### The Best Mario Games on Every Nintendo Console: A Nostalgic Rollercoaster (Ranked)
Oh, Mario. The Italian plumber who’s been leaping into our hearts (and onto Goombas) for decades. If you’ve ever owned a Nintendo console, odds are you’ve spent countless hours playing *some* iteration of Mario. But, let’s face it—some Mario games are like gourmet pizza, while others are more like reheated leftovers from the back of the fridge. So, naturally, the internet needs another ranked list of Mario games to argue over. Buckle up. This is about to get spicy.
### 1. **Nintendo Entertainment System (NES): Super Mario Bros. 3**
Ah yes, the game that introduced us to the Tanooki suit and made us question why Mario didn’t just keep the ability to fly forever. *Super Mario Bros. 3* was peak NES goodness. The graphics were revolutionary for their time, and the gameplay? Chef’s kiss. Sure, your parents probably called it a waste of time, but they didn’t understand the life-or-death stakes of dodging a flying hammer.
If you’ve never played it, go ahead and question your life choices. Or, better yet, dust off your NES (or download it on the Nintendo Switch Online service because nobody actually has their NES plugged in anymore).
### 2. **Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES): Super Mario World**
Who needs therapy when you have *Super Mario World*? This game introduced Yoshi, and honestly, it’s hard to trust anyone who doesn’t love this green dinosaur. The game was a masterpiece of level design, filled with secret exits and challenging levels that made you feel like a genius every time you found one.
But let’s not forget the existential dread of leaving Yoshi to fall into a pit just so Mario could survive. Sorry, buddy—it’s not personal.
### 3. **Nintendo 64: Super Mario 64**
The moment Mario made the leap to 3D gaming, the world collectively lost its mind. *Super Mario 64* was groundbreaking, and it still holds up today. The open-world design, the freedom to explore, and the sheer joy of performing a perfect triple jump—it was all magical.
Of course, the camera controls were about as cooperative as a cat on bath day, but hey, no game is perfect. If you haven’t played it, you can grab it on the *Super Mario 3D All-Stars* collection for the Switch. Just prepare for a nostalgia overload.
### 4. **GameCube: Super Mario Sunshine**
Here’s where things get divisive. *Super Mario Sunshine* turned Mario into a janitor with a water gun, and not everyone was thrilled. The game had its quirks (hello, unskippable cutscenes), but it also had charm for days. Plus, it gave us Isle Delfino, possibly the most relaxing setting in any Mario game ever.
Sure, the controls were a bit slippery, and the voice acting was… questionable. But admit it—you loved it anyway. And if you didn’t, well, your opinion is wrong.
### 5. **Nintendo Wii: Super Mario Galaxy**
If *Super Mario 64* walked so 3D Mario games could run, *Super Mario Galaxy* strapped on a jetpack and blasted into space. This game was stunning, innovative, and downright magical. The gravity-defying gameplay was like nothing we’d ever seen before, and the orchestral soundtrack? Perfection.
Let’s not forget Rosalina, the mysterious space princess who added a touch of melancholy to the Mario universe. If you haven’t played this one, you’re missing out on one of the greatest games of all time. Period.
### 6. **Nintendo Wii U: Super Mario 3D World**
Oh, the Wii U. The console nobody asked for but somehow got anyway. Despite the system’s shortcomings, *Super Mario 3D World* was a gem. It combined the best of 2D and 3D Mario gameplay and threw in a multiplayer mode that turned friends into enemies faster than you can say “power-up.”
The Cat Suit was adorable, and the game’s level design was top-notch. If you skipped this one because you skipped the Wii U (understandable), it’s now available on the Switch. No excuses.
### 7. **Nintendo Switch: Super Mario Odyssey**
Finally, we have *Super Mario Odyssey*, a love letter to everything that makes Mario great. The game took the open-world concept of *Super Mario 64* and cranked it up to eleven. With Cappy, Mario’s sentient hat, you could possess everything from Goombas to dinosaurs. Yes, dinosaurs. If that doesn’t sell you on this game, I don’t know what will.
The worlds were colorful, the gameplay was addictive, and the nostalgia was off the charts. Plus, the ending might just make you tear up a little. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone.
### Pros & Cons
#### Pros:
– Nostalgia overload for every Nintendo console.
– Diverse gameplay styles, from 2D platforming to open-world exploration.
– Iconic characters and settings that have become pop culture staples.
#### Cons:
– Some games (*cough* Sunshine *cough*) are divisive.
– You might lose hours of your life replaying these classics.
– Good luck finding a working NES or SNES console without spending a fortune.
### Final Thoughts
Mario isn’t just a video game character; he’s an icon. Whether you grew up with the NES or the Switch, there’s a Mario game that holds a special place in your heart. So, grab a controller, fire up your favorite console, and get ready to (re)discover why Mario has been the king of gaming for over 35 years.
What’s your favorite Mario game? Did we get it right, or are you already composing an angry tweet about this list? Let us know in the comments below!
### Call to Action
Ready to relive the magic? Dust off your old consoles or grab a Nintendo Switch to dive back into these iconic Mario games. And while you’re at it, check out our other gaming content, like our list of must-play Nintendo Switch games. Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow gamers and spark some heated debates. Let the console wars begin!
