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Start by checking which console a Mario game supports. Original Nintendo Switch releases, Switch 2 games and upgraded Switch 2 editions are separate purchases. This guide groups the main Mario-led games and selected crossover titles, rather than every appearance by a Mario character.
Platformers and puzzle adventures on Switch
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: side-scrolling courses, including New Super Luigi U.
- Super Mario Maker 2: create courses and play user-made challenges; online functions have their own requirements.
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury: a course-based 3D adventure plus a separate Bowser’s Fury experience.
- Super Mario Odyssey: exploration across larger 3D kingdoms.
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder: a 2D adventure built around changing course effects.
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong: puzzle-platform challenges.
- Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2: Switch releases are available separately or together; check the exact package.
RPG and tactics choices
- Super Mario RPG: the Switch remake of the classic role-playing adventure.
- Paper Mario: The Origami King: a paper-world adventure with its own battle system.
- Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door: a remake with turn-based battles and partners.
- Mario & Luigi: Brothership: an adventure centered on the brothers working together.
- Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle / Sparks of Hope: tactical battles; the sequel changes movement and combat systems.
For another strategy direction, compare Advance Wars-style games.
Racing, sports and parties
Switch choices include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Tennis Aces, Mario Golf: Super Rush, Mario Strikers: Battle League, Super Mario Party, Mario Party Superstars and Super Mario Party Jamboree. Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit needs its physical kart setup and room to drive. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a crossover fighting game rather than a Mario-only adventure.
Check each game’s local player count, controller requirements and online membership conditions. Party games do not all support the same controllers or modes.
Switch 2 games and editions
Mario Kart World and Mario Tennis Fever are listed for Switch 2. Jamboree’s Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV and Wonder’s Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park are distinct from their original Switch editions. Nintendo‘s current Mario storefront and platform-labeled collection show these differences.
Historical releases and subscriptions
Super Mario 3D All-Stars contains Super Mario 64, Sunshine and Galaxy, but its digital sale ended on 31 March 2021. Existing buyers can redownload it; Nintendo’s availability guidance explains the limits. Nintendo Switch Online classic-game libraries are subscription services, not a Switch “Virtual Console” storefront.
For older game versions and their timing, read NTSC and PAL in retro gaming. Always confirm regional store availability before paying.