The Best Mario Games in 2019: Top Picks and Reviews

2019 was a landmark year for the platform, defined by the industry-shaking launch of the Nintendo Switch and the simultaneous celebration of a gaming icon's 35th anniversary. While the landscape of gaming was rapidly evolving with photorealistic graphics and complex open worlds, the enduring charm of the Italian plumber reminded the world that tight controls and imaginative level design remain the cornerstone of great entertainment. From the vibrant ports on the Nintendo Switch to the experimental mobile titles, the year offered a diverse look back at a legacy while pushing it forward for a new generation.

The Nintendo Switch Dominance

The release of the Nintendo Switch in March 2017 set the stage for 2019 to be the year the console truly solidified its position as a powerhouse. The hybrid design, allowing seamless transitions between docked home console play and portable handheld sessions, perfectly complemented the series' core design philosophy. In 2019, the Mario library on Nintendo Switch became the definitive collection for many players, showcasing the Z-Body's graphical capabilities while maintaining the whimsical charm of the franchise.

Super Mario Maker 2: The Golden Age of Creation

Released in June 2019, Super Mario Maker 2 was arguably the most significant Mario release of the year. Building directly on the success of its predecessor, this game empowered players to not just play but create their own meticulously designed levels. The robust online sharing functionality meant the community was constantly fresh, with an endless supply of user-generated content ranging from nostalgic recreations to devilishly difficult gauntlets that tested the limits of the original mechanics.

Key Features of the Level Editor

• Intuitive touch-screen controls for placing every block and enemy.
• Seamless online sharing and discovery of player-created courses.
• The ability to play as Super Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Wario with unique abilities.
• New course parts that allow for complex logic and multi-stage adventures.

Super Mario Odyssey: The Apogee of 3D Exploration

Although technically released in 2017, Super Mario Odyssey continued its dominance and critical acclaim throughout 2019. The game’s "capture" mechanic, where Mario can possess enemies and objects, provided a level of environmental interaction that felt revolutionary. With its vast, diverse kingdoms to explore—from the serene Seaside Kingdom to the chaotic Metro Kingdom—the title remained a shining example of how to structure a 3D open-world experience without feeling restricted by a linear path.

Archival Releases and Historical Significance

2019 provided a vital connection to the franchise's history through archival releases. The inclusion of classic titles like Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy in the Nintendo Switch Online service was a masterstroke for nostalgia. It allowed a new generation to experience the titles that defined 3D platforming, understanding the roots of the modern gameplay they enjoy today. These releases weren't just ports; they were preserved pieces of interactive art.

Availability on Nintendo Switch Online

The Mobile Strategy and Financial Performance

While purists debated the merits of touchscreen adaptations, Nintendo aggressively expanded the brand's reach through mobile partnerships in 2019. Titles like Super Mario Run and collaborations with other franchises demonstrated a commitment to accessibility. Though financially successful—the Nintendo Switch brand generated massive revenue that year—the mobile experiments largely served to keep the name in the public consciousness rather than redefine the core gaming experience, acting more as a gateway drug for new fans than a deep dive for veterans.

The Enduring Legacy of the Plumber

Looking back at 2019, the Mario franchise served as the gravitational center of the gaming universe. It balanced reverence for the past with a willingness to experiment on new platforms. The year highlighted that the core tenets of the series—tight controls, creative level design, and a sense of joyful discovery—are timeless. As the industry looked toward the future, the enduring popularity of Mario proved that sometimes, the best way to innovate is to perfect the fundamentals that made you great in the first place.