Summary
- The Nintendo Switch is missing some 2D Super Mario games.
- There are four main series 2D Super Mario games that can't be played on the Switch at the time of this writing.
- There are also two 3D Super Mario games missing from the Switch's library as well.
The Nintendo Switch is missing four 2D Super Mario games, meaning it's just shy of being a perfect Super Mario gaming machine. Thanks to ports, remasters, and the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, most main series Super Mario games can be played on the Switch. There are some unfortunate exceptions, however, as there are a handful of 2D and 3D Super Mario games not playable on Nintendo's latest system.
On the 3D side of things, there are two 3D Super Mario games that can't be played on the Switch. One is Super Mario Galaxy 2, which stands out as one of the most beloved 3D Super Mario games in existence. What makes Super Mario Galaxy's absence especially disappointing is that the original Super Mario Galaxy is playable on Switch thanks to the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection. It's unclear why Nintendo has yet to pull the trigger on bringing the beloved sequel to its home console/handheld hybrid. The other 3D Super Mario game not playable on Switch is Super Mario 3D Land, the 3DS exclusive entry in the franchise.
The 10 Best Games In The Super Mario Franchise Ranked (According To Metacritic)
From RPG to racing carts, and a creative mix of 2D and 3D animations we got to see in Paper Mario, Mario games have been released in all genres.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 was made available on the Wii U eventually, so Nintendo is clearly capable of bringing the games to the Switch, though it remains to be seen if that will ever happen. In the meantime, there are also some 2D Super Mario games that have yet to become playable on the Switch. The original Super Mario Land Game Boy game is missing from the Switch Online lineup despite the fact that its sequel is playable. The Nintendo DS game New Super Mario Bros. Can't be played on the Switch, and neither can New Super Mario Bros. Wii or New Super Mario Bros. 2. Every other 2D Super Mario game can be played on the platform in one way or another.
List of 2D Super Mario Games on the Nintendo Switch
- Super Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
- Super Mario Bros. 2
- Super Mario Bros. 3
- Super Mario World
- Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
- Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Besides these games, some may also want to take into account the Super Mario Maker games. Super Mario Maker is a series of 2D Super Mario spin-offs that revolve around players building their own levels and sharing them with others online. The original Super Mario Maker is not available for the Nintendo Switch, but Super Mario Maker 2 is on the Switch and basically features all the content as its predecessor plus more. The other 2D Super Mario game not mentioned here is Super Mario Run, which was a mobile spin-off of the franchise.
At this stage of the game, it's entirely possible that the Switch will not get any further 2D Super Mario games. However, it's also possible that some of the missing games will be made playable on the Switch. The one that stands the best shot at coming to the Switch at some point is Super Mario Land, as it would be odd for it to never be added to the list of Game Boy games available through Switch Online.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 91 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- October 20, 2023
- ESRB
- E For Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- ModuleSystem engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Super Mario
WHERE TO PLAY
The next evolution of Mario fun: Classic Mario gameplay is turned on its head with Wonder Flowers in the Super Mario Bros. Wonder game! These game-changing items can make some wonderfully weird stuff happen. Witness pipes coming alive, wreak havoc as a giant Spike-Ball, and lots more!
Loca: Up to 4 players can tackle courses together, share power-ups, and revive each other. Yoshis can also carry other players on their back to help each other overcome challenging courses!
Online: With a Nintendo Switch Online membership**, you can share your adventure with players from all over the world or play online with up to 12 friends in a Friend Room, with 4 players per course. Help each other out or see who can finish first! If you place a standee while you’re playing online, other players can use them to revive!
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
