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Hey there, fellow Nintendo enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond? If you're looking for the absolute best Mario games to play on your Nintendo Switch in 2026, you've come to the right place. We've played 'em all, jumped on countless Goombas, and explored every nook and cranny to bring you this definitive list. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer eager to experience the magic, we've got something for you. Get ready to-a go!
Top Picks Summary (Our Top 3)
| Game Title | Best For | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Odyssey | Pure Exploration & Joy | The sheer amount of discovery and creative gameplay is unmatched. |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Competitive Fun with Friends | Perfect for parties and online races, with a massive character roster and track selection. |
| Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury | Cooperative Chaos & Variety | A fantastic blend of 3D platforming and cooperative gameplay. |
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Detailed Reviews of the Best Mario Games for Switch
Super Mario Odyssey
Best For: Pure Exploration & Joy
Key Features:
- Cappy: Mario's new companion allows him to "capture" enemies and objects, granting him unique abilities.
- Massive Kingdoms: Explore diverse and richly detailed kingdoms filled with secrets and challenges.
- Collectibles Galore: Hundreds of Power Moons to discover, encouraging exploration and replayability.
- Two-Player Co-op: One player controls Mario, while the other controls Cappy, adding a new dimension to the gameplay.
Why We Like It: Super Mario Odyssey is a masterpiece of 3D platforming. Cappy's capture mechanic opens up a world of possibilities, allowing Mario to transform into everything from a T-Rex to a Goomba. The kingdoms are vast and brimming with secrets, making every playthrough feel fresh and exciting. It’s easily one of the best mario games for switch.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Best For: Competitive Fun with Friends
Key Features:
- Massive Character Roster: Play as your favorite Mario characters, plus newcomers like the Inklings from Splatoon.
- Huge Track Selection: Includes all tracks from the original Mario Kart 8 plus new additions and DLC.
- Battle Mode: Revamped Battle Mode with new arenas and game types.
- Online Multiplayer: Race against players from around the world in online tournaments and races.
Why We Like It: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate kart racing experience on the Nintendo Switch. The controls are tight, the graphics are gorgeous, and the sheer amount of content is staggering. Whether you're playing with friends on the couch or racing online, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is guaranteed to provide hours of fun. It’s a must-have and easily ranks as one of the best mario games for switch.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Best For: Cooperative Chaos & Variety
Key Features:
- Four-Player Co-op: Play with up to four friends in local or online multiplayer.
- Variety of Characters: Choose from Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad, each with their unique abilities.
- Power-Ups Galore: Transform into Cat Mario, Double Cherry Mario, and more.
- Bowser's Fury: A brand-new open-world adventure featuring a giant, enraged Bowser.
Why We Like It: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is two games in one, offering a diverse and engaging experience. Super Mario 3D World is a fantastic cooperative platformer with charming level design and addictive gameplay. Bowser's Fury is a bold experiment, offering a glimpse into the future of 3D Mario games. Together, they make for an unforgettable package. It’s truly one of the best mario games for switch, offering both classic and innovative gameplay.
Super Mario Maker 2
Best For: Unleashing Your Creativity
Key Features:
- Extensive Course Creation Tools: Build your own Mario levels using a wide variety of tools and themes.
- Course World: Share your creations with the world and play levels created by other players.
- Story Mode: A single-player campaign with over 100 Nintendo-designed courses.
- Co-op Course Creation: Collaborate with friends to build the ultimate Mario level.
Why We Like It: Super Mario Maker 2 is a dream come true for Mario fans who have always wanted to create their own levels. The course creation tools are intuitive and easy to use, allowing anyone to bring their ideas to life. With millions of levels to play in Course World, there's always something new to discover. If you love Mario and have a creative streak, this game is a must-have. It provides endless replayability, making it one of the best mario games for switch for those who love user-generated content.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Best For: Classic 2D Mario Action
Key Features:
- Classic Side-Scrolling Gameplay: Experience the traditional Mario platforming formula.
- Five Playable Characters: Mario, Luigi, Toad, Nabbit, and Toadette.
- Challenge Mode: Test your skills in a variety of challenging levels.
- Boost Rush Mode: Race against the clock through auto-scrolling levels.
Why We Like It: New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a love letter to classic 2D Mario games. The level design is excellent, the controls are tight, and the multiplayer is chaotic and fun. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it's a solid and enjoyable platformer that's perfect for fans of the original Super Mario Bros. series. For fans of classic platforming, this is one of the best mario games for switch.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Best For: Tactical Turn-Based Combat
Key Features:
- Unique Blend of Mario and Rabbids: An unlikely but surprisingly effective combination.
- Tactical Turn-Based Combat: Engage in strategic battles using a variety of weapons and abilities.
- Co-op Challenges: Team up with a friend to tackle challenging co-op missions.
- Charming Story and Characters: A lighthearted and humorous adventure.
Why We Like It: Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a surprisingly deep and engaging tactical RPG. The combat is challenging and rewarding, the characters are charming, and the story is surprisingly funny. It's a unique and unexpected take on the Mario universe that's well worth checking out. It’s a surprisingly strategic and fun addition, making it one of the best mario games for switch in a different genre.
Paper Mario: The Origami King
Best For: Quirky Adventure and Puzzles
Key Features:
- Unique Origami Art Style: A visually stunning and creative world.
- Ring-Based Battle System: A unique and strategic battle system.
- Charming Story and Characters: A lighthearted and humorous adventure.
- Puzzle-Solving: Explore the world and solve puzzles to progress.
Why We Like It: Paper Mario: The Origami King is a visually stunning and charming adventure game. The origami art style is unique and beautiful, the story is engaging, and the characters are memorable. While the battle system may not be for everyone, the overall experience is well worth it. It's a refreshing and creative take on the Paper Mario series. It’s a beautiful and unique experience, making it one of the best mario games for switch for those who love adventure and puzzles.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Best For: All-Star Brawling Action
Key Features:
- Massive Roster of Characters: Features every character from previous Super Smash Bros. games, plus new additions.
- Variety of Stages: Battle on a wide variety of stages from different Nintendo franchises.
- Online Multiplayer: Compete against players from around the world.
- Spirits Mode: Collect and equip Spirits to enhance your characters' abilities.
Why We Like It: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the ultimate crossover fighting game. With a massive roster of characters, a huge selection of stages, and a deep and engaging gameplay system, it's a must-have for any fighting game fan. While Mario isn't the only star, he's a key part of this legendary game. This is a fighting game fan’s dream and easily one of the best mario games for switch, even if it's a broader Nintendo title.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Best For: Puzzle-Platforming Fun
Key Features:
- Isometric Puzzle-Platforming: Rotate the camera to solve puzzles and find hidden treasures.
- Charming Story and Characters: A lighthearted and enjoyable adventure.
- Variety of Levels: Explore a wide variety of levels, each with its unique challenges.
- Two-Player Co-op: Team up with a friend to solve puzzles together.
Why We Like It: Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a charming and addictive puzzle-platformer.
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