Best Super Mario Games On Nintendo Switch: Ranked

What's up, gamers! Today, we're diving deep into the Mushroom Kingdom and talking all things Super Mario on the Nintendo Switch. If you're new to the Switch or just looking to replay some classics, you might be wondering: what are the Super Mario games on Switch, and in what order should I play them? Well, you've come to the right place, guys! We're going to break down all the essential Mario titles available on the Switch, from brand new adventures to beloved remakes, and help you figure out the best way to experience these incredible games. Whether you're a seasoned plumber or a first-time jumper, this guide is for you!

The Evolution of Mario on Switch: A Journey Through Time

So, you've got your shiny new Nintendo Switch and you're ready to jump into the world of Mario. That's awesome! But with a bunch of Mario games available, figuring out where to start can be a bit tricky. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the Super Mario games on Switch in order, which is super important for appreciating the evolution of the franchise and its gameplay mechanics. We're not just talking about chronological release order here, but also considering how certain games build upon previous ones, offering new features and refined experiences. It’s like watching Mario grow and change over the years, right from the comfort of your Switch! We'll guide you through the main entries, the spin-offs that are still totally Mario, and even some hidden gems that might just surprise you. Each game offers a unique slice of Mario magic, and playing them in a thoughtful order can really enhance your overall appreciation for the series. Think of it as building your Mario knowledge brick by brick, from the ground up, just like Mario building a bridge!

The Crown Jewels: Mainline 3D Mario Adventures

When we talk about playing Super Mario games on Switch in order, the big, bold 3D adventures usually come first to mind for many players. These are the games that truly showcase Nintendo's innovation and their mastery of 3D platforming. Starting with Super Mario Odyssey (2017), this is arguably the pinnacle of 3D Mario. It's a massive, open-world playground filled with creativity, charm, and some of the most inventive gameplay mechanics the series has ever seen. You've got Cappy, Mario's sentient hat, allowing for some seriously cool capture abilities that change up gameplay in every kingdom you visit. It’s a fantastic starting point because it's so polished and accessible, yet offers immense depth for completionists. Odyssey is a celebration of everything Mario, blending nostalgic elements with forward-thinking design. You'll revisit familiar themes and characters, but always with a fresh twist. The sheer variety of worlds and challenges means you're constantly discovering something new, making it an absolute joy to play from start to finish. Plus, the movement is incredibly fluid and satisfying; controlling Mario feels better than ever.

Next up, we have the spectacular Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (2021). Originally released on the Wii U, this Switch port brings a fantastic co-op experience to the table, allowing up to four players to adventure together. 3D World offers a more linear, level-based approach compared to Odyssey, but it's packed with ingenious level design, power-ups galore, and plenty of secrets to uncover. The addition of Bowser's Fury is the real game-changer here. It’s a separate, open-world experience that feels like a bridge between 3D World's style and Odyssey's freedom. It’s a brilliant, self-contained adventure that feels both familiar and fresh, showcasing a more dynamic and slightly darker take on the usual Mario formula. Playing 3D World first gives you a taste of classic Mario structure, and then diving into Bowser's Fury feels like a fantastic reward with its expansive environments and epic boss battles. It’s a two-for-one deal that’s incredibly hard to pass up, guys!

Now, let's talk about the absolute legend: Super Mario Galaxy (2007) and Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)**, available through the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection (2020). While this collection was a limited-time release, it's still a vital part of the Mario Switch experience if you can find it. Super Mario Galaxy is often cited as one of the greatest games of all time, and for good reason. Its gravity-bending gameplay, incredible orchestral score, and sheer imaginative scope are breathtaking. You'll explore dozens of unique galaxies, each with its own set of challenges and mechanics. Galaxy 2 builds upon the original, refining the gameplay and introducing even more creative ideas. Playing these two back-to-back offers an unparalleled journey through some of the most innovative level design ever conceived. The sense of wonder and discovery in these games is truly something special, and they represent a high point in 3D platforming history. If you're a fan of Mario, experiencing these is practically mandatory. The feeling of launching from planet to planet, collecting star bits and saving the universe, is pure gaming bliss!

Finally, for those who want to go even further back, we have Super Mario 64 (1996), also included in Super Mario 3D All-Stars. This is the game that defined 3D platforming as we know it. While its graphics might look a bit dated by today's standards, the gameplay, controls, and sheer ingenuity are timeless. Playing Super Mario 64 after the more modern titles gives you a profound appreciation for how far the genre—and Mario himself—has come. It’s a foundational piece of gaming history, and experiencing its blocky, yet revolutionary, world is an essential part of understanding the evolution of 3D Mario. The freedom it offered players back in the day was mind-blowing, and even now, exploring Peach's Castle and diving into its varied paintings is a unique thrill. It’s a true classic that still holds up, offering a glimpse into the origins of 3D adventures.

The 2D Classics: Go Back to Your Roots!

While the 3D games are spectacular, let's not forget the games that started it all! The 2D side-scrolling adventures are the heart and soul of the Mario franchise for many. The Nintendo Switch has been incredibly kind to fans of this classic style, offering both new entries and brilliant ways to play older ones. Playing Super Mario games on Switch in order also means appreciating these foundational 2D experiences. These games are often more about precision jumping, timing, and mastering a set of challenging levels. They offer a different, but equally rewarding, kind of gameplay that emphasizes skill and quick reflexes. It's about perfecting that jump, grabbing that power-up at the right moment, and navigating intricate obstacle courses with grace. These games are pure, distilled Mario magic, and they're essential for understanding the plumber's legacy.

Leading the charge for new 2D adventures is New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (2018). This title, also a Wii U port, is a fantastic collection that includes New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U. It offers a classic Mario experience with modern polish. You'll find tons of inventive levels, fun power-ups like the Super Acorn, and a satisfying difficulty curve. The Deluxe version also adds Nabbit and Toadette as playable characters, making it even more accessible for newer players. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a great starting point for those who love the traditional Mario formula. The levels are brilliantly designed, offering plenty of challenges for both casual players and hardcore fans. The inclusion of Luigi U adds even more content, featuring more challenging levels designed with Luigi's slightly floatier jump in mind. It's a massive package that provides hours upon hours of classic platforming fun. The multiplayer aspect is also a blast, allowing friends to jump in and cause (or help) some chaos together.

For an even more recent and arguably more innovative 2D Mario experience, you absolutely need to check out Super Mario Maker 2 (2019). While not a traditional Mario game in the sense of a curated adventure, it’s a game about Mario games. Super Mario Maker 2 allows players to create and share their own Super Mario levels using assets from various games in the series, including Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros., and Super Mario 3D World. The possibilities are literally endless! You can play through an official story mode with over 100 levels, or dive into the gargantuan online library of user-created levels. This game is a testament to the enduring appeal of Mario's 2D gameplay. It's a fantastic way to experience Mario in almost any style you can imagine, from brutal, puzzle-like challenges to simple, nostalgic recreations of classic levels. It encourages creativity and mastery of Mario's core mechanics like never before. It’s a community-driven masterpiece that keeps on giving!

And what about the classics themselves? Well, the Nintendo Switch Online service is your golden ticket! With a subscription, you gain access to libraries of NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 games. This means you can play the absolute foundational 2D Mario titles directly on your Switch. We're talking about Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985), Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES, 1988), Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES, 1988), and Super Mario World (SNES, 1990)**. Playing these games in their original form is an incredible experience. You get to see where Mario's journey began, appreciate the evolution of his mechanics, and challenge yourself with some of the purest platforming challenges ever designed. Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World are often considered pinnacles of 2D game design, introducing many elements that would become series staples. Experiencing these games is not just playing them; it's like stepping into a museum of gaming history. It’s where it all began, guys, and it’s absolutely essential for any true Mario fan to have this context.

The Vibrant Spin-Offs: Mario Beyond the Platforming

Okay, so Mario isn't just about jumping on Goombas, right? The Mushroom Kingdom is full of other fantastic adventures, and the Switch has a treasure trove of these Super Mario spin-off games. While these might not fit neatly into a chronological