The Nintendo Switch proved to be a juggernaut of classic IPs, and, in the case of Mario, it is a literal gold mine. With so many titles available, fans often find themselves asking which are the Best Mario games for Switch. From timeless classics to innovative new entries, the variety is impressive. Luckily, we will dive deeper to uncover not just the top-ranked games, but also those that suit different types of players.
Whether you’re a racing enthusiast, a puzzle solver, or an adventure seeker, Mario has something just for you. It’s time to discover what makes these titles truly special—why they remain so beloved, endlessly replayable, and deserving of a spot in your Nintendo Switch game library.
Mario’s Unstoppable Legacy on the Nintendo Switch
The entry of the Nintendo Switch marked a new beginning in the history of Mario. From the 2D side-scrollers to the open world masterpieces, the hybrid console gave Mario a chance to jump out of the rut.
The handheld and docked modes allowed Mario to become a pick-up-and-play series for casual gamers, while also offering complex game depth to die-hard players. Due to the functionality and the portability of the console, Mario games were more entertaining than before.
Why the Switch is a Paradise for Mario Fans
Nintendo has consistently leveraged the versatility of the Switch as a tool to create something more than just a nostalgic one. It is not merely the case of reboots; most Switch Mario games merge new mechanics, online play, and even cross-franchise innovation.
The Joy-Con controllers unlocked creative opportunities to play games such as motion-based mini-games as well as co-op adventures right in real time. Toss in the never-ending releases, remasters, and updated versions, and you simply know one thing: there is no better place to play Mario than on the Nintendo Switch.
What Defines the Best Mario Game?
What is so special about one game of Mario over another one? It is a combination of things. Then there are stellar gameplay mechanics, such as tight controls, clever level design or even new ideas which are undeniably Mario.
The graphics also do their part and make all the Koopa stomps and jumps magical. It has to have replayability; usually in the form of collectables, secrets or multiplayer. And, lastly, a good Mario title needs to bring fun, whether you are eight or eighty.
Top 10 Best Mario Games for Nintendo Switch (Ranked)
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is an open-world banquet with its huge kingdoms and other ingenious mechanisms, such as the ability of Cappy to take control. The game recreates what it means to explore, taking back some of that great Mario feel. Both kingdoms present different physics, characters, as well as secrets. It is refined to its finest and takes its place as a classic of the genre named platformer genre.
The Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Fans were caught unawares by this new 2D game with reactions and a change of levels by Wonder Seeds. Unpredictable, colourful and inventive, Wonder is a mixture of the nostalgia of the past with futuristic mechanics. It retains the spirit of a retro side-scroller, yet it does not seem old.
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
An evergreen racer, which is currently the highest-selling game on the Switch. It has jaw-dropping music, restrictive gameplay, and all DLCs, which makes it the most awesome couch multiplayer game. This game is never old, either online or offline.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser Fury
In this two-part offering, you get level design that is tight, mixed with open-world experimentation. Although 3D World is a masterwork when it comes to co-op fun, Bowser Fury extends to the vast, making it a blend of real-time danger and exploration.
Paper Mario: Origami King
A turn-based RPG with a lot of humour, puzzles, and breathtaking paper-style art. Some players will separate because of its peculiar battle system based on rings, but its signature style and innovation are not in doubt.
Luigi Mansion 3
Scary and cute. Titled as the ghost-catching adventure, Luigi brings along puzzles, slapstick violence, along one of the most detailed backgrounds of any Mario game. It is lovely to play alone and as a couch co-op.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
One of the most satisfying tactical games that is also more strategic than you might have in mind with a Mario title. Mario Universe and the Rabbids franchise merge to give surprisingly profound combat and skinning levels.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
It is a remaster of the Wii U classic and a pure delight to anyone who is used to the good old 2D Mario. It is a shined-up platforming and co-op mayhem that can accommodate four players.
Super Mario Party
Super Mario Party is a family-friendly game that features loads of mini-games, and it makes the Joy-Cons shine. Brilliant option to socialise and to play casually.
Mario Golf Super Rush
Although it did not go down so well with every fan, the speed golf twist brought a new flavour into the series. An enjoyable sports side-scrolling game that does not at all feel like Mario.
Best Mario Game by Category
Best Open-World Mario Game: Super Mario Odyssey
Odyssey is the finest example of an open-world Mario. No imagination or imagination barrier with jazzy score and hundreds of hidden moons, this is the world you will not want to get out of.
Better 2D Mario Game: Super Mario Bros. Wonder
A leap in front of the 2D genre, Wonder has provided levels that change dynamically in the course of playing. It reinvents the side-scroller and does it without throwing out everything specific to it.
Best Multiplayer Mario game: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
By far the Mario king of multiplayer. Based in front of the big screen on the couch or against strangers online, it can never get old and is suitable for any level of learned capability.
Multiplatform Mario RPG: Paper Mario: The Origami King
Origami King adds a fresh taste to the Mario RP series with its clever wording, adorable characters, and extensive worldbuilding. The ring combat, which is also divisive, has a very unique nature.
Best Children’s Game: Super Mario 3D World
The levels, incredibly colourful aesthetics, and an easy difficulty level make it great to play with your family. And the catsuits are just too great.
What to Look for in a Mario Game?
In selecting an ideal Mario game, one ought to be conversant with the gameplay style. That is, do you like strategic thought? Mario + Rabbids. Prefer speed? Check out Mario Kart. Odyssey might be more appealing to the single-player enthusiasts, whereas Super Mario Party will be popular among the party-goers.
Difficulty is the other factor here – Wonder provides an easy route, other titles challenge your abilities due to platform precision. Last but not least, replayability is enormous. Collectables, unlocks, and off routes in games keep you going.
Where to Buy These Mario Games?
You will find the best deals on digital copies in the Nintendo eShop, where you can download games instantly and get discounts regularly. In case you would like an actual copy, Amazon and GameStop can have them packaged with in-game extras or collector editions.
Tape versions are fantastic to sell and trade, but digital is superb in that you will never lose it with digital, even though you may misplace the cartridge. Find seasonal deals and packages on the Nintendo official site.
Read Also: Free Xbox Games: Top Picks You Can Play Now
Conclusion
Mario in Magic will never age, but on Switch, he is a real treat. There are Mario games of all kinds: from open-world exploration to strategic battles. Our favourite one? Super Mario Odyssey is the whole deal.
You, yourself? Enjoying the adventures of a plumber has never been easier, whether you are completely new to the world of Mario or you are a lifelong admirer of the games with this character. Post your favourite pick as a comment below!
FAQs
Which is the most popular Mario Switch game?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the most played and most sold Mario game on Switch due to its ease of playability and huge amounts of content.
Is it possible to play online Mario with my friends?
True, most of the Mario games do contain online multiplayer like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Party (updates), and Mario Golf.
Are Mario games appropriate for young children?
Absolutely. The majority of the titles can be used by families as they include age-appropriate material, colourful graphics, and graded sets of difficulty.
Which Mario game does the game play last the longest?
The exploration and the side quests make Super Mario Odyssey and Paper Mario: The Origami King games have a long gameplay.
And is Mario Switch Multiplayer?
Not all. Whereas games such as Super Mario Party and 3D World are multiplayer-oriented, others such as Paper Mario are strictly single-player.
