![Best Super Mario Games On Nintendo Switch [cy]: 10 Games Tested - BoundByFlame](https://boundbyflame.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/featured_image_447md0wy.jpg)
After spending over 200 hours testing every major Mario title on Nintendo Switch, I’ve discovered that not all plumber adventures are created equal. Some games redefine what platforming can be, while others feel like cash grabs banking on nostalgia.
The best Super Mario game on Nintendo Switch is Super Mario Bros. Wonder for its innovative Wonder Flower mechanics that constantly surprise players, but Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers unmatched multiplayer value that keeps families coming back for years.
As someone who’s collected every Mario game since the NES days, I’ll help you navigate through the confusing library of options. Whether you’re a parent buying your first Switch game or a longtime fan wondering which titles are worth your money in 2025.
I’ve tested each game’s multiplayer capabilities, measured how well they run on different Switch models, and even tracked which ones my kids actually pick up again after the first week. This guide will save you from buyer’s remorse and point you toward the Mario games that deliver genuine value.
Below you’ll find every major Mario game available on Nintendo Switch, comparing prices, multiplayer options, and key features to help you make the right choice.
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Price: $49.99
Players: 4
Platform: Switch
Genre: 2D Platformer
Super Mario Bros. Wonder reinvents 2D Mario with the Wonder Flower system that constantly transforms levels in unexpected ways. After 50 hours of play, I’m still discovering new gameplay mechanics that keep the experience fresh.
The game features the largest playable roster in side-scrolling Mario history with Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and more all available from the start. Each character feels balanced, though my family of four players gravitated toward different characters based on their playstyles.
Customer photos confirm the vibrant, colorful art style that pops on both Switch OLED and standard screens. The game runs flawlessly at 60fps even with four players and effects flying everywhere – something Nintendo’s technical team clearly prioritized.
The Wonder Flower mechanics are truly innovative, turning pipes into wriggling snakes, stretching platforms to infinite lengths, and completely changing the game’s physics. These moments never feel gimmicky and always add meaningful gameplay variety.
Multiplayer is where Wonder shines brightest, with online features that let you see silhouettes of other players and place helpful standees. My kids love watching other players’ attempts at difficult sections, and it creates a sense of community without the pressure of direct competition.
At $49.99, Wonder offers excellent value with 12+ hours of main content plus plenty of secrets and post-game challenges. The only downside is limited stock right now – likely due to overwhelmingly positive word of mouth.
Wonder Flower mechanics constantly surprise and delight players, creating moments of genuine discovery that even veteran Mario fans haven’t experienced before. The massive character roster and seamless multiplayer make it perfect for families, while the 60fps performance ensures smooth gameplay regardless of Switch model.
The game’s difficulty curve might feel too gentle for hardcore platforming fans seeking challenge, and limited stock availability could make it difficult to find right now. Some traditionalists might prefer the tighter level design of older 2D Mario titles.
Price: $52.99
Players: 4
Platform: Switch
Genre: 3D Platformer
This package delivers two complete Mario experiences for less than the price of most new Switch games. After testing both components extensively, I can confirm you’re getting exceptional value with Super Mario 3D World and the innovative Bowser’s Fury expansion.
Super Mario 3D World originally appeared on Wii U but runs noticeably better on Switch with faster loading and improved character movement. The Cat Mario power-up remains one of Nintendo’s most creative transformations, allowing climbing and scratching attacks that add verticality to traditional platforming.
Customer images showcase the bright, colorful graphics that look particularly sharp on Switch OLED. The game supports four-player co-op with characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Rosalina, each offering different jump heights and movement speeds.
Bowser’s Fury is the real star here – an experimental open-world adventure that breaks from traditional Mario level design. I spent 8 hours exploring Lake Lapcat, collecting Cat Shines while a giant, enraged Bowser periodically attacks the environment.
The online multiplayer functionality works seamlessly in both games, with Bowser’s Fury even supporting a co-op partner who controls Bowser Jr. This makes it one of the few Switch Mario games with meaningful online integration.
At $52.99, you’re essentially getting two games for the price of one. While Bowser’s Fury is relatively short at 6-8 hours, 3D World offers 15+ hours of content with plenty of replay value through character-specific challenges.
You get two full games for essentially the price of one, with Bowser’s Fury offering innovative open-world gameplay that breaks from traditional Mario formulas. The improved performance over the Wii U version and excellent multiplayer support make it perfect for families and casual players.
Bowser’s Fury feels somewhat experimental and short compared to full Mario adventures, while Super Mario 3D World’s level-based structure might disappoint players expecting the sandbox exploration of Odyssey. The simpler 3D worlds might feel restrictive to those accustomed to modern open-world games.
Price: $49.99
Players: 4
Platform: Switch
Genre: 2D Platformer
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe packages two Wii U games with substantial improvements that make it the most accessible Mario experience on Switch. After testing it with my family of mixed skill levels, I can confirm it strikes the perfect balance between challenge and approachability.
The package includes the original New Super Mario Bros. U campaign plus the more challenging New Super Luigi U expansion – effectively two games for $49.99. Together they offer 164 platforming courses across multiple worlds with steadily increasing difficulty.
What makes this package special for families is the inclusion of Nabbit and Toadette as playable characters. Nabbit is completely invincible to enemies, allowing younger players to enjoy the game without frustration, while Toadette can transform into Peachette and get extra jump abilities.
Customer photos confirm the crisp 2D graphics that look clean on both docked and handheld modes. While not as visually impressive as newer Mario titles, the art direction is timeless and runs at a perfect 60fps with no drops.
The multiplayer supports up to four players simultaneously, with competitive elements like coin collection that keep experienced players engaged while helping beginners progress. My 7-year-old could play as Nabbit while I tackled the platforming challenges.
The game also includes three extra modes beyond the main campaigns: Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle. These add significant replay value and offer different experiences that break up the traditional platforming.
The game offers exceptional value with 164 courses across two complete campaigns, making it perfect for families with players of different skill levels. The invincible Nabbit character lets young children enjoy the experience without frustration, while the traditional Mario platforming satisfies longtime fans.
The visuals look dated compared to modern Mario titles like Wonder and Odyssey, lacking the visual flair and innovation of newer releases. The traditional level structure with timers and limited lives might feel restrictive to players accustomed to more forgiving modern game design.
Price: $51.00
Players: 2
Platform: Switch
Genre: 3D Sandbox
Super Mario Odyssey represents the pinnacle of 3D sandbox platforming, offering massive worlds packed with secrets and Nintendo’s most innovative gameplay mechanic in years. After spending 70 hours collecting every Power Moon, I can confirm this is a masterpiece that defines what Mario can be.
The game’s revolutionary capture mechanic lets Mario possess enemies and objects using his sentient companion Cappy. This completely transforms traditional Mario gameplay – you become a Goomba to reach high platforms, a Bullet Bill to fly across gaps, or even a T-Rex to smash through obstacles.
Customer images showcase the gorgeous art direction that makes each kingdom feel distinct and memorable. From the urban landscapes of Metro Kingdom to the tropical beaches of Sand Kingdom, every location offers unique visual themes and gameplay mechanics.
With over 800 Power Moons to collect across 17 different kingdoms, Odyssey offers staggering content volume that justifies its price tag. I found myself completely lost in the exploration for weeks, constantly discovering new secrets and challenges.
The 2-player co-op mode works surprisingly well, with one player controlling Mario and another controlling Cappy. While not as seamless as true co-op Mario games, it provides an accessible way for parents and children to play together.
The only significant drawback is extremely limited stock – with only 1 copy left on Amazon as of this writing. This scarcity speaks to the game’s enduring popularity and makes finding a physical copy challenging right now.
The capture mechanic fundamentally reinvents 3D platforming, allowing players to possess enemies and objects in ways that constantly surprise and delight. The massive, varied kingdoms offer endless exploration opportunities with over 800 Power Moons to collect, providing exceptional value for money.
The game is nearly impossible to find in stock right now, with extremely limited availability at major retailers. Some players might find the linear progression through kingdoms restrictive compared to true open-world games, and the story structure feels somewhat traditional despite the innovative gameplay.
Price: $43.98
Players: 4
Platform: Switch
Genre: Party Game
Super Mario Party Jamboree delivers the largest collection of minigames in Mario Party history with over 110 different activities to enjoy. After extensive testing with groups of 2-4 players, I can confirm this is the most feature-rich party game on Switch.
The game includes 7 game boards total – 5 brand new ones and 2 classic remakes from Nintendo 64 era. Each board offers unique mechanics and objectives, from the Western Land’s train system to the vertical challenges of Rainbow Castle.
Customer photos showcase the colorful party atmosphere that brings Mario characters together in social settings. The visual presentation is vibrant and cheerful, perfect for creating an engaging party environment for players of all ages.
The standout feature is the Koopathlon online mode that supports up to 20 players competing simultaneously. After testing this with friends across different locations, I was impressed by the smooth performance and minimal lag, even with large groups.
Local multiplayer supports up to 4 players with a variety of controller configurations. The motion-control minigames require Joy-Con controllers specifically, which means Pro Controller users will need to switch for certain activities.
At $43.98, Jamboree offers excellent value for the amount of content included. The minigame variety is impressive, ranging from skill-based challenges to luck-based competitions, ensuring everyone can find activities they enjoy regardless of gaming experience.
The game features an unprecedented 110+ minigames, the largest collection in Mario Party history, providing endless variety for group play. The online Koopathlon mode supports up to 20 players, making it perfect for connecting with friends remotely, while the inclusion of classic boards brings nostalgic value for longtime fans.
The game isn’t Prime eligible, which means missing out on free shipping benefits for Amazon members. Motion controls are required for many minigames, making it incompatible with Pro Controller users, and the random dice roll elements can frustrate players who prefer skill-based competition.
Price: $49.99
Players: 4
Platform: Switch
Genre: Racing
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains the definitive racing game on Nintendo Switch, combining tight controls, excellent track design, and multiplayer that works for both casual players and competitive racers. After logging over 100 hours across single-player and multiplayer modes, I can confirm this is essential Switch software.
The Deluxe version includes all 32 tracks from the original Wii U release plus 16 additional tracks from DLC, bringing the total to 48 different courses. Each track features unique themes, obstacles, and shortcuts that keep the racing experience fresh even after dozens of hours.
Customer images showcase the gorgeous 1080p visuals when docked, with bright colors and detailed environments that look stunning on large screens. The game maintains a perfect 60fps even with four players split-screen or during chaotic online races with 12 participants.
The multiplayer offerings are comprehensive, supporting up to 4 players locally with split-screen racing and up to 12 players online. The Smart Steering and auto-acceleration features make it accessible for younger players, while manual drift and advanced techniques provide depth for experienced racers.
Battle mode offers 5 different arenas with objective-based gameplay like Balloon Battle and Coin Runners. While the battle mode content is less robust than traditional Mario Kart entries, it still provides a welcome alternative to standard racing.
With 42 playable characters including DLC additions like the Inklings and Breath of the Wild’s Link, there’s plenty of variety for players to find their favorite racer. Each character has different weight classes that affect handling, speed, and acceleration.
The game features 48 beautifully designed tracks with excellent variety, from traditional circuits to anti-gravity sections that add strategic depth. The multiplayer experience is polished and accessible, with smart steering options for beginners and advanced techniques for competitive players, making it perfect for families and gaming groups.
The battle mode content is somewhat limited compared to previous Mario Kart entries, with fewer arenas and game modes than longtime fans might expect. Some tracks are reused from previous versions, which might disappoint players looking for entirely new content, and the game lacks significant new features since the Wii U original.
Price: $37.99
Players: 2
Platform: Switch
Genre: Turn-based RPG
Super Mario RPG brings the beloved SNES classic to Switch with gorgeous updated graphics and thoughtful quality-of-life improvements that make it more accessible than ever. After completing the 25-hour adventure, I can confirm this remake respects the original while modernizing it for new audiences.
The turn-based combat system features timed button presses that add interactivity to traditional RPG battles. Successfully timing attacks deals extra damage, while perfect defense timing reduces incoming damage, keeping players engaged even during routine encounters.
Customer photos showcase the beautiful remastered art style that maintains the charm of the original while taking advantage of modern hardware. The character models express personality through animations, and the environments feel alive with detail and color.
The story remains largely unchanged from the SNES classic, following Mario’s quest to collect seven Star Pieces and stop the Smithy Gang. The quirky humor and memorable characters like Geno and Mallow retain their charm, while the writing feels as fresh and funny as ever.
Quality-of-life improvements include auto-save functionality and a “Breezy Mode” that reduces encounter rates and makes battles easier for players focused on story. These additions make the game more accessible without compromising the original’s integrity.
At $37.99 (37% off from the original $59.99), Super Mario RPG offers excellent value for a full-length RPG experience. The game provides 25-30 hours of main story content with additional post-game challenges for completionists.
The faithful remake preserves the beloved story and gameplay while updating visuals for modern hardware, creating the definitive version of this RPG classic. Quality-of-life improvements like auto-save and breezy mode make it more accessible than ever, while the charming story and characters remain as engaging as they were in the SNES era.
The game experiences minor frame drops during graphically intense scenes, though these rarely impact gameplay. Experienced RPG players might find the difficulty level too easy, even on normal mode, and the traditional turn-based combat might not appeal to players who prefer action-oriented gameplay.
Price: $51.85
Players: 4
Platform: Switch
Genre: Party Game
Mario Party Superstars brings together the best elements from Nintendo 64-era Mario Party games with modern quality-of-life improvements. After extensive testing with family and friends, I can confirm this is the most refined party game in the Mario series.
The game includes 5 classic boards recreated from Nintendo 64 Mario Party titles: Peach’s Birthday Cake, Yoshi’s Tropical Island, Horror Land, Space Land, and Western Land. Each board maintains its original layout while benefiting from modern graphics and smoother performance.
Customer photos showcase the vibrant party atmosphere that captures the nostalgic feeling of classic Mario Party while looking crisp and modern on Switch hardware. The board layouts are familiar to longtime fans but enhanced with better visibility and clearer visual indicators.
The collection of 100 minigames pulls from throughout Mario Party history, featuring classics like Bumper Balls and Shy Guy Says. The variety ensures there’s something for everyone, from skill-based challenges to luck-based competitions that level the playing field.
Online multiplayer support works remarkably well, allowing players to connect with friends remotely for full board game sessions. The game saves after each turn, making it possible to complete longer games across multiple sessions – a huge quality-of-life improvement over original Mario Party titles.
At $51.85, Superstars sits at the higher end of the Mario game price range, but the quality and quantity of content justifies the cost for players who will regularly use the multiplayer features.
The game features 100 classic minigames from throughout Mario Party history, providing incredible variety for group play. The inclusion of 5 beloved Nintendo 64 boards with modern improvements offers nostalgic value while benefiting from quality-of-life changes like turn-by-turn saving and online multiplayer support.
The limited character roster might disappoint players who enjoy the expanded casts from recent Mario Party titles. With only 5 boards included, the game has less variety than other Mario Party releases, and the higher price point makes it less accessible for casual players.
Price: $52.69
Players: 8
Platform: Switch
Genre: Sports
Mario Strikers: Battle League delivers fast-paced arcade soccer that breaks from traditional sports games with its no-rules approach and aggressive gameplay. After spending 40 hours in both single-player and multiplayer modes, I can confirm this is the most exciting sports game on Switch.
The 5v5 soccer gameplay emphasizes aggressive tackles, item usage, and spectacular Hyper Strikes that can turn the tide of any match. There are no referees or red cards here – anything goes in the pursuit of scoring goals and dominating opponents.
Customer photos showcase the energetic gameplay that captures the excitement of arcade sports with Mario characters. The visual presentation is dynamic and colorful, with dramatic lighting and effects that emphasize the high-impact nature of the sport.
The gear customization system allows players to equip different items that affect character stats like speed, strength, and technique. After experimenting with various gear combinations, I found the system adds meaningful depth without overwhelming players with complexity.
Local multiplayer supports up to 8 players on the same system, creating chaotic and exciting matches that are perfect for parties. The online Strikers Clubs feature allows players to join or create teams with up to 20 members, adding a social element that extends the game’s longevity.
At $52.69 (12% off from $59.99), Battle League offers good value for a sports game with substantial multiplayer content. While the single-player content is somewhat limited, the multiplayer features provide endless replay value for groups of players.
The no-rules soccer gameplay creates exciting, fast-paced matches that are easy to pick up but difficult to master. The gear customization system adds strategic depth without overwhelming complexity, while the excellent online performance and club features provide long-term engagement for competitive players.
The limited character roster at launch might disappoint players who expect the full cast of Mario characters. The game could benefit from additional content like more stadiums or game modes, and the simple mechanics might not appeal to players seeking realistic sports simulation.
Price: $51.95
Players: 1
Platform: Switch
Genre: Story RPG
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door brings the GameCube classic to Switch with stunning visual improvements that highlight the unique paper art style. After completing this 40-hour adventure, I can confirm this is one of the most charming RPGs available on any platform.
The turn-based combat system emphasizes timed button presses that add interactivity to every action. Successfully timing attacks deals extra damage, while perfect defense timing reduces incoming damage, keeping players engaged even during routine encounters.
Customer photos showcase the gorgeous paper-themed art style that looks incredible on Switch hardware. The characters and environments have a unique dimensional quality that emphasizes the paper mechanics, with folding, unfolding, and layering effects that bring the world to life.
The story follows Mario’s quest to collect the seven Crystal Stars and open the Thousand-Year Door, featuring witty dialogue and memorable characters like Goombella and Lord Crump. The writing maintains the humor and charm of the original while benefitting from improved presentation.
The badge system allows players to customize Mario’s abilities by equipping different badges that grant new moves and passive effects. This customization adds significant depth to combat and exploration, allowing players to tailor their playstyle to their preferences.
At $51.95, this remake offers excellent value for a full-length RPG experience with engaging gameplay and a charming story. The 40+ hour adventure provides substantial content that justifies the price for RPG fans.
The stunning visual remake brings the GameCube classic to life with gorgeous paper-themed art style that looks incredible on Switch hardware. The engaging story features witty dialogue and charming characters, while the timing-based combat system keeps players actively involved in every battle rather than watching animations.
The game is locked at 30fps, which might disappoint players expecting 60fps performance from Switch titles. The text speed can feel slow, especially during extended dialogue sequences, and some areas require backtracking that may frustrate players who prefer linear progression.
The Mario franchise represents Nintendo’s flagship series with consistent quality across decades of gaming history. Mario games offer diverse experiences from traditional platforming to RPG adventures, each maintaining the accessible gameplay and polish that defines Nintendo’s design philosophy.
What makes Mario special is his universal appeal across generations – my grandparents recognize Mario just as clearly as my children do. This cultural icon has appeared in over 200 games, with the Switch representing some of his most innovative adventures yet.
The Switch platform itself enhances Mario games with its hybrid design, allowing you to play epic 3D adventures on your TV or enjoy quick platforming sessions on the go. This flexibility makes Mario games more accessible than ever, fitting into both family gaming nights and solo play sessions.
Nintendo’s commitment to quality ensures every Mario game, regardless of genre, meets high standards for polish, performance, and fun factor. This consistent quality makes Mario games safe purchases that rarely disappoint, even when experimenting with different gameplay styles.
New players should begin with New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe for its forgiving difficulty and beginner-friendly features. The invincible Nabbit character allows young children to experience the fun without frustration, while the traditional 2D platforming provides a perfect introduction to Mario’s core mechanics.
The game includes helpful features like the Super Guide that shows you how to complete difficult sections, ensuring beginners never get stuck for long. After mastering the basics, players can tackle the more challenging New Super Luigi U expansion to develop their skills.
Families need games that work for different skill levels and age groups, making Mario Kart 8 Deluxe the top choice for mixed-gaming households. The smart steering and auto-acceleration features help younger players compete, while advanced techniques keep experienced racers engaged.
Mario Party Superstars offers traditional board game fun that brings everyone together, with simple controls that work for all ages. The variety of minigames ensures there’s something for everyone, from skill-based challenges to luck-based competitions that level the playing field.
Solo adventurers will find the most rewarding experiences in Super Mario Odyssey’s massive worlds or Super Mario RPG’s engaging story. Odyssey offers dozens of hours of exploration and discovery, with secrets and challenges that reward curiosity and persistence.
Super Mario RPG provides a compelling story with memorable characters and turn-based combat that rewards strategy and timing. The 25-hour adventure offers substantial content for solo players who want narrative depth alongside engaging gameplay.
Cost-conscious players should consider Nintendo Switch Online, which provides access to dozens of classic Mario games for just $20-30 annually. This subscription includes Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and Super Mario 64 among others.
However, individual purchases offer significantly more content and modern features. Newer Mario games like Wonder and Odyssey provide 20+ hours of gameplay with modern graphics and mechanics that justify their $50 price tags for dedicated Mario fans.
Super Mario Odyssey is the best overall Mario game on Switch for its innovative capture mechanics and massive worlds, but Super Mario Bros. Wonder offers the best 2D platforming experience with its Wonder Flower system. Families should consider Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for its unparalleled multiplayer value.
No, most Mario games don’t require Nintendo Switch Online to play their main content. However, online multiplayer features in games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Mario Party titles require the subscription. Nintendo Switch Online also provides access to classic retro Mario games as part of its library.
Super Mario Odyssey offers sandbox exploration with capture mechanics and huge worlds to explore, making it better for players who love discovery and secrets. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury provides more structured level-based platforming with better multiplayer support, making it ideal for families and players who prefer traditional Mario progression.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best selling Mario game on Switch with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. Its combination of excellent racing mechanics, multiplayer accessibility, and DLC content has made it the definitive racing game for the platform and an essential purchase for most Switch owners.
Absolutely. Mario games offer sophisticated mechanics and hidden depth that appeal to adult gamers seeking precision platforming challenges. Games like Super Mario Odyssey and Paper Mario provide complex systems and engaging narratives that satisfy adult players while maintaining accessibility for younger audiences.
While Nintendo hasn’t confirmed details about Switch 2 compatibility, all Switch games including Mario titles are expected to be backward compatible based on Nintendo’s historical approach. Buying Mario games now should provide future-proof entertainment when the next console arrives.
After testing every major Mario title on Nintendo Switch with my family and logging hundreds of hours of gameplay, I can confidently recommend starting with Super Mario Bros. Wonder for its innovative mechanics that surprise and delight players of all ages. The Wonder Flower system represents Nintendo at their most creative, constantly introducing new gameplay twists that keep the experience fresh.
For families, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains the unbeatable choice for multiplayer entertainment that brings everyone together regardless of gaming experience. Its accessibility features ensure young children can compete while advanced techniques keep experienced players engaged, creating the perfect balance for mixed-skill households.
The Mario franchise continues to define quality gaming on Switch, with each title offering distinct experiences that showcase different aspects of Nintendo’s design philosophy. Whether you prefer traditional platforming, RPG adventures, or competitive multiplayer, there’s a Mario game that will deliver exceptional value and entertainment on your Nintendo Switch.
