Top Nintendo Switch Mario Games: A Must-Play List

Hey guys! If you're a Nintendo Switch owner and a fan of the iconic Mario franchise, you're in for a treat. The Switch boasts an incredible lineup of Mario games, each offering unique adventures and hours of fun. But with so many titles to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to start. That's why I've put together this must-play list of the best Nintendo Switch Mario games to help you jump right into the action. Let's-a go!

1. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is an absolute masterpiece and a must-have for any Switch owner. This game takes the classic Mario formula and injects it with a fresh dose of creativity and innovation. The core gameplay revolves around Mario traveling to various kingdoms around the world, each with its own unique environment, challenges, and secrets. What sets Odyssey apart is Cappy, a sentient hat that allows Mario to capture and control a variety of enemies and objects. This mechanic opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to solve puzzles, traverse levels in creative ways, and discover hidden areas.

The level design in Super Mario Odyssey is simply brilliant. Each kingdom is packed with things to do, from collecting Power Moons to completing mini-challenges and interacting with quirky characters. The game encourages exploration, and you'll often find yourself rewarded for venturing off the beaten path. The sheer variety of gameplay experiences is staggering, and you'll never get bored of discovering new ways to use Cappy's abilities. The story, while classic Mario, is engaging and full of charm, driving you forward as you chase after Bowser and try to rescue Princess Peach. Beyond the main storyline, the post-game content adds even more value, with new challenges, tougher puzzles, and even more Power Moons to collect. The game's difficulty curve is also perfectly balanced, offering a challenge for seasoned players while remaining accessible to newcomers. The sense of discovery is ever-present, making each playthrough a unique adventure.

Furthermore, the graphics in Super Mario Odyssey are stunning, showcasing the Switch's capabilities with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and smooth animations. The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring catchy tunes that perfectly complement the gameplay. The controls are tight and responsive, making it a joy to move Mario around the world and perform his acrobatic moves. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, Super Mario Odyssey is a game that will captivate you from start to finish. It’s a shining example of what a modern 3D Mario game can be and deserves its place at the top of this list.

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Alright, racing fans, let's talk about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! This game is the ultimate Mario Kart experience, bringing together the best tracks, characters, and features from previous installments while adding plenty of new content. If you're looking for a fun, competitive, and endlessly replayable racing game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the perfect choice. The game boasts a massive roster of racers, including familiar faces like Mario, Luigi, and Peach, as well as newcomers and crossover characters. Each racer has their own stats, so you can choose the one that best suits your play style.

The track selection in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is phenomenal, featuring a mix of classic courses and brand-new creations. You'll race through vibrant environments inspired by the Mario universe, from lush forests and underwater kingdoms to gravity-defying circuits and haunted mansions. The tracks are filled with twists, turns, and obstacles, ensuring that every race is exciting and unpredictable. The core gameplay of Mario Kart is simple yet addictive. You race around a track, collect items, and use them to gain an advantage over your opponents. The item system is what makes Mario Kart so chaotic and fun, with everything from speed-boosting mushrooms to shell-firing projectiles that can turn the tide of a race in an instant. The addition of anti-gravity sections adds a new dimension to the racing, allowing you to drive on walls and ceilings. The sense of speed is exhilarating, and the game runs incredibly smoothly, even in four-player split-screen mode.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also includes a robust online multiplayer mode, allowing you to race against players from around the world. The online community is active and competitive, so you'll always find someone to race against. The game supports local multiplayer as well, making it perfect for game nights with friends and family. The variety of game modes keeps things fresh, with options like Grand Prix, Time Trials, and Battle Mode. Battle Mode has been significantly improved in Deluxe, with new arenas and modes that are a blast to play. The game’s accessibility is another strong point; it’s easy for anyone to pick up and play, but there’s also a surprising amount of depth for those who want to master the drifting and item usage. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a true crowd-pleaser and a must-have for any Switch owner, offering countless hours of racing fun.

3. Super Mario Maker 2

Calling all creative minds! Super Mario Maker 2 is the ultimate playground for Mario fans, giving you the tools to create and play your own Mario levels. This game is a celebration of the Mario franchise, allowing you to build levels in a variety of styles, from classic 8-bit to modern 3D. If you've ever dreamed of designing your own Mario game, this is your chance to make it a reality. The level editor in Super Mario Maker 2 is incredibly intuitive and user-friendly. You can drag and drop blocks, enemies, and power-ups to create the level of your dreams. The game includes a vast library of assets, including elements from Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Super Mario 3D World. This allows you to create levels in a variety of different styles, each with its own unique gameplay mechanics.

The possibilities in Super Mario Maker 2 are truly endless. You can create challenging platforming stages, puzzle-filled levels, or even auto-scrolling courses that play themselves. The game also includes a story mode, which tasks you with rebuilding Princess Peach’s castle by completing various levels. This mode is a great way to learn the ropes of level design and to see what’s possible with the game’s tools. But the real heart of Super Mario Maker 2 is the online community. You can upload your levels for other players to try, and you can play levels created by other users from around the world. The online community is incredibly active, with new levels being uploaded every day. This means that there’s always something new to play, and you’ll never run out of challenges.

Super Mario Maker 2 also includes a variety of multiplayer modes. You can play levels cooperatively with friends, or you can compete against other players in online versus matches. The multiplayer modes add a new layer of excitement to the game, and they’re a great way to test your skills against other players. The game's interface is well-designed, making it easy to navigate the creation tools and browse the online courses. The game also benefits from the Switch's portability, allowing you to design and play levels on the go. Whether you're a seasoned game designer or just a Mario fan with a creative spark, Super Mario Maker 2 is a game that will provide countless hours of enjoyment. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mario franchise and a fantastic tool for fostering creativity and community.

4. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a fantastic addition to the Switch's Mario lineup, offering classic 2D platforming action with a modern twist. This game is a compilation of New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, providing a wealth of content for players to enjoy. If you're a fan of side-scrolling Mario games, this one is a must-have. The core gameplay in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is classic Mario. You run, jump, and stomp your way through colorful levels, collecting power-ups and defeating enemies. The game features a world map that you can explore, with multiple paths and secret exits to discover. The level design is top-notch, with a mix of challenging platforming sections, clever puzzles, and hidden areas.

One of the standout features of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is its multiplayer mode. Up to four players can play together simultaneously, making for chaotic and hilarious gameplay. The game also includes a variety of different characters to choose from, each with their own unique abilities. In addition to Mario and Luigi, you can play as Toadette, who can transform into Peachette using the Super Crown, and Nabbit, who is immune to enemy damage. The addition of these characters makes the game more accessible to new players and adds a new layer of strategy for experienced players. New Super Luigi U, which is included in the Deluxe version, is a more challenging version of the main game, with redesigned levels and a tighter time limit. This mode is perfect for players who are looking for a greater challenge.

The game’s visuals are vibrant and polished, taking full advantage of the Switch’s capabilities. The level themes are diverse and engaging, ranging from classic grasslands and underwater worlds to spooky forests and towering castles. The boss battles are creative and challenging, requiring you to use all of Mario's abilities to emerge victorious. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe also includes a variety of bonus content, such as Challenge Mode and Boost Rush Mode, which add even more replayability. The game's controls are tight and responsive, making it a joy to play. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a fantastic Mario experience that will keep you entertained for hours. It strikes a perfect balance between classic Mario gameplay and modern design sensibilities, making it a standout title on the Switch.

5. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Last but certainly not least, we have Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. This game is a fantastic two-in-one package, offering a remastered version of the Wii U classic Super Mario 3D World and a brand-new open-world adventure in Bowser's Fury. If you're looking for a game that combines classic 3D Mario gameplay with innovative new ideas, this is the one for you. Super Mario 3D World is a multiplayer-focused 3D Mario game that allows up to four players to play together simultaneously. The game features a variety of different characters to choose from, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad, each with their own unique abilities.

The level design in Super Mario 3D World is superb, with a mix of challenging platforming sections, clever puzzles, and hidden areas. The game introduces the Super Bell power-up, which transforms the characters into cat forms, allowing them to climb walls and attack enemies with claws. The cat form adds a fun new dimension to the gameplay and opens up new possibilities for level design. Bowser's Fury is a brand-new open-world adventure that is included in the package. This mode takes place in a vast, interconnected world that you can explore freely. The gameplay in Bowser's Fury is similar to Super Mario Odyssey, with Mario collecting Cat Shines to awaken lighthouses and dispel the darkness.

One of the standout features of Bowser's Fury is the dynamic weather system. Throughout the game, Fury Bowser will occasionally appear, unleashing fiery attacks and transforming the environment. This adds a sense of urgency to the gameplay and forces you to adapt to the changing conditions. The boss battles in Bowser's Fury are epic and challenging, requiring you to use all of Mario's abilities to emerge victorious. The game's graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments. The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring catchy tunes that perfectly complement the gameplay. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a fantastic package that offers a wealth of content for Mario fans to enjoy. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, this game is sure to provide hours of entertainment. It's a testament to Mario's enduring appeal and a must-have for any Switch owner.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! My list of the top Nintendo Switch Mario games that you absolutely need to play. From the innovative gameplay of Super Mario Odyssey to the chaotic fun of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and the creative possibilities of Super Mario Maker 2, there’s a Mario game on the Switch for everyone. Each of these games offers a unique experience, but they all share the same core values that make the Mario franchise so beloved: fun, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. So grab your Switch, pick up one (or all!) of these games, and get ready for some Mario magic. Happy gaming!