Summary
- Mario & Luigi: Brothership RPG - Enhanced gameplay, new mechanics, and improved performance on Switch 2.
- Super Mario RPG Remake - Stunning graphics overhaul, turn-based combat system, 60 FPS on Switch 2.
- Super Mario Wonder - Unique levels with colorful art style, faster loading times, and engaging gameplay changes.
For most people, it's pretty much a guarantee that once they pick up a new Nintendo system, they will inevitably end up collecting at least a few Mario games to play on it. When it comes to the Switch 2 specifically, though, because there are so many games within this popular platforming franchise that have been released, it can be a little difficult knowing which ones are most worth trying out, including those entries that have received significant upgrades thanks to the brand-new hardware.
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While there's no Mario game for Nintendo's latest system, which is considered outright bad, there are definitely still a few that stand above the rest for their overall quality, including fun mechanics, engaging moment-to-moment gameplay, and dazzling visuals. With all that being said, any Switch 2 owners out there who are looking to dive into a new game featuring Nintendo's lovable mascot need to try out these games listed below, which are among the very best Mario games that are playable on the Switch 2, including those that have been upgraded.
8 Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Mario And Luigi's Most Recent Adventure Runs A Lot Smoother On New Hardware
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
- Released
- November 7, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Acquire
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
The latest Mario and Luigi RPG game ended up going under the radar for many people due to the lack of marketing. Despite that, though, the game still does an excellent job at replicating the fun gameplay and quirky tone of the previous Mario and Luigi games while also introducing a few new ideas and mechanics to help freshen things up. For example, while players still need to carefully time their attacks to deal the maximum amount of damage, both brothers will also help each other out when dealing basic attacks to help deal with tougher opponents. In the same vein, there is also a wide selection of Bros attacks that can be unlocked over the course of the story, which provides a nice progression system.
On the original Switch, Brothership aimed to hit 30 frames per second, though it would sometimes struggle to maintain this in some of the busier environments. While the game, unfortunately, hasn't seen an upgrade to 60, the Switch 2 hardware does at least ensure it always remains at a solid 30, and also allows the game to load a lot faster, especially when entering combat. It might not be the shining example of what a Switch 2 Mario game can look like, but Brothership is still an underrated gem that performs much better on the upgraded system.
7 Super Mario RPG
A Beautiful Remake Which Manages To Capture The Charm Of The Original Classic
Super Mario RPG
- Released
- November 17, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Because Nintendo has been a little late to the party in terms of remaking their games, it came as a huge surprise when they announced the return of Super Mario RPG, a classic role-playing game which was actually initially developed by none other than Square. The most notable part of this remake is the graphics overhaul. While the game still incorporates a chibi-like art style for the characters, the medley of vibrant colors helps the game's party members and environments to pop out from the screen.
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In terms of the combat, this plays a lot differently from what most Mario fans may be used to, since Mario RPG incorporates a turn-based style which is more reminiscent of Final Fantasy. Pair all of this with a lovable party of characters who each receive time in the spotlight, and it's no wonder that Mario RPG has become so beloved. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames on Switch 2 and is a real feast for the eyes in terms of its visuals, especially when docked, and though the game can be a little easy, RPG fans definitely won't want to miss out on it.
6 Super Mario Wonder
Colorful, Vibrant, And Incredibly Unpredictable, Wonder Puts A Fun Spin On The 2D Mario Formula
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Considering Nintendo was on a mission to release as many 2D Mario games as possible during the era of the DS and the Wii, it's understandable why many fans have gotten a little fatigued with this gameplay style, but Wonder does just enough to make it feel unique and different. While the flashy art style is obviously the biggest departure from previous entries, the main gimmick of the game is the Wonder Flower, which can change the level in all kinds of weird and wacky ways.
One moment, players will be running across a set of pipes, which are able to walk and crawl around the area as they please, while the next, they'll be assuming the form of an elephant who can charge through walls to progress to the next area. The textures this time round are a little clearer than before, along with the loading times being significantly faster, so while Wonder may not be reinventing the wheel, it's still an absolute blast to race through, especially with these minor upgrades.
5 Super Mario Jamboree
New Features, Minigames, And Rule-Sets To Enjoy
Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Released
- October 17, 2024
- ESRB
- E For Everyone
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Party Game
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
While it was expected Mario Party Jamboree would be receiving a graphical upgrade with the Switch 2, Nintendo decided to go above and beyond to ensure this would be the definitive way to enjoy Jamboree. Not only are there a ton of new minigames, many of which utilize Switch 2 technology, such as the joycons being used as a mouse, but players are also free to use the Switch 2's external camera, which will display their face next to their characters throughout an entire session.
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There are even a few new features, including Bowser Live, which plays a lot similarly to the old WarioWare games on the Wii, where players must use their whole bodies to perform a bunch of different actions in order to reach a high score. There was already a case to be made for the original Mario Party Jamboree being one of the best Mario Party's of the modern era, but with the Switch 2 upgrade, there's no longer any doubt that this is the case.
4 Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Three Of The Most Iconic Mario Games In One Package
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
- Released
- September 18, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E for Everyone: Mild Cartoon Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
As part of the 35th anniversary of the franchise, Nintendo decided to port three of the most iconic 3D Mario games onto the Switch. The games featured are Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. While 64 is known for its groundbreaking gameplay and challenging difficulty, Sunshine introduces the water F.L.U.D.D. Item, which allows players to reach high vantage points while also cleaning up the streets of Isle Delfino along their adventure.
Mario Galaxy, on the other hand, contains a wonderful variety of levels which all take place on singular planets, each with their own unique gimmicks and enemies to keep things interesting. Needless to say, being able to have three of the most critically acclaimed Mario games ever made on one cartridge is a dream come true for many fans, and while they haven't received any significant upgrades for the Switch 2, being able to play these games with a bigger screen in handheld mode still makes them much more enjoyable to play while on the go.
3 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
One Of The Best Mario Games In Recent Years Looks Better Than Ever On Switch 2
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Released
- February 12, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- Platform(s)
- Switch
While many of the 3D Mario games are very high quality in terms of their gameplay and visuals, they will usually have at least one area where they falter, but it's honestly hard to find many faults with Super Mario 3D World. While the game takes a slightly more linear approach than some of the previous entries, the amount of attention that went into the platforming sections makes it so the game always feels challenging to play, while also making it all so satisfying to overcome each of the 12 worlds.
The built-in Bowser's Fury expansion takes this even further, including plenty of engaging puzzles, enemy types, and memorable zones, which all complement the more ambitious story that is at the core of the game. This game runs like an absolute dream on the Switch 2, even on handheld, where it runs at a crisp 60 frames per second at full HD.
2 Mario Kart World
The Best Looking Mario Kart to Date Packs In A Ton Of Content To Enjoy
Mario Kart World
- Released
- June 5, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Racing, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
While Mario Kart World was first showcased alongside the announcement of the Switch 2, it didn't seem all that much different from Mario Kart 8, which was first released all the way back on the Wii U. Once players were finally able to get their hands on this newest entry, though, it quickly became clear just how much the game had improved over its predecessor. Not only do the graphics look downright jaw-dropping thanks to the Switch 2 hardware, but the ability to wall jump and even grind while driving allows players to get pretty creative with how they navigate each track.
Alongside the traditional grand prix is the Elimination Tour, where players can duke it out online in a 24-player match where racers are gradually eliminated if they don't manage to reach a certain position before getting to the finish line. There's also the option to explore a frankly massive open world to seek out collectibles and skins to equip for each of the characters. Simply put, Mario Kart World is a ton of fun to play, and with so much content packed into the experience, there's certainly no shortage of things to keep players occupied.
1 Super Mario Odyssey
The Original Switch Launch Title Still Stands As The Perfect 3D Mario Game
Super Mario Odyssey
- Released
- October 27, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Despite being released more than five years ago for the original Switch, Super Mario Odyssey continues to be the prime example of what can be achieved when Nintendo is given the time to develop a new and exciting 3D Mario game. With the game taking place across a variety of unique and distinct environments, players partake in fun platforming sections while also using their new friend Cappy to assume the form of other enemies, animals, and even humans, opening up some incredibly creative gameplay sections in the process.
With a groovy soundtrack to boot and graphics that somehow look even more vibrant on the Switch 2, it's no surprise that Odyssey quickly filled a spot as one of the most played games on the system. Super Mario Odyssey is a great game for longtime Mario fans who want to experience something a little different, while also being a fantastic starting point for newcomers who are eager to learn what makes Mario such a special franchise.
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