What is the Best Mario Game Ever? 8 Iconic Titles Ranked

Since his debut, Mario has jumped, stomped, and flown through hundreds of worlds, defining the platformer genre and creating generations of gamers. With such a legendary catalog, one question echoes through every gaming forum and late-night debate: what is truly the best Mario game ever? This is a discussion fueled by deeply ingrained nostalgia, groundbreaking technical innovation, and pure, unadulterated fun. Answering it requires more than just picking a favorite; it demands a close look at the mechanics, level design, and lasting impact of each entry.

This definitive listicle aims to settle that debate by meticulously analyzing eight of the most influential and beloved titles in the entire franchise. We are going to dive deep into what made each game a genuine masterpiece, from the 8-bit revolution of Super Mario Bros. 3 to the sprawling sandbox freedom of Super Mario Odyssey. Our ranking criteria focus on three core pillars: gameplay innovation, lasting cultural impact, and replayability. Each entry will break down precisely why it deserves its spot, offering a comprehensive look at the specific elements that cemented its legendary status.

Whether you're a lifelong fan seeking to relive golden memories, a parent introducing a new generation to these classics, or a collector on the hunt for your next piece, this guide provides the ultimate breakdown. Prepare to explore the pinnacle of platforming perfection as we crown the single best Mario game ever made. This journey will highlight not just what makes these games great, but why they remain timeless pillars of interactive entertainment.

1. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988/1990)

If there is a single title that defines the absolute peak of 8-bit platforming, it is Super Mario Bros. 3. Released late in the NES lifecycle, this game was not just an iteration; it was a revolution that expanded upon every single concept from its predecessors. It introduced a level of depth, creativity, and polish that was simply unmatched at the time, setting a new benchmark for what video games could be. Many argue it remains the best mario game ever due to its perfect balance of challenge and fun.

The game presented players with a sprawling world map, a first for the series, which transformed progression from a linear path into a grand adventure. This structure gave players a sense of place and strategy, allowing them to choose paths, engage with mini-games like Toad Houses, and use items to unlock new routes.

Why It Stands Out

Super Mario Bros. 3 is a masterclass in game design, introducing an incredible variety of power-ups and mechanics that became series staples. The Super Leaf, which granted Mario raccoon-like ears and a tail for flight, fundamentally changed how levels were navigated. Other additions like the Frog Suit for underwater agility and the iconic Tanooki Suit, offering both flight and a statue transformation, provided unprecedented gameplay diversity.

Each of the eight worlds felt distinct and memorable:

• Desert Land: Battled angry suns and navigated treacherous quicksand.
• Giant Land: Faced off against massive versions of familiar Goombas and Koopa Troopas.
• Pipe Land: Navigated complex, maze-like levels that tested spatial reasoning.

This infographic summarizes the sheer scale of innovation Super Mario Bros. 3 brought to the franchise.

The data clearly shows how the game's expansive world and groundbreaking features contributed to its legendary status and critical acclaim. Its development was a fascinating journey, pushing the limits of the Famicom/NES hardware. You can dive deeper into the development history of Super Mario 3 to learn more about its creation.

Pro-Tips for World-Hopping

To conquer the Mushroom World, keep these strategies in mind:

• Master Flight: The P-Wing provides infinite flight for one level. Save it for particularly challenging stages or to find hidden secrets high in the sky.
• Whistle While You Work: Collect the two Warp Whistles in World 1 to gain access to the Warp Zone, allowing you to skip directly to later worlds.
• Item Management: Don't use your best items immediately. Save powerful tools like Stars or Hammer Suits for tough fortress bosses or the final confrontation with Bowser.

2. Super Mario World (1990)

As the flagship launch title for the Super Nintendo, Super Mario World had the monumental task of showcasing the power of 16-bit gaming. It not only succeeded but also refined and expanded the 2D platformer formula to a level of near-perfection. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, the game introduced a seamless, interconnected world, new abilities, and an unforgettable new ally, solidifying its place as a contender for the best mario game ever.

The game's world map was a significant evolution, presenting Dinosaur Land as a single, contiguous landmass rather than a series of disconnected worlds. This design encouraged exploration, with hidden paths and secret exits creating a sense of discovery that was unparalleled. With 96 unique level exits, Super Mario World offered staggering replayability, rewarding curious players with entirely new areas to uncover.

Why It Stands Out

Super Mario World is celebrated for introducing Yoshi, Mario’s lovable dinosaur companion who could eat enemies and gain special powers from different colored Koopa shells. The game also gave Mario the Cape Feather, a power-up that allowed for controlled flight and dive-bomb attacks, which completely revolutionized level traversal. The level of player freedom was immense, and mastering the cape was a game in itself.

The diverse environments of Dinosaur Land remain iconic and showcase the SNES's vibrant color palette:

• Donut Plains: Featured classic grasslands with the added challenge of ghost houses and falling platforms.
• Star World: A secret network of short, colorful levels that served as a shortcut across the world.
• Valley of Bowser: An atmospheric and intimidating final area, leading players through a fortress-laden valley to the ultimate confrontation.

The game's tight controls, inventive level design, and charming presentation created an experience that felt both familiar and revolutionary. Its influence can still be felt in Mario titles today, cementing its status as a timeless masterpiece.

Pro-Tips for Dinosaur Land

To uncover all 96 exits and conquer Bowser's forces, keep these strategies handy:

• Hunt for Secret Exits: Many levels have two exits. Look for keyholes that require a key, or use P-Switches to reveal hidden doors and pathways that lead to new areas on the map.
• Complete Switch Palaces: Find and activate the four colored Switch Palaces early on. Doing so fills in dotted-line blocks throughout the world, making many levels significantly easier and opening up new routes.
• Master the Cape: To achieve sustained flight with the cape, get a running start until Mario holds his arms out, then jump. Tap the back button rhythmically to gain altitude and soar over entire stages.

3. Super Mario 64 (1996)

When the conversation turns to games that changed everything, Super Mario 64 is often the first title mentioned. It wasn't just Mario's debut in three dimensions; it was the blueprint for 3D platforming that an entire industry would follow for decades. Launching alongside the Nintendo 64, it demonstrated the power of analog control, giving players an unprecedented sense of freedom and fluid movement. Many fans will argue that this revolutionary leap makes it the undisputed best mario game ever.

The game's structure was a radical departure from the linear paths of its predecessors. Peach's Castle served as a magical hub world, with paintings acting as portals to vast, open-ended levels. Instead of simply reaching a flagpole, players were tasked with collecting Power Stars by completing a wide variety of missions, encouraging exploration, puzzle-solving, and mastery of Mario's new athletic abilities.

Why It Stands Out

Super Mario 64 stands out for fundamentally defining how a character should move in a 3D space. The introduction of the triple jump, long jump, wall kick, and ground pound gave Mario a versatile moveset that felt intuitive and deeply satisfying to master. This control scheme, paired with a revolutionary player-controlled camera system, set the standard for countless games to come.

Each course was a self-contained sandbox filled with secrets and distinct challenges:

• Bob-omb Battlefield: A perfect introductory level teaching basic exploration and combat against the big King Bob-omb.
• Tiny-Huge Island: A brilliantly designed course where Mario could change his size by entering different pipes, altering the scale and challenge of the world.
• Rainbow Ride: A perilous sky-high level demanding precise platforming on magic carpets and moving platforms.

This video showcases the groundbreaking gameplay that captivated millions.

Pro-Tips for Star Gazing

To collect all 120 Power Stars, you'll need to master Mario's 3D abilities:

• Master the Long Jump: The long jump (run, crouch, then jump) is your key to crossing wide gaps efficiently. It is faster than running and essential for many shortcuts and speed runs.
• Embrace the Wall Kick: Many stars and secrets are placed in seemingly unreachable areas. Use the wall kick by jumping towards a wall and pressing the jump button again as you make contact to gain extra height.
• Camera is Your Co-Pilot: Actively use the C-buttons to manipulate the camera. Looking around corners, scouting ahead, and getting the right angle for a tricky jump can make all the difference.

4. Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

After revolutionizing 3D platforming with Super Mario 64, Nintendo did it again with Super Mario Galaxy. This title took Mario to the cosmos, shattering conventional level design by introducing spherical planetoids, mind-bending gravity mechanics, and an awe-inspiring orchestral score. It was a breathtaking reinvention that blended the open-ended exploration of its 3D predecessors with a more focused, linear progression, resulting in a perfectly paced adventure. Many fans consider it the best mario game ever for its sheer creativity and flawless execution.

The game is structured as a series of galaxies, each containing multiple planets and challenges. Mario leaps from one celestial body to another, with gravity shifting dynamically based on his position. This simple concept opened the door to an incredible amount of design ingenuity, creating scenarios that were previously impossible and cementing the game as a masterpiece of the 3D platforming genre.

Why It Stands Out

Super Mario Galaxy is a sensory spectacle, combining vibrant visuals, an epic soundtrack, and gameplay that feels both innovative and intuitive. The introduction of Rosalina and the Comet Observatory added a surprisingly poignant narrative layer, giving the cosmic journey emotional weight. The Wii Remote's pointer functionality was seamlessly integrated, allowing players to collect Star Bits and stun enemies with a flick of the wrist.

Each galaxy offered a unique and unforgettable experience:

• Good Egg Galaxy: Perfectly introduced the core gravity mechanics on charming, egg-shaped planets.
• Gusty Garden Galaxy: Had Mario using flowers to propel himself through strong winds between floating landmasses.
• Freezeflame Galaxy: Forced players to alternate between Fire Mario and Ice Mario to navigate a world of contrasting elements.
• Melty Molten Galaxy: Tested precision platforming skills over treacherous lava planets that sank and rose.

The game stands as a brilliant example of how a franchise can evolve while retaining its core identity, offering a compelling experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. This title perfectly bridges the gap between classic sensibilities and modern innovation, a topic further explored in this comparison of classic and new games.

Pro-Tips for Galactic Exploration

To conquer the cosmos and rescue Princess Peach, keep these strategies in mind:

• Master the Spin: The spin attack is not just for combat. Use it to gain extra height and distance on your jumps, activate Launch Stars, and interact with various objects in the environment.
• Collect Every Bit: Use the Wii Remote's pointer to gather Star Bits, even from a distance. Collecting 50 will grant you an extra life, and they can be fired at enemies to stun them.
• Explore All Angles: The spherical nature of the levels means secrets can be anywhere. Run around the underside of planets and look for hidden Launch Stars or question mark coins that reveal new paths.
• Utilize Co-Star Mode: If a section proves too difficult, a second player can join in Co-Star Mode. They can help collect Star Bits and hold enemies in place, making challenging platforming segments more manageable.

5. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Super Mario Odyssey is a jubilant celebration of everything that makes 3D Mario great, a triumphant return to the sandbox-style exploration of Super Mario 64 and Sunshine. Released for the Nintendo Switch, it wasn't just a nostalgic throwback; it was a profound evolution of the formula. The game introduced Cappy, Mario's sentient cap, which enables a "capture" mechanic that allows Mario to possess dozens of enemies and objects, fundamentally changing how players interact with the world and solve puzzles. For many, its boundless creativity makes it a top contender for the best mario game ever.

The game abandons the traditional linear level structure for vast, open-ended Kingdoms, each brimming with secrets, challenges, and hundreds of Power Moons to collect. This design encourages pure, unadulterated exploration, rewarding curiosity at every turn and making the simple act of discovery a constant delight.

Why It Stands Out

Super Mario Odyssey shines because of its sheer, unbridled creativity and the freedom it gives the player. The capture mechanic is a game-changer, allowing you to become everything from a T-Rex to a lowly Goomba, a bolt of electricity, or even a simple piece of meat. This constant transformation keeps gameplay fresh and exciting, as each capture offers a new set of abilities to master.

The Kingdoms themselves are diverse and unforgettable destinations:

• New Donk City: Navigate a realistic, human-populated cityscape, a jarring but brilliant departure for the series.
• Luncheon Kingdom: Hop around as a lava bubble in a world made of vibrant, delicious-looking food.
• Sand Kingdom: Explore vast desert ruins and uncover secrets buried beneath the sand as a Mo-Eye.
• Moon Kingdom: Experience low-gravity physics in the breathtaking final frontier.

This commitment to variety, paired with arguably the tightest and most expressive movement controls in any 3D platformer, solidifies Odyssey's place as a modern classic.

Pro-Tips for Kingdom Hopping

To find every last Power Moon, keep these strategies in mind:

• Capture Everything: Don't hesitate to throw Cappy at any enemy or object you see. Many puzzles and secrets are only accessible by experimenting with different captures.
• Ground Pound Power: A well-placed ground pound on a glowing spot on the floor will often reveal a hidden Power Moon or a stash of coins.
• Talk to Everyone: NPCs in each Kingdom often provide valuable hints about the locations of nearby Power Moons. Pay attention to their dialogue.
• Cappy as a Platform: Throw and hold Cappy in mid-air to create a temporary platform. You can bounce off him to cross large gaps or reach higher ledges, a crucial technique for advanced platforming.

6. Super Mario Bros. (1985)

This is the one that started it all. While Mario appeared in earlier arcade titles, Super Mario Bros. for the NES is the game that saved the North American video game industry and single-handedly defined the 2D platforming genre. Its airtight controls, imaginative world, and iconic level design established a blueprint that countless games would follow for decades. For many, its foundational purity makes it a strong contender for the best mario game ever.

The game introduced players to the Mushroom Kingdom, a vibrant and dangerous land under siege by the Koopa King, Bowser. Its simple premise of running, jumping, and stomping on enemies was executed with such precision that it became an instant phenomenon. From the very first Goomba in World 1-1, the game teaches players its rules without a single line of text, a masterstroke of intuitive design.

Why It Stands Out

Super Mario Bros. is a triumph of fundamental gameplay, creating a sense of momentum and discovery that remains incredibly satisfying today. Its genius lies in its simplicity and the perfect difficulty curve that gradually introduces new challenges and enemies. The introduction of the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Starman provided players with the essential tools needed to conquer its eight challenging worlds.

Each stage presented a new test of skill, with memorable moments that are etched into gaming history:

• World 1-1: Widely considered the perfect tutorial level, it teaches jumping, power-ups, and enemy mechanics organically.
• Underground Levels: Navigating coin-filled secret rooms by breaking blocks and entering pipes felt like discovering a hidden world.
• Castle Encounters: The tense, maze-like fortresses culminating in a fiery battle with Bowser (or one of his decoys) created an unforgettable climax for each world.

The game’s cultural impact cannot be overstated; it was a global phenomenon that turned Mario into a household name and Nintendo into an industry titan.

Pro-Tips for Saving the Princess

To rescue Princess Toadstool and defeat Bowser, you'll need to master the basics:

• Momentum is Key: The run button isn't just for speed; holding it down allows you to jump significantly farther, which is crucial for clearing wide gaps.
• Use Your Environment: A well-placed Koopa shell can be kicked to clear a path of multiple enemies at once or even break blocks to reveal hidden items.
• Find the Shortcuts: The Warp Zones are your best friend for skipping ahead. Look for hidden vines or pipes in levels like 1-2 and 4-2 to jump to later worlds.
• Hunt for 1-Ups: Hidden blocks containing extra lives are scattered throughout the game. Learn their locations to build up a buffer for tougher stages.

7. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)

Just when it seemed like Nintendo had perfected 3D platforming with the original Galaxy, they released a sequel that took every concept and refined it to near perfection. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a masterwork of creativity and challenge, building on its predecessor’s gravity-defying mechanics with an even greater density of ideas. By stripping back the story hub for a more traditional world map, the game puts its laser focus squarely on inventive, exhilarating gameplay, making a strong case for being the best mario game ever.

The game's design philosophy is one of constant innovation. Each galaxy introduces a new mechanic or concept, explores it thoroughly, and then moves on before it has a chance to feel stale. This relentless pace of creativity, combined with the reintroduction of Yoshi, results in an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new from start to finish.

Why It Stands Out

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is celebrated for its tighter, more focused level design and a higher degree of difficulty. The addition of Yoshi was transformative, giving Mario new abilities like the flutter jump and a tongue to swing from objects or consume enemies. New power-ups like the Cloud Flower, which lets Mario create temporary platforms, and the Rock Mushroom, turning him into a destructive rolling boulder, added even more layers to the platforming puzzles.

The game is packed with unforgettable and diverse levels:

• Flip-Swap Galaxy: Demanded perfect timing as players navigated platforms that flipped between red and blue with every jump.
• Hightail Falls Galaxy: A fast-paced sprint where Yoshi uses dash berries to run across water and up vertical walls.
• Puzzle Plank Galaxy: Featured intricate wooden contraptions and challenging platforming that required careful navigation.
• Grandmaster Galaxy: Served as the ultimate test of a player's skill, a brutal final challenge that required mastery of every mechanic in the game.

The sheer variety on display cemented its legacy. Its brilliance as a collectible title also makes it a cornerstone for those interested in vintage games. You can explore more about starting a collection by checking out this beginner's guide to collecting old arcade games.

Pro-Tips for Cosmic Conquest

To navigate these celestial challenges, keep these strategies in mind:

• Master Yoshi: Yoshi's flutter jump provides crucial extra air time. Use his tongue not just to eat fruit but also to grab distant objects and swing across large gaps.
• Green Star Hunting: After beating the game, Green Stars appear in every level. Think outside the box, as they are often hidden in clever spots that require you to look at the level from a new perspective.
• Motion Control Finesse: Use precise, gentle flicks of the Wii Remote for the spin attack. This is essential for fine-tuning jumps and attacking enemies without disrupting your momentum.
• Cosmic Clone Caution: In levels featuring Cosmic Clones that mimic your every move, plan your route carefully. A direct, efficient path is the key to outrunning them without getting cornered.

8. Super Mario Maker 2 (2019)

What if the ultimate Mario game was one you built yourself? Super Mario Maker 2 answers that question by handing players the entire toolbox of Mario level design and connecting them to a global community of creators. It is less a single game and more an infinite platform for creativity, offering a near-endless supply of Mario content that ranges from traditional platforming to mind-bending puzzles and artistic showcases.

This sequel expanded on the original's brilliant concept by adding a full-fledged Story Mode, new themes like desert and snow, and the highly requested sloped surfaces. More importantly, it introduced the Super Mario 3D World style, which brought its own unique mechanics, power-ups, and enemies. This massive suite of tools allows players to not just play Mario, but to fundamentally understand what makes his games so special.

Why It Stands Out

Super Mario Maker 2 thrives on its community and the sheer variety of experiences it offers. The game empowers players to design and share their own levels, leading to a vibrant ecosystem of user-generated content that Nintendo itself could never replicate. This has produced entire genres of levels that push the Mario formula to its limits.

The creativity on display is staggering:

• Kaizo Levels: Ultra-difficult, precision-based challenges that demand pixel-perfect execution.
• Puzzle Levels: Stages that require logic and clever use of mechanics rather than platforming skill.
• Auto-Mario Levels: Rube Goldberg-style contraptions where Mario moves automatically through spectacular set-pieces.
• Music Levels: Levels designed so that Mario’s movements trigger note blocks, playing a popular song.

This variety ensures that there is always something new to discover. For many, its boundless potential and active community make it a strong candidate for the best mario game ever, offering a truly endless adventure.

Pro-Tips for Creative Builders

Whether you're building or just playing, here’s how to get the most out of the experience:

• Study the Greats: Before building, play through the "Popular" and "Hot" courses to see what makes a level fun and engaging. Learn from established creators.
• Tell a Story: A good level has a theme or a core idea. Introduce a concept, develop it with increasing complexity, and conclude it with a final challenge.
• Utilize Sub-Areas: Use pipes to transport players to a second "sub-area" in your level. This is perfect for creating a bonus room, a secret path, or a dramatic shift in the level's theme.
• Playtest Relentlessly: You must be able to beat your own level before you can upload it. Play it multiple times to smooth out frustrating sections and ensure the difficulty feels right.

Top 8 Mario Games Comparison

The Final Power Star: What's Your Ultimate Mario Adventure?

Navigating the vibrant worlds of the Mushroom Kingdom has been a generational pastime, and our journey through its greatest hits reveals a simple, yet profound, truth: there is no single, universally acclaimed "best Mario game ever". Instead, we find a gallery of masterpieces, each a snapshot of innovation, joy, and design perfection from its era. From the revolutionary platforming of Super Mario Bros. 3 to the gravity-defying spectacle of Super Mario Galaxy, each title on our list represents a pinnacle of interactive entertainment.

We've explored how Super Mario 64 didn't just move Mario into a new dimension; it fundamentally wrote the rulebook for 3D platforming that countless games would follow. We revisited the sheer, unadulterated fun of Super Mario World, a game that perfected the 2D formula with its sprawling world map, hidden exits, and the debut of Yoshi. Then there's Super Mario Odyssey, a modern marvel that celebrates the franchise's entire history while forging a bold new path with its inventive Cappy mechanics and vast, sandbox-style kingdoms. Each entry is a titan, a legitimate contender for the crown.

Why Your Choice is the Right One

The debate over the best Mario game ever often transcends technical specs or critical scores. It’s deeply personal, tied to memories and moments that define our relationship with gaming. Your favorite might be determined by a specific set of criteria that resonates most with you:

• Nostalgia and First Impressions: Was Super Mario Bros. on the NES your first-ever video game? The magic of that initial discovery, the thrill of stomping your first Goomba, is a powerful force that no modern sequel can replicate. For many, the "best" game is simply their first.
• Gameplay Purity vs. Innovation: Do you prefer the tight, pixel-perfect challenge of 2D side-scrollers like Super Mario Bros. 3? Or does the boundless freedom and exploratory wonder of 3D adventures like Super Mario Odyssey capture your imagination? The franchise offers unparalleled excellence in both domains.
• Solo Journey or Shared Experience: Perhaps your fondest memories are of passing the controller back and forth with a sibling in Super Mario World. Or maybe it was the endless creative potential you explored with friends and family in Super Mario Maker 2, building and sharing devious levels.

The beauty of Mario's legacy is its remarkable consistency and its willingness to reinvent itself. Nintendo has never been content to rest on its laurels. The leap from Super Mario Galaxy to its masterful sequel, Galaxy 2, shows a commitment to refining an already perfect formula, packing it with even more creative ideas.

The ultimate Mario adventure isn't just about collecting stars or saving a princess; it's about the joy of discovery, the thrill of a perfectly timed jump, and the enduring magic that has captivated players for decades.

Ultimately, this list is a celebration, not a final verdict. It's a starting point for discussion among retro gaming enthusiasts, nostalgic gamers, and parents looking to share a piece of their childhood. We’ve laid out the evidence for why these eight titles are monumental, but the final judgment rests with you. The quest to define the best Mario game ever is a personal one, and every opinion is a valid part of the series' incredible story. So, now the conversation turns to you. Which game defined your childhood? Which adventure do you find yourself returning to, time and time again?

Ready to relive these legendary moments on their original hardware? For collectors and nostalgic gamers seeking an authentic experience, Old Arcade offers a curated collection of retro consoles and classic games, letting you rediscover the magic exactly as you remember it. Find your next great adventure and own a piece of gaming history by visiting Old Arcade today.