I still remember the feeling of clunky plastic in my hands; fingers curled around a bright red controller, the chunky click of pressing start. My cousin and I spent whole summer evenings racing down pixelated pipes, throwing imaginary fireballs in the living room, trying to rescue a princess we’d never seen. It’s wild to think how many of us grew up with Mario, and how everyone seems to have their own take on the best Mario games. Some folks love the rush of speedrunning a level they’ve memorized since childhood. Others, like my little nephew, only just discovered Mario last month, and he’s already humming that iconic overworld theme song.
- It features the adventures of Mario, a plumber who navigates colorful worlds to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser.
Best Mario Games
Every Mario list sparks a debate at game nights. You’ll have someone swearing Super Mario Bros. 3 is perfect, another arguing nothing’s topped Odyssey’s hat tricks, and a few fiercely loyal to Mario Kart’s blue shell chaos. But that’s part of the fun: defining “best” is such a personal thing, shaped by memories, new experiences, and a dash of Nintendo’s unmistakable charm. This guide is for anyone: lifelong fans, total newbies, or curious parents who want to dive (or leap!) into the wild world of Mario.
1. How We Ranked the Best Mario Games
Deciding which Mario games deserve a spot on this list wasn’t something I took lightly. What actually makes a Mario title one of the “best Mario games”: nostalgia, its innovation, the way it welcomes players of every age, or how it just nails that sense of pure, unfussy fun? I looked at gameplay, visual creativity, how much you’ll want to play “just one more level,” and of course, whether friends and family keep coming back for another round.
Spin-offs? You bet. While it started with classic platformers, Mario’s universe now stretches across kart racing, puzzle-building, RPG storylines, and more. Whether you’re a fan of old-school side-scrollers, wild party games, or epic 3D adventures, there’s a spot for you here. This list isn’t just for purists; it’s for everyone who’s ever smiled at a Koopa, groaned at a blue shell, or spent way too long building a level in Maker mode.
- It is widely praised for its tight controls, creative level design, and replayability.
2. The Timeless Classics: Mario Games That Defined a Generation
There’s something magical about booting up the original Super Mario Bros. (1985) on NES, even today. Those first notes, the sound of collecting your very first coin… It’s gaming in its purest form. Later, Super Mario World (1990 in Japan, 1991 in North America) took things a step further, expanding the Mushroom Kingdom into vibrant new zones and giving us Yoshi (which, let’s face it, changed everything).
Then came one of the best Mario games: Super Mario 64 (1996). I’ll never forget the awe of emerging into that open castle courtyard and realizing 3D movement was now in my control. So many of us spent hours just running in circles or trying to perfect wall jumps. These classics aren’t just foundational; they’re why platformers exist the way they do now, and each still holds up, challenge and all.
- It featured open-world exploration, dynamic camera control, redefining how players interacted with 3D environments.
3. Modern Masterpieces: Mario Games That Raised the Bar
Leaping into the modern era, it’s hard not to start with Super Mario Odyssey (2017). Tossing Cappy, zipping into new worlds, and seeing Mario transform into… well, almost anything; this is pure creative joy. If you ever doubted Nintendo still had fresh ideas after decades, Odyssey squashed all those doubts. Meanwhile, Super Mario Galaxy (2007) and Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) took platforming to interstellar. Gravity-bending puzzles, gorgeous orchestral music, and some of the most clever level design around; these left me feeling like anything was possible.
- The game introduced Cappy, a sentient hat that lets Mario “capture” and control enemies and objects.
Super Mario 3D World (2013/2021) proves multiplayer can work in 3D; it’s chaotic and wonderful, and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (2019, a port of the 2012 Wii U game) is the pick for anyone hungry for classic but finely tuned 2D action. These aren’t just the best Mario games; they’re among the best games, period, no matter your age.
- It introduced the Cat Suit power-up, allowing characters to climb walls and scratch enemies.
4. Side Adventures & Spin-Offs: Unexpected Mario Greatness
You can’t talk Mario without mentioning the wild roads of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Family rivalries have started (and hopefully ended!) thanks to rainbow tracks and sneaky banana peels. But don’t skip the brilliant RPG humor of the Paper Mario series, or get lost in the clever puzzles of Luigi’s Mansion 3; yes, Mario takes the spotlight even in his brother’s spooky adventure!
Personally, Super Mario Maker 2 (2019) scratches a different itch. Creating levels, sharing wild setups with friends, and realizing how fiendishly creative other players are; it feels like a celebration of everything Mario represents. A quick shoutout to Mario Party Superstars as well; for pure couch chaos, it can’t be beat. If you think Mario’s just platforming, trust me, there’s a whole universe of variety waiting for you.
- With tight controls, anti-gravity racing, it offers one of the most polished and content-rich kart racing experiences to date.
5. Multiplayer Magic: The Mario Games to Play With Friends
Let’s be honest: Mario games are sometimes at their best when your living room is full of laughter (and maybe just a little bit of shouting). The thrills of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, especially hitting someone with a blue shell just before the finish line, are the stuff of legend. But for group shenanigans, Mario Party Superstars and Super Mario 3D World turn any night into a mini festival.
My own family gatherings aren’t complete without a frantic round of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, among the best Mario games, where “co-op” usually means accidentally tossing your little brother into a pit. The crazy thing is, even non-gamers can pick up a controller and get the hang of things. It’s accessible, warmly inclusive, and simply put, the reason Mario games are a staple at every party.
- It introduced the Boost Mode with the Wii U GamePad, allowing a second player to place platforms and assist others in real time.
6. Hidden Gems & Underrated Favorites
Dig a little deeper and you’ll find some Mario adventures that don’t get nearly enough recognition. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins brought platforming to the tiny Game Boy, and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga on GBA let Mario get silly in comedy-filled RPG battles. There’s also Mario vs. Donkey Kong, a puzzle series that keeps you thinking every step of the way.
I gave Super Princess Peach a go last year and was surprised by just how charming and inventive it was; it’s proof that even side characters can completely carry a game. If you’re ready to go beyond the obvious hits, the Mario back catalog is full of cool surprises.
- The game introduces the Vibe system, letting Peach use her emotions: Joy, Rage, Gloom, and Calm.
7. The Mario Effect: Why These Games Still Matter
Decades on, why do the best Mario games still captivate every new generation of gamers? Maybe it’s the way every adventure is both welcoming and challenging, giving seasoned pros and curious newcomers the same giddy, grinning joy. Mario’s worlds encourage creativity, from speedruns to making your own levels, yet never lose sight of simple fun.
Other franchises have borrowed the blueprint, but nobody has ever quite matched that Nintendo blend of invention, polish, and pure satisfaction after a tough jump you finally land. With every new Mario release, the gaming world watches, and usually celebrates, because Mario isn’t just a mascot. He’s pure, undiluted fun.
8. In the End: Picking Your Own “Best” Mario Game
There’s no single right answer to “what’s the best Mario game?” For me, it’s whichever one I’m playing with friends, family, or just reliving kid-like excitement on a lazy Sunday. Maybe you’ll fall for Galaxy’s space vibes, or maybe kart racing with your siblings will be your ultimate Mario memory. Whichever you choose, I hope you’ll feel inspired to explore, relive, or even discover Mario all over again. The best Mario games are the ones that bring you joy; so start your own adventure and let us know your favorite! If you had to pick one, which Mario game would it be? Drop your answer and let’s keep the conversation bouncing!
FAQ
1. What Mario game should I start with if I’ve never played before?
If you like traditional platformers, try Super Mario Odyssey or Super Mario 3D World. They’re beginner-friendly but packed with secrets for more advanced players!
2. Is it worth playing old Mario games if I’m used to modern graphics?
Absolutely! Many classic Mario games still feel sharp and fun, with creative design that stands the test of time. Nostalgia is a bonus, but the gameplay holds up.
3. Can I play most Mario games on the Switch, or do I need classic consoles?
A large selection is now available on Switch, either through the eShop, Nintendo Switch Online, or as remakes/remasters (like 3D All-Stars).
4. Do Mario games have a story, or are they just about jumping?
While stories are simple (“save Peach!”), Some games, like Paper Mario or Mario & Luigi, offer surprisingly fun narratives, clever writing, and memorable characters.
Infographics:
Best Mario Games: The Ultimate Jump Through Time!
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Timeless NES & SNES Classics
– Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario World launched Mario into video game history; simple, unforgettable, and filled with secrets.
– Super Mario 64 turned 3D platforming into pure playground fun.
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Modern Masterpieces
– Super Mario Odyssey wowed with hat tricks and creative worlds.
– Galaxy and Galaxy 2 offered gravity-twisting stages and orchestral scores.
– 3D World mixed co-op chaos with sharp 3D action.
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Multiplayer & Spin-Off Legends
– Mario Kart 8 Deluxe; the king of party racing!
– Mario Party Superstars fuels friendships (and friendly rivalries).
– Super Mario Maker 2 lets YOU design the action.
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Hidden Gems & Surprises
– Super Princess Peach and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga; quirky, clever, and full of heart.
– Don’t miss Mario vs. Donkey Kong puzzles or Super Mario Land 2’s handheld charm.
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The Mario Effect
– Friendly for newbies, deep for pros; Mario games = joy for all ages!
– No single “best”; your favorite is the one you can’t stop smiling about.
