Top 8 Cool Super Mario Games

Let’s admit it, Nintendo makes some pretty amazing games. Ever since Super Mario 64 was released in 1996, Nintendo has followed up with numerous masterpieces. From The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s perfect scores to Splatoon 3’s fun gameplay, most of the game maker’s exclusive titles are critically acclaimed. 

In this article, our focus is on the Super Mario series. We’re recommending eight Super Mario games that are fun to play. Some of the titles on our list are side-scrolling games, while others are 3D titles. The only feature these titles share in common is the Nintendo formula for game-making. So they’re fun and straightforward, unlike games like Elden Ring. 

Also Read: Is Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Collector’s Edition Worth It?

Why Are Super Mario Games the Best?

Super Mario games are distinct because they can easily put a smile on anybody’s face. However, there are other reasons why they’re considered the best games in the industry. Some of the incentives for playing a Super Mario title are:

• Simple but distinct character designs. This makes Super Mario characters memorable.
• Colourful art styles let players forget the graphical limitations of the Nintendo Switch.
• Intuitive controls that can be learned by all ages. Well, except for toddlers. 
• Best-in-class animations and iconic moves. 
• Co-op mode is available in quite a few Super Mario Games.

Top 8 Super Mario Games

Super Mario is Mother Earth’s most popular plumber. Not to mention, he’s the most powerful because of his several face-offs against the likes of Bowser, Wario, Bowser Jr., Kamek, and Goomba. In all his adventures with other Nintendo characters like Luigi, below are the most iconic games that brought out Mario’s potential.

#1: Super Mario Odyssey | Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch 

Besides The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the best Nintendo Switch game is Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo has released so many Super Mario games that we thought they had run out of inspiration. However, this masterpiece quickly proves gamers wrong because of a few incentives. The list of hallmarks in Super Mario Odyssey is: 

• Revisit an iconic castle from Super Mario 64. 
• Possess a T-Rex using Cappy, a sentient headgear. 
• Iconic moves like the ground-pound and dodging Bullet Bills are present. 
• Turn into Goombas, Bullet Bills, and many other beasts. 
• There are plenty of new and nostalgic realms to explore. 

#2: Super Mario Bros. 3 | Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Super Mario Bros. 3 was released in 1988 to huge global success and critical acclaim. The game was originally released for the NES, and it was well-rendered. More than a decade later, Nintendo has added the game to its library of classics for Nintendo Switch owners to enjoy. The game is memorable for a couple of reasons, including: 

• There are multiple realms to explore using a world map. 
• Mid-bosses are scattered throughout the world.
• There are more Mario skills to explore, like Hammer, Frog, and Raccoon power-ups.
• The level design offers a verticality that immerses players in the game.
• Vibrant graphics and great music scores.

#3: Super Mario World | Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Super Mario World is every bit as memorable as Super Mario Bros. 3. It takes the DNA of Super Mario Bros. 3 and improves on it. Naturally, now that this masterpiece is available on the Nintendo Switch, it solidifies Nintendo’s hold on the 2D platform. Besides the fact that it’s the best-selling game on the SNES, all the classic Mario moves can be found in Super Mario World. However, there are even more tricks up Mario’s sleeves; Explore some of them below.

• There are multiple ways to finish each stage.
• Yoshi is your new dinosaur buddy.
• Precise controls for timed jumps and dodging fireballs. 
• There are many secret levels to uncover. 
• Sleek animations and colourful graphics. 

#4: Super Mario 64 | Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Super Mario 64 was Nintendo’s first 3D Super Mario game, so it was an adventure that fans had been looking forward to. Mario’s adventures took him through deserts and underwater pirate ships that are still iconic to date. Other innovations that were packed into Super Mario 64 are: 

• The level designs were ahead of their time.
• Precise controls made combat and exploration fun.
• The variety of jumps made Mario an enjoyable character to use.
• The non-linear progression made beating each stage challenging. 
• Great music makes skirmishes fun. 

#5: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door | Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch

The version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door that’s available on Nintendo Switch is an HD remake of the original. However, besides the sleek graphics, there are a few other incentives, like the art style and 2D realms. A full breakdown of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’s highlights are: 

• Paper art style instead of 3D modelling.
• Turn-based combat is at the core of the game.
• Features a paper buddy who has unique powers. 
• Catchy soundtracks to encourage players to beat the odds.

#6: Super Mario Galaxy 2 | Supported Platforms: Wii & Wii U

Super Mario Galaxy 2 sold consoles just like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did. The game added more innovative ideas to Super Mario 64, making it a must-buy at the time. Super Mario Galaxy 2 hasn’t been ported over to Nintendo Switch, which is the only downside to this recommendation. That said, we loved playing this game for a couple of reasons including: 

• Players can partner up with Yoshi for adrenaline-packed combos.
• Gravity-based challenges are pleasurable to a fault.
• A great soundtrack makes the missions memorable. 
• Drill and Cloud powers are fun and intuitive. 

#7: Super Mario Galaxy | Supported Platforms: Wii 

In Super Mario Galaxy, players should have used asteroid belts as springboards too, because this 2D game took the genre to another level. Instead of linear levels, Mario’s activities weren’t restricted to worlds alone but also galaxies. The new areas opened up a whole host of innovative experiences, such as:

• Each level felt like an individual adventure.
• Space exploration is a regular activity. 
• Upbeat soundtracks to match the pace of the gameplay.
• New suit power-ups.

#8: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch

This is a co-op video game from Nintendo that combines open-world mechanics with precise controls to complete challenges. The cat outfit for Mario is also cute, making this one of the most kid-friendly games on this list. Finally, the highlight is that Super Mario 3D World and Bowser’s Fury are two separate games. The other reasons why we’re recommending this game are: 

• Online mode is well-polished and optimised for the Nintendo Switch.
• Up to four players can play this game. 
• Characters have individual skills.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Is the Best Super Mario Game Right Now?

Super Mario Odyssey has ushered in a new age of Mario games with its release in 2017. The game wasn’t only nostalgic, but also replayable like Super Mario 64. Also, the game controls are precise, and the art style is stunning, even on the Nintendo Switch. In the end, Super Mario Odyssey represents gaming in its purest form, fun. 

What Is the Hardest Super Mario Game? 

Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels is the hardest Super Mario title ever. The levels in this game are designed to make Mario fail over and over again. It’s a game that requires fast reaction times and precise movements. Even if you know what foes and hazards are coming your way, it still feels like the developers are intentionally sabotaging your efforts. 

Which Super Mario Games Should I Get?

There are many Super Mario titles you should add to your list of must-play games. Some of the best ones you should play are: 

• Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games.
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
• Super Mario 3D All-Stars.
• Super Mario Maker 2. 
• Super Mario Run.
• Mario Kart 8.