10 Best-Selling Mario Games on the Nintendo Switch, Ranked
After seeing The Super Mario Bros. Movie last month, I've been on a major Mario kick, and one of the ways my obsession has manifested in my life is by replaying all of my favorite games on the Nintendo Switch.
If you're in the same boat as me, or you want to start playing games from the Mario franchise, I've ranked everything I've played over the past few weeks. Keep scrolling to see how your favorite Mario game performed!
10. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
I've been playing Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games since the first release for Beijing in 2008. I can vividly recall playing every event offered, and despite being 7 years old, it was easy to play.
I revisited the series three times in their updated versions for Sochi 2014, Rio 2016 and, most recently, Tokyo 2020. This game has gotten exponentially more difficult since 2008. It's not like I stopped playing, and I know my gaming skills have improved. But Tokyo 2020 is the most difficult Mario game I've ever played, and I can only imagine how it is for younger players.
I like Mario games because they're typically beginner-friendly, but there's too much of a learning curve with Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Thus, I have to rank this game as my least favorite.
Also read about: Every Debut Game Boy Game on Nintendo Switch Online, Ranked
9. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Honestly, I've never really loved the Captain Toad games. I've tried to play them, but the controls can be too much, and the camera spinning gives me a whiplash feeling.
That said, I love the concept of the game, and there are a lot of beautiful maps. If I watch someone who is a pro at Captain Toad, it's entertaining, but for actually playing, it's just not for me.
8. Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Again, this is one of those games where there's too much going on for me to handle. I appreciate the idea of it being a "modernized" Super Mario Bros., but the 3D aspect is not friendly to those who aren't apt with depth perception.
However, the boards on this game are even more beautiful than the ones offered on Captain Toad, and I love watching others play.
7. Super Mario U. Deluxe
Super Mario U. is where I begin to have fun with the gameplay.
This game is like a remastered version of the classic Super Mario Bros. In general, I'm not a super fan of this series, but when playing with the right people, the chaos that ensues is the right amount of thrill.
There's not a huge learning curve, there are a lot of different levels that range in difficulty, and the maps maintain the core of the Mario aesthetic.
Also read about: 2 Decades After the Original Release, Metroid Prime Remastered Shines on the Nintendo Switch
6. Super Mario Party
I am such a fan of all the Mario Party games, and, up until the release of Mario Party Superstars, I'd argue that Super Mario Party was my favorite in the collection.
Super Mario Party has all the elements of your classic Mario Party game: addicting mini-games, exhilarating board game maps and a strong roster of characters to play that includes the most popular characters and some of the lesser-reached characters like, Pom Pom and King Boo.
Mario Party is probably the easiest game for less experienced players, and it's not any less fun if you're not great at it. The only reason Super Mario Party doesn't rank higher is that its successor knocks it out of the park—more on that later.
5. Mario Golf: Super Rush
I'll be the first to say I'm not a fan of real-life golf, but there's something about Mario Golf: Super Rush that's enthralling. Maybe it's the satisfaction of getting a hole-in-one or using one of the power-ups to make an impressive trick shot.
There was virtually no learning curve to this game, and it's one I'd like to pick up when I'm alone.
Mario Golf: Super Rush is one of the games that Nintendo periodically updates with new boards, so if you put the game down for a few months, expect to find something new when you return!
Also read about: 5 Reasons We're Obsessed With Mario Golf: Super Rush on the Nintendo Switch
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Let's be serious. There's not a single person who doesn't enjoy Mario Kart.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a port of Mario Kart 8 from the Wii U with the addition of a few new levels, so, all those great tracks you remember from the 2014 game appear along with the expansive roster. This revamped game has spectacular graphics, and it's always twice the fun when you're playing in multiplayer mode.
In the last couple of years, Nintendo has expanded the game further with new maps if you purchase their DLC. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of DLC because costs add up quickly, and I would've preferred they just created a new Mario Kart because we're overdue for one.
It's gotten old after almost a decade on 8, but it's a staple and a nostalgic favorite nonetheless.
3. Smash Bros. Ultimate
When Nintendo first announced that all Super Smash Bros characters from the Wii U would return on the Nintendo Switch, I had fears that the new game would feel too repetitive. Thankfully, they guaranteed they would introduce new characters to the roster through DLC.
As I said before, I'm not a fan of DLC, but the characters were irresistible. Never would I have thought that we'd get a Minecraft crossover, and they brought in lovable characters from a few of my other favorite games, Arms and Kingdom Hearts.
I've always appreciated melee games, so Smash Bros will forever be at the top of my list. If you're new to fighter games, don't worry! There's a wide range of difficulty levels, so you can practice your skills on what is basically a dummy (and they do have a mode where you can find a literal dummy).
One of my favorite parts about this game is there's an actual motive to play. You can't go into free play mode and expect every character and map to be unlocked. Instead, you have to play through the story mode to get them, and it's very relieving once you finally have everyone there.
2. Mario Tennis Aces
Ever since Nintendo basically ditched Miis, there's been a Wii Sports' Tennis-sized hole in my heart. Mario Tennis Aces is everything I wanted and more.
My problem with most tennis games is that they require manual movement. It's way too much to think about if I have to focus on something other than swinging, and, luckily, Mario Tennis is exactly like Wii Sports by using AI to keep you close to the ball. This technology makes it heaps easier to learn how to play.
There's a riveting story mode that allows you to unlock new maps and bring life to single-player gameplay, but if you're more into free play, you'll still get the mayhem of all the fantastical power-up cutscenes that make this game special.
1. Mario Party Superstars
Okay, I'm the biggest fan of board games, so, naturally, I really, really love Mario Party. It's also one of the games I've played since elementary school, so I've matured with it.
Firstly, they raised the difficulty with Mario Party Superstars. When playing the CPU, it doesn't feel like there's a mindless robot behind it on the easiest level. That said, it's not ridiculously challenging to beat the computer like it is in the Olympics series. But in my experience, it creates a bonding experience of coming together to make the CPU lose when I play with friends.
What I love most about this game is Nintendo's inclusion of mini-games from previous Mario Parties, similar to how Mario Kart re-uses tracks. The graphics are immaculate, and the new boards make it worth purchasing a new game.
Beyond free play, there are plenty of other ways to get the most out of this game: mini-games, versus, survival and online daily challenges. There's something for every kind of player.
Looking to surprise the video game lover in your life? Read HERE to find the perfect gift for fans of the Mario franchise.