Best Nintendo Switch Mario Games: Top Picks!
Hey guys! If you're a Nintendo Switch owner and a Mario fan, you're in for a treat! The Switch has become a fantastic home for Mario games, offering a mix of classic adventures and innovative new experiences. With so many titles available, it can be tough to decide which ones are worth your time and money. So, let's dive into the best Mario games you can play on the Nintendo Switch right now.
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is an absolute masterpiece and a must-have for any Switch owner. This game reinvents the Mario formula with its open-world environments and the introduction of Cappy, Mario's new companion. Cappy allows Mario to capture and control various objects and enemies, leading to incredibly creative and fun gameplay mechanics. Each kingdom in Odyssey is packed with secrets, challenges, and unique objectives that keep you engaged for hours. The sheer amount of content and the joy of discovery make it one of the best Mario games ever made.
The gameplay is incredibly versatile. You can capture anything from a T-Rex to a Goomba, each offering unique abilities that change how you navigate the world and solve puzzles. The level design is top-notch, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity. Whether you're chasing down a Power Moon or simply enjoying the vibrant scenery, Super Mario Odyssey consistently delivers moments of joy and wonder. The post-game content is also substantial, providing even more challenges for dedicated players. It’s a game that truly understands what makes Mario fun and expands upon it in exciting new ways. The storyline, while simple, serves as a perfect backdrop for the adventure, and the characters you meet along the way are memorable and charming. Plus, the soundtrack is amazing, filled with catchy tunes that will stay in your head long after you've finished playing. Seriously, if you haven't played Super Mario Odyssey yet, what are you waiting for? It's a game that defines the Nintendo Switch experience and sets a high bar for all future Mario games.
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive Mario Kart experience and an essential multiplayer game for the Switch. It includes all the tracks and characters from the original Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, plus new characters, karts, and battle modes. The gameplay is polished to perfection, offering tight controls, thrilling races, and plenty of chaotic fun. Whether you're playing with friends on the couch or racing online, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe guarantees hours of entertainment.
The variety of tracks is staggering, ranging from classic Mario-themed courses to tracks inspired by other Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing. The addition of anti-gravity sections adds a new dimension to the racing, allowing you to drive on walls and ceilings. Customizing your kart is also a blast, with a wide range of options to choose from that affect your kart's stats. The battle modes are a highlight, offering a variety of ways to compete with friends, from classic balloon battle to more strategic modes like Shine Thief. The game runs flawlessly on the Switch, with vibrant graphics and a smooth frame rate. It’s easy to pick up and play, but mastering the drifting and item usage takes skill and practice. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that appeals to players of all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect choice for family game night or competitive online play. The continuous updates and DLC content have kept the game fresh and exciting, ensuring that it remains a staple of the Nintendo Switch library. Trust me; this is one game you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
3. Super Mario Maker 2
Unleash your creativity with Super Mario Maker 2, a game that allows you to create and play your own Mario levels. With a vast array of tools and assets, you can design anything from simple, straightforward courses to incredibly challenging and complex creations. The game also features a robust online community, where you can share your levels and play levels created by other players. The possibilities are endless, making Super Mario Maker 2 a game that offers limitless replayability.
The creation tools are intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to quickly bring your ideas to life. You can choose from a variety of Mario game styles, including Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Super Mario 3D World, each with its own unique mechanics and assets. The game also includes a story mode with over 100 Nintendo-designed courses, providing inspiration and tutorials for aspiring level creators. The online community is the heart of the game, with millions of levels available to play. You can search for levels based on difficulty, theme, or creator, and you can rate and comment on levels you've played. Super Mario Maker 2 is a game that encourages creativity, collaboration, and community, making it a unique and rewarding experience for Mario fans. Whether you're a seasoned game designer or just looking for some fun, this game has something to offer. The regular updates and new content keep the game fresh and exciting, ensuring that there’s always something new to discover. So, grab your Switch and start building your dream Mario level today!
4. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe brings the classic 2D Mario experience to the Switch with updated graphics and additional content. This game is perfect for those who love traditional Mario gameplay, with its challenging levels, hidden secrets, and rewarding power-ups. The Deluxe version includes both the original New Super Mario Bros. U and the New Super Luigi U expansion, providing a wealth of content for players to enjoy. With support for up to four players, it’s also a great game for playing with friends and family.
The level design is excellent, with each world offering a variety of unique themes and challenges. The game features a mix of classic Mario enemies and new adversaries, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. The power-ups, such as the Super Acorn and the Penguin Suit, add new abilities and strategies to the game. The New Super Luigi U expansion offers a more challenging experience, with shorter levels and a tighter time limit. The multiplayer mode is chaotic and fun, with players working together (or against each other) to reach the end of each level. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a perfect choice for those who enjoy traditional Mario games and are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. The updated graphics and additional content make it a worthwhile addition to any Switch library. It's a game that's easy to pick up and play, but mastering the levels and finding all the secrets will keep you coming back for more. So, gather your friends and family and get ready for some classic Mario action!
5. Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a collection of three classic 3D Mario games: Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. This collection allows you to experience some of the most iconic Mario adventures on the Switch with enhanced graphics and controls. While it's a limited-time release, it's a must-have for Mario fans who want to revisit these classic games or experience them for the first time.
Super Mario 64 is a groundbreaking game that revolutionized 3D platforming. Its open-world environments and innovative gameplay mechanics set the standard for future 3D games. Super Mario Sunshine introduces the FLUDD, a water-spraying device that adds a new dimension to Mario's abilities. Its tropical setting and unique challenges make it a memorable and enjoyable experience. Super Mario Galaxy is a masterpiece of level design, with its gravity-defying worlds and creative gameplay mechanics. The game's stunning visuals and orchestral soundtrack create an immersive and unforgettable experience. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a celebration of Mario's legacy, showcasing some of the best games in the series. While the collection has some minor flaws, such as the lack of significant updates to the games, it's still a worthwhile purchase for Mario fans. These games have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyable and engaging. So, if you have the chance to grab a copy, don't miss out on this amazing collection.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic platform for Mario games, offering a diverse range of experiences that cater to different tastes. Whether you're a fan of classic 2D platforming, open-world adventures, or kart racing, there's a Mario game on the Switch for you. These are just a few of the best Mario games available, and there are many other great titles to discover. So, grab your Switch, pick up a Mario game, and get ready for some fun! Happy gaming!