Nintendo Switch Mario: Best Games To Play In 2024
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the amazing world of Nintendo Switch Mario games? It's 2024, and the Nintendo Switch is still going strong, bringing us incredible adventures with our favorite mustachioed hero. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Mushroom Kingdom, there's a Mario game on the Switch for everyone. I'm here to walk you through some of the absolute best Mario experiences you can have right now. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's jump in!
Why Mario on the Nintendo Switch is a Must-Play
The Nintendo Switch has revitalized the way we experience Mario games. The hybrid nature of the console means you can play these games on your TV or take them on the go. This flexibility is a game-changer, especially for busy folks who want to squeeze in some gaming during their commute or travel. Mario games are known for their tight controls, imaginative level design, and that special Nintendo charm. The Switch enhances this with HD graphics and innovative gameplay features unique to each title.
Portability and Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of playing Mario on the Nintendo Switch is the sheer convenience. Remember the days when you had to be tethered to your TV to play your favorite console games? The Switch says goodbye to that limitation. You can seamlessly transition from playing on your big screen at home to handheld mode when you're out and about. This portability means you no longer have to interrupt your gaming session when it's time to leave the house. Waiting for a doctor's appointment? Long car ride? Just pull out your Switch and dive into Super Mario Odyssey or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The Switch's portability ensures that Mario is always ready for adventure, whenever and wherever you are.
Enhanced Visuals and Performance
The Nintendo Switch brings Mario to life with vibrant HD graphics. The colors are richer, the details are sharper, and the overall visual experience is significantly improved compared to older consoles. This enhanced fidelity makes the Mushroom Kingdom and its inhabitants more captivating than ever before. Moreover, the Switch's hardware ensures smooth performance, even in graphically intensive games like Super Mario Odyssey. You'll experience fewer frame rate drops and faster loading times, allowing for a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. The visual and performance enhancements on the Switch truly make Mario games shine, offering a fresh perspective on these beloved classics.
Multiplayer Fun
Mario games are always better with friends and family, and the Nintendo Switch makes multiplayer gaming incredibly accessible. With built-in Joy-Cons, you can easily share a controller and jump into a game of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Mario Party with a friend. The Switch also supports local wireless multiplayer, allowing multiple consoles to connect and play together. Imagine the fun of racing your friends on the big screen or teaming up to conquer challenging levels in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. The social aspect of Mario games is amplified on the Switch, making it a perfect console for gatherings and family game nights.
Top Mario Games on Nintendo Switch in 2024
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are my top picks for Mario games you should be playing on your Nintendo Switch in 2024. These games offer a mix of classic platforming, innovative gameplay, and endless replayability.
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. This game is a love letter to the entire Mario franchise, packed with creative level design, charming characters, and a sense of wonder that will keep you hooked from start to finish. In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario travels the world, collecting Power Moons to fuel his ship, the Odyssey, and rescue Princess Peach from Bowser's forced wedding. What sets this game apart is Cappy, Mario's new companion, who allows him to capture and control various objects and enemies.
Captivating Gameplay Mechanics
The capture mechanic in Super Mario Odyssey is a game-changer. Mario can take control of everything from Goombas and Chain Chomps to T-Rexes and taxis, each with its unique abilities and challenges. This opens up endless possibilities for puzzle-solving and exploration. Imagine controlling a Cheep Cheep to swim through underwater tunnels or piloting a tank to blast through obstacles. The capture mechanic keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, ensuring that you're always discovering new ways to interact with the environment. It's this innovative approach that makes Super Mario Odyssey a standout title in the Mario series.
Stunning Open-World Design
Unlike traditional Mario games with linear levels, Super Mario Odyssey features sprawling open-world kingdoms to explore. Each kingdom is filled with secrets, challenges, and collectibles, encouraging you to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden areas. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the sandy dunes of the Tostarena Kingdom, each world is beautifully crafted and brimming with personality. The open-world design allows for greater freedom and exploration, making each playthrough feel unique and rewarding. You'll find yourself spending hours uncovering every nook and cranny of these vibrant kingdoms.
Endless Replayability
Even after you've completed the main story, Super Mario Odyssey offers plenty of reasons to keep playing. There are hundreds of Power Moons to collect, hidden areas to discover, and challenging post-game content to conquer. The game constantly introduces new challenges and surprises, ensuring that you're always finding something new to do. Whether you're hunting down every last Power Moon or tackling the toughest boss battles, Super Mario Odyssey provides endless replayability. It's a game that you can pick up and play for years to come, always discovering new details and secrets.
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate party game on the Nintendo Switch. This kart racer is packed with content, including all the tracks and characters from the original Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, plus new additions like the Inklings from Splatoon. With its tight controls, vibrant graphics, and a roster of iconic characters, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're playing with friends on the couch or racing against opponents online, this game offers endless hours of fun.
Massive Content Library
One of the biggest draws of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is its massive content library. The game includes 48 tracks, spanning the entire history of the Mario Kart series. You'll race through iconic locations like Rainbow Road, Mount Wario, and Hyrule Circuit, each track meticulously designed and packed with surprises. In addition to the classic tracks, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also features a wide range of characters to choose from, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, as well as guest characters like Link and Isabelle. With so much content to explore, you'll never run out of new challenges and experiences.
Polished Gameplay Mechanics
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts some of the most polished gameplay mechanics in the racing genre. The controls are tight and responsive, allowing you to drift, boost, and navigate the tracks with precision. The game also features a robust item system, with classic power-ups like the Green Shell, Red Shell, and Banana Peel, as well as new additions like the Boo and the Super Horn. Mastering the item system is crucial for gaining the upper hand in races and outmaneuvering your opponents. The combination of tight controls and strategic item usage makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a rewarding and addictive racing experience.
Accessible Multiplayer Options
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is designed with multiplayer in mind, offering a variety of options for playing with friends and family. You can play locally with up to four players on a single console, or connect multiple consoles for larger gatherings. The game also features a robust online multiplayer mode, allowing you to race against players from around the world. Whether you're competing in Grand Prix races, battling in Balloon Battle mode, or customizing your own tournaments, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides endless opportunities for multiplayer fun. It's the perfect game for parties, family game nights, and online competitions.
3. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a fantastic package that combines the classic Super Mario 3D World with an all-new adventure, Bowser's Fury. Super Mario 3D World is a cooperative platformer that allows up to four players to team up and tackle colorful levels filled with unique challenges. Bowser's Fury, on the other hand, is a more open-ended experience where Mario explores a vast lake filled with islands and battles a monstrous Bowser.
Cooperative Platforming Fun
Super Mario 3D World shines as a cooperative platformer, allowing you to team up with up to three friends and tackle a variety of creative and challenging levels. Each character has unique abilities, such as Luigi's high jump and Peach's float, encouraging you to experiment and coordinate your movements. The game is designed to be both accessible and challenging, with plenty of opportunities for teamwork and friendly competition. Whether you're racing to the flagpole or helping each other overcome obstacles, Super Mario 3D World provides endless hours of cooperative fun. It's a perfect game for families and groups of friends looking for a shared gaming experience.
Innovative Level Design
Both Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury showcase Nintendo's mastery of level design. Super Mario 3D World features a wide variety of levels, each with its unique theme and challenges. You'll explore haunted mansions, underwater kingdoms, and gravity-defying platforms, constantly discovering new ways to interact with the environment. Bowser's Fury, on the other hand, features a more open-ended design, allowing you to explore a vast lake filled with islands and secrets. The level design in both games is consistently inventive and engaging, ensuring that you're always encountering new surprises and challenges.
Unique Two-in-One Experience
The combination of Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury offers a unique two-in-one experience that caters to both cooperative and solo players. Super Mario 3D World provides a classic cooperative platforming experience, while Bowser's Fury offers a more open-ended and exploratory adventure. This variety ensures that there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're in the mood for teaming up with friends or embarking on a solo quest, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury delivers a wealth of content and replayability. It's a fantastic package that showcases the best of Mario platforming.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch is the perfect console for Mario fans, offering a diverse library of games that cater to all tastes. Whether you're a fan of classic platforming, kart racing, or cooperative adventures, there's a Mario game on the Switch for you. Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury are just a few of the highlights, offering countless hours of fun and replayability. So, grab your Nintendo Switch, dive into the Mushroom Kingdom, and experience the magic of Mario in 2024!
