It’s Mario Day 2026 — a timely reminder that Nintendo’s mustached mascot still dominates modern gaming. If you’re wondering which Super Mario adventures are ready to play on the current Switch family, now is a good moment to take stock: the Switch has a deep library, and a few recent releases are already leaning on Nintendo’s next console.
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Nine years after the original Switch arrived, Nintendo’s platform has accumulated an unusually broad range of Mario titles: traditional 2D platformers, 3D open-world entries, party and sports spin-offs, RPGs and crossovers. Most of the modern Mario games run on the original system, but several newly announced or rebranded releases carry explicit Switch 2 editions and will require the newer hardware.
| Title | Genre | Playable on Switch? | Switch 2 required? | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | 2D platformer | Yes (standard) | Some special Switch 2 editions exist | Fresh take on classic side‑scrolling gameplay with new mechanics |
| Super Mario Odyssey | 3D adventure | Yes | No | One of the Switch’s landmark single‑player titles |
| Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | 3D co-op/adventure | Yes | No | Blend of cooperative platforming and a standalone open-ended Fury mode |
| Super Mario Galaxy + Galaxy 2 | 3D platformer (remaster) | Yes | No | Classics given a modern release for current Nintendo hardware |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Racing | Yes | No | Still the go-to kart racer for online and local play |
| Mario Kart World | Racing | — | Yes (Switch 2 edition announced) | Planned next‑gen entry with new features for the Switch 2 |
| Super Mario Maker 2 | Level creation | Yes | No | Still the best tool for player‑made Mario levels on Nintendo hardware |
| Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope | Strategy RPG | Yes | No | Unusual but strong crossover with tactical combat |
| Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door / Origami King | RPG | Yes | No | Paper Mario entries mix humor, exploration and combat |
| Mario Party Superstars / Super Mario Party | Party | Yes | No | Party games remain a social staple for Switch owners |
| Mario Tennis Fever / Mario Kart World (other new titles) | Sports / Racing | — | Yes (some new releases are Switch 2 versions) | Recent announcements include titles packaged specifically for Switch 2 |
What this means for players right now: if you own the original Switch, you still have access to the bulk of Nintendo’s Mario catalog — from flagship experiences like Super Mario Odyssey to party staples and remasters. But if you’re planning to upgrade or buy new releases in 2026, expect a growing number of games to offer enhanced or exclusive content tied to the Switch 2.
Standout picks by mood
Not sure where to start? Below are quick choices based on what you want to play today.
- Solo adventure: Super Mario Odyssey — open, creative levels and a substantial single‑player campaign.
- Classic platforming: Super Mario Bros. Wonder — inventive 2D stages with modern twists.
- Co-op or family play: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury or Mario Party Superstars.
- Competitive racing: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — best for online lobbies and local split‑screen.
- Strategy fans: Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope — a surprising, polished tactical title.
For collectors and completionists, Nintendo’s approach has been twofold: port older, well‑loved entries to the Switch ecosystem while also launching new entries that take advantage of improved hardware. That trend is likely to accelerate as Switch 2 adoption grows.
Practical tips before you buy: check each game’s store page for platform compatibility, read recent patch notes if online features matter to you, and look at official product names — releases that include “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” in their title are the clearest indicator that the newer console will be required for that specific version.
On this Mario Day, whether you stick with your current console or plan an upgrade, Nintendo’s library offers a range of Mario experiences across genres. The takeaway for 2026: there’s plenty to play right now, and a handful of next‑gen exclusives are already signaling where Nintendo’s Mario lineup is headed.
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.