The Best Mario Games to Play on Your Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console that lets you experience gaming on the go or at home. It has an extensive library of games, and no Nintendo console would be complete without the iconic plumber in red. That’s right, we’re talking about Mario! This list includes the best Mario games to play on your Nintendo Switch.

Good to know: check out the best Nintendo Switch apps that are not games!

1. Super Mario Odyssey

Buy separately: Yes

Super Mario Odyssey is a must-play for any Mario fan. The 3D adventure takes Mario across various kingdoms, offering exciting gameplay and unique mechanics. Capture creatures with your sentient hat, Cappy, and use their abilities to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Some people find the inclusion of regular-proportioned humans a little weird, but otherwise, this is a modern classic.

Pros

• Expansive open-world environments
• Creative gameplay mechanics with Cappy
• Visually stunning graphics

Cons

• Some moons can be challenging to find
• No traditional power-ups

Good to know: you don’t need a Nintendo Switch to play Switch games. As long as you own a copy of the game that is legal in your part of the world, you can use a Nintendo Switch Emulator.

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Buy separately: Yes

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a souped-up version of the original Wii U game. It includes all the DLC content and introduces new characters, tracks, and battle modes. Best of all, it’s still being supported with DLC and no end in sight! Grab your friends and get ready for some high-speed, chaotic fun.

Pros

• Huge roster of characters and tracks
• Great for local and online multiplayer

Cons

• Limited single-player content
• Can be frustrating due to “rubber-banding” AI

Tip: if Mario Kart is a little too confrontational for your taste, there are plenty of great co-op games on Switch to smooth things over.

3. Super Mario Maker 2

Buy separately: Yes

Unleash your creativity with Super Mario Maker 2. Build your own Mario levels, share them with friends, and play through endless community-created content. With new features and tools, the possibilities are endless. Also, some of the user-created levels are literally the path to madness.

Pros

• Unlimited replays with community levels
• Intuitive level design tools
• Robust single-player campaign

Cons

• Learning curve for advanced level creation
• Quality of user-generated content varies
• Touch controls only in handheld mode, unlike Wii U

4. Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Buy separately: Yes, but only in limited physical quantities

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a collection of three classic Mario titles: Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. These games have been remastered for the Switch, offering smoother gameplay and improved graphics. Please don’t pay ridiculous prices for this game on used markets.

Pros

• Three classic games in one package
• Improved graphics and performance
• Nostalgic appeal for older fans

Cons

• Limited enhancements beyond graphics
• Controls may feel dated for newcomers
• Physical copies sell for ridiculous prices

5. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Buy separately: Yes

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe brings the classic 2D platforming experience to the Switch. Play solo or with friends in this enhanced version that includes the original game and the New Super Luigi U expansion. This might be the best “classic” Mario Bros. game in the modern era.

Pros

• Accessible and enjoyable for all ages
• Great multiplayer fun
• Plenty of content with both games included

Cons

• Visuals may feel uninspired for some
• Not a significant departure from previous games

FYI: if you want to switch it up, check out the best Pokémon games ever made.

6. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Buy separately: Yes

In this unique crossover, Mario teams up with the mischievous Rabbids in a turn-based tactical adventure. Use strategic thinking and character abilities to defeat enemies and restore order to the Mushroom Kingdom. On paper, an X-com-style Mario game shouldn’t work, but this totally does, and it’s an easy recommendation. A sequel, Sparks of Hope, came out in 2022, but the first game is arguably the best.

Pros

• Engaging tactical gameplay
• Surprising depth and challenge
• Humorous story and character interactions

Cons

• Rabbids humor may not appeal to everyone
• Limited replayability

7. Super Mario Party

Buy separately: Yes

Gather your friends and family for Super Mario Party, a collection of fun, competitive minigames. With new modes and boards, this game is perfect for casual fans. Whether there’s any skill involved is debatable, but it’s really a great way to spice up a family-friendly party.

Pros

• Wide variety of entertaining mini games
• Excellent for local multiplayer and parties
• Accessible to players of all skill levels

Cons

• Limited online multiplayer options
• Winning and losing REALLY feels like pure luck sometimes.

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8. Paper Mario: The Origami King

Buy separately: Yes

Embark on a humorous, paper-crafted adventure in Paper Mario: The Origami King. Solve puzzles and engage in strategic, turn-based battles with folded paper enemies to save Princess Peach and the Mushroom Kingdom. It’s not quite Super Mario RPG, but it’s the next best thing on the Nintendo Switch.

Pros

• Unique art style and presentation
• Engaging story and characters
• Clever puzzles and exploration

Cons

• Battle system may not satisfy everyone
• Some tedious sections

9. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Buy separately: Yes

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a two-in-one package, featuring an enhanced version of the original game and a new standalone adventure. Join Mario and friends in a 3D platforming romp, or take on the colossal Bowser in a cat-themed open world.

Pros

• Two full games in one package
• Excellent level design and variety
• Satisfying multiplayer in Super Mario 3D World

Cons

• Bowser’s Fury may feel short for some players
• Camera controls can be tricky at times

Tip: Switch games with flashy 3D graphics like Super Mario 3D World can drain your battery faster than you would expect, so you’ll want to learn these tips to extend your Switch’s battery life.

10. Mario Golf: Super Rush

Buy separately: Yes

Swing into action with Mario Golf: Super Rush. This game introduces new mechanics, like the fast-paced Speed Golf mode, and offers a variety of courses for both new and experienced players. We’d take this over Mario Tennis any day of the week.

Pros

• Fun and accessible golf gameplay
• Unique modes like Speed Golf
• Variety of courses and characters

Cons

• Single-player campaign may feel lacking
• Limited customization options

Tip: expand your gaming sessions on the console with one of the best Switch battery cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play these games with friends who don't have a Switch?

Some of the games offer local multiplayer, so your friends can join using a single console. They will need their own Nintendo Switch and a copy of the game for online multiplayer.

Are there any Mario games included with the Nintendo Switch Online service?

The Nintendo Switch Online service offers access to classic Mario games – like Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, and Super Mario World – through the NES and SNES libraries. A subscription is required to access these games.

Can I use a Nintendo Switch Lite to play these games?

Yes, all the games listed here are compatible with the Nintendo Switch Lite. However, some games may require additional Joy-Con controllers for local multiplayer.

Are there any Mario spinoff games available on the Switch?

There are several Mario spinoff games, such as Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. While these games feature familiar characters, they offer unique gameplay experiences outside of the main Mario series.

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