Every Nintendo Console's Best Mario Game

For many years, the Super Mario franchise has produced a wide collection of brilliant and well-loved games. From its traditional 2D platforming roots to RPGs and kart racers, there are many Mario games suited to all ages and gaming abilities. The games can be enjoyed solo, but many titles offer fantastic co-op and competitive experiences. The fact there's something for everyone has helped solidify the franchise as popular and respected.

Since the NES in 1985, Nintendo has had a strong presence in the home console market, with a Mario title at the forefront of their marketing of each platform. Though the lineup of games is vast, these titles stand out as some of the series' best. They have many traits that still make them enjoyable to play to this day.

Super Mario Bros. 3

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

• GameFAQs Rating: 4.54/5

Of the classic Super Mario trilogy on the NES, Super Mario Bros. 3 has the most to offer players. Building upon the high standards set by its predecessors, this game provided the biggest Mario adventure seen at the time, with more levels, new power-ups, and new characters. This was the first Mario game to use the World Map, giving players an entirely new look at the worlds they would be traversing through, showing the levels, Toad Houses, and Castles.

At the time, Super Mario Bros. 3 showcased many technological advancements never before seen, and was three megabits in size. Including the Koopalings, their airships, and the ability to start a level with a Power-Up, this game set the standards for the New Super Mario Bros series starting in 2006.

Super Mario World

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

• GameFAQs Rating: 4.54/5

Super Mario Worldremains a shining example of a brilliant 2D platformer. Being the release game for the SNES, the game sported a more vivid environment, with richer colors, more detailed sprites, and a sprawling World Map. Set in Dinosaur Land, this game marks the debut of fan-favorite character, Yoshi, as well as a beloved save feature.

This game was affected by Sega's release of Sonic the Hedgehog two months before the SNES, which arguably took much of what would've been Super Mario World'sdominance away. Despite this, Super Mario World is still considered one of the best entries in the entire Mario franchise for its immersive level design, characters, and environment.

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

Game Boy

• GameFAQs Rating: 4.03/5

The Game Boy was a revolutionary piece of technology designed by Gunpei Yokoi and released in 1989. Though its launch title, Super Mario Land, was a revolutionary handheld game, its successor built on this in every way. Featuring six expansive zones, the game sees Mario on a mission to defeat Wario, who has hijacked his castle in his absence. The Golden Coins must be obtained from each zone before players are tasked with defeating Wario. This is the first game Wario appears in.

This game has a world map, which uniquely lets players start from any level they’d like. This gives the game a similar flavor to that of Super Mario World. Featuring some unique Power-Ups and bigger sprites than those seen in the original, this game still offers a fun 2D platforming experience even today.

Super Mario Bros Deluxe

Game Boy Color

• GameFAQs Rating: 4.07/5

This game was a re-release of the very first Super Mario Bros title from 1985, with added content. With extra unlockables and game modes, it even included a remake of the infamously difficultSuper Mario Bros: The Lost Levels. This was originally released for the Famicom Disk System, a peripheral for the Japanese version of the NES. This was unlocked once the player racked up a high number of points in the standard version.

The game was widely praised upon release, due to both the added bonus content and the fact it made Nintendo’s breakthrough Mario game accessible to a younger generation. Some critics felt that the Game Boy Color’s small screen created problems in-game, as the player’s field of vision was quite restricted.

Super Mario 64

Nintendo 64

• GameFAQs Rating: 4.42/5

Super Mario 64was an incredible gaming feat back when it was released in 1996. Though now almost 30 years old, the game is still critically acclaimed and played by many. The first 3D Mario game took players on a unique adventure that involved jumping through paintings in Peach’s castle to collect the 120 Power Stars scattered across many worlds.

As well as the ever-expansive journey, this game also gave Mario a greater skill set. Players could make him slide, wall jump, and even triple jump. Today, this lends itself to a vast speed-running community and players are still experimenting with Mario’s moveset to clear levels in record time. This game remains beloved by many today.

Mario Golf: Advance Tour

Game Boy Advance

• GameFAQs Rating: 3.86/5
• Release Date:2004-6-22
• Developer: Camelot Software Planning
• Platforms: Game Boy Advance
• Genre: RPG, Sport

This RPG contains a sheer amount of content for a handheld console title. From its many gameplay modes to its solid selection of courses, this title was also able to interact with its home console counterpart, the GameCube, and its title Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour.

A cast of original characters was created for this game, with players having the choice of Ella or Neil for story mode. However, there’s also the freedom to change their names, adding a fun touch of personalization to this golf game. With the overall objective of beating Mario as the greatest golfer, this title offers much replay value and simple yet engaging gameplay.

Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

Nintendo GameCube

• GameFAQs Rating: 4.16/5

This is the most unique Mario Kart game in the series, that played with the traditional formula set out by the previous Kart games. This time around, players could select two racers per kart, switching between who was the driver and who would hold the items. Being the first Mario Kart game with full 3D graphics, it was also the 2nd bestselling title on the GameCube.

This title provides an even more immersive experience, getting players to really think on their feet. Though it's more complicated to learn the ropes, this game requires more strategic thinking, leading to more competitive tension and fun. Pairing certain characters together yields unique and exclusive Power-Ups. As such, it’s an extremely thrilling multiplayer experience. Fans would like to see these unique features used again in Mario Kart.

Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

Nintendo DS

• GameFAQs Rating: 4.22/5

This RPG has one of the weirdest plots in the entire Super Mario franchise. However, it is remembered fondly for the uniqueness it brought to the table. After Bowser engulfs his surroundings, Mario and Luigi end up inside him and must work together, and even work with Bowser. The DS’ dual screens are both utilized, with Mario’s adventure happening below and Bowser’s on the top.

This title features unique mechanics, special moves, and gameplay, with Mario and Luigi embarking on a platforming and RPG experience, whilst Bowser roams the overworld. Though the bosses were difficult, this is one of the bestselling Mario RPGs and is well-loved by fans.

Super Mario Galaxy

Nintendo Wii

• GameFAQs Rating: 4.41/5

This was a groundbreaking title released for the Wii in 2007. Though games like both Sonic Adventuretitles on the Sega Dreamcast had utilized limited antigravity mechanics years prior, Super Mario Galaxy took this to another level, making this the basis of the game. The result is a phenomenal planet-hopping adventure through space to defeat Bowser at the Center of the Universe.

Both Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 stand out as amazing 3D platformers, though there is debate about which of them is superior. However, the first game was more groundbreaking upon release and thus was so successful that a sequel was made. Featuring many immersive and unique galaxies, these titles were a must-play for any Wii owner.

Super Mario 3D Land

Nintendo 3DS

• GameFAQs Rating: 4.11/5

Mario’s first outing on the 3DS stayed true to what fans loved but also brought a new gameplay experience. The stereoscopic 3D effects give a greater feel of depth, and this game also offered increased accessibility, due to a simplified play style which gradually increased in difficulty. Super Mario 3D Land’s gameplay is addictive and compels players to seek 100% completion across many fun and well-designed levels.

The Super Leaf features prominently, allowing Mario, Luigi, and even some enemies, to sport a Tanooki tail and limited flight. Once players defeat Bowser, exciting post-game content is unlocked, and players can enjoy 48 new levels, which are quite difficult. This game makes full use of the 3DS’s capabilities.

Mario Kart 8

Wii U

• GameFAQs Rating: 4.35/5

Critics still praise the graphics for the first HD Mario Kart game a decade later. Whilst the Switch’s rerelease has expanded the character roster and courses, the Wii U version ultimately paved the way for many beloved components, like the antigravity mechanics; This was the first Mario Kart game to use this as a core gameplay element. This provides even more competitive action and added strategy. Colliding with other racers at the right time grants a speed boost, which at times can really turn the tables in any race.

It also contained DLCs featuring characters and themed courses from other Nintendo franchises, like Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda.The tracks are a fine mix of remade classics and new original ones, meaning each course feels unique. This game offered so much for players to feel even more immersed in some of the best tracks in the series.

Super Mario Odyssey

Nintendo Switch

• GameFAQs Rating: 4.46/5

With many colorful and vivid kingdoms to explore, Super Mario Odyssey offers a captivating platforming experience. What’s refreshing about this title is the non-linear structure, even allowing players the freedom to choose which kingdoms to travel to first, and soak up all they have to offer. Though Super Mario 64 and Galaxy had limited exploration, Odyssey takes this to another level. Each kingdom has something unique to offer, and a vast number of Power Moons to collect. Players are also encouraged to be experimental and creative since there are often multiple ways to collect them.

What’s more, the ability to transform into another creature with the use of Cappy makes for some intriguing gameplay, meaning Mario can jump higher as a frog, or even build a tower of Goombas. With a great soundtrack, this game gives players so much fun in a deeply immersive setting.