Between new releases and backwards compatibility with its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a pretty impressive library to dive into. There are fun third-party games to play on the go, the return of older franchises, and yes, a lot of Mario adventures to check out.
The red-capped plumber has been in quite a few different titles alongside the rest of the Mushroom Kingdom cast. If you’re unsure about which is worth your time, here’s my ranking of the best Mario games to play on Nintendo Switch 2.
5. Mario Tennis Fever
Who doesn’t enjoy a good arcadey sports game? Although the handful of Mario sports games released on the Nintendo Switch were widely seen as lacking, especially at launch, Mario Tennis Fever is a much more promising push for the Nintendo Switch 2 library.
It’s naturally the best looking in the series yet, the 38-character roster is the biggest in Mario Tennis history, and the Fever Rackets add a ton of gameplay variety. The Adventure Mode is sadly more of a short tutorial, although those more interested in rallying with Piranha Plant as Baby Waluigi should have fun.
4. Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
The Nintendo Switch had a wonderful trio of Mario Party games to play with. What’s arguably the best option is Super Mario Party Jamboree. Fun minigames, a huge roster of characters (except for my main man Dry Bones), and even a Pro Rules modifier that removes more of the random/luck elements are just a few of the highlights.
Not only can you play this on Nintendo Switch 2, but you can also play the enhanced Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV version. The only issue with this version is that the new additions aren’t integrated as well as they should be. Still, the new modes and modifiers are varied enough to give you a wealth of enjoyment.
3. Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park
If you thought the last game mentioned had a slightly obtuse name for its Nintendo Switch 2 version, here’s a longer one. The original 2023 release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder was critically acclaimed for its creative variety. It’s a fantastic platformer on its own, and it’s even better on Nintendo Switch 2.
On top of adding Rosalina as a playable character and the Koopalings as bosses, there is a whole Bellabel Park’s worth of multiplayer challenges and minigames. Local multiplayer benefits the most, though online multiplayer also has some challenges.
2. Mario Kart World
You can’t go wrong with the exclusive game that launched alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. Mario Kart World is the successor to the long-supported Mario Kart 8, boasting the most characters in a console Mario Kart, 24-player races, and an open world.
The open world is the special sauce for this game. It houses nearly every track in addition to a plethora of P-Switch missions and Easter eggs you can discover in the game's Free Roam mode. The connecting roads between the tracks are also used in some races, allowing for some pretty dynamic moments.
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Mario has some reputable history with 3D platformers, and Super Mario Odyssey is a fantastic follow-up in the modern age. It feels great to play and the worlds and mechanics are incredibly fresh.
This is technically the only game that doesn't have a separate Nintendo Switch 2 edition. Thankfully, it does have a free upgrade that enhances the visual performance while both in docked and handheld mode. It’s simply a better experience on a current-generation console.
While these are my picks for the best Mario games to play on the Nintendo Switch 2, don’t be dissuaded from checking out others! There are plenty of sports and party games, new entries/remakes into multiple RPG series, and updates to classic platforming titles. There’s plenty of Mario on the Nintendo Switch 2.
