16 Best Mario Games for Switch in 2026: Classic and New

From timeless favorites to new hits like

Super Mario Odyssey

, here are the best Mario games for Switch that deserve a spot in your collection. No matter your play style, there are awesome titles here that will keep you entertained for hours.

Our Top Picks for Best Mario Games for Switch

Before we dive into the full list, let’s start with the top three. These are the Mario games that stand out the most on Nintendo Switch.

They’re fun, replayable, and packed with features that make them shine above the rest. Here are the top favorites:

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

RACING

Still one of the best Mario Kart experiences to date, this game mixes fast racing, colorful tracks, and tons of playable characters.

Mario Kart World

RACING

A thrilling new Mario Kart experience with revamped tracks and exciting new modes like Knockout Tour for nonstop racing fun.

Super Mario Odyssey

PLATFORMER

A true adventure, this 3D platformer lets you explore huge open worlds with new tricks like using Mario’s hat, Cappy, to control enemies.

These three picks are just the start. Keep scrolling to see the full list of the best Mario games for Switch and find the perfect one for your collection.

No matter what kind of game you like, there’s a Mario adventure here that will keep you playing for days at a time.

16 Best Mario Games for Switch in 2026: Fun & Nostalgia

Ready to dive into the ultimate list of Mario adventures on the Nintendo Switch? From racing thrills to platforming magic and even spooky ghost hunts, this roundup has something for everyone.

How many of these have you played? Let’s explore the best Mario games for Switch.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Best Mario Racing Game

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Racing / Party Nintendo Switch Creators Nintendo EAD, Nintendo Average playtime 25–100+ hours (depends on mode)

Metacritic score 92 (critic) 8.6 (user)

If you own a Switch, chances are you’ve already raced through at least a few rounds of

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

. This is the ultimate party racing game, where players zip through colorful tracks, dodge shells, and pull off last-second victories that make your friends yell.

With over 40 playable characters and a huge roster of tracks – including extras added with the Booster Course Pass – the variety is massive. Gameplay is simple but addictive:

drift around corners, collect power-ups, and use them to outsmart your rivals.

Pro tip

Master drifting early. It’s the fastest way to build up speed boosts, and chaining them together can be the difference between first place and getting smacked by a blue shell.

The visuals pop with vibrant colors and fun animations that make each course feel alive, whether you’re racing through a neon city or sliding down an icy mountain. It’s easy to see why it’s always mentioned alongside the top racing games out there.

Many Reddit players say it’s the game they keep coming back to, even years later, because it’s perfect for both casual and competitive play on Nintendo Switch Online.

My Verdict:

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

is pure fun in a box – easy for anyone to pick up, but full of depth if you want to master it. It’s the perfect game night choice for up to four players on the couch or online with friends.

What do players say?

Bowserpepoh ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ 96 tracks, 43 characters, 24 cups and flawless online – it’s the complete and definitive Mario Kart game in one heck of a package.

Mario Kart World

Most Immersive Mario Kart

• Our score
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• Type of game
• Racing / Party
• Nintendo Switch 2
• Creator
• Nintendo
• Average playtime
• 20-30 hours (main modes); many more in Free Roam
• Metacritic score

86 (critic) 7.0 (user)

Mario Kart World

breaks new ground in the Mario Kart series by bringing its trademark racing chaos into a more open, immersive setting. It’s one of the top Nintendo Switch 2 games people are currently playing.

The biggest new addition is the Free Roam mode: players can drive almost anywhere – off-road, between tracks, through varied terrain.

Classic and returning modes are also here, updated for the new structure. There’s Grand Prix, but instead of just separate races, you travel from one course to another through the game world. A new mode called Knockout Tour gives 24 players a long, interconnected race with eliminations at checkpoints.

Pro tip

Don’t be afraid to go off the track and wander around – there’s quite a lot of hidden fun stuff to find!

Overall, your average Reddit user enjoys the game’s charm, solid gameplay, and fun tracks, with many praising the Free Roam and Knockout Tour modes, though some feel the open-world features could have been more fully developed.

My Verdict:

Mario Kart World

is a bold reinvention of the series. The Free Roam mode feels like a natural evolution, giving longtime fans and newcomers reasons to explore.

What do players say?

KartMaster99 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ I had so much fun with Mario Kart World! Driving around in Free Roam is super cool, the tracks feel huge, and the over-20-player races are crazy. It’s easy to pick up but still really fun even if you’re not a pro.

Super Mario Odyssey

Best Mario 3D Platformer

• Our score
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• Type of game
• 3D platformer
• Nintendo Switch
• Creators

Nintendo EPD (Developer), Nintendo (Publisher)

Average playtime 12–15 hours (main story), 60+ hours for full completion Metacritic score 97 (critic) 8.9 (user)

If you love Mario games,

Super Mario Odyssey

might be the best Mario game you ever play. This time, Mario teams up with a living hat named Cappy to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. The twist? You can toss Cappy onto enemies and objects to take control of them, from Goombas to tanks, opening up wild new ways to explore each world.

Players spend most of their time collecting Power Moons, solving clever platforming challenges, and traveling across unique kingdoms – from the city-like New Donk City to a desert full of secrets. The game’s look is colorful and packed with detail, making every kingdom feel alive and worth exploring.

Pro tip

Try capturing everything you see with Cappy, even random objects. You’ll be surprised at the hidden paths and secret Power Moons you can find!

Each world has its own music and secrets, which makes exploring even more fun. You never know what surprise is waiting around the corner, and that sense of discovery keeps the game exciting from start to finish. This makes it one of the best 3D platformer games you can grab on the Nintendo Switch.

Many Reddit players say it’s one of the most creative Nintendo adventures ever, praising how it balances freedom and challenge.

My Verdict:

Super Mario Odyssey

is a joyful journey through the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond. It’s easy to jump into but rewarding enough to keep you hooked for hours.

What do players say?

IGN ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Super Mario Odyssey is a massive and joyous adventure that captures the magic of Mario while constantly surprising players with creative worlds and clever mechanics.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Best Mario 2D Platformer

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• Type of game
• 2D Platformer
• Nintendo Switch
• Creators
• Nintendo EPD / Nintendo
• Average playtime
• 15–25 hours (main story), more for completionists
• Metacritic score

92 (critic) 9.0 (user)

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

takes classic side-scrolling action and gives it a magical twist. The new Wonder Flowers completely transform each level – pipes come alive, enemies change form, and the whole stage can flip in wild, surprising ways. It feels familiar yet brand-new, making it one of the most creative entries among the best Nintendo Switch games.

Players spend their time running, jumping, and smashing blocks while discovering secrets hidden in colorful stages. The art style is lively and cartoonish, packed with personality that makes even longtime Super Mario Bros fans stop and smile. The new power-ups, like Elephant Mario, add even more fun and make each run through a level feel different.

Pro tip

Always test what a Wonder Flower does. Some effects can lead to secret areas, extra coins, or hidden exits that push you closer to 100% completion.

Many Reddit players say the game feels like a love letter to old classics like Super Mario World while adding enough new tricks to keep things fresh. It’s the kind of game that makes you smile the whole time you play, no matter how many times you pick it up.

My Verdict:

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

is a joyful mix of nostalgia and surprise. If you want a modern platformer that feels like pure magic, this is the best Mario game to grab on the Switch.

What do players say?

Nintendo World Report ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Super Mario Bros. Wonder brings fresh life to 2D Mario – the Wonder Flowers keep surprising you, and the vibrant level design makes every world worth exploring.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Best Mario Bundle Adventure

• Our Score
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• Type of game
• 3D platformer / open-world adventure
• Nintendo Switch, originally on Wii U

2021 (Switch version)

Creators Nintendo EAD Tokyo / Nintendo Average playtime 20–30 hours Metacritic score 89 (critic) 8.6 (user)

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

• gives you
• two great adventures in one
• . The first part is
• a classic 3D platformer
• where up to four players can run, jump, and explore colorful stages together, making it stand out as one of the
• best platformer games
• on the
• Switch
• . The
• co-op play is chaotic in the best way

, with players bumping into each other and racing to grab power-ups.

The second part, Bowser’s Fury, is more open-world and has Mario teaming up with Bowser Jr. to stop a giant, furious Bowser. This mode feels bigger and more adventurous, letting you explore at your own pace instead of following a straight path.

Pro tip

In Bowser’s Fury, try to collect as many Cat Shines as possible before Giga Bowser shows up – it makes the fight easier and unlocks new paths.

In 3D World, you’ll collect green stars, use power-ups like the Cat Suit, and race through creative levels. In Bowser’s Fury, you’ll explore islands, find Cat Shines, and fight epic battles against Giga Bowser. Many fans say Bowser’s Fury feels like a sneak peek of what the next big Super Mario Bros adventure could look like.

My Verdict:

This bundle is perfect for anyone who loves Mario games. With two different adventures packed in, it’s one of the best Mario games for Switch to play alone or with friends.

What do players say?

Luigi Savino ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Luigi’s Mansion 3 is one of the funniest, most charming, and most satisfying Nintendo Switch games I’ve ever played.

Mario Party Superstars

Best Mario Party Game

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Party / mini-game collection Nintendo Switch Creators NDcube / Nintendo Average playtime 10–20 hours Metacritic score 80 (critic) 8.0 (user)

Mario Party Superstars

• is
• the ultimate Mario Party game
• for fans of all ages. It brings back the most popular boards and over
• 100 mini-games
• from older Mario titles. It’s a must-have for people hunting for the
• best Switch games for kids
• . Since the boards are based on classics from the
• Nintendo 64
• and
• GameCube

era, older fans will feel right at home while new players get to enjoy timeless designs.

You roll dice, move across colorful boards, and play fast, fun mini-games that test your reflexes and timing. The graphics are bright and cheerful, making it fun to play with friends or family. Because the rules are simple, anyone can join in quickly, even if they’ve never played a Mario Party game before.

Pro tip

Watch your opponents’ stars and coins carefully. Sometimes it’s smarter to steal a star than to focus on winning a mini-game!

Players love how this game mixes nostalgia with new online features, letting you play with friends even if they’re far away. Boss mini-games and fun challenges make it great for beginners and longtime fans alike.

My Verdict:

Mario Party Superstars

is a fun and chaotic party game. It’s one of the best Mario games for Switch to enjoy with friends or family.

What do players say?

Nintendo Life ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Mario Party Superstars is the best Mario Party has been in years, offering classic boards, fun mini-games, and online play that finally makes the series shine on Switch.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Best Strategy Mario RPG

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Turn-based strategy / RPG Nintendo Switch Creators Ubisoft Milan / Ubisoft Average playtime 30–40 hours Metacritic score 85 (critic) 7.5 (user)

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

• mixes
• funny characters
• with
• clever strategy
• . Mario, Luigi, and their friends team up with the silly Rabbids to save the galaxy. You
• explore colorful planets
• ,
• collect Sparks
• , and take part in
• turn-based battles

, using each character’s special moves to defeat enemies.

The worlds are bright and full of fun details that make every planet exciting to explore. The mix of humor and strategy keeps the game from feeling too serious, making it easy for new players to jump in.

Pro tip

Always keep your characters in cover and use Sparks’ abilities wisely. Planning your moves carefully can make tough battles much easier.

Reddit players love how this game brings the Mushroom Kingdom to life while offering a smart Switch RPG game experience. It’s fun for fans who like strategy, teamwork, and a little bit of chaos, and this all makes it one of the best Switch RPG games.

The mix of humor and strategy keeps the game from feeling too serious, making it easy for new players to jump in.

My Verdict:

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

is funny, smart, and full of surprises. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a game that’s more than just running and jumping.

What do players say?

Steve Watts ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is just as charming and hilarious as ever, with its unique combat and witty writing standing the test of time in this gorgeous remake.

Super Mario Party [Best Mario Family Party Game]

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• Type of game
• Party / board game
• Nintendo Switch
• Creators
• NDcube / Nintendo
• Average playtime
• 10–20 hours
• Metacritic score

76 (critic) 7.0 (user)

Super Mario Party

is a fun Mario Party game where up to four players compete on colorful boards and play tons of mini-games. Players roll dice, collect stars, and try to win over 80 different challenges that use motion controls, the touch screen, or classic button presses.

Its bright, cheerful graphics and music make every round exciting and full of laughs. Some mini-games are quick and silly, while others test your skill, so there’s always something new to enjoy each turn.

Pro tip

Try “Partner Party” mode with a friend. Working together makes it easier to grab stars and adds a fun twist to the game.

Fans say this game brings back the classic board game fun of Super Mario Party Jamboree on the Nintendo Switch, while keeping all the mini-games fresh and entertaining. Few games bring everyone together like this – easily among the best family games on Nintendo Switch. It’s also a go-to choice for parties because anyone can pick it up and play without needing practice.

Nintendo stays ahead of the curve because they know how to entertain everyone in the room at once. The Best Family Game nominees Game Awards 2025 breakdown reflects this, highlighting the titles shaping the direction of household gaming.

My Verdict:

Super Mario Party

is perfect for family nights or hanging out with friends. Its mix of strategy and crazy mini-games makes it one of the best Mario games for Switch.

What do players say?

Tom Marks ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Super Mario Party is a bright, fun return to the classic board game style, with plenty of mini-games that keep every match exciting and unpredictable.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Best Classic Mario Side-Scroller

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• Type of game
• 2D Platformer
• Nintendo Switch
• Creator
• Nintendo
• Average playtime
• 25–40 hours
• Metacritic score

80 (critic) 7.1 (user)

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

is a side-scrolling game where Mario and his friends travel through colorful worlds to save Princess Peach. You’ll jump, run, and use power – ups across more than 160 levels.

The bright and cartoon-like graphics make it fun for both kids and older players. The mix of classic platforming and new features makes it feel both familiar and fresh at the same time.

Pro tip

Play as Toadette if you’re just starting out. She has special abilities that make tough levels easier and more fun.

Reddit players say it feels like getting a few games in one since it also includes New Super Luigi U, which adds even more stages. It’s no wonder many fans call it one of the best Mario games on the console. With so many levels and secrets to find, it’s a game you can keep coming back to for hours of fun.

My Verdict:

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

is one of the best-selling Mario game titles on Switch. It’s long, fun, and packed with content, making it a great choice for fans of classic Mario platforming.

What do players say?

GameSpot ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a polished 2D platformer that’s perfect for both solo and multiplayer fun. The addition of New Super Luigi U adds even more challenge and replay value.

Super Mario RPG

Best Turn-Based Mario RPG

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Role-Playing Game (RPG)

Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U 2023 (remake)

Creators Nintendo / Square Enix Average playtime 15–20 hours Metacritic score 84 (critic) 8.0 (user)

Super Mario RPG

is a remake of the old SNES game that mixes Mario’s world with role-playing. Instead of running through levels, you explore towns, talk to funny characters, and use turn-based battles to fight enemies.

The new version has colorful 3D graphics while keeping the same charm fans loved years ago. The mix of lighthearted humor and deeper story moments makes it easy to enjoy even if you’ve never played an RPG before.

Pro tip

Press the button at the right time during attacks or blocks. Perfect timing gives you stronger hits and better defense.

Fans on Reddit say this remake is great for new players who want to try an RPG and for longtime fans who enjoyed the classic. Many also say the updated music and animations make the adventure feel fresh while staying true to the original.

My Verdict:

Super Mario RPG

is a mix of story, humor, and strategy that feels different from other Mario games. It’s one of the best RPGs you can play on Nintendo consoles today.

What do players say?

IGN ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Super Mario RPG is a charming and strategic RPG that blends humor, clever battles, and an engaging story. It’s a must-play for anyone who loves turn-based games and classic Mario adventures.

Paper Mario: The Origami King

Best Adventure Mario RPG

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Adventure / RPG Nintendo Switch Creators Intelligent Systems / Nintendo Average playtime 25–35 hours Metacritic Score 80 (critic) 7.0 (user)

Paper Mario: The Origami King

is a colorful adventure where Mario faces an evil Origami King who folds the Mushroom Kingdom into his control. You’ll explore towns, forests, and castles while solving puzzles, saving friends, and battling folded foes. Each new area has its own theme and characters, so the adventure always feels fresh as you move forward.

The battles use a unique ring-based system where you line up enemies before attacking. This adds a layer of strategy instead of just mashing buttons. Each new area has its own theme and characters, so the adventure always feels fresh as you move forward.

Pro tip

Take your time lining up enemies in battle – perfect matches give you stronger attacks and can end fights quickly.

The paper-like art style gives the game a playful look, while the funny dialogue keeps things light and entertaining. Fans say the vibrant art and combat animations shine even more on the top gaming monitors.

My Verdict:

This game mixes puzzles, humor, and RPG combat in a fresh way. It’s one of the most creative Paper Mario adventures and a fun pick for anyone who enjoys Mario games on the Nintendo Switch.

What do players say?

GameSpot ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Mario Tennis Aces is fast, fun, and full of strategy. The special shots and online multiplayer make every match exciting, perfect for competitive play on the Nintendo Switch.

Mario vs Donkey Kong

Best Mario-Donkey Kong Puzzle Platformer

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of Game Puzzle / Platformer Nintendo Switch Creators NDcube / Nintendo Average Playtime 8–12 hours Metacritic score 76 (critic) 7.1 (user)

Mario vs Donkey Kong

is a fun puzzle-platformer where you guide mini-Marios through tricky levels to stop Donkey Kong. Instead of just running and jumping, you plan your moves, avoid obstacles, and solve clever challenges.

The colorful stages and playful animations make every level exciting. Some puzzles get harder the further you go, pushing you to think carefully before making each move.

New mechanics are introduced as you progress, so the puzzles never feel repetitive.

Pro tip

Watch all mini-Marios carefully before moving them. Planning your moves makes tricky puzzles much easier to solve.

There’s also a lot of replay value, since you can go back to perfect your score or find hidden collectibles. Boss battles against Donkey Kong break up the puzzle levels and add fun, action-packed moments.

My Verdict:

This game is perfect for fans of Mario games who like smart puzzles. It’s a great challenge for anyone playing on the Nintendo Switch.