Top Mario Games For Nintendo Switch In 2024
Hey gamers! If you're anything like me, the mere mention of Mario sends a jolt of excitement through your veins. This iconic plumber has been gracing our screens for decades, and the Nintendo Switch is home to some of his absolute best adventures. So, what are the must-play Mario games for Nintendo Switch in 2024? Grab your controllers, folks, because we're diving deep into the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond! We're talking about games that redefine platforming, offer endless replayability, and bring that signature Nintendo magic that we all know and love. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer looking to experience the legend, this list is your ultimate guide to the most fantastic Mario titles available on the Switch right now. Get ready to jump, stomp, and collect your way through some incredible gaming experiences. We'll cover everything from the latest releases to timeless classics that still hold up beautifully. So, let's get this party started and discover which Mario games are dominating the Switch in 2024!
The Unbeatable Classics: Super Mario Odyssey
When we talk about essential Mario games on the Switch, Super Mario Odyssey immediately springs to mind. Seriously, guys, this game is a masterpiece! Released in 2017, it didn't just meet expectations; it shattered them. Odyssey takes Mario on a globetrotting adventure, far beyond the usual bounds of the Mushroom Kingdom. The star of the show here is Cappy, Mario's sentient cap that he can throw to possess enemies and objects. This mechanic revolutionizes gameplay, offering an unprecedented level of freedom and creativity. You can literally possess a T-Rex, a Goomba, or even a tank! The sheer variety of worlds you get to explore is mind-blowing, from bustling cities like New Donk City to vibrant, tropical locales. Each kingdom is packed with secrets, Power Moons to collect, and challenges that will test your platforming skills. The controls are incredibly tight and responsive, as you'd expect from a Mario title, but the addition of Cappy adds so many new layers to movement and combat. It's not just about jumping anymore; it's about using Cappy to traverse environments in unique ways, solve puzzles, and defeat foes. The game is also brimming with charm, humor, and stunning visuals that make every moment a joy. And the music? Absolutely phenomenal! The soundtrack is diverse, catchy, and perfectly complements each distinct world. Super Mario Odyssey isn't just a game; it's an experience. It’s the kind of game that makes you remember why you fell in love with video games in the first place. For anyone looking for the definitive Mario experience on the Switch, this is it. It’s accessible enough for newcomers but deep enough to keep veterans engaged for hundreds of hours. Trust me, you haven't truly played Mario until you've experienced the sheer joy and wonder of Odyssey. It’s the kind of game that stays with you long after you've put down the controller, a true testament to Nintendo's ability to innovate and delight.
Multiplayer Mayhem: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Alright, let's talk about multiplayer Mario games on the Switch that guarantee hours of fun: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. If you haven't played this yet, what are you even doing? It's the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, packed with every bit of DLC from the original Wii U version and then some. This game is the ultimate party starter, perfect for a casual get-together with friends or a fierce online battle. The core gameplay is classic Mario Kart – choose your racer, pick a kart, and hit the track with items like Koopa Shells and Banana Peels to gain the upper hand. But Deluxe takes it to a whole new level. We're talking about a massive roster of characters, including newcomers like Bowser Jr., Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy, and King Boo. The track selection is absolutely insane, with over 48 courses spanning from the original game and its DLC, plus a whole new wave of tracks added through the Booster Course Pass. This means you have an unbelievable amount of content to race through! The visuals are crisp and vibrant, making every race a treat for the eyes. And let's not forget the introduction of the Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate options, which make the game more accessible for younger players or those new to racing games. But don't worry, seasoned racers, the core mechanics are still as challenging and skill-based as ever. The strategic use of items, drifting, and understanding track layouts are crucial for victory. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is more than just a racing game; it's a social phenomenon. It's the game that brings families together, fuels friendly rivalries, and creates unforgettable moments. Whether you're drifting around Rainbow Road or dodging blue shells on Bowser's Castle, the thrill is always real. If you're looking for a game that offers endless replayability and pure, unadulterated fun with friends and family, this is your go-to Mario title for the Switch in 2024. It’s a staple in many Switch libraries for a reason, and its continued popularity speaks volumes about its timeless appeal. Get ready to settle some scores and maybe flip a table or two!
A Return to Form: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Now, let's talk about a two-in-one Mario package that's absolutely stellar: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. This bundle is a fantastic way to experience two distinct but equally brilliant Mario adventures. First up, Super Mario 3D World. Originally a Wii U title, its transition to the Switch is seamless and arguably its best iteration. This game offers a brilliant blend of 2D Mario linearity with 3D movement. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, or Rosalina, each with slightly different abilities. The level design is ingenious, presenting classic platforming challenges with creative twists. The Super Bell power-up, which turns you into a cat, is an absolute blast, allowing for wall-climbing and pounce attacks that add a whole new dimension to gameplay. What truly shines here is the multiplayer. 3D World supports up to four players locally or online, making it a fantastic co-op experience. Coordinating with friends to navigate tricky levels, or sometimes accidentally sabotaging each other, is part of the chaotic fun. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s design prowess that these levels feel challenging yet fair, rewarding teamwork and quick reflexes. The game boasts a huge number of creative levels, each with unique gimmicks and secrets to discover, ensuring that the fun never gets stale. Then you have Bowser's Fury. This is the real showstopper for many, offering a more open-world, sandbox-style Mario experience. You're dropped into the land of Cat Kingdom and tasked with helping Bowser Jr. tame his rampaging father, Bowser. The gameplay here is inspired by Super Mario Odyssey, but with a distinct focus on exploration within a large, interconnected map. Mario gets a new power-up, the Cat Kingdom, allowing him to climb and swipe his way across the landscape. The dynamic battle against Fury Bowser adds an epic scale to the adventure, as you attempt to collect Kaiju Crowns to counter his destructive rampages. The collaboration with Bowser Jr. feels surprisingly natural and engaging, adding a unique narrative element to the gameplay. This is a bold experiment for Mario, pushing the boundaries of what a 3D Mario game can be. Together, these two games provide incredible value, offering both classic-style platforming and a glimpse into the future of the franchise. For anyone seeking diverse Mario gameplay on the Switch, this collection is an absolute must-have in 2024. It delivers polished, inventive, and incredibly fun experiences that showcase the breadth of the Mario universe.
A Nostalgic Journey: Super Mario All-Stars
For those of us who have been playing Mario games for years, or for newcomers who want to understand the roots of this legendary franchise, Super Mario All-Stars is an absolute treasure. This collection brings together four of the most iconic 2D Mario games ever made: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (known as Super Mario Bros. 2 in Japan), Super Mario Bros. 2 (the Western version), and Super Mario Bros. 3. Available through the Nintendo Switch Online service with the Super NES app, this isn't just a simple port; it's a beautifully preserved piece of gaming history. Each game has been remastered with updated graphics and sound, bringing these classics to life in a way that feels both faithful to the original and refreshing for modern audiences. You can see the vibrant colors pop, and the sound effects have that classic, satisfying chime. Playing Super Mario Bros. again, with its simple yet perfect controls and challenging level design, is a masterclass in game design. Then you have Super Mario Bros. 3, often hailed as one of the greatest games of all time, with its incredible variety of power-ups, diverse worlds, and intricate secrets. The inclusion of The Lost Levels offers a serious challenge for those who think they've mastered the original Super Mario Bros., and the Western Super Mario Bros. 2 provides a unique, almost dreamlike experience with its peculiar enemies and item-throwing mechanics. Super Mario All-Stars isn't just about nostalgia; it's about appreciating the evolution of a genre-defining franchise. It showcases the foundational mechanics and innovative ideas that Mario games are still built upon today. For fans looking to delve into the history of Mario on the Nintendo Switch in 2024, this collection is indispensable. It’s a playable museum, offering a direct connection to the games that paved the way for everything that came after. It’s proof that great game design is timeless. You get four complete, legendary games, each offering hours of challenging and rewarding gameplay. Don't miss out on this chance to experience the genesis of Mario's greatness.
The Future is Bright: What's Next for Mario on Switch?
While we've covered some incredible Mario games available on the Switch in 2024, the question on everyone's mind is: what's next? Nintendo is notoriously tight-lipped about future projects, but we can always speculate and hope! The success of Super Mario Odyssey and Bowser's Fury suggests that Nintendo is keen on exploring new frontiers for Mario, whether that's through expansive open worlds or innovative gameplay mechanics. We might see a direct sequel to Odyssey, pushing the boundaries of exploration and Cappy's abilities even further. Or perhaps another experiment like Bowser's Fury, offering a unique twist on the traditional Mario formula. The Mario Kart series is a perennial favorite, so a new installment or significant update to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is always a possibility. Given the Switch's longevity, it's also plausible that Nintendo could bring more classic Mario titles to the Switch Online service, perhaps expanding the N64 or GBA libraries. We've seen them remaster older titles like Super Mario All-Stars, so remakes or remasters of other beloved 2D or 3D entries could also be on the horizon. The possibilities are endless, and that's the beauty of Mario. He's a character who constantly reinvents himself while staying true to his core appeal. Nintendo has a knack for surprising us, so whatever they have planned, you can bet it will be high-quality, fun, and quintessentially Mario. Keep your eyes peeled, guys, because the adventure is far from over. The Nintendo Switch Mario legacy is still being written, and 2024 and beyond promise to be exciting times for fans of the Mushroom Kingdom's greatest hero. We can only dream of the innovative gameplay, captivating worlds, and pure joy that Nintendo will undoubtedly deliver next. The spirit of innovation that has defined Mario for generations is sure to continue, making this a fantastic time to be a Mario fan on the Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion: Your Next Mario Adventure Awaits!
So there you have it, folks! We've journeyed through some of the absolute best Mario games the Nintendo Switch has to offer in 2024. From the globe-trotting, cap-tossing brilliance of Super Mario Odyssey to the chaotic multiplayer fun of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and the brilliant dual-threat of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, there's a Mario adventure for everyone. We even touched upon the historical significance of Super Mario All-Stars for those who want to experience the roots of platforming greatness. The Nintendo Switch is a treasure trove for Mario fans, offering a diverse range of experiences that cater to all playstyles and preferences. Whether you're seeking a solo journey filled with discovery, a chaotic party game to play with friends, or a challenging platforming experience, Mario has you covered. The enduring appeal of these games lies in their impeccable design, charming presentation, and that undeniable Nintendo polish. They are built to be fun, accessible, and endlessly replayable. As we look towards the future, the anticipation for what's next for Mario on the Switch only grows, with Nintendo constantly pushing the envelope. But for now, you have an incredible library of existing titles to dive into. Don't wait! Pick up your controller, jump into the Mushroom Kingdom (or wherever Mario's adventures take him), and experience the magic for yourself. Your next unforgettable gaming moment is just a button press away. Happy gaming, everyone!