Best Super Mario Games On Nintendo Switch Ranked!
Hey guys! Let's dive into the wonderful world of Super Mario on the Nintendo Switch! If you're anything like me, you've probably spent countless hours jumping through colorful worlds, battling Bowser, and rescuing Princess Peach. The Switch has become a fantastic home for Mario, offering a mix of classic remakes and brand-new adventures. So, let’s rank the best Super Mario games available on the Nintendo Switch, from great to absolutely legendary, and help you decide which ones you should definitely add to your collection. Get ready for a nostalgic trip filled with mushrooms, stars, and a whole lot of fun!
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a great game; it's a masterpiece. This title reinvents the 3D Mario formula, offering a vast, open-world experience packed with creativity and joy. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the sandy dunes of the Sand Kingdom, each location is brimming with unique challenges and secrets. What sets Odyssey apart is Cappy, Mario's new companion, who allows him to capture and control various objects and enemies. Want to be a T-Rex? Go for it! How about a Goomba? Absolutely! This capture mechanic opens up a world of possibilities, making exploration and puzzle-solving incredibly engaging.
Beyond the innovative gameplay, Super Mario Odyssey is visually stunning, with vibrant graphics that pop on the Switch's screen. The game's soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring catchy tunes that will have you humming along as you play. But what truly makes Odyssey special is its sense of freedom. You're not just following a linear path; you're encouraged to explore, experiment, and discover hidden areas. With hundreds of Power Moons to collect, there's always something new to find, ensuring that the adventure never truly ends. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, Super Mario Odyssey is a must-play that will leave you with a smile on your face.
The level design in Super Mario Odyssey is unparalleled. Each kingdom feels distinct and alive, offering a unique set of challenges and environments. The game constantly introduces new mechanics and surprises, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. From racing scooters in New Donk City to navigating underwater ruins, there's never a dull moment. The boss battles are also incredibly creative, requiring you to use Cappy's abilities in inventive ways. But what truly stands out is the game's attention to detail. Hidden throughout each kingdom are nods to previous Mario games, rewarding long-time fans with nostalgic moments. The post-game content is equally impressive, with new challenges and areas to explore, ensuring that you'll keep coming back for more. Super Mario Odyssey is a celebration of everything that makes Mario great, and it's a game that will stay with you long after you've finished playing.
2. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Next up is Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, a fantastic package that offers two distinct but equally enjoyable experiences. Super Mario 3D World, originally released on the Wii U, is a delightful multiplayer platformer that shines on the Switch. With its colorful graphics, charming characters, and inventive level design, it's a game that's fun for the whole family. The addition of online multiplayer is a game-changer, allowing you to team up with friends and tackle the game's challenges together. Playing as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad, each with their unique abilities, adds depth to the gameplay and encourages experimentation.
The level design in Super Mario 3D World is top-notch, with each stage packed with secrets and surprises. The game introduces new power-ups, like the Super Bell, which transforms your character into a cat, allowing you to climb walls and pounce on enemies. The double cherry is also a blast, creating multiple copies of your character that can be used to solve puzzles and overwhelm enemies. The boss battles are creative and challenging, requiring teamwork and coordination. But what truly makes Super Mario 3D World special is its sense of joy. The game is filled with charming moments, from the characters' adorable animations to the catchy soundtrack. It's a game that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
But the Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury package doesn't stop there. Bowser's Fury is a brand-new adventure that offers a unique open-world experience. Set in Lake Lapcat, you team up with Bowser Jr. to stop his father, who has been transformed into a gigantic, rampaging monster. The gameplay is similar to Super Mario Odyssey, with a focus on exploration and collecting Cat Shines to power up the Giga Bell. The dynamic weather system adds an extra layer of challenge, with Bowser occasionally appearing to unleash his fury upon the world. The combination of Super Mario 3D World's multiplayer fun and Bowser's Fury's open-world exploration makes this package a must-have for any Switch owner.
3. Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Maker 2 is a game that unleashes your inner game designer. This sequel to the Wii U original takes the concept to new heights, offering an even more comprehensive suite of tools and features. Whether you're a seasoned creator or a complete newbie, Super Mario Maker 2 makes it easy to design and share your own custom Mario levels. The drag-and-drop interface is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing you to quickly create everything from simple platforming challenges to complex contraptions. The game features a wide variety of themes, enemies, and power-ups, giving you endless possibilities to create unique and challenging levels.
But Super Mario Maker 2 isn't just about creating levels; it's also about playing them. The game features a vast online community where you can share your creations and play levels designed by other players. With millions of levels to choose from, there's always something new to discover. The game also includes a Story Mode, which features over 100 Nintendo-designed levels that showcase the game's various mechanics and themes. Playing through Story Mode is a great way to learn the ropes and get inspiration for your own creations. The addition of multiplayer, both local and online, adds another layer of fun, allowing you to team up with friends and tackle levels together. Whether you're a creator or a player, Super Mario Maker 2 is a game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Super Mario Maker 2 is a game that truly celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of the Mario community. The level of detail and polish that players have put into their creations is astounding. From recreating classic levels to designing entirely new challenges, the possibilities are endless. The game also encourages collaboration, with players able to remix and improve upon each other's levels. The online community is constantly evolving, with new levels and challenges being uploaded every day. Super Mario Maker 2 is a game that will continue to grow and evolve over time, making it a worthwhile investment for any Mario fan.
4. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a solid entry in the 2D Mario series that offers classic platforming action with a modern twist. Originally released on the Wii U, this deluxe version includes both New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, providing a wealth of content for players to enjoy. The game features a traditional side-scrolling design, with Mario and his friends running, jumping, and stomping their way through colorful levels. The addition of new power-ups, like the Super Acorn, adds a fresh layer of gameplay, allowing you to glide through the air and cling to walls.
The level design in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is well-crafted, with each stage offering a unique set of challenges and secrets. The game features a variety of environments, from lush forests to underwater ruins, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. The boss battles are also well-designed, requiring you to use your wits and skills to defeat them. The game supports up to four players in local multiplayer, making it a great choice for family game night. Playing with friends adds a chaotic but fun element to the gameplay, as you work together to overcome obstacles and reach the goal.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe may not be the most innovative Mario game on the Switch, but it's a reliable and enjoyable platformer that's perfect for fans of the classic 2D Mario formula. The game's vibrant graphics, catchy soundtrack, and tight controls make it a pleasure to play. The inclusion of New Super Luigi U, which features redesigned levels and a shorter time limit, adds an extra layer of challenge for experienced players. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a solid choice that will provide hours of entertainment.
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 players to experience these iconic titles on the Nintendo Switch, with updated graphics and controls. While the collection is a welcome addition to the Switch's library, it's not without its flaws. The games are emulated rather than fully remade, resulting in some graphical and performance issues. However, the core gameplay of each title remains as enjoyable as ever.
Super Mario 64 is a groundbreaking game that revolutionized the 3D platforming genre. Exploring Peach's castle and collecting stars is as fun today as it was back in 1996. Super Mario Sunshine is a more divisive title, but its tropical setting and unique FLUDD mechanic make it a memorable experience. Super Mario Galaxy is widely regarded as one of the best Mario games of all time, with its innovative gravity-based gameplay and stunning visuals.
Despite its shortcomings, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a worthwhile collection for Mario fans. The opportunity to play these classic games on the Switch is a treat, and the updated graphics and controls make them more accessible than ever. However, it's worth noting that the collection was only available for a limited time, so you may need to hunt down a physical copy if you want to experience these games on your Switch.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – my ranking of the best Super Mario games on the Nintendo Switch! From the groundbreaking Super Mario Odyssey to the classic New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, the Switch offers a wide variety of Mario adventures for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, there's a Mario game on the Switch that's sure to capture your heart. So grab your Switch, pick up one of these amazing games, and get ready to jump into a world of fun and adventure!