Hey guys! Are you ready to jump into the wonderful world of Mario on the Nintendo Switch? The Switch is an absolute treasure trove for Mario fans, offering everything from classic-style platformers to innovative new adventures. Trying to figure out which game to dive into first can be overwhelming with so many amazing titles available. That's why I've put together this list of the best Mario games on the Nintendo Switch, ranked just for you! So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's-a go!

1. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a great Mario game; it's a masterpiece of 3D platforming. Seriously, this game is packed with so much joy and creativity, it's hard not to fall in love with it. The big new thing in Odyssey is Cappy, Mario's new hat friend, which lets you capture enemies and objects to solve puzzles and traverse the world in unique ways. Want to be a T-Rex? Go for it! How about a Goomba tower? Absolutely! The sheer variety of gameplay mechanics keeps things fresh and exciting throughout the entire adventure.

The game world itself is made up of incredibly diverse kingdoms, each with its own distinct theme and challenges. From the bustling Metro Kingdom (aka New Donk City) to the sandy Tostarena, every location is bursting with secrets to uncover and Power Moons to collect. And trust me, you'll want to collect them all! Finding those hidden Moons is seriously addictive, and it encourages you to explore every nook and cranny of each kingdom. The controls are smooth and responsive, making it a joy to move Mario around, whether you're performing acrobatic leaps or piloting a tank. Plus, the game is packed with post-game content, including even tougher challenges and new outfits for Mario. This is a game you can easily sink hundreds of hours into, and you'll still be discovering new things. Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a highlight of the Switch's library; it's a must-play for any gamer. If you haven't experienced this one yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You won't regret it!

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Alright, buckle up, because we're diving into the adrenaline-pumping world of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! This isn't just a racing game; it's a social phenomenon, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a chill night in with friends. The Deluxe version takes everything that was great about the original Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U and cranks it up to eleven. We're talking all the original tracks, all the DLC characters, and a bunch of new features that make it the ultimate Mario Kart experience.

First off, the roster of characters is insane! You've got all your Mario favorites like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, but there are also some awesome additions like the Inklings from Splatoon and Link from The Legend of Zelda. Each character has their own unique kart and stats, so you can customize your ride to perfectly suit your play style. And speaking of karts, the customization options are off the charts. You can mix and match different bodies, tires, and gliders to create the ultimate racing machine. Now, let's talk about the tracks. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts an absolutely massive selection of courses, from the classic Rainbow Road to the brand-new tracks inspired by other Nintendo games. And the anti-gravity sections? Pure genius! Nothing beats drifting upside down and pulling off crazy stunts while dodging obstacles. The gameplay is tight and responsive, and the item system is as chaotic and hilarious as ever. Whether you're launching a Blue Shell at the leader or dodging a barrage of Green Shells, there's never a dull moment on the track. If you're looking for a game that's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the way to go. It's the perfect blend of fun, competition, and pure Nintendo magic. So grab your friends, fire up your Switch, and get ready to race!

3. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Now, let's talk about a game that gives you not one, but two amazing Mario adventures in one package: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury! First up, Super Mario 3D World is a fantastic multiplayer platformer that originally graced the Wii U. But don't let that fool you, it's even better on the Switch! You and up to three friends can team up to tackle a series of colorful and creative levels. Each character – Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad – has their own unique abilities, adding a layer of strategy to the cooperative gameplay.

The levels in Super Mario 3D World are ingeniously designed, packed with secrets, and absolutely brimming with charm. From scaling towering walls as Cat Mario to dodging fireballs as Luigi, there's always something new and exciting to discover. And the addition of the Double Cherry power-up, which creates multiple copies of your character, leads to some truly chaotic and hilarious moments. But wait, there's more! Bowser's Fury is a brand-new, open-world adventure that's unlike anything we've seen in a Mario game before. You explore a vast, interconnected world filled with islands, challenges, and a gigantic, rage-fueled Bowser who occasionally wreaks havoc on the landscape. Teaming up with Bowser Jr., you'll need to collect Cat Shines to calm Bowser down and save the day.

Bowser's Fury is a bold and ambitious experiment that really pays off. The open-world format gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, and the dynamic weather and Bowser's periodic rampages keep things interesting. Together, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is an incredible package that offers hours upon hours of platforming fun. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer to the series, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. So gather your friends, grab your Switch, and get ready for a purr-fectly amazing adventure!

4. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Get ready for some classic side-scrolling action with New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe! This game is a love letter to the traditional Mario games we all grew up with, but with a fresh coat of paint and some modern twists. It's perfect for both solo players and those who want to team up with friends for some chaotic multiplayer fun. One of the great things about New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is its accessibility. The controls are easy to pick up, but there's still plenty of depth for experienced players to master. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, or even Nabbit, who's invincible to enemies but can't use power-ups. Each character has their own unique abilities, adding a bit of variety to the gameplay.

The game features a massive world map with tons of levels to explore, each with its own unique theme and challenges. From grassy plains to underwater caverns to haunted mansions, there's always something new and exciting to discover. And speaking of challenges, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is no walk in the park! Some of the levels can be quite tricky, requiring precise jumps and skillful use of power-ups. But that's part of what makes the game so rewarding. When you finally conquer a tough level, it feels like a real accomplishment. In addition to the main game, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe also includes the New Super Luigi U expansion, which features even more challenging levels designed specifically for Luigi. This expansion is a great way to test your skills and push yourself to the limit.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a fantastic package that offers hours of classic Mario fun. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, you're sure to have a blast exploring the game's colorful world and conquering its challenging levels. If you're a fan of the traditional Mario games, this is one you definitely won't want to miss!

5. Super Mario Maker 2

Okay, guys, get ready to unleash your inner game designer with Super Mario Maker 2! This isn't just a game; it's a platform for endless creativity and Mario fun. Whether you want to create your own challenging levels or play through the creations of others, Super Mario Maker 2 has something for everyone.

The level editor is incredibly intuitive and easy to use. You can drag and drop enemies, platforms, and other objects to create your own custom levels. And with a huge variety of themes, styles, and tools to choose from, the possibilities are truly endless. Want to create a classic Super Mario Bros. level? Go for it! How about a crazy, physics-defying contraption? Absolutely! The only limit is your imagination. But Super Mario Maker 2 isn't just about creating levels; it's also about playing them. The game features a massive online community where you can share your creations and play through the levels of others. With millions of levels to choose from, there's always something new and exciting to discover.

You can search for levels by difficulty, style, or even specific tags. And if you find a level you really like, you can give it a star and add it to your favorites. In addition to the online community, Super Mario Maker 2 also includes a story mode with over 100 pre-made levels to play through. This is a great way to get inspired and learn new techniques for creating your own levels. Super Mario Maker 2 is a must-have for any Mario fan who loves to be creative. It's a game that you can play for hours on end, and you'll never run out of new things to discover. So grab your Switch, fire up Super Mario Maker 2, and get ready to unleash your inner game designer!

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! My ranking of the best Mario games on the Nintendo Switch. From the groundbreaking Super Mario Odyssey to the endlessly creative Super Mario Maker 2, the Switch is truly a paradise for Mario fans. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, there's a Mario game on the Switch that's perfect for you. So go ahead, grab your Switch, and get ready for some platforming fun! Which Mario game is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!