Best Mario Games On Nintendo Switch

Alright gamers, let's talk about the king of video games, Mario! If you've just snagged a Nintendo Switch, or maybe you're a seasoned player looking for your next adventure, you're in for a treat. Nintendo absolutely crushed it with the Switch, and the Mario library on this console is nothing short of phenomenal. We're talking about iconic characters, mind-bending puzzles, exhilarating platforming, and endless fun for everyone. Whether you're a solo adventurer or looking for some multiplayer madness, there's a Mario game on the Switch that's calling your name. Get ready to jump, stomp, and power-up your way through some of the greatest gaming experiences available today. We'll dive deep into what makes each of these titles a must-have, covering everything from gameplay mechanics to the sheer joy they bring to your living room. So, buckle up, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's explore the amazing universe of Mario on the Nintendo Switch!

Super Mario Odyssey: The Ultimate 3D Adventure

Okay, let's kick things off with arguably the crown jewel of the Switch's Mario collection: Super Mario Odyssey. If you're looking for a game that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of adventure and innovation that Mario is known for, this is it, guys. From the moment you start, you're thrown into a massive, open-world-esque experience that is just bursting with creativity. Mario's signature platforming is back, but it's been supercharged with his new pal, Cappy. This sentient hat isn't just for show; it's your primary tool for interacting with the world. You can throw Cappy to attack enemies, solve puzzles, and most importantly, capture enemies and objects to take control of them! Imagine possessing a Goomba, a Bullet Bill, or even a flipping T-Rex. The sheer variety of gameplay possibilities this opens up is staggering. Each kingdom you visit – from the bustling New Donk City to the lush jungles of Wooded Kingdom – is a sandbox filled with secrets, collectibles (Power Moons!), and challenging platforming sections. The level design is masterful, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity. The controls are tight and responsive, making every jump, dive, and Cappy toss feel incredibly satisfying. Plus, the soundtrack is an absolute bop, featuring everything from catchy jingles to full-blown musical numbers. It's a game that constantly surprises you with its charm, humor, and sheer inventiveness. Super Mario Odyssey is more than just a game; it's a celebration of Mario's legacy, reimagined for a new generation of players. It’s the kind of game that will have you grinning from ear to ear as you discover its countless delights. It's an absolute must-play for any Switch owner.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The Definitive Kart Racer

When it comes to multiplayer fun on the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an absolute, no-questions-asked champion. This isn't just any racing game; it's the definitive version of an already legendary franchise, packed with more content than you can shake a Blue Shell at. If you're having a party, looking for some friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition with family, or just want to race against some of the best players online, this is your go-to. The core gameplay is pure Mario Kart: grab items, drift around corners, and try to cross the finish line first. But Deluxe adds so much more. It includes all the DLC from the original Wii U version, meaning you get a massive roster of characters, tons of karts and bikes, and a staggering number of tracks. We're talking over 40 characters, including Link from The Legend of Zelda and the Inklings from Splatoon, and a huge selection of vibrant and creative courses. From familiar favorites like Rainbow Road to entirely new, gravity-defying anti-gravity sections, the tracks are a visual and gameplay feast. The addition of the Battle Mode, with its various arenas and game types, gives you even more ways to compete when racing isn't enough. And let's not forget the sheer chaos and joy that comes from a well-timed Red Shell or a lucky grab from an item box. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is incredibly accessible for newcomers, yet deep enough for seasoned veterans to master. It's the perfect game to inject some high-octane fun into any gathering, proving time and again why Mario Kart is a timeless classic. It's a game that guarantees laughter, cheers, and maybe a little bit of friendly shouting. You absolutely need this in your Switch library for guaranteed good times.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: Two Adventures in One!

Get ready for a double dose of Mario goodness with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. This package is a fantastic value, offering two distinct, yet equally brilliant, Mario experiences. First up, Super Mario 3D World itself is a masterpiece of cooperative platforming. Originally released on the Wii U, this Switch version is the definitive way to play. It blends the freedom of 3D Mario games with the focused, level-based structure of the classic 2D titles. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, or Rosalina, each with their own unique abilities, making teamwork crucial (or hilariously chaotic!). The game is renowned for its incredibly creative level design, introducing power-ups like the Super Bell, which turns you into a cat and lets you climb walls and pounce on enemies – it's as fun as it sounds, guys! The challenges are varied, from intricate puzzle sections to intense speed runs, and the co-op aspect adds a whole new layer of fun. You can play with up to four players locally or online, leading to some truly memorable gaming moments. Then, there's the brand new addition: Bowser's Fury. This is a completely original adventure, set in a sprawling, open-world environment where Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to stop a rampaging, kaiju-sized Bowser. The gameplay here feels like a proto-version of Super Mario Odyssey, with a huge, contiguous map to explore and a focus on collecting Giga-Cat Shines. The dynamic between Mario and Bowser Jr. is surprisingly charming, and the boss battles against the gargantuan Bowser are absolutely epic. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury offers incredible variety, catering to both those who love structured platforming and those who crave open-world exploration. It’s a phenomenal package that truly showcases the versatility and enduring appeal of the Mario franchise on the Switch.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder: A Return to 2D Brilliance

Prepare to have your minds blown, because Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the shot in the arm that 2D Mario needed! This game is pure, unadulterated joy from start to finish, redefining what a side-scrolling Mario adventure can be. If you thought you'd seen it all in the world of 2D platforming, think again, guys. Wonder introduces the absolutely game-changing 'Wonder Flower'. When you collect one of these magical blooms, the level transforms in wild, unpredictable, and often hilarious ways. Suddenly, pipes might come alive, characters might start dancing, or you might find yourself in a bizarre musical number! Each Wonder Flower sequence is unique to the level, ensuring that no two experiences feel the same. The level design itself is meticulously crafted, packed with clever secrets and challenging platforming segments that will test your skills. And the variety of power-ups is also impressive, with the new Elephant Fruit being a particular fan favorite, allowing Mario to charge through obstacles and even carry water. What truly sets Super Mario Bros. Wonder apart, though, is its emphasis on cooperative play and the introduction of 'Badges'. These Badges customize your playstyle, offering abilities like floating, increased jump height, or even making you invisible, adding a strategic layer to the platforming. You can play with up to four players locally, and even online, with a neat system where you can see other players running around and even offer them a helping hand if they get into trouble. It's a game that feels both comfortably familiar and excitingly new, a true testament to Nintendo's mastery of the 2D platforming genre. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a vibrant, imaginative, and utterly delightful experience that proves 2D Mario is far from over; it's just getting started with some mind-bending twists.

Other Must-Play Mario Titles on Switch

While the games we've discussed so far are absolute titans, the Mario universe on the Nintendo Switch is vast and full of other gems that deserve your attention, guys. For any strategy fans out there, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is an absolute revelation. It takes the tactical, turn-based combat of its predecessor and expands it with a more open exploration element and a compelling story. It's surprisingly deep and incredibly charming, blending the worlds of Mario and Ubisoft's Rabbids in a way that's both hilarious and engaging. If you're looking for a party game that never gets old, Mario Party Superstars is a fantastic choice. It brings back classic boards and minigames from the Nintendo 64 era, all polished up for the Switch. It's the perfect way to settle arguments and create lasting memories with friends and family, ensuring hours of competitive fun. And for those who love delving into the RPG side of things, Paper Mario: The Origami King offers a unique and visually stunning adventure. Its paper-craft aesthetic is gorgeous, and while its combat system is a bit different with its rotational puzzle elements, the game's witty writing and charming world-building make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Don't forget about the handheld-style adventures either; titles like Mario & Luigi: Brothersmanship (though not yet on Switch, its predecessors are beloved and hint at future potential) and other RPGs often bring unique storytelling and gameplay mechanics to the forefront. Each of these games, in their own way, showcases the versatility and enduring appeal of the Mario franchise. So, whether you're into strategic battles, chaotic party games, or quirky RPGs, there's a Mario title on the Switch waiting to be discovered. Keep exploring, keep playing, and keep having fun with the most iconic plumber in gaming history!