A few weeks ago, the world’s greatest pipe-travelling plumber celebrated his 35th anniversary! Over 35 years, Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, have maintained cultural relevance with audiences both old and young. The 35th anniversary brought many surprises from Nintendo, including uploads of remastered games from previous consoles to the Nintendo Switch.
After 35 years, the Mario Bros have an incredible library of games to offer, all available on the Switch. Wondering what game you should play to celebrate the 35th anniversary? Here’s our top 10 must have Mario games for the Nintendo Switch.
10. Mario + Rabbid Kingdoms Battle
(Switch, 2017)
Ranking at Number 10 is Mario + Rabbid Kingdoms Battle, the absolute strangest Mario game to ever exist. In Mario + Rabbid Kingdoms Battle, Peach, Mario, Toad, and Yoshi must work with 4 absurd Rabbids heroes. Over the course of 4 worlds, solve puzzles and battle to save The Mushroom Kingdom with your frenzied rabbid friends.
Mario and the gang with their matching Rabbid heroes.
9. Super Mario All-Stars
(Super Nintendo, 1993; Switch, 2020)
Ah, the classics. There’s nothing like them! Super Mario All-Stars is part of the Super Nintendo app, downloadable for free with a Nintendo membership on the Switch Store! This game includes Super Mario Bros 1 2 and 3, and Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels. Jump, shoot fire flowers, and turn into a shooting star. Beat levels to defeat Bowser and his minions. Save helpless Peach over four games.
8. Super Mario World
(Super Nintendo, 1990; Switch 2019)
Super Mario World is commonly referred to as the best Super Mario Bros 2D platform game. It’s like the regular Super Mario games, but with more absurdity, surprises, and ingenious twists. Jump on Yoshi, swallow your enemies, fly through the sky and defeat levels. Unlock all secret endings to turn all enemies into animated Mario heads. Journey through strangely appetizing worlds to, yet again, defeat Bowser and save Princess Peach.
7. Super Mario 3D All-Stars
(Nintendo 64 1996, Gamecube 2002, and Wii 2007; Switch 2020)
Wishing you still had your GameCube or SuperNintendo? Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a bundle like #9. The entire bundle includes Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario 64. Jump, dive, and run into three rich worlds meant for Mario’s exploration. Explore Mario’s first 3D game in Super Mario 64, soak up the sun in Super Mario Sunshine, or explore the galaxy in Super Mario Galaxy!
From left to right: Super Mario 64, SuperMario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy.
6. Super Mario U Plus Deluxe
(Wii U, 2015; Switch 2019)
Run, jump, shoot fire and ice flowers, and ride Yoshi one last time in Super Mario U Plus. Super Mario U Plus has the same structure as the classic Super Mario Bros Games, with updated motion controls, graphics, and fun twists. Plus, in multiplayer mode, you can throw your friends into enemies or off ledges! Who doesn’t love some friendly competition? Play this game in multiplayer or single player to defeat Bowser and once again… save Peach.
Mario hangs on to a floating Yoshi during a sky level. Other players below.
5. Super Mario Maker 2
(Switch, 2019)
Make and share your own Super Mario levels in Super Mario Maker 2! Play in story mode to complete Peach’s Castle, or try other player’s courses for free with a Nintendo Membership. The possibilities are endless, and you decide the obstacles!
4. Luigi’s Mansion 3
(Switch, 2019)
Can we get some love for the other Mario Bro? Nintendo’s most beloved spooky RPG makes a comeback with Luigi’s Mansion 3. Discover and vacuum ghosts, solve puzzles, and rescue toads to save Mario and the gang. Play multiplayer or, if you’re brave enough, alone.
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
(Switch, 2017)
Mario Kart comes to the switch with more cooky courses and players! Throw your bananas and turtle shells once more with Mario Kart 8. Race alone to unlock new courses and players, or play locally with up to four players. If you really want to change it up, throw the gears into mirror mode and reverse the course.
2. Paper Mario: The Origami King
(Switch, 2020)
Nintendo’s most beloved Mario RPG is back with a new adventure! Journey across the Mushroom Kingdom to defeat the evil Origami King, Olly. With your trusted paper-bending partner Olivia, battle origami soldiers and master ring-based battles. Complete different puzzles and utilize cutting-edge motion controls to save a folded Princess Peach!
1. Super Mario Odyssey
(Switch, 2017)
Ranking at #1, the award winning and aesthetically wondrous Super Mario Odyssey is a cannot miss game. Explore a stunning world with your new partner, cappy. Cap-jump, cap-throw, and capture enemies and objects to make your way through several kingdoms full of secrets, magic, and mayhem.
