The Nintendo Switch has revolutionized how we experience Mario games, offering unprecedented variety in how we can play with Nintendo’s beloved mascot. Since the console’s launch in 2017, the Mario franchise has evolved dramatically, incorporating new gameplay mechanics while honoring its classic roots. This guide explores every Mario Game on Nintendo Switch platform as of 2025, helping you understand not just what each game offers, but why it might be perfect for your gaming preferences.
Essential Adventures
These are the must-play titles that define Mario’s core platforming experience on the Nintendo Switch:
Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
An open-world 3D platformer with innovative capture mechanics and diverse kingdoms. Players love its creative level design and freedom, but some feel it lacks the difficulty of older Mario titles. Despite this, the sheer number of moons to collect ensures hours of gameplay, with rewarding secrets and post-game challenges that keep dedicated players engaged.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023)
A fresh take on the classic 2D Mario formula with unique power-ups and dynamic stages. The new mechanics keep things exciting, though some wish for even more challenging platforming. This installment introduces Wonder Effects, which drastically change levels in unexpected ways, adding variety and surprise elements that make every stage feel distinct.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (2021)
A hybrid experience combining multiplayer 3D platforming and a semi-open world adventure. Multiplayer is chaotic fun, but solo players might find Bowser’s Fury too short. The main campaign is a great blend of classic Mario structure with cooperative play, while Bowser’s Fury offers a glimpse into a more open-ended Mario adventure, hinting at possible future directions for the series.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (2019)
A refined version of the classic 2D Mario experience with additional playable characters. Great for fans of traditional Mario, but some consider it too similar to previous entries. The inclusion of Toadette and Nabbit as easier difficulty options makes this a welcoming entry point for new players, but veterans may find its gameplay a bit too familiar compared to newer Mario titles.
RPG & Story-Driven Adventures
Mario has also ventured into role-playing and strategy games, offering rich narratives and tactical gameplay:
Super Mario RPG (2023)
A remake of the beloved SNES classic with turn-based combat and charming characters. Fans appreciate the nostalgia and graphical updates, but some hoped for more gameplay refinements. With enhanced visuals and improved mechanics, it faithfully recreates the original experience while making it more accessible for modern audiences.
Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020)
A visually stunning RPG with puzzle-based battles and a humorous story. Its humor and visuals shine, yet the ring-based combat is divisive among players. The game’s world-building and quirky characters make it a joy to explore, even if the battle system doesn’t appeal to everyone.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2024)
A highly anticipated remake of one of the best Paper Mario titles. Its engaging story and battle system remain fantastic, though some want new content beyond the remake. The deep character interactions and strategic combat continue to captivate fans, proving its status as a high point in the Paper Mario series.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership (2024)
A brand-new installment in the acclaimed Mario & Luigi RPG series. The humor and charm remain intact, but the tutorials feel excessive at times. This installment offers creative combat mechanics that keep battles engaging, though it takes a while to get fully into the action.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (2019)
A tactical RPG blending Mario characters with Ubisoft’s Rabbids. Surprisingly deep gameplay, though some find the humor and setting a bit odd for Mario. While initially seen as an unusual crossover, its strategic depth and unique battle mechanics won over skeptics.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope (2022)
A sequel featuring enhanced combat mechanics and expansive worlds. Improves on the first game in almost every way, yet some prefer the structured maps of the original. With more freedom of movement and expanded character customization, this sequel refines and builds upon its predecessor’s successes.
Party & Multiplayer Fun
If you’re looking for multiplayer chaos and friendly competition, these Mario games are perfect for social gaming:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)
The definitive Mario Kart experience with an extensive track selection and online play. Arguably the best in the series, though some hoped for a completely new entry rather than a port. The addition of DLC tracks and characters continues to keep the game fresh, ensuring its longevity as the go-to Mario Kart experience.
Mario Party Superstars (2021)
A nostalgia-packed party game featuring classic boards and minigames. A fantastic throwback, yet the limited board selection leaves players wanting more. The minigames are among the best in the series, but the lack of additional content updates limits its long-term replayability.
Super Mario Party (2018)
A modern take on the traditional Mario Party format with motion controls and online support. Great minigames but lacks substantial board variety. While it introduces some fresh mechanics, players still prefer the depth of earlier Mario Party titles.
Super Mario Party Jamboree (2024)
The newest entry in the series, offering fresh boards and a vast collection of minigames. Improves on its predecessor with better online features, but some mechanics still rely too much on luck. It reintroduces more strategic elements while expanding the online play options, making it one of the most well-rounded Mario Party entries to date.
Also read: Top 10 Best-Selling Nintendo Switch Games: Greatest Hits and Their Legacy
Sports & Competitive Titles
Mario isn’t just about platforming—he’s also an all-star athlete in these fast-paced competitive games:
Mario Tennis Aces (2018)
A dynamic tennis game with special shots and an engaging story mode. Strong mechanics but the single-player mode is too short. The skill-based gameplay makes for thrilling matches, though some players wish for more offline content.
Mario Golf Super Rush (2021)
A golf experience featuring speed golf and an RPG-inspired campaign. Fun and fast-paced, yet the RPG elements feel underdeveloped. Speed golf adds excitement, but the adventure mode leaves much to be desired in depth.
Mario Strikers Battle League (2022)
A high-energy soccer game with intense action and unique character abilities. Great multiplayer action, but lacks content at launch. Despite its solid gameplay mechanics, the limited initial roster and modes disappointed some players.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (2019)
A crossover sports title featuring Olympic events with Mario and Sonic characters. A solid party game, but the novelty wears off quickly. While fun for a casual session, it doesn’t have the lasting appeal of other Mario sports titles.
Creative & Classic Collections
For those who enjoy game creation or revisiting classic Mario adventures, these titles offer plenty of nostalgia and creativity:
Super Mario Maker 2 (2019)
A level-creation tool allowing players to design and share their own Mario courses. The community-driven levels add endless content, though the online features could be better. The level variety is immense, but online connectivity issues have been a long-standing frustration.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars (2021)
A collection of three iconic 3D Mario titles: 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy. A great way to play classics, but minimal effort was put into the remastering. The lack of extra features or improvements disappointed some fans.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2024)
A puzzle-platformer featuring toy-like Mini Marios and strategic level-solving. Charming puzzles, yet some find it too easy compared to the originals. While fun, it doesn’t quite match the challenge of earlier entries.
Super Mario Bros. 35 (2020) (Discontinued)
A unique battle royale experience celebrating the original Super Mario Bros. A fun, chaotic twist on classic Mario, but its limited availability frustrated many fans.
What’s next for Mario?
Nintendo has officially confirmed Mario Kart World as the first major Mario title for the Switch 2, announced on January 16, 2025. It marks the franchise’s first new installment since 2020.
The game features 24-player races, doubling the previous cap. Tracks have been redesigned to support the larger roster, offering a more chaotic and expansive racing experience. Motorcycles and ATVs return, along with new karts that feature non-traditional wheel designs.
Visually, the game draws inspiration from Shigehisa Nakaue’s 2D illustrations, echoing the style of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. This artistic shift could signal a new aesthetic direction for the Mario Kart series.
New gameplay mechanics include glider wings and water skis, replacing older flying and underwater driving systems. The game also introduces an open-world mode, allowing players to explore between races, uncover secrets, and enjoy a more sandbox-style experience.
With this release, Nintendo makes it clear that Mario Kart World is just the beginning of Mario’s journey on the Switch 2. More announcements are expected in the coming months.
