Where to Start · Super Mario
Where to Start with Super Mario
Super Mario is Nintendo's flagship platformer franchise running since 1985 — the most recognisable character in gaming history and the series that has defined platformer design across four decades. Mario has no continuous story requiring play order — each game is its own adventure with Princess Peach kidnapped by Bowser as the recurring premise.
The franchise spans NES through Switch with entries on every Nintendo platform, multiple distinct sub-series (2D side-scrolling, 3D platformer, kart racing, RPG, sports), and a consistent quality that has produced landmark games in every era. Where you start depends entirely on what type of platformer you want.
If you only play one Mario game
Play Super Mario Odyssey (2017, Switch). It is the best showcase of what Mario feels like today — sandbox kingdoms, Cappy the hat as a possession mechanic that opens creative solutions Nintendo never anticipated, and a post-game that rivals the main game for content. Odyssey is accessible to newcomers and endlessly deep for veterans hunting Power Moons. Available on Nintendo Switch.
The 3D era highlights
Super Mario 64 (1996, N64) invented 3D platforming — analog movement, free camera, star collection across open levels. Still playable via Nintendo Switch Online (N64 library). Super Mario Galaxy (2007, Wii) is the most acclaimed 3D Mario — gravitational platforming across spherical planetoids, orchestral soundtrack, and a melancholy undercurrent beneath the cheerful surface. Galaxy 2 (2010) is equally strong. Both in Super Mario 3D All-Stars or the Galaxy standalone releases on Switch. Super Mario 3D World (2013, Wii U) — enhanced as 3D World + Bowser's Fury on Switch — is the best four-player co-op Mario.
The classic 2D era
Super Mario Bros. (1985, NES) is the original — eight worlds, Goombas, Koopas, the flagpole. Available on Nintendo Switch Online (NES library). Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) is the NES peak — world map, the Tanooki Suit, Bowser's seven children as boss encounters across eight worlds. Super Mario World (1990, SNES) is the definitive SNES Mario — Yoshi, the Cape Feather, Star World, and 96 exits across 72 levels. Both on Nintendo Switch Online.
New Super Mario Bros. era
New Super Mario Bros. (2006, DS) revived 2D Mario with modern production. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009) added four-player simultaneous co-op. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (2019, Switch) is the most complete modern 2D Mario with Nabbit and Toadette as accessibility options. The NSMB series is the most accessible entry point for players who want 2D Mario without NES-era friction.
Super Mario Wonder
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023, Switch) is the most creative 2D Mario in decades — the Wonder Flower mechanic transforming each course into something unexpected. Talking flowers, elephant Mario, and a post-game that challenges veteran players. Wonder is the best 2D Mario since Super Mario World and the recommended modern 2D entry point.
What platforms you need
Super Mario Odyssey — Nintendo Switch. Super Mario Bros. Wonder — Nintendo Switch. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury — Nintendo Switch. Galaxy 1 and 2 — Wii physical or Super Mario 3D All-Stars (Switch, limited release). Classic NES/SNES Mario — Nintendo Switch Online.
Recommended order by preference
Modern 3D: Odyssey. Modern 2D: Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Classic 3D: Super Mario 64 via Switch Online. Classic 2D: Super Mario Bros. 3 or Super Mario World via Switch Online. Co-op: 3D World + Bowser's Fury.