The Super Mario series has captivated players for decades, evolving from simple side-scrollers to complex 3D adventures. Here’s a ranking of the 10 best Super Mario games of all time, reflecting their innovation, impact, and enduring popularity. These titles not only define the platforming genre but also showcase the creative spirit of Nintendo, offering unique and engaging experiences that continue to influence the gaming world.
Ranking 10 Best Super Mario Games of All Time
1. Super Mario World (SNES)
Debuting in 1990 as a launch title for the SNES, Super Mario World introduced players to the vibrant Dinosaur Land. This game is notable for its smooth controls, the introduction of Yoshi, Mario’s dinosaur companion who would become a series mainstay, and its hidden secrets and levels that encouraged exploration.
With its layered, colorful graphics and memorable soundtrack, Super Mario World expanded the Mario universe and refined the platforming experience, making it one of the most beloved entries in the series.
2. Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)
Released in 1988, Super Mario Bros. 3 revolutionized the platforming genre with its diverse range of environments, innovative power-ups like the Tanooki Suit and the Frog Suit, and the introduction of a map system for level selection.
Its engaging gameplay, challenging levels, and multiplayer option set a high bar for future games. The game’s creativity and polish made it a critical and commercial success, solidifying Mario’s place as a gaming icon.
3. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
Launched in 2007, Super Mario Galaxy was a trailblazer with its inventive use of gravity and spherical planetoids, providing players with a unique and disorienting sense of space. The game’s orchestral soundtrack, imaginative level design, and innovative motion controls created an immersive and whimsical experience.
Its narrative, focusing on rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser in outer space, offered a fresh take on the classic Mario storyline. Super Mario Galaxy’s critical acclaim and commercial success solidified it as one of the most influential and beloved games of its generation.
4. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)
Released in 2010 as a direct sequel to its predecessor, Super Mario Galaxy 2 expanded upon the original’s concepts with more levels, new power-ups like the Cloud Flower and Rock Mushroom, and the inclusion of Yoshi, adding new gameplay dynamics.
The game refined the gravity-defying platforming mechanics, offered a higher difficulty curve, and introduced fresh, imaginative worlds and challenges. Praised for its creativity, level variety, and improved mechanics, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is often regarded as one of the pinnacle achievements of the platforming genre.
5. Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)
Released in 2017, Super Mario Odyssey is a vibrant, globe-trotting adventure that sees Mario exploring a wide variety of worlds, each with its distinct theme and mechanics.
The game’s innovative capture system, where Mario can take control of characters and objects, opens up a plethora of creative gameplay possibilities. Its blend of nostalgic elements with fresh mechanics, extensive world-building, and a charming storyline makes it a standout title in the Mario franchise and a defining game for the Nintendo Switch.
6. Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch)
Taking 2D Mario games to new heights, “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” on the Switch is an absolute gem. It’s as sharp and engaging as the classics, packed with inventive features like Wonder Flowers and badges, plus exciting online play.
The game’s overflowing with charm and surprises, making each level a delightful experience. While it sticks to the tried-and-true Mario formula, additions like local co-op and online multiplayer bring a fresh, fun twist. This game isn’t just a great Mario game; it’s one of the best platformers out there.
7. Super Mario 64 (N64)
As Mario’s first foray into 3D in 1996, Super Mario 64 presented a groundbreaking open-world design that allowed players to explore in a non-linear fashion. The game introduced precise 3D movement controls, a diverse set of environments, and a variety of challenges that utilized its 3D space.
Its influence on the gaming landscape is immense, setting the standard for 3D platformers and open-world exploration in video games, making it not just a critical success but also a milestone in gaming history.
8. Super Mario 3D World + Browser’s Fury (Switch)
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury spices up the classic Wii U game with fun updates and more enjoyable gameplay. It’s the first 3D Mario game where four players can play together, combining the best of Mario’s 3D adventures and his classic 2D runs.
The game introduces cool characters like Cat Mario and Captain Toad, with levels that even led to a new game. The added Bowser’s Fury mode offers an even bigger world to explore, making it a must-have for Mario fans, despite some online hiccups.
9. Super Mario Maker 2 (Switch)
With “Super Mario Maker 2,” the Switch gets a creative powerhouse that ramps up everything from its predecessor. This sequel is packed with new features, including the Super Mario 3D World style, additional enemies, cool gadgets, enhanced power-ups, and even a story mode with a real plot.
It’s not just about making levels; it’s about playing in a vast Mario universe with multiplayer options and constant updates like Ninji Speedruns. Sure, the online setup is quirky, and the button-based building takes some getting used to, but these minor issues hardly dim the game’s immense fun and freedom.
10. Super Mario Maker (Wii U)
Pioneering a new realm of creativity, the original “Super Mario Maker” for the Wii U became a standout title, showcasing the console’s unique GamePad. Users could effortlessly design levels in the styles of beloved Mario games, making it a must-have for fans.
Although it arrived late in the Wii U’s life and had some quirky online sharing methods, its intuitive design and endless possibilities for fun made it a classic. Even with the advanced sequel, the original’s charm and creative potential remain unmatched, making it a treasure for any Mario enthusiast.
Also Read: The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Not Bad, but Not Great Either
