a minigame for everyone. The game also features online multiplayer, allowing you to play with friends and strangers from all over the world. With its smooth online performance and a variety of matchmaking options, it’s easy to find a game that suits your skill level. Mario Party Superstars is a great choice for anyone who loves the classic Mario Party experience. With its nostalgic boards, fun minigames, and online multiplayer, this game is sure to be a hit at your next party.
Mario Golf: Super Rush
Mario Golf: Super Rush brings the world of Mario to the golf course, offering a fun and accessible golfing experience for players of all skill levels. This game is perfect for both casual and hardcore golfers, with its simple controls and a variety of game modes. Mario Golf: Super Rush introduces several new gameplay mechanics, including Speed Golf, which challenges you to race across the course and complete holes as quickly as possible. The game also features Special Shots, which allow you to unleash powerful shots with unique effects.
The game features a roster of 16 characters, each with their own unique stats and special abilities. You can also customize your character with a variety of outfits and equipment, improving their stats and performance. The courses in Mario Golf: Super Rush are varied and challenging, with a mix of traditional golf courses and fantastical environments. From the lush greens of Bonny Greens to the volcanic landscape of Balmy Dunes, each course offers a unique visual and gameplay experience. Mario Golf: Super Rush is a great choice for anyone who loves golf or Mario games. With its accessible gameplay, fun game modes, and charming characters, this game is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
So there you have it, a list of the best Mario games you can play right now on your Nintendo Switch. Whether you're into platforming, racing, party games, or sports, there's a Mario game on the Switch for you. Grab your console, gather your friends, and get ready for some amazing adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom!