Top Mario Games On Nintendo Switch: A Must-Play List
Hey guys! If you're a Nintendo Switch owner and a Mario fan (who isn't, right?), then you've come to the right place. We're diving deep into the wonderful world of Mario games available on the Switch. Whether you're a seasoned platformer or new to the Mushroom Kingdom, this list will guide you through the must-play titles that will keep you entertained for hours. So, grab your Switch, and let's-a go!
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is arguably the flagship Mario title on the Nintendo Switch, and for a good reason. This game is an absolute masterpiece, blending classic Mario platforming with innovative new mechanics. The first thing that hits you is the sheer vibrancy and creativity of the game's world. Each kingdom is uniquely designed, from the bustling Metro Kingdom, reminiscent of New York City, to the sandy landscapes of the Sand Kingdom. The level of detail is astounding, making exploration a joy in itself. What truly sets Odyssey apart is Cappy, Mario's new companion. Cappy allows Mario to "capture" enemies and objects, essentially giving him their abilities. Want to control a T-Rex? No problem! How about a Goomba or a Bullet Bill? The possibilities are endless, and this mechanic adds a fresh layer of gameplay that feels both intuitive and incredibly fun. The game isn't just about the main story; it's packed with hundreds of Power Moons hidden throughout the kingdoms. Finding these moons is a rewarding experience, often requiring you to solve puzzles, complete challenges, or simply explore every nook and cranny. This encourages players to fully immerse themselves in the world and discover its secrets. Super Mario Odyssey is also a visual treat. The game runs smoothly on the Switch, both in docked and handheld modes, and the art style is charming and expressive. Mario's animations are fluid and full of personality, and the environments are bursting with color and life. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the gameplay. The main theme, "Jump Up, Super Star!," is an instant classic that will have you humming along in no time. Beyond the gameplay and visuals, Super Mario Odyssey excels in its pure, unadulterated fun. It's a game that's easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer to the series, you'll find something to love in this game. It's a celebration of everything that makes Mario great, and a testament to Nintendo's ability to innovate and surprise. For anyone looking for a definitive Mario experience on the Switch, Super Mario Odyssey is an absolute must-have.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate kart racing experience on the Nintendo Switch. It takes everything that made the original Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U great and enhances it with new characters, karts, tracks, and gameplay modes. This is the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, and it's a must-have for any Switch owner, whether you're a casual gamer or a seasoned racing enthusiast. The game features a massive roster of characters from the Mario universe and beyond, including all the classics like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, as well as newcomers like Inkling Boy and Girl from Splatoon. Each character has their own unique stats, so you can choose the one that best suits your playstyle. There's also a wide variety of karts, bikes, and ATVs to choose from, each with its own handling and performance characteristics. Customizing your kart is a big part of the fun, and you can experiment with different combinations to find the perfect setup for each track. Speaking of tracks, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts an impressive selection of courses, including both new tracks and remastered classics from previous Mario Kart games. The track design is consistently excellent, with plenty of twists, turns, and obstacles to keep you on your toes. The anti-gravity sections, introduced in the original Mario Kart 8, are a highlight, allowing you to race on walls and ceilings, adding a unique vertical dimension to the gameplay. The game's core gameplay is as addictive as ever. Drifting around corners, collecting power-ups, and launching attacks on your opponents is incredibly satisfying, and the races are always unpredictable. The infamous Blue Shell is still a threat, but there are new items like the Boo and the Feather that can help you avoid it. The online multiplayer is where Mario Kart 8 Deluxe truly shines. You can race against players from all over the world in a variety of modes, including Grand Prix, VS Race, and Battle Mode. The online community is active and competitive, and there's always a race to be found. The game also supports local multiplayer for up to four players on a single Switch, making it perfect for parties and family gatherings. Visually, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is stunning. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld modes, and the graphics are sharp and vibrant. The environments are beautifully detailed, and the character models are full of personality. The soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the on-screen action. In conclusion, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have game for any Nintendo Switch owner. It's a polished, addictive, and endlessly replayable racing game that's perfect for both casual and hardcore gamers. With its massive roster of characters, karts, and tracks, its robust online multiplayer, and its stunning visuals, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive Mario Kart experience.
Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Maker 2 is a creative powerhouse that puts the power of level design directly into your hands. This game takes the core concepts of the original Super Mario Maker and expands upon them in every way, offering a vast array of tools and options for creating your own Mario levels. Whether you're a seasoned level designer or a complete beginner, Super Mario Maker 2 has something to offer. The game's level editor is intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to quickly create levels using a drag-and-drop interface. You can choose from 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 with its own unique set of assets and mechanics. The possibilities are truly endless, and you can create everything from traditional Mario levels to challenging obstacle courses to completely bizarre and experimental creations. One of the biggest additions in Super Mario Maker 2 is the Story Mode. This mode features over 100 Nintendo-designed levels that serve as both a tutorial for the game's level editor and a fun and challenging single-player experience. The levels in Story Mode are incredibly diverse, showcasing the wide range of possibilities that the game offers. Completing these levels will earn you coins, which you can use to rebuild Princess Peach's castle. The online community is a huge part of what makes Super Mario Maker 2 so special. You can upload your own levels for other players to try, and you can browse and play levels created by other users from around the world. The level of creativity on display is astounding, and you'll find everything from incredibly difficult challenge levels to hilarious and inventive creations. The game also features a ranking system, so you can see how your levels stack up against others. In addition to the level editor and the online community, Super Mario Maker 2 also offers a variety of other modes and features. There's a Course World mode where you can browse and play levels created by other users, a Endless Challenge mode where you can see how far you can get through a series of randomly selected levels, and a Multiplayer Versus mode where you can compete against other players in a race to the finish line. Visually, Super Mario Maker 2 is charming and expressive. The game's art style is faithful to the Mario series, and the levels are full of detail and personality. The game runs smoothly on the Switch, both in docked and handheld modes. Super Mario Maker 2 is a must-have game for anyone who loves Mario or who enjoys creating their own games. It's a creative and endlessly replayable game that will keep you entertained for hours on end. With its intuitive level editor, its robust online community, and its charming visuals, Super Mario Maker 2 is a true masterpiece.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a fantastic addition to the Nintendo Switch library, bringing classic 2D Mario platforming to a new audience. This game is essentially a compilation of New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, offering a wealth of content and challenges that will keep you entertained for hours. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or new to the series, this game has something to offer. The game features a classic Mario formula: run, jump, and stomp your way through a variety of colorful and challenging levels. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, or Nabbit, each with their own unique abilities. The game also supports up to four players in local multiplayer, making it perfect for playing with friends and family. One of the things that sets New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe apart is its level design. The levels are incredibly varied and creative, with plenty of secrets and hidden areas to discover. You'll encounter a wide range of environments, from lush forests to scorching deserts to icy mountains. Each level is packed with enemies, obstacles, and power-ups, keeping you on your toes and constantly challenging your skills. The game also features a variety of boss battles, each with its own unique mechanics and challenges. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe also includes the New Super Luigi U expansion, which offers a completely different gameplay experience. In this mode, you play as Luigi, who has higher jump and runs faster but has less traction. The levels in New Super Luigi U are shorter and more challenging than those in the main game, and they require you to complete them within a strict time limit. This mode is perfect for experienced Mario players who are looking for a new challenge. Visually, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is bright and colorful. The game's art style is faithful to the Mario series, and the levels are full of detail and personality. The game runs smoothly on the Switch, both in docked and handheld modes. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a must-have game for anyone who loves 2D Mario platformers. It's a challenging, rewarding, and endlessly replayable game that will keep you entertained for hours on end. With its classic gameplay, its creative level design, and its wealth of content, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a true gem.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a delightful package that offers both a classic cooperative Mario experience and a brand-new open-world adventure. This game is a fantastic addition to the Nintendo Switch library, offering a diverse range of gameplay styles and challenges that will appeal to Mario fans of all ages. Super Mario 3D World is the main attraction, offering a classic 3D Mario experience that's designed for cooperative play. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad, each with their own unique abilities. The game features a variety of colorful and imaginative levels, each with its own unique theme and challenges. You'll encounter a wide range of enemies, obstacles, and power-ups, and you'll need to work together with your friends to overcome the game's many challenges. One of the things that sets Super Mario 3D World apart is its level design. The levels are incredibly varied and creative, with plenty of secrets and hidden areas to discover. You'll encounter everything from underwater ruins to haunted mansions to floating islands. The game also features a variety of boss battles, each with its own unique mechanics and challenges. Bowser's Fury is a brand-new open-world adventure that's included in the package. In this mode, you explore a series of interconnected islands, each with its own unique challenges and secrets. You'll encounter a giant, enraged Bowser who periodically attacks the islands, and you'll need to find a way to stop him. The gameplay in Bowser's Fury is more open-ended than in Super Mario 3D World, allowing you to explore the world at your own pace and tackle challenges in any order you choose. The game also features a cooperative mode, allowing you to play with a friend as Bowser Jr. Visually, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is stunning. The game's art style is bright and colorful, and the levels are full of detail and personality. The game runs smoothly on the Switch, both in docked and handheld modes. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a must-have game for anyone who loves Mario or who enjoys cooperative games. It's a charming, challenging, and endlessly replayable game that will keep you entertained for hours on end. With its classic gameplay, its creative level design, and its brand-new open-world adventure, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a true gem.
So there you have it, folks! These are some of the best Mario games you can play on the Nintendo Switch right now. Each title offers a unique experience, whether you're looking for classic platforming action, kart racing mayhem, or creative level design. So, grab your Switch and get ready to jump into the wonderful world of Mario! Happy gaming!