Mario's Reign on the Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide
Mario, Nintendo's iconic plumber, enjoys a prominent presence on the Nintendo Switch. Since the console's launch in 2017, numerous Mario titles have graced the platform, with no signs of slowing down, even with the impending arrival of the Switch 2. This article details every Mario game available on the Switch, and offers a glimpse into upcoming releases slated for the Switch 2 (including the anticipated Mario Kart 9, rumored to feature 24-car races).
The Switch's Mario Game Collection: A Total of 21 Titles
A remarkable 21 Mario games have been released for the Nintendo Switch. The list below excludes Nintendo Switch Online titles and presents the original Mario games in release order:
Mario Games on Nintendo Switch (Release Order):
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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017): A definitive edition of the Wii U classic, enhanced with additional characters and tracks via the Booster Course Pass DLC. It's the Switch's best-selling title.
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Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (2017): A unique crossover with Ubisoft, blending the Mario universe with the Rabbids in a turn-based strategy game.
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Super Mario Odyssey (2017): A groundbreaking 3D platformer that redefined the genre, introducing Cappy, a hat that allows Mario to possess enemies.
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Mario Tennis Aces (2018): The first Mario sports title for Switch, featuring a substantial Adventure Mode and a roster of 30 characters.
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Super Mario Party (2018): A revitalized Mario Party experience, featuring over 80 minigames and a return to turn-based boards.
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New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (2019): A compilation of New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, enhanced with new characters.
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Super Mario Maker 2 (2019): A robust level editor with expanded tools and features, including new styles and power-ups.
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Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 (2019): A crossover featuring Mario, Sonic, and other characters competing in Olympic events.
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Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020): A unique Paper Mario installment with a ring-based battle system.
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Super Mario 3D All-Stars (2020): A limited-time collection of Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy.
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Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (2020): An augmented reality racing game using RC cars.
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Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (2021): An enhanced port of the Wii U title, including the new Bowser's Fury mode.
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Mario Golf: Super Rush (2021): A golf game with new modes like Speed Golf.
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Mario Party Superstars (2021): A compilation of classic Mario Party boards and minigames with online multiplayer.
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Mario Strikers: Battle League (2022): A return to the Mario Strikers series with new characters and online club features.
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Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope (2022): The sequel to Kingdom Battle, featuring a revamped combat system and new characters.
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Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023): The latest 2D Mario platformer, introducing the Wonder Flower mechanic.
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Super Mario RPG (2023): A remake of the classic SNES RPG.
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Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2024): A remake of the GBA puzzle-platformer.
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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2024): A remake of the GameCube classic.
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Super Mario Party Jamboree (2024): The largest Mario Party game yet, with numerous boards, characters, and minigames.
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Mario & Luigi: Brothership (2024): The first mainline "Mario & Luigi" game since 2015.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Mario Games: A substantial library of classic Mario titles is also available through this subscription service. (List omitted for brevity, but included in the original text).
Upcoming Mario Games on the Switch 2:
While all original Switch Mario games are expected to be backwards compatible, new titles are anticipated for the Switch 2, including a new Mario Kart game (shown in the Switch 2 announcement trailer) and potentially a new 3D Mario adventure.
This comprehensive guide provides a complete overview of Mario's extensive presence on the Nintendo Switch and offers an exciting look at the future of Mario gaming on the upcoming Switch 2.