Best Super Mario Games On Nintendo Switch

Hey guys! If you're a Nintendo fan, you already know that the Super Mario franchise is basically synonymous with gaming greatness. And when it comes to the Nintendo Switch, it's a veritable treasure trove of Mario magic! Seriously, picking the absolute best Super Mario games can be a tough call because there are so many incredible titles. But don't you worry, I've dived deep into the Mushroom Kingdom to bring you a curated list of the top-tier Super Mario games that are absolute must-plays on your Switch. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or just dipping your toes into the wonderful world of Mario for the first time, this list is for you. We're talking about games that redefine platforming, offer endless fun, and showcase the sheer genius of Nintendo's design philosophy. So, grab your controllers, maybe a comfy seat, and let's jump into the adventure of discovering the ultimate Super Mario experiences available right now!

Super Mario Odyssey: A Masterpiece of Exploration and Joy

Alright, let's kick things off with a game that pretty much everyone agrees is a modern masterpiece: Super Mario Odyssey. This isn't just another Mario game; it's a grand celebration of everything we love about the franchise, dialed up to eleven! From the moment you boot it up, you're thrust into a breathtaking adventure that takes Mario beyond the familiar Mushroom Kingdom and into a diverse array of vibrant, imaginative kingdoms. We're talking bustling cities, lush forests, and even a desert filled with skeletal enemies! The sheer scale and creativity on display are astounding, with each kingdom feeling unique and packed with secrets to uncover. What truly sets Odyssey apart, however, is its innovative gameplay mechanic: Cappy. This sentient cap allows Mario to possess almost any enemy or object he throws it at, leading to some incredibly fun and unexpected ways to traverse the environments and solve puzzles. Want to fly like a bird? Possess an easily obtainable bird! Need to break through barriers? Take control of a Chain Chomp! This mechanic isn't just a gimmick; it's woven into the very fabric of the game's design, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving platforming experience. The controls are buttery smooth, allowing for the precise movements you expect from a Mario title, but with the added layer of Cappy-based abilities that open up a universe of possibilities. And the collectibles! Oh, the collectibles. Power Moons are scattered everywhere, encouraging you to explore every nook and cranny, experiment with Cappy, and really engage with the world. It’s this constant sense of discovery that makes Odyssey so incredibly rewarding. Beyond the exploration, the game is bursting with charm. The music is infectious, the character designs are as quirky and endearing as ever, and the little story beats that unfold are genuinely delightful. It perfectly balances its open-ended exploration with classic Mario platforming challenges, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to do. If you own a Switch and haven't played Super Mario Odyssey, you are seriously missing out on one of the definitive gaming experiences of this generation. It’s a game that makes you feel like a kid again, filled with wonder and pure, unadulterated fun. It’s the kind of game that you’ll keep coming back to, finding new things to do even after you think you’ve seen it all.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The Definitive Kart Racing Experience

Next up on our list is a game that guarantees countless hours of competitive and chaotic fun with friends and family: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. If you've ever played a Mario Kart game before, you know the drill – grab your favorite character, pick a kart, and race your way to victory through a series of vibrant and challenging tracks. But Deluxe isn't just a simple port; it's the ultimate edition, packing in all the content from the original Wii U version, plus a whole host of extras that make it the definitive kart racing experience on the Switch. We're talking about a massive roster of characters, including newcomers like the Inklings from Splatoon, and an absolutely staggering number of tracks. And when I say staggering, I mean it. This version includes every track from the original Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, plus all the DLC that was released for both. Then, Nintendo went and added even more tracks with the Booster Course Pass, effectively doubling the track count! So, you have over 96 courses to race on, each beautifully designed and offering unique challenges. The gameplay itself is as tight and responsive as you'd expect from the Mario Kart series. Drifting around corners, deploying power-ups like the dreaded Blue Shell (sorry, not sorry!), and battling it out on the track is incredibly satisfying. The Deluxe version also introduces a revamped Battle Mode, giving you more arenas and game types to truly test your mettle against other players. Whether you're playing locally with friends on the couch, or taking the chaos online against players from around the globe, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers non-stop entertainment. It's the perfect party game, the perfect way to blow off some steam, and a must-have title for any Switch owner. The sheer amount of content ensures that you'll never run out of new races to experience, and the thrill of landing a perfect drift or a well-timed item can keep you hooked for hours on end. It's accessible enough for newcomers to pick up and play immediately, yet deep enough to keep seasoned players coming back for more strategic racing. It’s a timeless classic that continues to be one of the best-selling games on the Switch for a reason – it’s just pure, unadulterated fun.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: A Dual Delight

For those of you looking for a fantastic one-two punch of Mario goodness, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is an absolute no-brainer. This package delivers two distinct, yet equally brilliant, Mario experiences that showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of the franchise. First, you have Super Mario 3D World, which originally launched on the Wii U. This game takes the 2D Mario formula and elegantly translates it into a 3D space, offering a fantastic blend of linear platforming challenges and exploration. What's so great about it? The level design is phenomenal. Each stage is a masterclass in introducing new mechanics and enemies, gradually increasing the difficulty while always remaining fair and incredibly fun. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, or Rosalina, each with their own unique abilities, which adds a fun layer of strategy, especially when playing with up to four friends in cooperative multiplayer. Yep, you can tackle these amazing levels together, which often leads to hilarious moments of both cooperation and friendly competition. The game is also famous for its power-ups, most notably the Super Bell, which transforms characters into cats, allowing them to climb walls and pounce on enemies – an addition that is both adorable and incredibly useful. Then, there’s Bowser's Fury, a completely new adventure created exclusively for this Switch release. This game offers a more open-ended, sandbox-style Mario experience. You're dropped into the sprawling land of Fury Bowser, a massive open world that you can explore at your own pace. The objective is to collect 'Gatitos' (Kaiju-like cat symbols) to calm down an enraged Bowser. What makes Bowser's Fury so special is the sheer freedom it offers. You can tackle objectives in almost any order, experiment with different power-ups, and discover hidden secrets scattered throughout the vibrant environment. The scale of this adventure is impressive, and the dynamic boss battles against the colossal Bowser are truly spectacular. The addition of Bowser Jr. as an AI companion who assists you adds another layer of depth and support to the gameplay. Together, these two games offer incredible value. Super Mario 3D World provides meticulously crafted, classic-style platforming with a fantastic multiplayer component, while Bowser's Fury offers a more experimental, open-world adventure that feels like a glimpse into the future of Mario. It's a perfect package for fans of all kinds, offering both familiar fun and exciting new frontiers within the Mario universe. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s ability to deliver high-quality, engaging gameplay across different styles.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: Classic 2D Fun, Reimagined

For those of you who crave that classic, side-scrolling Mario action, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is an absolute treat. This game brings the beloved 2D platforming experience to the Nintendo Switch with a host of enhancements and a ton of content. Originally released on the Wii U, this deluxe version bundles the main game, New Super Mario Bros. U, along with its challenging expansion, New Super Luigi U, into one incredible package. What makes this game a standout is its commitment to the pure, unadulterated joy of 2D Mario platforming. The controls are incredibly tight and responsive, allowing for the pixel-perfect jumps and maneuvers that the series is known for. The level design is masterful, presenting a steady stream of creative challenges that gradually ramp up in difficulty. You’ll encounter familiar foes, new obstacles, and plenty of secrets to uncover as you race through the vibrant landscapes of the Mushroom Kingdom. One of the biggest draws of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is its fantastic multiplayer experience. You can play with up to four players simultaneously, with everyone working together (or hilariously hindering each other) to reach the end of each stage. Playing with friends adds an extra layer of excitement and often leads to some memorable moments as you strategize, rescue fallen comrades, or simply bump each other off ledges! The Deluxe edition also includes Nabbit and Toadette as playable characters, who offer slightly different gameplay experiences. Nabbit is immune to enemy damage, making him a great choice for players who find the core game a bit too tough, while Toadette can transform into Peachette using a Super Crown, giving her a floating ability that makes navigation easier. This inclusivity ensures that players of all skill levels can enjoy the adventure. Furthermore, the inclusion of New Super Luigi U adds a significant amount of extra content. This expansion features more challenging levels, a focus on Luigi's floatier jump, and a slightly different story, providing even more hours of classic 2D Mario gameplay. If you're looking for a game that perfectly captures the essence of old-school Mario while offering modern polish and robust multiplayer, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is an excellent choice. It’s a game that feels both nostalgic and fresh, delivering a consistently engaging and fun platforming experience that’s perfect for solo play or with a group of friends. It truly embodies the spirit of accessible yet challenging gameplay that Nintendo is famous for.

Super Mario Maker 2: Unleash Your Inner Game Designer

Now, for all you creative minds out there, get ready to have your world rocked by Super Mario Maker 2. This game isn't just about playing Mario; it's about creating your own Mario levels, and the possibilities are, quite frankly, mind-boggling. If you have ever dreamed of designing your own challenges, crafting intricate puzzles, or simply building the most absurd Mario obstacle course imaginable, this is your digital playground. The core of Super Mario Maker 2 is its incredibly intuitive yet powerful level editor. It provides you with an vast arsenal of tools, assets, and enemies from various Super Mario games – including the original Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros., and even Super Mario 3D World styles – allowing you to mix and match elements to your heart's content. You can place Goombas, Koopa Troopas, Piranha Plants, Bowser Jr., and so much more, along with power-ups, pipes, blocks, and terrain features. The freedom to experiment is immense. Want to create a level where every enemy is a giant Bowser? Go for it! Need to design a fiendish puzzle that requires precise timing and item usage? The tools are there. The game also includes a Story Mode, where you play through over 100 pre-made Nintendo levels, offering inspiration and a taste of what's possible with the editor. But the real magic happens when you connect online. Super Mario Maker 2 allows you to upload your creations and share them with the entire world, as well as play an almost infinite number of levels created by other players. This community-driven aspect means there's always a fresh, unique, and often mind-bending Mario level waiting for you to conquer. You can search for levels based on difficulty, tags, or even specific themes, ensuring you'll always find something that suits your taste, whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll through a beautiful landscape or a brutally difficult kaizo-style challenge. The sheer volume and variety of user-generated content are staggering. It’s a game that rewards creativity, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of Mario's mechanics. Whether you're a player looking for endless challenges or a creator eager to share your vision, Super Mario Maker 2 offers an unparalleled experience that truly lets you define what a Super Mario game can be. It’s a testament to the enduring power of Mario's design and the creativity of the gaming community.

Conclusion: Your Next Mario Adventure Awaits!

So there you have it, guys! A deep dive into some of the absolute best Super Mario games you can currently enjoy on your Nintendo Switch. From the boundless exploration of Super Mario Odyssey and the chaotic fun of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, to the dual delights of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, the classic 2D charm of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, and the boundless creativity of Super Mario Maker 2, there's a Mario adventure for absolutely everyone. Each of these titles represents the pinnacle of what the Super Mario franchise has to offer, showcasing innovative gameplay, masterful design, and that signature Nintendo polish that keeps us coming back for more. Whether you're looking to embark on epic solo journeys, challenge your friends to thrilling races, or even unleash your inner game designer, the Switch has you covered. Don't wait any longer – grab one of these fantastic games and get ready to jump into the Mushroom Kingdom. Your next unforgettable gaming experience is just a button press away!