best mario game for switch 2024

The Nintendo Switch, since its launch, has become a haven for Mario fans. With a library that blends beloved classics, ambitious re-releases, and groundbreaking new titles, choosing the single best Mario game for the Switch in 2024 is a delightful challenge. The "best" title depends heavily on what a player seeks: timeless platforming perfection, a revolutionary social experience, a creative sandbox, or a nostalgic trip. This article will explore the standout contenders, evaluating their merits to help you decide which Mario adventure deserves the crown in your Switch collection.

Defining "Best": A Multi-Faceted Approach

Determining the best Mario game requires looking beyond mere critical scores. For many, the pinnacle is Super Mario Odyssey. Its core design philosophy of joyful, unconstrained exploration is executed flawlessly. The capture mechanic, allowing Mario to possess hundreds of objects and enemies, constantly reinvents gameplay within a single title. From controlling a T-Rex to a piece of cutlery, the creativity is boundless. Kingdoms are densely packed with Moons, encouraging curiosity and rewarding experimentation in a way that feels both modern and deeply respectful of Mario's roots. For pure, inventive 3D platforming and a sense of wonder, Odyssey remains arguably unmatched on the platform.

However, the concept of "best" expands dramatically with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Released in late 2023, it represents the 2D series' most significant evolution in decades. The Wonder Flowers inject unpredictable, surreal chaos into every level, transforming the familiar into the phenomenal. This focus on surprise and local multiplayer mayhem makes it a strong contender for the best social and most consistently surprising Mario experience on Switch. Its visual polish, energetic soundtrack, and sheer inventiveness per level make a compelling case for the top spot, especially for those who cherish 2D gameplay.

The Contenders: A Closer Examination

Super Mario Odyssey offers a globe-trotting adventure that feels vast yet intimate. New Donk City’s metropolitan celebration of gaming history stands as one of Nintendo’s finest moments. The game respects the player’s time and intelligence, offering both straightforward critical path objectives and deeply hidden challenges for completionists. Its post-game content significantly expands the adventure, offering tougher challenges that test mastered skills. As a complete package showcasing Nintendo’s design mastery in a 3D space, it is a foundational Switch title.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder counters with pure, concentrated fun. The introduction of badges allows for personalized playstyles, adding a layer of strategy and replayability. The online elements, where players can assist each other as ghost-like standees, create a warm sense of community without direct competition. For families and groups playing together on one console, the chaotic, cooperative (or competitive) fun is arguably the best the series has ever offered. It is a game designed explicitly for shared joy and constant smiles.

No discussion is complete without Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. This package offers two distinct experiences. The main game is a brilliant fusion of 2D structure with 3D movement, perfected for multiplayer. The crown jewel, however, is the Bowser’s Fury expansion. This open-area experiment, featuring a terrifying, kaiju-sized Bowser that periodically erupts into the sky, previews a potential future for Mario. It blends Odyssey’s exploration with a dynamic, ever-present threat, creating a uniquely thrilling and condensed adventure. This two-in-one value is immense.

For purists, the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection (if accessible) provides a historic tour through Super Mario 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy. While its limited availability is a drawback, it houses Super Mario Galaxy, a masterpiece of gravity-defying orchestral platforming that many still consider the series' creative peak. Playing it portably on the Switch is a remarkable experience.

Unique Value and the Creative Wildcard

Beyond traditional platforming, other titles redefine "best" through different lenses. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is arguably the best-selling and most-played Mario game on Switch thanks to its impeccable racing mechanics and staggering content, including the massive Booster Course Pass. It is the definitive party and online competitive experience.

Paper Mario: The Origami King offers a charming, story-driven adventure with witty writing and a unique ring-based battle system, standing out for RPG and narrative fans. Meanwhile, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a technical and artistic showcase, delivering a gorgeous, puzzle-focused ghost-catching adventure with superb local co-op.

The ultimate creative tool, however, is Super Mario Maker 2. With a near-infinite supply of user-generated levels, it is not just a game but a platform. For those who crave endless challenges or enjoy designing their own, it offers unparalleled longevity and represents the collective creativity of the global Mario community.

The Verdict for 2024

Selecting one champion is ultimately personal. For the quintessential, must-own single-player Mario experience that defines the Switch era, Super Mario Odyssey retains its crown. Its sense of adventure, freedom, and polished creativity is a high-water mark for the entire genre.

For the best shared, social, and most inventively joyful experience, particularly in local multiplayer, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the new benchmark. Its constant stream of surprises makes it feel like the freshest title in the lineup.

For the sheer volume and variety of content across different gameplay styles, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury offers perhaps the greatest overall value, delivering both a classic multiplayer gem and a groundbreaking experimental chapter.

In 2024, the Nintendo Switch’s Mario library is a testament to the character’s enduring versatility. Whether you prioritize groundbreaking 3D exploration, revolutionary 2D chaos, boundless creativity, or timeless multiplayer fun, the best Mario game for you is waiting. The true victory is that Switch owners have the privilege of debating such an incredible selection of masterpieces.

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