Super Mario Bros. Wonder
2023 · SwitchThe 2023 Switch original that reinvented 2D Mario with Wonder Flowers that transform each level into something wildly unexpected — elephants, talking flowers, and all.
Mainline2D Platformers
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Where to start with Super Mario
Nintendo's flagship plumber has been running and jumping through colorful worlds since 1985 — spanning classic 2D side-scrollers, open 3D adventures, and full-blooded RPGs.
Start with Super Mario Bros. Wonder
The best modern 2D Mario — joyful, inventive, and available on any Switch right now.
Then play…
Super Mario Odyssey
2017 · SwitchThe 2017 Switch adventure that sends Mario globe-trotting across wildly varied kingdoms, capturing enemies and objects by tossing his living hat, Cappy.
Mainline3D PlatformersThe best modern 3D Mario — open, creative, and packed with constant surprises; the perfect gateway to free-roaming 3D platforming.
Super Mario World
1990 · SNESThe SNES launch title that introduced Yoshi and gave Mario a sprawling, secret-packed world to explore — the gold standard of 16-bit platforming.
Mainline2D PlatformersA massive, branching SNES classic that introduced Yoshi and still plays brilliantly for free on Nintendo Switch Online.
6 releases & editions
Super Mario Bros. 3
1988 · NESThe 1988 NES masterpiece that added raccoon suits, world maps, and airship levels — still one of the most inventive 2D platformers ever designed.
Mainline2D PlatformersWidely considered one of the best games ever made, and it plays beautifully for free on Nintendo Switch Online today.
6 releases & editions
Super Mario RPG (2023)
2023 · SwitchThe 2023 Switch remake of the beloved SNES classic, rebuilt with lush 3D visuals while preserving every character, battle, and joke of the 1996 original.
The most welcoming way into Mario's RPG branch — a faithful remake with modern visuals and gentle timed-button combat that's approachable even for non-RPG players.
Honest skips / for later
Super Mario Bros.For fans
The 1985 original that invented the rulebook for every platformer since — vital history, but Wonder is a far better place to start today.
Super Mario 64For fans
The 1996 game that proved 3D platforming could work — groundbreaking history, but Odyssey gives you a far better first taste of 3D Mario today.
Super Mario RPGFor fans
The beloved SNES original is superseded by the 2023 Switch remake — go straight to that instead.
Paper MarioFor fans
A charming N64 RPG that holds up well, but try the 2023 Super Mario RPG remake first before circling back to this one.
Super Mario SunshineFor fans
A beloved but acquired-taste GameCube adventure — best appreciated once you're hooked on the series, not as a first game.
The GameCube original is superseded by the 2024 Switch remake — play that instead.
A solid 2D Mario revival, but only available on DS hardware today — start with Wonder on Switch instead.
Super Mario GalaxyFor fans
Widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever made, but hard to access today — worth tracking down once you're committed to the series.
Super Mario Galaxy 2For fans
Many consider it even better than the first Galaxy, but it's a direct follow-up — play Galaxy 1 first, then come here.
New Super Mario Bros. UFor fans
The Wii U original has been superseded by the 2019 Switch Deluxe version — play that instead.
Super Mario 3D WorldFor fans
The Wii U original has been superseded by the 2021 Switch port — go straight to that instead.
Mario Kart 8 DeluxeLater
The best kart racing game on Switch and one of the best in any genre — but it's a spin-off, so try the main platformers first.
Super Mario 3D All-StarsFor fans
A great bundle of three classics, but the digital version was delisted in 2021 — physical copies exist secondhand, yet it's not the right starting point for a newcomer.
A superb remake of the fan-favorite GameCube RPG, but the Paper Mario style is best appreciated after trying the 2023 Super Mario RPG remake first.
A fantastic party game, but a spin-off — come back to it with friends after you've played the main series.