Mario continues to be the beloved plumber of the world. With a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. for NES selling for $660K, it's clear that this mustached Italian is truly an idol. Mario, along with his brother Luigi, has expanded beyond platformers and can now be found in games of various genres.
When selecting the best Mario-themed games for the Nintendo Switch, it's important to remember that Nintendo's Mario is the real deal, with all other versions merely imitating. This list will focus solely on official titles, excluding crossovers like Super Smash Bros. or Mario + Rabbids® Kingdom Battle. Let's dive into the best games featuring the beloved Mario brothers.
Arcade Archives Mario Bros.
Despite its classic status and millions of fans, this collection may seem outdated now - and rightfully so. However, how else can players today experience the original Mario games that were once only available in arcades?
Visually, these games are as simple as one would expect from 1980s relics. The gameplay, however, differs from the platformers we know today. Did you know that the original Mario didn't have to jump on enemies, but instead hit the platform from below? The updated version offers various modes to enhance gameplay, but this title holds more historical value than pure entertainment.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
This port of the classic Wii U game shines just as brightly on the Switch. Mario's racing adventures are filled with excitement and offer more diversity than traditional side-scrolling games. With a wide range of tracks and characters, the fast-paced gameplay will keep you on edge until the race ends.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports up to 4 players in local multiplayer on a single device, requiring only an extra pair of Joy-Cons. For larger parties, up to 8 players can connect their own Switches for a wild gaming experience.
Super Mario Maker™ 2
For old-school fans who know the original games inside out, the level editor in Super Mario Maker™ 2 is a dream come true. Players can now create their own courses, adding a new dimension to the classic game. While the visuals may seem outdated in the 21st century, the nostalgic 2D side-scrolling platformer style remains timeless.
Super Mario™ 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
A remake of a Wii U game, this 3D platformer offers diverse levels with unexpected twists. The game introduces inventive elements like disappearing platforms, musical rhythms, and explorative challenges, creating a unique gameplay experience.
In addition to the classic Super Mario™ 3D World, this version includes Bowser’s Fury, an extension with new puzzles and challenges that match the complexity of the base game.
Super Mario Odyssey
Described as the craziest Mario game ever, Odyssey combines traditional Mario elements with new mechanics and abilities in a visually stunning package. The game surprises players with its weird spaces, unique mechanics, and the introduction of Cappy, a magical hat that reinvents power-ups.
While there are other notable titles like Paper Mario™: The Origami King and Super Mario Party™, each with their own charm, Super Mario Odyssey stands out for its blend of classic Mario values with modern gameplay mechanics.
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