Ultimate Ranking of All Mario Games on the Nintendo Switch: Prepare to Be Amazed!

Mario, the iconic video game character, has achieved unparalleled recognition since his introduction in the 1980s. With a vast presence in numerous video games and various forms of media like comic books, animated series, and major films, this Italian plumber's popularity has only grown. Additionally, his extensive range of spin-off games has solidified his position as the highest-selling video game franchise ever.

Given the immense appeal of Nintendo's mustachioed mascot, it is unsurprising that there is a wealth of Mario games available for the Switch. In fact, there are a total of 16 games, not including spin-offs centered around other beloved Mario characters like Yoshi's Crafted World, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, and Luigi's Mansion 3. While each game offers its own unique experience, the finest Mario games for the Switch undoubtedly distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack.

This list will not include classic Mario titles that are available through Nintendo Switch Online, nor will it cover Super Mario Bros. 35, which is no longer playable.

16 Mario Strikers: Battle League

Mario Strikers: Battle League, like other sports-themed Mario games for the Switch, disappoints in terms of content. Initially, the game only offered ten playable characters, although more were introduced later on. Unfortunately, the single-player mode is exceptionally short and lacks motivation for players to replay it once completed.

15 Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Like the actual event itself, which ended up being delayed by a year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 fell short of matching the excellence of previous installments. Although it remains enjoyable when played with friends and loved ones, the single-player experience lacks substance despite the slight enhancements introduced in the game's Story Mode.

14 Mario Golf: Super Rush

Kudos to the makers of Mario Golf: Super Rush for delivering an impressive Golf Adventure story mode. Moreover, their decision to provide free post-launch DLC breathed fresh life into the game, enticing players to return for more. However, it is disappointing to see the lackluster online experience this 2021 release offers. Players are burdened with numerous obstacles just to enjoy a game with their friends online.

13 Super Mario Party

Nintendo has consistently lagged behind in terms of network functionality, and this shortfall is once again apparent in Super Mario Party. Not only does the game offer subpar online multiplayer options, but it also suffers from a significant dearth of content. With just a handful of party boards, several of which are disappointingly small, the game falls short in this regard. While some of the mini-games are decent, only a select few deserve recognition among the best in the series.

12 Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit

Although Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit initially appeared to be a promising concept, the execution falls short. While constructing intricate and imaginative tracks can be entertaining, the actual racing experience feels lacking in comparison to playing a traditional Mario Kart game, owing to the hardware's technical constraints. While it may provide momentary enjoyment, the excitement diminishes rapidly, making it challenging to justify the steep entry cost.

11 Mario Tennis Aces

10 Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Like its predecessors, Mario Tennis Aces is a competent tennis game. In fact, it offers an impressive range of mini-games and a satisfying selection of beloved Mario characters for players to take on the court. While the gameplay may be simplistic and the online support lacking, those seeking an enjoyable tennis game to play with friends could certainly find worse options.

The anticipation was high when Nintendo revealed that they would bring three of the most iconic 3D Mario games to the Nintendo Switch. However, the release of Super Mario 3D All-Stars didn't receive the same level of acclaim. Many players were let down by the technical hiccups and puzzled by the limited availability of the physical release. Despite showing signs of aging compared to modern standards, the games can still provide enjoyment for those who can overlook the occasional camera and control issues.

9 Paper Mario: The Origami King

The Paper Mario series has been around since the turn of the century and has had releases on every Nintendo home console since the N64. Although Paper Mario: The Origami King falls short of matching the excellence of the series' initial entries, it still manages to provide an enjoyable experience with its stunning visuals, precise controls, and meticulously crafted levels. When it comes to single-player games, it stands out as one of the finest Mario titles for the Switch and is a definite must-play for avid Paper Mario fans.

8 Mario Party Superstars

Mario Party Superstars has addressed many of the major issues of its predecessor, Super Mario Party, which was released just a few years ago. Instead of attempting to overhaul the series' formula, this game pays homage to its predecessors by reintroducing five classic boards and numerous beloved mini-games from past Mario Party titles. As a result, it can be argued that Mario Party Superstars is the greatest Mario Party game ever created and one of the finest multiplayer experiences available on the Nintendo Switch console.

7 Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle

6 New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Nintendo's decision to entrust its flagship IP to a third-party studio is not unprecedented. However, the release of Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle managed to surprise many. This game, developed by Ubisoft's Milan and Paris studios, introduces a scenario where the Mushroom Kingdom becomes invaded by Rabbids. The main objective is for players to vanquish the wicked Megabug and its army of corrupted Rabbids, ultimately restoring things to their original state.

The 2D Mario experience remains a favorite among many, evident by the success of the New Super Mario Bros. games. With 164 meticulously designed stages, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe offers an action-packed title that caters to fans of 2D platformers. Originally released for the Wii U, this game also features a selection of Luigi-oriented levels for added variety.

5 Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

4 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle's exceptional critical and commercial triumph led to a sequel, which didn't come as much of a surprise this time. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope enhances its predecessor in nearly every aspect, rendering the original title nearly obsolete. This game will undoubtedly be adored not only by those who enjoyed Kingdom Battle but also by fervent followers of turn-based strategy games.

With the Wii U having a brief life cycle and a relatively small user base, it's no surprise that Nintendo aims to bring some of the top Wii U games to the Switch. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury goes beyond being a simple port. It offers a wealth of thrilling new content that will surely delight fans of 3D Mario games.

3 Super Mario Maker 2

The modding community has always been captivated by the Mario series, with numerous enthusiasts venturing into crafting their own Mario games and stages throughout the years. The ranks of these creative minds swelled significantly in 2015 with the arrival of Super Mario Maker, and once again, four years later, with the introduction of Super Mario Maker 2. The latter installment essentially builds upon its predecessor, offering an abundance of remarkable new features for budding level designers.

2 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is widely regarded as the ultimate Mario Kart game. It is difficult to dispute this assessment due to the incredible amount of content the game offers. Furthermore, it boasts the best visuals and most advanced mechanics in the series thus far. Nintendo Switch Online subscribers have the added bonus of the Booster Course Pass, which unlocks 48 new and familiar courses, along with several additional racers.

1 Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is an exceptional masterpiece in the realm of video game design, marked as one of the finest Mario games ever crafted. It showcases numerous innovative mechanics and features a vast array of engaging content, ensuring players remain captivated for endless hours of joyous entertainment. Undoubtedly surpassing its counterparts on the Switch, it undeniably epitomizes a genuine system seller.