Mario: to know him is to love him.
For someone who doesn’t talk much (apart from making regular appearances), Mario has long been a double whammy in all of our hearts and is even set to star in his own movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” (coming to theaters April 7)!
Along with his brother, fellow plumber Luigi, Mario has appeared in over 200 video games since his first appearance as the title character in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong.
Now, unless you prefer retro video games, Mario lives exclusively on the Switch, Nintendo’s newest console. As such, all 10 of our favorite Mario video games listed below are exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, but luckily, a few years after the original release, a brand new Nintendo Switch is going for just $299 on Amazon.
Below, you’ll find 10 Mario & Friends options for Switch, including action-adventure games, racing games, party games, and more. Ready to check out these deals? As Mario might say: Let’s go!
Hailed as one of the best games of the year when it was released, Super Mario Odyssey, featuring dinosaurs, New Donk City and a two-player option that features Mario’s anthropomorphized hat, is one of the funniest and most colorful adventures of Mario more. If you haven’t had a chance to pick it up yet, this game is a must-have and it’s only $50 from Amazon.
Ever wanted to go back to the 2D Mario days of yesteryear, but can’t stand the old graphics? Then New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe’ is the game for you. Featuring Mario, Luigi, Peach and all your favorites, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe’ is the latest spin on retro Mario. Plus, younger players will appreciate the extra help Toadette provides.
Save $11 when you buy “Mario Party Superstars” from Amazon and give yourself hours of fun with five classic “Mario Party” boards originating from the Nintendo 64 version of “Mario Party.” Are you a fan of mini games? Enjoy 100 fan favorites drawn from the entire Mario Party series. If you are a Mario Party finisher, this game is for you.
Mario Kart has always kept it simple: what if Mario and all his friends (and enemies) were in little cars and you could race each other. Add some red, blue and green shells, some banana peels and you have the best selling game of all time. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features the best graphics and most up-to-date courses in the series.
Another one of Nintendo’s regularly updated biggest hits, ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate pits Mario and friends against characters from other Nintendo franchises, such as Kirby and Link, as well as a host of characters from franchises outside of the Nintendo banner. Ever wanted to see Yoshi punch a Minecraft guy? This game is for you.
We’ll start with the bad news: Baby Bowser has stolen the wish-granting Sundream Stone from Yoshi’s Island. Or at least they tried, and Sundream Stone gems were scattered all over this sweet, colorful arts and crafts world. Get it today for just $50 at Target.
7. Luigi’s Mansion 3 for Nintendo Switch, $50, original price: $60
What happens when the infamous scaredy cat Luigi finds himself in the spooky, towering Last Resort Hotel and gets separated from Mario? Luigi’s Mansion 3 is what it’s all about. Conquer your fears and suck up ghosts alongside your slimy green Gooigi doppelganger and see if you can escape the hotel, all for just $50 from Walmart.
In Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, you’re tasked with assembling a team and flying across the galaxy to save your little friends, the Sparks (stars with little faces). Fight alongside the Rabbits (strange-looking rabbits that can transform into Mario, Peach and Luigi) to save your friends in this strategy game, now only $40 from Amazon.
9. Super Mario Party for Nintendo Switch, $42, original price: $60
Invite your friends this weekend to the Super Mario Party and race across four original boards or tackle 100 mini-games. And if your friends can’t make it, you can always play Super Mario Party online, too.
“Super Mario 3D All-Stars” includes three previously released Mario 3D adventure games, “Super Mario 64”, “Super Mario Sunshine” and “Super Mario Galaxy”. Although these games were originally released on the Nintendo 64, Gamecube and Wii respectively, they have been lovingly restored to be played on the Switch. Turn back the dial and play like the Mario of your childhood for only $79 from Amazon.
Take a look Shopping the New York Post section for more content.