Best Mario Games On Nintendo Switch

What's up, gamers! If you're anything like me, you've probably been absolutely glued to your Nintendo Switch, and let's be honest, a huge chunk of that playtime is thanks to our favorite plumber, Mario! Nintendo has seriously outdone themselves with the Switch, offering an incredible lineup of Mario adventures that cater to every type of player. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran looking for a new challenge or a total newbie curious about what all the hype is about, this guide is for you. We're diving deep into the absolute best Mario games you can get your hands on for the Nintendo Switch right now. Get ready to rediscover why Mario is, and always will be, the king of platforming and a staple in any gamer's library. From sprawling open worlds to fast-paced kart racing and mind-bending puzzles, the Mushroom Kingdom has never looked or played better. So, grab your Joy-Cons, because we're about to embark on a journey through some truly unforgettable gaming experiences!

Super Mario Odyssey: A World of Wonder

Alright guys, let's kick things off with what many consider the crown jewel of the Mario Switch library: Super Mario Odyssey. Seriously, if you only pick up one Mario game for your Switch, make it this one. This game is an absolute masterpiece, guys, offering a vastly open-ended experience that redefines what a 3D Mario game can be. You're not just jumping from one linear level to the next; you're exploring huge, sandbox-style kingdoms, each with its own unique theme, secrets, and challenges. We're talking bustling cities, lush jungles, volcanic landscapes, and even a food-themed world that will make your stomach rumble! The core mechanic here is Cappy, Mario's sentient hat, which he can throw to capture enemies and objects. This opens up a mind-blowing array of gameplay possibilities. Want to possess a T-Rex and smash through obstacles? You got it! Fancy soaring through the sky as a giant bird? No problem! This mechanic adds an incredible layer of depth and creativity to the platforming, making every moment feel fresh and exciting. The controls are incredibly tight and responsive, as you'd expect from a Mario title, allowing for some truly impressive acrobatic feats. Plus, the sheer amount of collectibles, power moons, and secrets scattered throughout each kingdom means you can easily sink hundreds of hours into this game and still discover new things. The story might be simple – Bowser kidnapping Peach again – but the journey to get her back is anything but. The boss battles are creative, the music is absolutely infectious, and the overall presentation is just stunning. It's a celebration of everything Mario, packed with nostalgia while simultaneously pushing the franchise forward. Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a great game; it's an essential Switch experience that showcases Nintendo's unparalleled ability to craft pure, unadulterated fun.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The Ultimate Racing Party

When you think of multiplayer fun on the Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is probably one of the first games that comes to mind, and for good reason! This isn't just a racing game; it's a full-blown party starter that brings friends and family together for countless hours of chaotic, exhilarating fun. It's the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, packing in all the DLC from the Wii U version and adding some awesome new features. You get a massive roster of characters, from Mario and Luigi to unexpected additions like Link, Isabelle, and the Inklings, each with their own stats to consider. The track selection is absolutely insane, with over 48 courses to race on, including beloved classics and brand-new, visually stunning creations. Think rainbow roads, spooky ghost houses, and underwater circuits – there's a track for every mood! The gameplay itself is classic Mario Kart: pick your character, choose your kart, grab an item, and try to cross the finish line first. But oh boy, is it addictive! Mastering the drift mechanic is key to success, allowing you to gain speed boosts that can make or break your race. And then there are the items – the dreaded Blue Shell, the always-useful Mushroom boost, the tricky Green Shells – all designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe truly shines in multiplayer, whether you're playing locally with up to four players on one Switch or battling it out online with up to 12. The addition of a dedicated Battle Mode with new arenas and modes like Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast adds even more replayability. It's the perfect game for casual get-togethers or intense online competitions. The visuals are vibrant and crisp, the music is catchy, and the overall polish is top-notch. If you want a game that guarantees laughter, friendly (or not-so-friendly) rivalries, and endless replayability, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an absolute must-have.

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

Get ready for a double dose of Mario goodness with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury! This incredible package brings the beloved Wii U title, Super Mario 3D World, to the Switch with a host of enhancements, plus a brand-new, open-world adventure called Bowser's Fury. Let's talk about Super Mario 3D World first. This game offers a fantastic blend of 2D and 3D Mario gameplay. You'll navigate through expertly designed, linear levels filled with classic platforming challenges, power-ups like the super-fun Cat Suit (hello, wall climbing!), and clever enemy placements. What sets this game apart is its fantastic multiplayer focus. You can play with up to four players locally or online, each controlling a different character like Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad. Coordinating your efforts (or sometimes just getting in each other's way) adds a hilarious and chaotic dimension to the gameplay. The levels are brilliantly crafted, encouraging teamwork and offering plenty of secrets to discover for those who want to go the extra mile. Now, onto the real showstopper for many: Bowser's Fury. This is a completely new, standalone adventure that feels like a glimpse into the future of 3D Mario. It features a massive, open-world island called Luvbi Island that you can explore freely. Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to take down a monstrous, kaiju-sized Bowser who's gone berserk. The gameplay is fluid and dynamic, with Mario using his acrobatic skills and the new Fury Bowser transformation to battle his corrupted dad. The scale of the boss battles is epic, and the sense of freedom in exploration is truly captivating. It's a more mature and experimental take on the Mario formula, and it's absolutely brilliant. Having both these amazing games in one package makes Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury an incredible value and a must-play for any Mario fan. It offers both classic linear fun and exciting open-world exploration, all wrapped up in a beautiful, polished package.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder: A Psychedelic Platforming Revolution

Prepare yourselves, folks, because Super Mario Bros. Wonder is here to blow your minds! Nintendo has taken the classic 2D Mario formula and injected it with a massive dose of pure, unadulterated creativity and psychedelic weirdness. This game isn't just a new 2D Mario; it's a complete reinvention that feels both familiar and utterly surprising. The core gameplay is classic side-scrolling platforming – run, jump, stomp on Goombas – but the moment you collect a Wonder Flower, all bets are off! These magical flowers trigger