Easiest Mario Games, Ranked

The iconic red hat plumper is one of the most recognizable faces in video games for a reason. Everyone loves Mario, and Mario games are certainly a joy for everyone that picks up a controller and tries them. There’s a good reason why Mario is the iconic poster boy of Nintendo, as some of the best Mario games are remembered in video game history as the greatest titles to grace the medium. Yet, some are harder than others.

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To new players of the Mario franchise, or to those that want an easier experience, these Super Mario games will help players enjoy the fun that the majority of Mario fans do, going from the easiest to the most challenging, but all assuring an easy Mario game experience.

Updated January 12, 2024 by Jake Fillery: Mario remains a classic character in a classic gaming formula. Since Mario is such a colorful and friendly character, it's not a surprise that he holds the title with some of the easiest games on the market, and that's not a bad thing. Players can constantly challenge themselves in the best Mario games, but to those who want to seek a fun adventure, alone or with friends, without being pushed away by a difficulty scaling, then they need to check out these titles, with some being new Mario games from 2023.

9 Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Metascore: 92

The newest entry into Mario's adventure transcends the Mushroom Kingdom, and brings about an arsenal of iconic friends. Players have more freedom than ever with their character selection, and everything about Super Mario Bros. Wonder is there to show players why it's the best time to be a Mario fan. Gone are the stiff animations of the New Super Mario series, and here to stay, are the gleeful animated actions and personalities of the wonderful cast of characters and enemies.

Outside of the game's performance, players will find this game fairly easy due to its platforming sections, power-ups, and smoother gameplay. Players can also play as Yoshi and Nabbit, which are characters that basically cannot die, meaning that Super Mario Bros. Wonder can be completed without failure from all ages and skill levels.

8 Super Mario RPG (Remake)

Metascore: 84

Most would expect an RPG to have fairly complex mechanics, especially when it's turn-based combat like Super Mario RPG. Yet, the game is as colorful as it is easy. It's a great remake of a classic and doesn't just indulge in a nostalgic overload for a game players would remember. It tweaks some things here and there to captivate players old and new and provide an experience that everyone can enjoy, regardless of skill brackets.

Whether it's players' first RPG or their hundredth, Super Mario RPG is extremely accessible to those willing to learn. There are some complexities, such as puzzles and fights that players might feel unprepared for, but that learning curve will quickly be resolved the more players get in there and try.

7 Super Mario Bros.

GameFAQs: 4/5 (5331 ratings)

The first Super Mario game is arguably the easiest. It’s the most friendly game for players to start their Mushroom Kingdom, Goomba stomping adventures in. Super Mario Bros. Defined the Nintendo Entertainment System and the platform genre, and as a game released in 1985, the levels and style of the game still hold up, so those looking for the defining origin point for Super Mario should look no further.

The mechanics of Super Mario Bros. Are simple compared to other titles. Power-ups are limited and lack a strong variety that might confuse or alienate new players. Instead, Super Mario Bros. Can simply be played like a classic platformer, where players want to reach Point B without dying. It’s simple, fun, and elegant.

6 New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Metascore: 87

With the dawning of the 21st century, Super Mario was reinvented with the branding of New Super Mario Bros. When the famed plumber came to the Nintendo Wii system, it was on the New Super Mario Bros. Wii game, which featured Mario powers, friends, and platforming courses never seen before. Yet, with these new attributes, the game was actually easier than other titles for a few reasons.

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In New Super Mario Bros. Wii, players could experience the game in co-op with up to 4 players. This meant that only one of them had to finish the level in order to win. Also, if a player was in danger, or about to fall to their death, they could encase themselves in a bubble to be popped by a friend. The power-ups also made things far easier.

5 Super Mario 3D World

Metascore: 93

Mario had once again evolved out of the 2D and 2.5D environments, and Super Mario 3D World sought to bring Mario out of the platforming era into a 3D space, yet, keep the familiar ground that was covered. Super Mario 3D World achieved many things, but one of the main things it achieved was the difficulty scaling, in which players didn’t have to rely on a heavy set of abilities and agility tricks, and instead could just run and jump like in days of old with Mario games.

Thanks to Super Mario 3D World, players could better assess a 3D space rather than just run from the left side of the screen to the right. There was also a bounty of new courses that players had to jump and smash their way through, including some strange new power-ups.

4 Super Mario Odyssey

Metascore: 97

The newest epic adventure from Mario comes with his arrival on the Nintendo Switch. Super Mario Odyssey is easily regarded as one of the best platform games and for good reason. Super Mario Odyssey plays the smoothest out of all Mario games, and movement and expression are rewarded as players explore and try out the new features, all the while, still using those familiar yet different set of jumps, runs, and leaps.

Mario travels around the world with his newest ally, Cappy, as the duo collects Moons to save Princess Peach and Cappy’s sister from Bowser. The game rewards creativity, and although it may not be the easiest game out there, it’s certainly one that can be played by anyone.

3 Super Mario Galaxy

Metascore: 97

One of the harder Mario titles, Super Mario Galaxy pits players against the greatest enemy known to man: gravity. In Super Mario Galaxy, players harness the powers of orbit, and they are constantly running around and jumping on spherical worlds that are interconnected by a galaxy. The platforming in Super Mario Galaxy is the series at its most unique, as it uses geometry and gravity to shape a new platform experience.

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To some, Super Mario Galaxy might be a challenging experience, as it requires some thought as to where to jump, and where gravity will take Mario as he once again tries to save Peach from Bowser. However, the game is fairly easy, and the mechanics don’t change much throughout the game, which utilizes the Nintendo Wii’s motion controls.

2 Super Mario Sunshine

Metascore: 92

Mario breaks into the 21st century with Super Mario Sunshine, the leading character’s debut for the GameCube. This was the 2nd time that Mario graced the 3D space, and the character celebrates by taking a nice vacation to Isle Delfino. However, once again, he is faced with a few issues to iron out, including trying to clear his own name.

The entertaining and experimental gimmick of Super Mario Sunshine provides players with the FLUDD device, which utilizes the nozzles and water spray for better movement and abilities around the platforming sections of the game. Super Mario Sunshine is one of the harder titles for the way the movement system may feel unfamiliar, but it’s still easily accessible.

1 Super Mario 64

Metascore: 85

Out of the Super Mario games, Super Mario 64 remains the utmost classic. The 1996 platformer for the Nintendo 64 broke new ground in the gaming industry and pushed Mario into a bold and new 3D direction. Super Mario 64 still has an active audience of players that are mesmerized by the movement that the game offers, allowing for great freedom of expression when running and jumping.

There are limited flaws with Super Mario 64, and there is a reason the game is so beloved. It’s a great entry point into the best 3D Mario games, but it comes at the cost of perhaps being the most difficult of the bunch, considering the movements may be less fluid than modern players are used to.

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