Mario is Nintendo’s flagship franchise and the Switch has one of the strongest Mario game lineups in console history — spanning 3D platformers, 2D platformers, party games, racing, RPGs, and sports titles. Whether you are buying your first Mario game for Switch or looking to complete the collection, this guide ranks every Mario game on Nintendo Switch from best to worst, explains which Mario game is right for different types of players, and covers the best Mario games available on Nintendo Switch 2.
For the best Nintendo Switch games overall — including Zelda, Pokemon, and third-party titles alongside Mario — see our guide to the best Nintendo Switch games of all time — ultimate ranked list.
Every Mario Game on Nintendo Switch — Ranked
| Rank | Game | Genre | Verdict |
| 1 | Super Mario Odyssey | 3D Platformer | Best Mario game on Switch — open-world sandbox perfection |
| 2 | Super Mario Bros. Wonder | 2D Platformer | Best 2D Mario ever made; wildly creative; essential |
| 3 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Racing | Best-selling Switch game; 96 courses; timeless multiplayer |
| 4 | Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | 3D Platformer | Two great games in one; Bowser’s Fury is stunning |
| 5 | Paper Mario: The Origami King | RPG / Adventure | Charming writing; unique combat; polarizing but fun |
| 6 | New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe | 2D Platformer | Solid 2D Mario; 4-player local co-op; great for families |
| 7 | Super Mario Party / Jamboree | Party | Best Mario Party in years; Switch 2’s Jamboree is enhanced |
| 8 | Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle | Strategy RPG | Surprisingly deep XCOM-style tactics; underrated |
| 9 | Mario Strikers: Battle League | Sports | High-energy football/soccer; great local multiplayer |
| 10 | Dr. Mario World | Puzzle | Mobile port; weakest Mario game on Switch |
Best Mario Games on Switch — Detailed Reviews
1. Super Mario Odyssey — Best Mario Game on Switch
Super Mario Odyssey is the definitive Mario experience on Nintendo Switch and one of the greatest 3D platformers ever made. Released as a Switch launch window title in 2017, Odyssey sends Mario on a globe-trotting adventure across enormously varied kingdoms — New Donk City’s skyscraper playground, the vast sand dunes of Tostarena, the cooking-themed Luncheon Kingdom — each with a unique visual identity and dozens of Power Moons to collect.
The central mechanic — Cappy, Mario’s hat that can be thrown to capture and control enemies and objects — gives Odyssey a creative depth that rewards experimentation constantly. Capturing a T-Rex, a tank, a Goomba stack, a giant fish, or a bolt of electricity all feel distinct and are used to solve different types of puzzles. The movement system is also the most expressive Mario has ever felt: dive rolls, cap throws, wall jumps, and momentum-based tricks combine into a fluid sandbox for skilled players to master while remaining fully accessible to newcomers.
Odyssey’s post-game is as substantial as its main campaign — after completing the story, an entire second layer of harder Power Moons opens across every kingdom, and the true final challenge (finding all 999 Power Moons) extends play by dozens of hours. At $59.99 or frequently on sale, Odyssey is the single Mario game every Switch owner should play first.
2. Super Mario Bros. Wonder — Best 2D Mario Game on Switch
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is Nintendo’s 2024 reinvention of 2D Mario — the most creative and joyful 2D platformer Nintendo has released since Super Mario World in 1991. Wonder abandons the New Super Mario Bros. formula’s conservatism and instead introduces the Wonder Flower mechanic: every level contains a Wonder Flower that triggers a wild transformation — the flagpole starts dancing toward you, the pipes come alive, Mario becomes an elephant, the entire level inverts. No two Wonder events are alike, and discovering what each level’s Wonder does is one of gaming’s most delightful repeated surprises.
Wonder also introduces Badges — equippable modifiers that change how Mario moves (wall-running, floating jumps, extended ground pounds) — adding meaningful player customization to the 2D Mario formula for the first time. The multiplayer (up to 4 players local) is the smoothest cooperative 2D Mario experience Nintendo has shipped, with a ghost-spectator system that prevents players from blocking or killing each other. Wonder is the rare new release that immediately feels like a classic.
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — Best Multiplayer Mario Game on Switch
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Nintendo Switch game of all time — with over 67 million copies sold as of 2025 — and for good reason. It is the most content-rich Mario Kart ever made: 96 courses across the base game and the Booster Course Pass DLC (all 48 additional tracks included in current versions), 40+ playable characters, and a comprehensive set of multiplayer modes including Grand Prix, Time Trial, Battle Mode, and online racing.
The racing itself is the best Mario Kart has ever felt: tight, chaotic, visually spectacular at 1080p docked and 720p handheld, and balanced between accessibility (auto-steering and auto-accelerate for new players) and competitive depth for experienced players. Battle Mode was significantly improved from Mario Kart 8 on Wii U, adding dedicated arena courses rather than repurposing racing tracks. For families, couples, and groups, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the most-played multiplayer game on Switch — an essential purchase for virtually every Switch owner.
4. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury — Best Co-op Mario on Switch
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury packages two excellent Mario games together. Super Mario 3D World (originally Wii U) is a 4-player co-op 3D platformer with a more structured, level-based design than Odyssey — each level is a self-contained course with a clear exit, making it excellent for co-op play where all four players can participate simultaneously. The Cat Suit power-up (giving Mario wall-climbing abilities and a claw attack) is one of the best Mario power-ups in the series.
Bowser’s Fury is the bigger selling point of this package — an original Switch experience that takes the 3D World mechanics into a connected open world set on Lake Lapcat, where a corrupted giant Bowser periodically erupts across the landscape while you collect Cat Shines. Bowser’s Fury is approximately 3-5 hours for a first clear and represents some of the most visually impressive Mario content Nintendo has produced. The combination package is typically priced at $59.99 and represents exceptional value.
5. Super Mario Bros. Wonder vs Super Mario Odyssey — Which to Buy First?
The most common question for new Switch owners choosing between Mario games: Super Mario Bros. Wonder vs Super Mario Odyssey. The answer depends on what kind of player you are:
- Buy Odyssey first if: you want the biggest, most content-rich Mario experience with maximum freedom of exploration — Odyssey’s open kingdoms and 999 Power Moons provide the most total play time of any single Mario Switch game.
- Buy Wonder first if: you want the most creative, joyful, and immediately surprising Mario experience — Wonder’s Wonder Flowers ensure constant delight and the 2D format is more accessible for players less comfortable with 3D platformers.
- Buy both eventually: they are sufficiently different (3D open-world vs linear 2D) that they do not feel redundant. Most Mario fans own both.
Best Mario Games on Switch for Different Players
| Player Type | Best Mario Game for Switch |
| First-time Mario player | Super Mario Odyssey — accessible, huge, best introduction to 3D Mario |
| 2D Mario fan | Super Mario Bros. Wonder — best 2D Mario in 30 years |
| Multiplayer / families | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe + New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe |
| Co-op (2-4 players) | Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury |
| Kids / young players | New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, Kirby (not Mario but easier) |
| Competitive players | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |
| RPG fans | Paper Mario: The Origami King, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle |
| Party groups | Super Mario Party Jamboree |
Best 2-Player Mario Games on Switch
The best Mario games for 2-player co-op on Nintendo Switch:
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder — 2-4 player local co-op; ghost system prevents blocking; most accessible co-op Mario
- Super Mario 3D World — 2-4 player local co-op; cat suit multiplayer chaos is excellent
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe — 2-4 player local co-op; classic 2D co-op format
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — 2-4 player local split-screen racing; single Switch supports 2 players with split Joy-Con
- Super Mario Party Jamboree — 2-4 player local party game; best for casual groups
Best Mario Games on Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 is backward compatible with all Nintendo Switch 1 Mario games, and several receive enhanced performance through Game Boost mode. Additionally, Mario Kart World launched as a native Switch 2 title:
| Game | Switch 2 Status |
| Mario Kart World | Native Switch 2 launch title — new open-world racing |
| Super Mario Odyssey | Backward compatible + Game Boost |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Backward compatible + Game Boost |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Backward compatible — MK World supersedes for Switch 2 owners |
| Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | Backward compatible + Game Boost |
Mario Kart World is the biggest Switch 2 Mario launch — a new entry in the kart racing series featuring open-world traversal between race courses, new mechanics, and Switch 2-exclusive visual enhancements. Switch 2 owners who already have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe should consider whether the new entry justifies the purchase alongside their existing library.
For the best 2-player Mario games and full co-op Switch guide, see our article on the best 2 player games for Nintendo Switch — co-op, couples, and multiplayer guide.
For current Mario game prices and sale tracking, see Nintendo eShop — Mario games on Nintendo Switch. For Mario game reviews and scores, see Metacritic — Nintendo Switch Mario game scores.
Mario Games Not on Switch — Notable Absences
Several beloved Mario titles are notably absent from the Nintendo Switch library. Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 (Wii) were released as Super Mario 3D All-Stars on Switch in 2021 — a limited-time physical and digital release that Nintendo pulled from sale. If you want Galaxy on Switch, used physical copies are available but at premium prices. Super Mario Maker 2 is on Switch and allows creating and sharing custom Mario levels online, though Nintendo’s level-sharing servers have since been discontinued — the offline creation tools remain functional. Mario Odyssey 2 has not been announced as of mid-2026, though Odyssey’s sequel remains one of the most anticipated unannounced Nintendo titles. Super Mario RPG (SNES) received a full Switch remake in 2023 — a faithful modernization of the original with updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements, making it the best way to experience the classic if you missed it on SNES.
Similar Games to Mario on Switch — If You Have Played Everything
If you have worked through the core Mario Switch library and want games with similar energy, platforming mechanics, or Nintendo-style polish, these titles fill the gap effectively. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the closest equivalent to Super Mario Odyssey in terms of accessible 3D platforming with creative levels and collectibles — it is slower-paced and significantly easier than Odyssey but shares the same sense of wonder and exploration. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (also on Switch) is the best 2D platformer on the platform after Super Mario Bros. Wonder — a brutally satisfying precision platformer with outstanding level design. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a puzzle-platformer spin-off featuring Toad navigating compact diorama levels, excellent for players who loved Odyssey’s quieter exploration moments. Yoshi’s Crafted World is Nintendo’s most relaxed platformer — designed for young children and casual players with reversible levels that reveal hidden objects when played backwards.
How Long Are Mario Games on Switch? — Time to Beat Guide
Knowing how long each Mario game takes to complete helps you choose the right game for your schedule and playstyle. Super Mario Odyssey takes approximately 12-15 hours for a first story clear (reaching the credits) but 35-50 hours for full Power Moon completion — the post-game is as substantial as the main campaign. Super Mario Bros. Wonder runs 8-10 hours for a main story clear and 12-15 hours for 100% Wonder Seed and flower coin completion. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has no campaign completion point — it is an infinite multiplayer game, though completing all Grand Prix cups in all engine classes takes approximately 10-12 hours. Super Mario 3D World’s main story takes 10-12 hours; Bowser’s Fury adds 3-5 hours for a first clear and 6-8 hours for full Cat Shine completion. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe takes 6-8 hours for a main story clear. Paper Mario: The Origami King runs 25-30 hours for a full playthrough. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle takes approximately 15-20 hours for the main campaign. Super Mario RPG (the 2023 Switch remake) takes 15-20 hours for a first playthrough. These estimates assume moderate exploration — completionists will spend significantly more time in each game.
Bottom Line
| Best Mario game on Switch | Super Mario Odyssey — open-world 3D; 999 Moons; most content |
| Best 2D Mario on Switch | Super Mario Bros. Wonder — most creative 2D Mario in 30 years |
| Best multiplayer Mario | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — 96 courses; 2-4 players; 67M+ sold |
| Best co-op Mario | Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury — 4-player + open world |
| Best for kids | New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe — classic 2D; easy to pick up |
| Best Mario RPG | Paper Mario: Origami King or Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle |
| Best party Mario | Super Mario Party Jamboree |
| Odyssey vs Wonder | Odyssey = more content; Wonder = more creative; buy both eventually |
| Switch 2 Mario | Mario Kart World (native) + all Switch 1 Mario games backward compatible |
| All-time Switch Mario ranking | Odyssey > Wonder > MK8D > 3D World > Paper Mario |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Mario game for Nintendo Switch?
The best Mario game for Nintendo Switch is Super Mario Odyssey — a 3D open-world platformer with 999 Power Moons to collect, enormously varied kingdoms, and the Cappy capture mechanic that gives it more creative depth than any previous Mario game. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the best 2D Mario on Switch and equally essential. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best multiplayer Mario and the best-selling Switch game overall.
Which Mario game should I buy first for Switch?
Buy Super Mario Odyssey first if you want the most content and the best 3D platformer experience on Switch. Buy Super Mario Bros. Wonder first if you prefer 2D platformers or want the most immediately surprising and creative Mario experience. Buy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe first if your primary use case is multiplayer gaming with friends or family. All three are among the best games on any platform and most Switch owners eventually own all of them.
What are the best 2-player Mario games on Switch?
The best 2-player Mario games on Nintendo Switch are Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2-4 player local co-op with the ghost system preventing player interference), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2-4 player local racing with split Joy-Con on a single Switch), Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (2-4 player co-op platformer), and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (classic 2D co-op for up to 4 players). Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the easiest to set up for instant 2-player play with a single Switch and two Joy-Con halves.
Is Super Mario Odyssey or Bros. Wonder better?
Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Bros. Wonder are both exceptional but serve different preferences. Odyssey is a 3D open-world platformer with more total content (40+ hours for Power Moon completion), greater freedom of exploration, and the Cappy mechanic for creative play. Wonder is a 2D linear platformer with the most inventive level design in the series and the Wonder Flower mechanic that transforms every level unpredictably. Odyssey has more content; Wonder is arguably more creative moment-to-moment. Most Mario fans consider both essential purchases.
Are Mario games on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes — Nintendo Switch 2 is backward compatible with all Nintendo Switch 1 Mario games. Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, and all other Switch 1 Mario titles are playable on Switch 2, many with Game Boost enhancements. Mario Kart World is a native Switch 2 launch title with new open-world racing mechanics designed specifically for Switch 2 hardware.
