Super Mario Games: Your Nintendo Switch Guide
Hey guys! Are you ready to jump into the vibrant world of Super Mario on your Nintendo Switch? Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Mushroom Kingdom, the Switch offers an amazing lineup of Mario adventures. Let's dive into the must-have Super Mario games that you can play right now on your Nintendo Switch. I'll highlight what makes each game special, so you can choose your next great adventure. So, grab your Switch, and let's-a go!
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is an absolute must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. This game is a glorious, globe-trotting adventure that redefines what a Mario game can be. In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario leaves the Mushroom Kingdom behind and sets off on a journey to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser, who plans to forcibly marry her. This time, however, Mario isn't alone. He's joined by Cappy, a sentient hat from the Cap Kingdom. Cappy has the extraordinary ability to "capture" various objects and creatures, giving Mario their unique abilities. This mechanic is what makes Super Mario Odyssey so fresh and exciting. Imagine controlling a T-Rex, zipping around as a Bullet Bill, or even possessing a humble Goomba! Each capture offers new ways to explore the vibrant and diverse kingdoms Mario visits. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the sandy dunes of the Sand Kingdom, each location is brimming with secrets, challenges, and collectibles. The game's level design is simply brilliant, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity. You'll find yourself constantly discovering new Power Moons (the game's main collectible) hidden in every nook and cranny. The controls are tight and responsive, making Mario feel more agile and versatile than ever before. The addition of Cappy opens up a plethora of new moves, allowing for creative platforming and combat strategies. Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a great Mario game; it's a masterpiece of game design that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer to the series, this game is guaranteed to provide hours of fun and excitement. The sheer joy of discovery, combined with the game's charming characters and unforgettable moments, makes Super Mario Odyssey a true gem on the Nintendo Switch. It's a game that perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and innovation that has defined the Mario series for decades.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is actually two games in one! Super Mario 3D World is a delightful multiplayer romp that originally appeared on the Wii U. This game lets you play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad, each with their own unique abilities. Mario is the all-around character, Luigi jumps higher, Peach can float for a short time, and Toad is the fastest. The levels are cleverly designed, offering a mix of platforming challenges, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The addition of the Super Bell power-up, which transforms the characters into adorable cats, adds a whole new dimension to the gameplay. Climbing walls, scratching enemies, and pouncing on unsuspecting foes as a cat is endlessly entertaining. The multiplayer aspect of Super Mario 3D World is where the game truly shines. Up to four players can team up to tackle the levels together, creating chaotic but hilarious moments. Coordinating your moves, helping each other reach tricky spots, and competing for the highest score adds a layer of social fun that's hard to resist. Bowser's Fury, on the other hand, is a brand-new adventure that's included with Super Mario 3D World. This open-world game sees Mario teaming up with Bowser Jr. to stop his father, Bowser, who has become corrupted by a mysterious black sludge. The gameplay is a departure from the linear levels of Super Mario 3D World, offering a more expansive and free-roaming experience. Mario can explore the Lake Lapcat, a vast island dotted with smaller islands and structures. Bowser's Fury is something totally different from what we've seen before. The core gameplay is still very much Mario, but this time it has a God of War feel. Periodically, Bowser will awaken and rain fire on the landscape, forcing Mario to seek shelter or confront him directly. These epic battles against Fury Bowser are a visual spectacle, showcasing the game's impressive graphics and scale. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury offers a fantastic blend of classic Mario gameplay and innovative new ideas. Whether you're looking for a fun multiplayer experience or a sprawling open-world adventure, this game has something for everyone.
Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Maker 2 is the ultimate Mario playground, empowering you to create, play, and share your own custom-designed Mario levels. This game is a dream come true for Mario fans who have always wanted to design their own levels. The creation tools are incredibly intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to quickly assemble platforms, enemies, and power-ups. You can choose from a variety of different Super Mario game styles, including Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. U, and even Super Mario 3D World. Each style has its own unique set of assets and gameplay mechanics, giving you endless possibilities for creating diverse and challenging levels. But the real magic of Super Mario Maker 2 lies in its online community. Players from around the world can upload their creations, allowing you to browse and play an infinite stream of user-generated levels. You'll find everything from traditional Mario stages to mind-bending puzzles to incredibly difficult challenge levels. The game also features a robust search system, allowing you to find levels based on difficulty, style, and tags. You can even follow your favorite creators and get notified when they upload new levels. If you're not feeling creative, Super Mario Maker 2 also includes a Story Mode with over 100 pre-made levels designed by Nintendo. These levels are a great way to learn the ins and outs of level design and get inspiration for your own creations. The Story Mode also features a charming narrative that sees Mario helping to rebuild Princess Peach's castle. Super Mario Maker 2 is a game that keeps on giving. With its endless stream of user-generated content and its powerful creation tools, this game is a must-have for any Mario fan who wants to unleash their creativity. Whether you're a seasoned level designer or a newcomer to the world of Mario creation, this game will provide hours of fun and inspiration. The sheer variety of levels available online ensures that you'll never run out of new challenges to tackle. It's a game that celebrates the creativity and passion of the Mario community.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Okay, so Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn't technically just a Super Mario game, but it features all your favorite Mario characters (and many more!) and is an absolute blast to play on the Nintendo Switch. This game is the definitive Mario Kart experience, offering a massive roster of characters, a wealth of tracks, and a variety of gameplay modes. The core gameplay of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is as addictive as ever. Racing around colorful and imaginative tracks, drifting around corners, and launching items at your opponents is a formula that never gets old. The game's controls are tight and responsive, making it easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. Mastering the art of drifting, boosting, and item usage is key to achieving victory. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a staggering 48 tracks, including classic courses from previous Mario Kart games and brand-new tracks inspired by other Nintendo franchises. From the lush landscapes of Mario Circuit to the gravity-defying twists of Electrodrome, each track is packed with unique obstacles and challenges. The game also features a wide range of characters to choose from, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and many more. Each character has their own unique stats, affecting their speed, acceleration, handling, and weight. Experimenting with different characters and kart combinations is part of the fun. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is also a fantastic multiplayer game, supporting up to four players in local split-screen and up to twelve players online. Racing against friends and family is always a hilarious and competitive experience. The game also features a variety of battle modes, including Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, and Shine Thief. These modes offer a different kind of challenge and are a great way to mix things up. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner, and an essential party game. Whether you're a seasoned racing veteran or a casual gamer, this game will provide hours of fun and excitement. The sheer amount of content, combined with the game's addictive gameplay and charming presentation, makes it a true classic.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a classic 2D Mario adventure that's perfect for both solo players and groups of friends. This game is a polished and refined take on the traditional side-scrolling Mario formula. The game features a vast world map with a variety of colorful and challenging levels. From lush forests to icy mountains to underwater ruins, each world is packed with unique environments and enemies. The level design is excellent, offering a mix of classic Mario platforming and clever new ideas. You'll need to master your jumping, running, and power-up abilities to overcome the game's many obstacles. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe lets you play as Mario, Luigi, and two new playable characters: Nabbit and Toadette. Nabbit is immune to enemy damage, making him a great choice for younger players or those who are new to the series. Toadette can transform into Peachette by using the Super Crown, giving her the ability to float and perform a double jump. The multiplayer aspect of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is where the game truly shines. Up to four players can team up to tackle the levels together, creating chaotic but hilarious moments. Coordinating your moves, helping each other reach tricky spots, and competing for the highest score adds a layer of social fun that's hard to resist. The game also includes a series of challenge modes that test your skills in various ways. These challenges include time attacks, coin collecting, and enemy dodging. Completing these challenges unlocks new content and adds to the game's replay value. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a solid and enjoyable Mario game that's perfect for fans of classic 2D platformers. Whether you're looking for a challenging solo adventure or a fun multiplayer experience, this game has something to offer. The game's polished presentation, tight controls, and excellent level design make it a worthy addition to any Nintendo Switch library.
So there you have it, folks! A rundown of the best Super Mario games you can play on your Nintendo Switch. Each of these titles offers a unique and unforgettable experience, so pick the one that sounds most appealing to you and get ready for some Super Mario fun! Whether you're exploring vast open worlds, creating your own levels, or racing against friends, the Nintendo Switch has something for every Mario fan. Happy gaming!