Best Mario Games For Nintendo Switch

Hey everyone, and welcome to the ultimate rundown of the best Mario games you can snag for your Nintendo Switch! If you're like me, you probably grew up with Mario jumping all over your screen, collecting coins, and saving Princess Peach. The Nintendo Switch has totally revitalized the Mario universe, offering up some seriously amazing adventures that are perfect for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. We're talking about pure, unadulterated fun that's been polished to perfection. Whether you're looking for a solo journey or a party starter, there's a Mario game out there that's going to absolutely blow your socks off. So, grab your Joy-Cons, maybe a snack or two, and let's dive into the incredible world of Mario on the Switch!

Super Mario Odyssey: The Crown Jewel of Switch Mario

When we talk about Mario games for Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Odyssey has to be at the top of the list, no question. This game is an absolute masterpiece, guys! It takes the classic 3D Mario formula and cranks it up to eleven with a crazy amount of creativity and freedom. You're not just stuck in one world; Mario travels across a diverse range of kingdoms, each with its own unique theme, challenges, and secrets to uncover. The star of the show here is Cappy, Mario's sentient hat, which allows you to possess almost anything and anyone! Think about it: you can throw Cappy to take control of a T-Rex, a Goomba, a literal frog, or even a tank! This mechanic adds an insane layer of depth and replayability, making every new area feel fresh and exciting. The level design is simply breathtaking, packed with secrets, challenging platforming sections, and fun mini-games. Plus, the sheer joy of exploration is unparalleled. Finding all the Power Moons feels like a treasure hunt, and the game rewards your curiosity at every turn. It's got that signature Nintendo polish, with vibrant graphics, an unforgettable soundtrack, and controls that feel incredibly tight and responsive. Whether you're a hardcore gamer looking for a challenge or just want to have some casual fun, Odyssey delivers. It's the kind of game that you'll find yourself coming back to, discovering new things even after you've 'beaten' it. Seriously, if you have a Switch and you haven't played Super Mario Odyssey, you are missing out on one of the greatest gaming experiences of all time. It perfectly captures the magic of Mario while pushing the boundaries of what a platformer can be. The sheer variety of gameplay styles and the sheer joy it brings make it an absolute must-have title in any Switch owner's library. You can even play it in co-op mode, which is a fun bonus, though the main experience is single-player focused. The game is a true celebration of Mario's legacy, and it stands tall as one of his absolute best adventures ever created. It’s a vibrant, imaginative, and utterly delightful romp that showcases the Switch's capabilities perfectly. You'll be grinning from ear to ear as you explore its wonderfully weird and captivating worlds, using Cappy in increasingly clever ways to overcome obstacles and discover hidden paths. The game really encourages you to experiment and play around, making it an incredibly rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. So yeah, Super Mario Odyssey is, without a doubt, a must-play title for any Nintendo Switch owner looking for top-tier Mario action.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The Ultimate Party Starter

Next up on our list of must-have Mario games for Nintendo Switch is none other than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Honestly, guys, if you're looking to have a blast with friends or family, this is your go-to game. It's the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, packed with all the DLC from the original Wii U version, plus some sweet new additions. We're talking about a massive roster of characters, tons of karts and customization options, and an incredible number of tracks to race on. The gameplay is classic Mario Kart: chaotic, fun, and surprisingly strategic. You've got your red shells, your blue shells (yes, they're still there, and yes, they can be infuriatingly awesome), your bananas, and all the other iconic power-ups that make racing unpredictable and hilarious. What makes Deluxe so special is the sheer amount of content. There are 48 tracks in total, including tons of retro courses alongside brand-new ones, offering endless variety. The Battle Mode has also been revamped with new modes and arenas, making it way more engaging than before. It's the perfect game for when you have people over. You can easily set up a tournament, and it's accessible enough for casual players to pick up and enjoy, but there's also enough depth for those who want to master drifting, item management, and track shortcuts. The online multiplayer is also super robust, so you can race against people from all over the world. The game looks fantastic on the Switch, with bright, colorful graphics and smooth performance, even with eight players on screen. It’s pure, unadulterated fun that never gets old. Whether you're playing with friends on the couch or online, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is guaranteed to bring the laughs and the competition. It's the ultimate party game and a staple for any Switch collection. This isn't just a racing game; it's a social experience. It's the kind of game that brings people together, sparking friendly rivalries and creating memorable moments. The sheer joy of narrowly avoiding a blue shell or landing a perfect item hit is something truly special. The online component means the fun doesn't have to stop when your friends go home, either. You can jump into races anytime and test your skills against players globally. The constant updates and the addition of the Booster Course Pass have kept the game incredibly fresh, adding even more tracks and replayability long after its initial release. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mario Kart franchise and a shining example of how to deliver a complete and satisfying experience on the Switch. It truly is the king of kart racers and a testament to Nintendo's ability to create universally beloved games. So, gather your crew, pick your favorite character, and get ready for some epic races!

Super Mario Bros. Wonder: A Breath of Fresh Air

If you're craving something new and exciting in the 2D Mario realm, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is an absolute game-changer, guys. This is, hands down, one of the most innovative 2D Mario games we've seen in ages, and it’s a fantastic addition to the Mario games for Nintendo Switch library. What sets Wonder apart is the introduction of Wonder Flowers. These aren't just your average power-ups; they completely transform the levels in unexpected and delightful ways! One moment you might be running normally, and the next, pipes could come alive, gravity might shift, or you might even turn into a slime! It's pure, unadulterated chaos in the best possible way, and it keeps you guessing at every turn. The art style is also a major departure, with a beautiful, hand-drawn aesthetic that makes the characters and environments pop. It feels fresh, vibrant, and incredibly charming. Plus, the introduction of new power-ups, like the Elephant Fruit, which gives Mario a massive trunk for attacks and collecting items, adds a whole new layer of fun and strategy. The game also features playable characters like Daisy and Yoshi, and introduces the concept of 'Badges' that can modify gameplay, allowing for even more customization of your experience. Think of it as offering different ways to play, whether you want a more challenging experience or something a bit more forgiving. The online multiplayer is also a great addition, allowing you to play with friends or strangers, sharing lives and helping each other out in unique ways. It truly feels like Nintendo is experimenting and having fun with the formula, and that energy is infectious. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a vibrant, imaginative, and utterly joyous experience that recaptures the magic of classic 2D Mario while boldly innovating. It’s a must-play for fans of platformers and anyone looking for a colorful, engaging adventure on their Switch. The sheer creativity on display with the Wonder Flowers is astounding, leading to some truly memorable and often hilarious moments. It’s a game that constantly surprises you, offering a delightful sense of discovery that’s rare in modern gaming. This title proves that the 2D Mario formula still has plenty of gas in the tank, ready to surprise and delight players with fresh ideas and a playful spirit. The cooperative play adds another dimension, making it a fantastic choice for playing with family or friends, fostering a sense of shared adventure and accomplishment. The visual style alone is worth the price of admission, offering a distinct and memorable look that stands out in the crowded Switch library. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, delivering an experience that feels both familiar and brand new. The sheer replayability, thanks to the various badges and the challenge of finding all the collectibles, ensures that you'll be coming back for more.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: Double the Fun!

Get ready for a double dose of awesome with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, another essential title in the Mario games for Nintendo Switch collection. This package bundles the fantastic Super Mario 3D World, originally a Wii U gem, with the brand-new, open-world adventure, Bowser's Fury. Let's talk about Super Mario 3D World first. It's a brilliant 3D platformer that emphasizes co-op play, allowing up to four players to jump in and tackle its creatively designed levels together. The gameplay is a fantastic blend of 2D Mario's linear progression and 3D Mario's freedom, offering a unique experience. You'll find yourself using power-ups like the Super Bell, which turns Mario and friends into cats that can climb walls and pounce on enemies – it's as fun as it sounds! The levels are packed with secrets, challenges, and that signature Mario charm. It's perfect for playing with family or friends, offering a cooperative experience that's both challenging and incredibly fun. Then there's Bowser's Fury. This is a standalone, open-world adventure where Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to take down a giant, enraged Bowser. It borrows heavily from Super Mario Odyssey's mechanics, allowing for free-roaming exploration and tons of collectibles. The dynamic between Mario and Bowser Jr. is surprisingly heartwarming, and the sheer scale of the world and the boss battles are epic. It feels like a true evolution of the 3D platforming genre, offering a glimpse into what future Mario games might hold. The combination of these two incredible games in one package makes it an insane value. You get a polished, co-op focused adventure in 3D World and a groundbreaking, open-world experience in Bowser's Fury. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s ability to deliver high-quality content, ensuring that fans have access to some of the best Mario adventures available on the Switch. Whether you prefer structured levels or open-world exploration, this package has you covered. The addition of online play for Super Mario 3D World also makes it even more accessible for those who can't play locally. This release is a fantastic example of how Nintendo can bring beloved titles to new platforms and enhance them with additional content, making them feel fresh and relevant. The sheer variety of gameplay offered across both titles ensures that there's something for everyone, from casual players to completionists. It’s a celebration of Mario’s versatility and enduring appeal, solidifying its place as a must-have for Switch owners. The cat suit power-up alone is iconic and leads to some incredibly fun platforming moments that are unique to this game. Bowser's Fury also introduces some truly epic boss battles that are visually stunning and incredibly satisfying to overcome. This package truly offers an incredible amount of gameplay hours and diverse experiences, making it one of the best value propositions in the Nintendo Switch library. It’s a perfect showcase of Mario’s ability to adapt and excel in different gameplay styles, from intricate level design to expansive open-world adventures. So, if you're looking for a package deal that offers both classic and innovative Mario gameplay, this is definitely the one for you.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Wait, What?

Okay, guys, I know what you're thinking: "Isn't this an article about Mario games?" And you're absolutely right! But hear me out. While The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is not a Mario game, it's so phenomenally good and so deeply intertwined with the Nintendo Switch ecosystem that it deserves a special mention. Think of it as a bonus recommendation from your favorite gaming guru! This game is an absolute behemoth, a true testament to open-world design and player freedom. You can build anything, explore anywhere, and solve problems in ways the developers probably never even imagined. The sheer scope of creativity it allows is astounding. While it doesn't feature plumbers or princesses, it captures that same spirit of adventure, discovery, and pure fun that makes Mario games so beloved. If you own a Switch and haven't explored Hyrule in Tears of the Kingdom or its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, you are genuinely missing out on some of the most impactful and revolutionary gaming experiences of this generation. It represents the pinnacle of what Nintendo can achieve on its hardware, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for game design. The sense of wonder, the emergent gameplay, and the sheer amount of content are staggering. It's a game that respects your intelligence and rewards your curiosity, much like the best Mario titles do. So, while it’s not Mario, it embodies the same dedication to quality, innovation, and player enjoyment that we expect from Nintendo. It’s a masterpiece that deserves a spot in every Switch owner's library, regardless of their usual genre preferences. Think of it as the epic fantasy counterpart to Mario's whimsical adventures, offering a different flavor of Nintendo magic that is equally compelling and unforgettable. The sense of freedom and the emergent possibilities make it a truly unique experience that stands toe-to-toe with any of the best Mario games in terms of sheer quality and player satisfaction. It’s a game that redefines what’s possible in gaming, and that’s something special, even if it doesn’t have Mario jumping around in it. The intricate physics system, the vast explorable world, and the deep crafting mechanics all combine to create an unparalleled sense of player agency. It's an adventure that stays with you long after you've put the controller down, offering endless opportunities for discovery and creativity. So, while we're here to talk Mario, sometimes the best recommendations are the ones that expand your horizons and show you the incredible breadth of experiences available on the Nintendo Switch. And for that, Tears of the Kingdom is an absolute must-play!

Conclusion: Get Your Mario On!

So there you have it, folks! A deep dive into some of the absolute best Mario games for Nintendo Switch. From the open-world exploration of Super Mario Odyssey and Bowser's Fury to the chaotic fun of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the fresh innovation of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and the cooperative adventure of Super Mario 3D World, there's a Mario game out there for everyone. And hey, even The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom gets an honorable mention for being just plain amazing! Nintendo truly knows how to deliver quality and fun, and the Switch is bursting with incredible Mario adventures. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just getting started, you can't go wrong with any of these titles. They are perfect examples of why Mario remains an icon in the gaming world. Each game offers a unique experience, showcasing the versatility and enduring appeal of Nintendo's flagship character. So, go ahead, pick your favorite, and get ready to jump into some unforgettable fun. Happy gaming, guys!