Best Nintendo Switch Mario Games: Top Picks!
Hey guys! If you're a Nintendo Switch owner and a Mario fan (who isn't, right?), you're in for a treat. The Switch is home to some absolutely amazing Mario titles, and I'm here to guide you through the very best. Whether you're a seasoned Mario player or new to the Mushroom Kingdom, this list has something for everyone. Let's-a go!
Super Mario Odyssey
Okay, let's kick things off with what many consider to be the definitive Mario experience on the Nintendo Switch: Super Mario Odyssey. This game is an absolute masterpiece, a joyous celebration of everything that makes Mario, well, Mario. From the moment you start playing, you're thrown into a vibrant, colorful world brimming with creativity and surprises around every corner. What sets Odyssey apart from other Mario games is its sheer sense of freedom. You're not confined to linear levels; instead, you explore vast, open kingdoms packed with secrets to discover, challenges to overcome, and characters to meet. Each kingdom has its own unique theme and personality, from the bustling Metro Kingdom (New Donk City, anyone?) to the sandy dunes of the Sand Kingdom and the lush forests of the Wooded Kingdom. It’s a non-stop parade of visual delights and inventive gameplay. The introduction of Cappy, Mario's new companion, is a game-changer (literally!). Cappy allows Mario to capture and control a wide range of objects and enemies, each with their own unique abilities. Want to control a T-Rex? Done! How about a Goomba, a Bullet Bill, or even a taxi? The possibilities are endless, and it adds a whole new layer of strategic depth to the gameplay. The sheer variety of captures keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, constantly challenging you to think outside the box and experiment with different abilities. Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a great Mario game; it's a great game period. It’s a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner and a shining example of what makes video games so special. The controls are tight and responsive, the level design is ingenious, and the overall experience is pure, unadulterated fun. Trust me, you won't regret picking this one up. It's a game you'll want to revisit time and time again, always discovering something new and exciting. Plus, the post-game content is substantial, offering even more challenges and secrets to uncover long after you've finished the main story.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Alright, buckle up, racing fans! Next on our list is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the ultimate kart racing experience on the Nintendo Switch. If you're looking for a game that's easy to pick up and play, endlessly replayable, and perfect for both solo and multiplayer fun, then look no further. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe takes everything that made the original Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U great and cranks it up to eleven. All the original tracks and characters are included, along with even more content to enjoy. We're talking about a massive roster of racers, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, and many more, each with their own unique stats and kart customizations. And speaking of karts, the customization options are insane! You can mix and match different kart bodies, wheels, and gliders to create the perfect racing machine that suits your playstyle. Want a speedy kart for drifting around corners? Or a heavy-duty kart for bumping opponents off the track? The choice is yours. But the real star of the show in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the track design. The courses are absolutely stunning, visually impressive, and packed with creative twists and turns. You'll race through underwater ruins, soar through the skies on anti-gravity tracks, and dodge obstacles in haunted mansions. Each track is a visual feast, and the attention to detail is simply incredible. And let's not forget about the power-ups! From the classic Mushroom and Green Shell to the devastating Blue Shell and the chaotic Bob-omb, the power-ups in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are as fun as they are unpredictable. They can make or break a race in an instant, adding an element of strategy and excitement to every lap. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that's easy to learn but difficult to master. Whether you're a casual player or a hardcore racer, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this kart racing masterpiece. And with its robust online multiplayer mode, you can compete against players from all over the world. Get ready to burn some rubber and show off your racing skills!
Super Mario Maker 2
Calling all creative minds! Super Mario Maker 2 is here to unleash your inner level designer. This game is an absolute dream come true for Mario fans who have always wanted to create their own levels. With a massive library of tools, assets, and themes, the possibilities are truly endless. You can build classic Mario levels in the style of the original Super Mario Bros., or you can create entirely new and unique stages with crazy contraptions, challenging obstacles, and devious enemy placements. The choice is yours. Super Mario Maker 2 isn't just about creating levels; it's also about sharing them with the world. You can upload your creations online and let other players try them out. And of course, you can also play levels created by other players, giving you access to a virtually endless stream of new and exciting Mario challenges. The online community is incredibly active and creative, so you're sure to find plenty of amazing levels to play. The game features a wide range of themes to choose from, including classic themes like Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros. U, as well as a new theme based on Super Mario 3D World. Each theme has its own unique visual style and gameplay mechanics, allowing you to create levels that feel completely different. And with the addition of new tools and features, such as slopes, angry sun, and on/off switches, the level design possibilities are even greater than before. Super Mario Maker 2 is more than just a game; it's a platform for creativity and expression. It's a game that will keep you entertained for hours on end, whether you're creating your own levels or playing levels created by others. If you're a Mario fan with a creative streak, then this is a must-have title for your Nintendo Switch.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Get ready for some classic side-scrolling Mario action with New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. This game is a fantastic throwback to the traditional Mario gameplay that we all know and love, but with a modern twist. You'll run, jump, and stomp your way through a series of colorful and challenging levels, collecting coins, power-ups, and secrets along the way. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe features a massive world map to explore, filled with diverse environments and unique level designs. You'll traverse grassy plains, climb snowy mountains, swim through underwater caverns, and venture into haunted forests. Each level is packed with secrets to discover and challenges to overcome, keeping you on your toes from beginning to end. The game also introduces a few new power-ups, such as the Super Acorn, which allows Mario to transform into a Flying Squirrel and glide through the air. This power-up adds a new layer of platforming possibilities to the gameplay, allowing you to reach previously inaccessible areas and discover hidden secrets. But what really sets New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe apart is its multiplayer mode. You can play with up to four players simultaneously, working together to conquer the levels or competing against each other to see who can collect the most coins. The multiplayer mode is chaotic, hilarious, and incredibly fun, making it a perfect game for parties and family gatherings. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a great choice for Mario fans who are looking for a classic side-scrolling adventure with a modern twist. It's a game that's easy to pick up and play, but challenging enough to keep you entertained for hours on end. And with its robust multiplayer mode, it's a perfect game for playing with friends and family.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Now, this one's a bit of a special case. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a collection of three classic 3D Mario games: Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. These are some of the most beloved and influential Mario games of all time, and they've been remastered for the Nintendo Switch with improved graphics and controls. Super Mario 64 is the game that started it all, revolutionizing the platforming genre with its innovative 3D gameplay. Super Mario Sunshine takes Mario to a tropical island paradise, where he must clean up a mysterious pollution problem. And Super Mario Galaxy sends Mario on an epic adventure through outer space, where he must collect Power Stars and rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. Each game in Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a masterpiece in its own right, offering a unique and unforgettable Mario experience. While the collection was only available for a limited time, if you can find a physical copy, it's definitely worth picking up. It's a fantastic way to experience these classic Mario games on the Nintendo Switch. However, be aware that the collection was only available for a limited time, so it may be difficult to find.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! My top picks for the best Mario games on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're looking for a grand adventure, a kart racing extravaganza, or a creative outlet for your level design skills, the Switch has a Mario game for you. So grab your Joy-Cons, fire up your Switch, and get ready to jump into the wonderful world of Mario!