Super Mario Odyssey is the best first purchase for most solo players, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the safest choice for racing and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is the strongest couch-co-op package. Families who want a modern 2D platformer should start with Super Mario Bros. Wonder; groups that mainly want quick party sessions should choose Mario Party Superstars or Super Mario Party Jamboree. The right game depends less on the character on the box than on whether you want exploration, racing, platforming, board-game competition, role-playing, puzzle adventure or tactical combat.
How do you choose the best Mario game on Nintendo Switch?
Start with the activity you expect to repeat most. A Mario platformer rewards movement and level discovery, a kart racer supplies short competitive rounds, a party game is built around a group in the same room, and the RPG and strategy spin-offs ask for more reading and planning. The list below ranks games by how well they serve a specific use rather than pretending that one genre fits every player.
- Solo exploration: Super Mario Odyssey gives the broadest flagship 3D adventure.
- Racing: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has the deepest established course library, especially with its optional expansion.
- Modern 2D action: Super Mario Bros. Wonder refreshes the traditional side-scrolling formula.
- Couch co-op: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury combines designed levels with a free-roaming area.
- Board-game competition: Mario Party Superstars focuses on classic boards, while Super Mario Party Jamboree is the newer alternative.
- Story and systems: Luigi’s Mansion 3, Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door are better fits for puzzle solving, dialogue or turn-based battles.
- Tactics: Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is the outlier for grid-based planning.
All ten are Nintendo Switch games or Switch-family releases, but edition names, stock and upgrade policies can differ by country. Check the product page for your region before paying, particularly if you are buying for a Nintendo Switch 2.
Which Mario games are the best on Switch?
| Rank | Game | Best for | Genre | Primary play style | Exploration and replay profile | Extra purchase or edition note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Super Mario Odyssey | Best overall solo adventure | 3D platformer | Solo-focused | Large, revisitable kingdoms with collectible-driven replay | Standard and digital editions are listed by Nintendo |
| 2 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Best racing game | Kart racer | Competitive races with local and online options | High replay through tracks, characters and time-based challenges | Optional Booster Course Pass adds 48 courses and 8 characters |
| 3 | Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Best modern 2D platformer | 2D platformer | Solo or group platforming; exact mode details vary by edition | Secret exits, Wonder effects and character variety encourage repeat runs | UK product page lists a 20 October 2023 release and 12 playable characters |
| 4 | Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | Best cooperative platforming package | 3D platformer | Couch co-op plus solo play | Structured courses paired with a larger free-roaming component | Confirm the current regional edition and Switch 2 treatment |
| 5 | Mario Party Superstars | Best classic party game | Party board and minigames | Group competition on the same console | Short minigame sessions and repeatable board matches | Five boards come from Nintendo 64-era Mario Party games |
| 6 | Super Mario Party Jamboree | Best newer party alternative | Party board and minigames | Designed for group sessions | Varied modes aimed at repeated gatherings | Check whether the listing is the Switch or Switch 2 edition |
| 7 | Luigi’s Mansion 3 | Best Mario-universe adventure | Puzzle-action adventure | Exploration and ghost hunting rather than traditional jumping | Room-by-room puzzles and optional revisits | Verify the edition and regional listing |
| 8 | Super Mario RPG | Best traditional role-playing pick | Turn-based RPG | Story-led solo play | Progression, battles and narrative choices drive continued play | Confirm availability and edition in your market |
| 9 | Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door | Best story-rich paper-style RPG | Turn-based RPG | Solo exploration and dialogue | Chapter-based adventure with exploration and battles | Physical stock can vary; check current listings |
| 10 | Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope | Best strategy spin-off | Turn-based tactical strategy | Solo planning on grid-based battlefields | Team builds and tactical encounters provide replay depth | Verify the current listing and publisher edition |
1. Super Mario Odyssey — best overall solo 3D platformer
Choose Super Mario Odyssey if you want one game that demonstrates why the Switch is a strong Mario platform. Its kingdoms are built for wandering, experimentation and returning after you have learned a new movement trick. The central loop is not simply reaching a flag; it is noticing an odd corner, testing an ability and finding another reason to explore.
This is the default recommendation for a player buying one Mario game for personal use. It is primarily a solo adventure, so it does not solve the “four people are visiting tonight” problem, but it does offer a substantial campaign and plenty of reasons to revisit completed areas. The collectible structure also lets younger or less experienced players make progress without requiring every challenge immediately.
Nintendo provides both standard and digital purchase routes. Check whether a listing is a physical cartridge or a download, and confirm the edition shown for your country before ordering.
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — best racing game
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the most dependable choice when the main question is, “What can several people play in short rounds?” Its races are easy to understand, but the driving line, item timing and character or vehicle choices give experienced players room to improve. That combination makes it useful for mixed-skill groups: newcomers can participate while regular players still have goals.
The base game already supports a large variety of races and repeatable competition. Nintendo’s paid Booster Course Pass adds 48 courses and 8 characters, so check whether a second-hand or bundled copy includes that content; do not assume that every cartridge or digital listing does. The expansion is an optional content decision rather than a prerequisite for learning the game.
Local and online features can depend on the console setup and Nintendo account requirements. Confirm the current Nintendo Switch Online and regional terms if online play is the reason you are buying, and budget for additional controllers if several people will race on one console.
3. Super Mario Bros. Wonder — best modern 2D platformer
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the best fit for players who want a side-scrolling Mario game that changes its rules from level to level. Nintendo describes the premise this way: “Classic Mario gameplay is turned on its head with Wonder Flowers.” Touching one can alter the stage, enemy behavior or the way the character moves, so a familiar-looking course can become a short interactive surprise.
The UK product page lists a 20 October 2023 Switch release and 12 playable characters. That roster is useful for families and mixed-skill groups because players can choose a character that suits their comfort level rather than all using exactly the same feel. The game’s secrets and unusual transformations also reward replay after a first, straightforward clear.
It is a better purchase than a purely nostalgic 2D collection when you want fresh level design. Verify the local product page for the exact multiplayer arrangement, language support and edition before buying for a particular group.
4. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury — best cooperative platforming package
This package is the strongest recommendation for couch co-op platforming. Super Mario 3D World presents compact, designed courses that are easy to play in a session, while Bowser’s Fury adds a more open area where you can roam, collect and decide what to tackle next. The two parts therefore serve different moods without requiring two separate purchases.
Co-op changes the feel of a platformer: players can help one another, accidentally interfere, or split up to search for collectibles. It is ideal for siblings, couples and groups that want active teamwork instead of taking turns on a single-player campaign. Solo players still have a substantial package, particularly if they enjoy clearing every course and revisiting the open component.
The available data identifies this as a Switch package but cautions that regional editions need checking. Confirm the exact product name, physical contents and any Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility or upgrade policy shown in your market.
5. Mario Party Superstars — best classic party game
Mario Party Superstars is the choice for a group that wants a recognisable board-game format and minigames rather than a long adventure. Nintendo says the Switch-family release includes five classic boards from Nintendo 64 Mario Party games. Those boards provide the strategic rhythm—move, collect resources, trigger events and endure the luck swings—while the minigames supply short bursts of direct competition.
Its appeal is strongest when the same group can gather repeatedly, because people learn which boards and minigames they enjoy and develop their own rivalries. It is less suitable as a solo-first purchase: the fun is in the social match structure, not in exploring a world alone. Before a gathering, check controller availability and the current local-play setup so everyone can join without sharing one small control scheme.
6. Super Mario Party Jamboree — best newer party alternative
Super Mario Party Jamboree belongs on the shortlist when you want a newer Mario Party entry rather than a collection built around Nintendo 64-era boards. It is aimed at repeated group sessions, with a broader set of activities and modes than a single traditional board match. Pick it when your group values novelty and variety more than a tightly curated retro selection.
Because Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 editions can be labeled differently, inspect the listing carefully. Features, compatibility and any upgrade treatment should be confirmed for the console you own. The game is a poor substitute for a solo platformer, but it can be the better social purchase if your household already has an adventure game and needs something visitors can understand quickly.
7. Luigi’s Mansion 3 — best Mario-universe adventure
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is the answer for players who like Mario characters but prefer puzzles, environmental searching and ghost hunting to precision platforming. Luigi explores a haunted location, uses his equipment to manipulate objects and solves room-based problems before moving onward. The tone is playful rather than frightening, making it approachable for families that want an adventure with a different rhythm.
Its replay value comes from noticing missed interactions, improving your understanding of each puzzle space and revisiting areas for optional discoveries. That makes it a useful bridge between a platform game and a traditional adventure. Check the current regional listing for the precise edition and available multiplayer features if you are buying for more than one player.
8. Super Mario RPG — best traditional role-playing pick
Choose Super Mario RPG when you want a story-led game with turn-based battles instead of reflex-based jumping. Encounters ask you to select actions, manage a party and pay attention to timing, while the journey is carried by dialogue, characters and a more conventional role-playing progression system.
This is a strong fit for a player who enjoys reading, planning and seeing a campaign through in sequence. It is less immediate for very young children who only want to run and jump, although families can share the decisions and use it as a gentler introduction to RPG structure. Nintendo’s regional editions and availability should be checked before purchase, especially when comparing a physical copy with a digital listing.
9. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door — best story-rich paper-style RPG
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the pick for readers who value dialogue, character-driven chapters and exploration as much as combat. Its paper-like presentation is not merely cosmetic: the world, humor and puzzles are built around a storybook sensibility, while battles remain turn-based and reward deliberate choices.
The game suits a solo player who wants to investigate towns, talk to optional characters and follow a longer narrative rather than replaying short action stages. It is also a good choice for older children who are ready for more reading and for adults who want a classic-style RPG on current hardware. Physical stock can vary, so compare the current local listings instead of assuming every retailer has the same cartridge availability.
10. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope — best strategy spin-off
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is the outlier in this list: its core challenge is tactical positioning on grid-based battlefields. You assemble a team, plan movement and attacks, and use abilities to solve encounters rather than relying on platforming reflexes. The Mario crossover makes the presentation friendly, but the decisions are closer to a turn-based strategy game than to a mainline Mario adventure.
It is a good purchase for players who enjoy experimenting with team builds and thinking several moves ahead. The campaign has less appeal if your priority is immediate couch multiplayer or a simple family party game. Verify the current publisher listing, edition and any included or separate content in your region before ordering.
Which Mario game should you buy first?
Use this quick decision path when you do not want to compare ten genres:
- You will mostly play alone and want exploration: buy Super Mario Odyssey.
- You want races that friends can understand quickly: buy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe; add the Booster Course Pass only if the extra tracks and characters justify the additional cost for your group.
- You want traditional jumping with a new visual twist: buy Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
- You need teamwork on one sofa: buy Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury.
- Your gatherings revolve around boards and minigames: choose Mario Party Superstars for classic boards or Super Mario Party Jamboree for the newer entry.
- You prefer puzzles and atmosphere: choose Luigi’s Mansion 3.
- You want a story and turn-based battles: choose Super Mario RPG for a conventional RPG or Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for a dialogue-heavy paper-style adventure.
- You want tactical battles: choose Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.
How popular are Mario games on Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo’s 2024 investor report says the 3D Super Mario, Mario Kart, 2D Super Mario and Mario Party groups each exceeded 30 million combined sales on Nintendo Switch. That is a category-level figure, not a claim that every individual game sold 30 million copies.
Nintendo’s later million-seller table also lists Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Party Superstars among the system’s leading software sellers. Popularity is useful evidence that these are established choices, but it does not replace matching a game to your preferred play style.
What should you check before buying a Mario game?
- Confirm the console edition. Read the title and compatibility notes carefully if you own a Nintendo Switch 2 or are buying a product marketed to the Switch family.
- Check your country’s listing. Release dates, language support, stock and physical packaging can differ by region.
- Decide between cartridge and digital. A physical listing may be out of stock while a digital edition remains available; a used cartridge may not include separately sold downloadable content.
- Audit DLC inclusion. For Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, look for explicit wording about the Booster Course Pass rather than assuming the 48 additional courses and 8 characters are bundled.
- Plan controllers. Party and racing games are more enjoyable when every participant has a suitable controller. Confirm the local multiplayer arrangement before a planned gathering.
- Check online terms. If online competition is essential, review the current Nintendo account and Nintendo Switch Online requirements for your region and mode.
- Compare the actual offer. Nintendo product pages establish the game and purchase route, but they do not guarantee a retailer’s current price, stock, cartridge condition or bundle contents.
Are Mario accessories useful gifts?
Accessories make sense only after you know which game and console the recipient owns. Mario amiibo, extra Joy-Con controllers and Mario-themed carrying cases can be practical gifts, but model compatibility and regional availability should be confirmed at the time of purchase. Treat them as add-ons to a game choice, not as a reason to select a title that does not fit the player.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play these Mario games without an internet connection?
The solo campaigns and local modes in this list are designed to be playable on the console itself, but any online feature can have separate Nintendo account or Nintendo Switch Online conditions. Check the specific game’s regional support page if offline access is important for travel or a child’s console.
Do I need extra controllers for a family Mario game night?
A second controller is useful for local racing, co-op platforming and party sessions, while a solo RPG does not require one. Check how the chosen game assigns controllers before inviting a large group, because sharing one Joy-Con may feel less comfortable than using full-size pads.
Is a physical Mario cartridge better than a digital copy?
Neither format is universally better: cartridges can be lent or resold, while digital copies are available immediately and cannot be misplaced. Compare the exact regional edition, storage space, bundle contents and whether a used physical copy includes any separately sold downloadable content.
How can I tell whether a listing includes Mario Kart’s extra courses?
Look for explicit Booster Course Pass wording in the product title or package description. A standard Mario Kart 8 Deluxe listing and a bundle that includes the paid expansion are different offers, so verify the contents with the retailer before checkout.