The first Mario Kart game feels pretty different from every Mario Kart game that followed. Plus, it's got save functionality built in, which sure is nice compared to its NES predecessors. Mario's Super Nintendo debut boasted a generational leap forward in graphics, introduced Yoshi and the spin-jump and is just a ton of fun to play. There are five Mario games available on Switch Online that originally debuted on Super Nintendo, including the wonderful compilation Super Mario All-Stars. Add in the fact that the ability to throw Cappy greatly increases Mario's roster of jumps and moves and you have a Mario platformer for the ages. In any given level you could be playing as a T-Rex, a frog, a 2D version of Mario, a Goomba or a Chain Chomp (and many more). As a result, Super Mario Odyssey has terrifically varied gameplay. In Super Mario Odyssey, the lovable plumber swaps out his standard red cap for Cappy, a living hat that can take control of anything Mario chucks him at. Super Mario Odyssey Super Mario Odysseyįour years into the Switch's life cycle, Super Mario Odyssey remains the only entirely new 3D Mario platformer available on the platform. The Nintendo Switch is home to some of the best Mario platformers, including the superb Super Mario Odyssey and enhanced ports of earlier greats like New Super Mario Bros. And for even more Switch game suggestions, check out our lists covering the best Nintendo Switch games and best Nintendo Switch games for kids. If you're a fan of one of Nintendo's other big franchises-The Legend of Zelda-we have a roundup of every Zelda game on Switch, too. Nintendo has been making Mario games for nearly four decades, and many of the mustachioed Italian's best games are available on Switch-if you know where to look.

And, if you're looking for deeper cuts, we've got you covered. If you're just getting into the overall-clad plumber's oeuvre, we've got the biggest hits. And many are NES or SNES games available through Nintendo Switch Online.

Some are Wii U games that got the port treatment. Some of those are completely new games that are still receiving support. While the Switch lacks the deep Virtual Console library that defined the retro offerings of the Wii and Wii U, Nintendo's hybrid console has built up a solid catalogue of Mario games over the years. Mario's 35th anniversary has come and gone, but there's never a bad time to play the best Mario games on Nintendo Switch.

Arcade games mario