Best Mario Games On Switch: Your Ultimate Guide
Hey gaming enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant, whimsical world of Mario? If you're lucky enough to own a Nintendo Switch, you're in for a treat because the console boasts an incredible library of Mario games. Choosing the "best" can be a challenge, as it often comes down to personal preference. However, I'm here to give you the lowdown on some of the top contenders, taking into account gameplay, innovation, and that irresistible Mario charm. Whether you're a seasoned plumber, a newcomer to the Mushroom Kingdom, or just someone looking for a fun time, this guide will help you find the perfect Mario adventure for your Switch. So, grab your controllers, and let's-a-go!
Super Mario Odyssey: A Masterpiece of Exploration
Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a great Mario game; it's a landmark achievement in the platforming genre, period. Released in 2017, this game redefined the boundaries of what a Mario game could be. The game is known for its incredible gameplay, graphics, and storyline. It's a must-play for any Switch owner. The premise is simple: Bowser, the nefarious Koopa King, has kidnapped Princess Peach yet again, but this time, he intends to marry her. Mario teams up with Cappy, a sentient hat who allows Mario to “capture” enemies and objects, giving him a wide range of new abilities and opening up a world of gameplay possibilities. This mechanic is at the heart of the game, letting you control everything from Goombas to tanks, adding a layer of depth and strategy previously unseen in a Mario title. The gameplay is all about exploring the vast, open-ended kingdoms. Each kingdom is filled with secrets, challenges, and Power Moons to collect. The levels are intricately designed and offer a high degree of freedom and creativity in how you approach them. The game gives you a lot of freedom. Do you like exploring? Well, you can wander for hours on end, finding secrets and enjoying the creative landscapes of the worlds you travel through. Are you a speed runner? Go for it! The game lets you compete for the best times, or just practice your favorite moves. The game is all about freedom, and that is what makes it so replayable. The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that bring the Mario universe to life. The soundtrack is catchy and memorable, enhancing the overall experience. The combination of innovative gameplay, a compelling story, and stunning visuals makes Super Mario Odyssey a true masterpiece. It's a game that will keep you coming back for more, even after you've completed the main story. Super Mario Odyssey is a game you will never forget, and it's a must-play for anyone who wants to experience the best Mario has to offer.
The Kingdoms and Their Unique Flavors
The beauty of Super Mario Odyssey lies in its diverse range of kingdoms. Each kingdom offers a unique theme, set of challenges, and characters. From the bustling metropolis of New Donk City, inspired by New York, to the vibrant and musical Cascade Kingdom, each location feels fresh and exciting. The Sand Kingdom is a vast desert landscape where Mario explores ancient ruins. The Luncheon Kingdom lets you explore a world made of food, with many fun characters to meet along the way. The variety keeps the gameplay from becoming stale. As you explore each kingdom, you'll encounter a variety of challenges, including platforming puzzles, boss battles, and mini-games. The game keeps things fresh and fun throughout your journey. The design of the kingdoms is a testament to Nintendo's creativity and attention to detail. The game is full of secrets to discover, which provides plenty of replay value. You’ll be discovering new content for hours. The kingdoms are all wonderfully crafted, making the exploration even more satisfying.
Capturing: The Core of the Gameplay
The ability to capture enemies and objects is the defining feature of Super Mario Odyssey. It transforms the way you interact with the game world. With Cappy, Mario can take control of almost anything, giving him new abilities and opening up a wide range of possibilities. You can become a Bullet Bill and soar through the air, a Goomba and stack with other Goombas to reach new heights, or even a T-Rex and wreak havoc. The capture mechanic is not only fun, but it's also essential for solving puzzles and completing objectives. You’ll have to use your new abilities to solve puzzles. The innovative nature of this gameplay mechanic keeps the game feeling fresh and exciting. It encourages experimentation and creativity. This gameplay mechanic adds a strategic layer to the gameplay. You’ll have to think about what is the best strategy. The capture mechanic is also well integrated into the game's boss battles. Each boss has its unique weaknesses that can be exploited by capturing specific enemies. This turns each battle into a puzzle, making it even more satisfying to defeat each boss. This mechanic is a stroke of genius, and it's what sets Super Mario Odyssey apart. It transforms the Mario formula and provides a truly unique experience that will leave you in awe.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: A Double Dose of Fun
If you're a fan of classic Mario platforming, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a fantastic choice. This package combines the original Super Mario 3D World (originally released on the Wii U) with a brand-new adventure, Bowser's Fury, that expands on the Mario formula. It offers a ton of gameplay and value for your money. The gameplay is very simple. Run, jump, and collect power-ups to make it through the levels. This game is made for people of all ages. This is one of those games you can play with your whole family, and everyone will have a great time!
Super Mario 3D World is a delightful 3D platformer where you can choose to play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad. Each character has unique abilities. Mario offers a balanced playstyle, Luigi has a higher jump, Peach can float for a short time, and Toad is the fastest runner. The levels are filled with creative challenges, from obstacle courses to puzzles, that encourage teamwork. The main goal is to reach the flag at the end of each level. You can team up with friends or family in local multiplayer for an even more exciting experience. The cooperative gameplay is incredibly fun and makes for a great party game. The levels are designed to promote cooperation, with sections requiring players to work together to overcome obstacles. Super Mario 3D World introduced the Super Bell power-up, allowing your character to transform into a cat, which provides you with new abilities. You’ll be able to climb walls and scratch enemies, which opens up more possibilities in the game. The game offers a good mix of challenge and fun, with plenty of secrets and collectibles to discover. Each world is unique, with different themes and challenges. This is a game that is fun, with great replay value. If you love classic Mario games, then this is the perfect game for you!
Bowser's Fury: An Open-World Adventure
Bowser's Fury takes the Mario experience in a completely different direction. This is a game where Mario explores a vast, open world filled with challenges and secrets. This is the first time a Mario game has done something like this, so it's very special. Bowser has been transformed into a giant, rampaging beast, and it's up to Mario to team up with Bowser Jr. to restore peace. It's a fun and exciting game. The gameplay takes a different approach than the main game. You are free to explore the world in any order you choose. There are also a lot of things to find and collect in this game. You’ll be busy for hours. The game's open-world design allows for a greater sense of exploration and freedom. You’re in control of where you want to go and what you want to do. You can roam around the map freely, completing missions and challenges at your own pace. The open-world format offers a fresh perspective on the Mario formula and allows for a more immersive experience. The game is known for its beautiful environments, stunning graphics, and exciting boss battles. The game also provides a unique blend of platforming and action that sets it apart from other Mario games. Bowser's Fury is a must-play for anyone seeking a more expansive and adventurous Mario experience. If you are looking for something new, then this is the perfect game!
Super Mario Bros. Wonder: A New Take on 2D Platforming
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the newest addition to the Mario family on the Nintendo Switch. It's a fresh take on the classic 2D platforming formula. The game introduces a new power-up, the Wonder Flower, which completely changes the gameplay experience and keeps things interesting. It is a very fun and creative game. The premise is to go to the Flower Kingdom. This game is all about teamwork and fun. With each level, you are trying to reach the end flag, using all the skills at your disposal. This game is a great addition to the collection of Mario games. This game is for all ages. You can play with your friends, family, or alone! The goal is to reach the end of the levels, using all the skills at your disposal. It is a classic Mario game! If you like classic Mario games, this is the perfect game to pick up!
Wonder Flowers: Gameplay Transformations
The introduction of the Wonder Flowers is what really sets Super Mario Bros. Wonder apart. When you touch a Wonder Flower, the level undergoes a series of dynamic transformations, resulting in unexpected and often hilarious gameplay twists. You might experience the world tilting, characters changing sizes, or even the environment transforming into something completely different. These unexpected transformations keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. These gameplay changes are very fun. The game is all about being creative and using your imagination. The levels are filled with secrets and hidden areas, encouraging exploration and replayability. This game will keep you busy for hours. The Wonder Flowers add a sense of unpredictability and delight that makes each level a unique experience. This keeps the game exciting and is sure to put a smile on your face. The game is all about creativity, and it will keep you guessing. This game is very unique, and it’s a must-play.
New Power-Ups and Characters
Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces new power-ups and characters to spice up the gameplay even more. One of the best new additions is the Elephant Fruit, which transforms Mario into an elephant. As an elephant, Mario can use his trunk to break blocks, spray water, and attack enemies. These new power-ups add a variety of gameplay options. The game also features a variety of familiar characters to play as, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Toad, Yoshi, and Nabbit. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses. It adds a layer of depth to the gameplay and encourages you to try different strategies and approaches. You can select the character that you prefer, or you can switch it up. This diversity keeps the game fresh and engaging. This game is a must-play. There are many reasons why this is a great game, and the replayability is just one of them!
Honorable Mentions and Other Great Mario Games
While the games above are some of the best Mario games on the Switch, there are a few others that deserve a shout-out. These games are still really fun. They all have something unique to offer, so consider checking them out if you have a chance.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: If you're a fan of racing games, you can't go wrong with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It's a great choice for playing with friends and family. The game has a lot to offer and is a good addition to any collection. The gameplay is straightforward, and the game is fun for all ages. It features a wide variety of tracks and characters and provides hours of fun.
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: This is a classic 2D platformer. It’s a great option for those who enjoy the more traditional Mario experience. It features multiple characters and levels to choose from. This game offers a fun experience to anyone.
- Super Mario Maker 2: If you're feeling creative, Super Mario Maker 2 lets you create your own Mario levels. It also has many different options for you to explore. You can play through levels created by other players, meaning the possibilities are endless. This is a great game for the creative mind.
Conclusion: Which Mario Game is Right for You?
So, which Mario game should you play on your Nintendo Switch? The answer really depends on what you're looking for. If you want a groundbreaking 3D platformer, Super Mario Odyssey is a must-play. If you enjoy classic platforming with friends, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a great choice. If you want a fresh take on the 2D platforming, then Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the perfect game. No matter which game you choose, you're guaranteed to have a blast exploring the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond! Grab your favorite controller, gather your friends, and get ready for a fun time with the greatest video game character of all time. Let's-a-go!