Michele
Whether you just received the Nintendo Switch for Christmas 2019 or have had the console since its 2017 launch, if you’re reading this, you’re likely looking to build your video game collection. Luckily, Nintendo has released so many brand-new games for users in the past two years, re-released fan-favorite games from previous Nintendo consoles, and also re-invented some video game classics from years ago and adapted them to its newest console taking over the world.
This 2020, you’ll probably find that more of your friends and family own a Nintendo Switch, especially since, by the end of 2019, the console reportedly surpassed the Super NES’s total lifetime sales. According to VGChartz, the Nintendo Switch “sold 961,543 units for the week ending December 28, 2019, to bring its lifetime sales to 49.79 million units worldwide. This compares to the SNES with lifetime sales of 49.10 million units.” Previously, over the 2019 Thanksgiving/Black Friday weekend, the Switch and Switch Lite sold a combined total of 830,000 units.
Gamers went in full force purchasing the Switch this past holiday season, and, with so many new users on the console, I thought it would be a great idea to give those players some ideas on the best Mario games for the Nintendo Switch. Although there are so many Mario games to choose from, these 5 games are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.
In no particular order, here are 5 Mario games you need to have for the Switch:
1. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Containing both New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a 2-for-1 deal. The objective of each level is to make it past enemies and other dangerous obstacles in order to reach the flag at the end of the course. Across the two games, players can take on 164 courses, which are separated on the map based on their different themes. Apart from the main gameplay, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe has other playable modes, including Challenges, Boost Rush, and Coin Battle.
2. Super Mario Maker 2
If you’ve always dreamed of creating your own Mario level, you’ll definitely want to get Super Mario Maker 2. The game includes a Story Mode with 100 built-in courses, as well as a Course Maker mode that allows you to create courses of your own. This game is the perfect way to test your creativity, and the best part is that you can invite friends to join you in the process. After building your courses, you can then share them online, where you can also play others’ levels from around the world.
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have game for fans of the franchise because, apart from introducing new courses, the game has fan-favorite ones that fans will instantly recognize from the previous Mario Kart games. Race against coms or your friends in the grand pix, against yourself in a time trial, or against players from around the world in online mode. The game also comes with battle modes, like Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, and Coin Runners, so there’s sure to be a gaming mode for everyone. To amp up the gameplay, you can even purchase Joy-Con steering wheels to make it seem like you’re actually racing for real.
4. Super Mario Party
Although you can play solo, Super Mario Party is the perfect game to play with friends and family. There are so many gaming modes to choose from, including the classic Mario Party mode, which has you competing against others in a classic board game in order to collect the most stars and coins; Partner Party, which is similar to Mario Party, except you can work with a partner for a 2 vs. 2 game; River Survival, which has you working with a team to play a set of minigames in order to make it across the river; and Sound Stage, which tests your rhythm in various minigames. You can also focus on the minigames alone with freeplay mode, or do a Mariothon to see who out of all your friends comes out on top. Toad’s Rec Room is a multiplayer mode that allows you to connect multiple Switch devices for a unique gaming experience. Of course, there’s also online mode so you can play with others across the globe. The gaming possibilities are endless in Super Mario Party.
5. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D-adventure game that has Mario exploring various kingdoms with his reliable, hat-shaped Cappy that you can either use on your own or have a friend take on the role in order to aid you in your adventure. The objective of the game is to fight enemies and collect Power Moons so you can power up the Odyssey airship and save Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans. Apart from the exciting gameplay, Super Mario Odyssey has beautiful visuals that will draw your attention.
All in all, you can never go wrong with a Mario game for the Nintendo Switch. These 5 games are absolute must-have titles, but any Mario game will keep you and all your friends entertained.
