It’s hard to think of Mario without also picturing carefully timed jumps, moving platforms and Goombas waiting to be stomped. But for a character born inthe arcadesand refined through generations of genre-defining platformers, Mario has managed to star in an incredible variety of games that have nothing to do with platforming.
10 Best Mario Kart Items, Ranked
While many items have come, and some have gone, the items below rank among the best in the series for how iconic they are.
Whether it’s racing through gravity-defying tracks, solving turn-based puzzles or swatting viruses with pills, these games prove that the Mushroom Kingdom’s favorite plumber is just as entertaining off his feet. In fact, some of Mario’s most memorable adventures come from titles that take him far away from his usual platforming roots.
10Luigi’s Mansion 3
Ghostbusting Never Looked So Cute
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi may be more nervous than heroic, but his third outing in the Luigi’s Mansion series gave him a starring role that stands on its own. Set in a haunted hotel with shifting, themed floors, Luigi’s job is to rescue his friends by vacuuming up ghosts using the Poltergust G-00.
Each floor has its own aesthetic and mechanics. From a medieval arena to an underwater-themed suite, the game constantly changes up the formula. Gooigi, a jelly-like doppelgänger, adds a layer ofco-op strategyorpuzzle-solvingfor solo players. It’s not scary, but its tone perfectly balances charm and spookiness.
9Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
It Shouldn’t Work, But It Absolutely Does
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Combining Ubisoft’s Rabbids with Mario’s world sounded like a joke at first. But what came out of it was one of the most enjoyableturn-based strategygames on the Switch. Inspired by XCOM, players command Mario, Luigi, Peach and their Rabbid counterparts across grid-based maps filled with cover mechanics and overwatch abilities.
What makes it shine is how well the chaos is controlled. Movement abilities like team jumps, dash attacks and pipe teleportation add layers of planning and creativity. Despite the strange pairing, it captures the heart of both franchises while delivering satisfying, tactical gameplay.
8Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Square Enix Made Mario Weird, and It Worked
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Originally released on the SNES, this unexpected collaboration between Nintendo and Square produced a deeply charming and highly influential RPG. While turn-based battles were standard at the time, Super Mario RPG added timed hits and defensive moves, setting the groundwork for later entries like Paper Mario and the Mario & Luigi series.
Beyond its gameplay, the story offered surprisingly heartfelt moments. Characters like Geno and Mallow added emotional weight, while the humor kept things light. The isometric graphics still hold a certain charm, and the game’s legacy lives on in fan communities even decades later.
7Mario Tennis Aces
Topspin, Slice and the Power of a Tantrum
Mario Tennis Aces
With a surprising amount of depth, Mario Tennis Aces stands out as one of the few sports games that rewards fast reflexes and strategic thinking. Its “zone shots” and “energy meters” introduce fighting game-like mechanics into what would otherwise be a lighthearted tennis match.
Every character has unique stats and abilities. Boo can curve the ball around opponents, while Waluigi’s reach can dominate the baseline. The single-player mode may be short, but the online matches and tournaments give it lasting appeal. For a tennis game, it somehow feels just as intense as any boss fight.
6Mario Golf: Advance Tour
Fairways, Fire Flowers and Surprisingly Emotional Sidequests
Mario Golf: Advance Tour
What looks like a typical sports game at first glance is actually a fully fleshed-out RPG in disguise. Advance Tour gave players a top-down overworld filled with characters to talk to, gear to upgrade and skill points to allocate. Every tournament felt like a major event, with rivals and narrative beats pushing things forward.
The golfing itself is tight and skill-based. Wind speed, terrain slope and shot timing all affect the outcome. Players could spend just as much time customizing their character as they did sinking birdies. It’s proof that even golf becomes engaging when wrapped in a Nintendo RPG system.
5Dr. Mario
The Only Time You’ll Cheer for Prescription Pills
In this competitive puzzler, Mario trades in his overalls for a lab coat. Each level presents a jar filled with viruses of different colors. Players must rotate and drop two-colored pills to line up matching colors and clear them. While the concept is simple, the difficulty curve ramps up fast.
10 Best Super Mario Power-Ups Across The Series
Mario’s got a whole array of power-ups across the whole series that are iconic, fun, and unique, and these are the best.
Released initially on the NES and later re-released on several Nintendo systems, Dr. Mario thrives on fast thinking and spatial awareness. It’s one of those rare puzzle games that stays addictive for decades. Its catchy music, especially the iconic “Fever” track, only adds to its timelessness.
4Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Two Brothers, One Very Loud, Very Weird Adventure
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
This GBA classic focused heavily on humor and RPG mechanics. Instead of traditional turn-based commands, every action was timed. Pressing A and B at just the right moment could let Mario and Luigi counter attacks or land critical hits, making battles more interactive and satisfying.
The game took the brothers beyond the Mushroom Kingdom to the Beanbean Kingdom, where absurd characters and bizarre enemies filled every corner. Even dialogue was punchy, with quirky animations and slapstick-style interactions that rarely took themselves seriously. Yet, beneath its jokes, it had one of the most inventive combat systems in any Mario RPG.
3Mario Party 2
Friendships Will Be Tested, Stars Will Be Stolen
Mario Party 2
Long before mini-game compilations became a staple, Mario Party 2 defined what it meant to have a good time and simultaneously lose trust in your friends. The game introduced costume-themed boards, with characters dressing up as cowboys, pirates or space explorers depending on the setting.
Its turn-based board game mechanics were already solid, but it’s the mini-games that stood out. From button-mashing duels to rhythm-based tests of coordination, nearly every mini-game became a battle of pride. The chance-based elements might feel unfair, but it’s that unpredictability that gives the game its personality.
2Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Flat Characters, Sharp Writing
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Set in a world where everything looks like it’s made of paper, this GameCube entry remains one of the most beloved RPGs in Mario history. Its turn-based battles revolve around audience interaction and timed hits, while its story dives into ancient legends, missing princesses and cursed treasure.
What makes this game memorable is how much charm oozes from every line of dialogue. Characters like Goombella and Vivian are not just party members, but genuinely interesting personalities with their own arcs. The paper gimmick is used cleverly in both combat and world exploration, with Mario folding into a paper airplane or slipping through cracks.
1Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The Only Blue Shell that’s Ever Brought People Closer
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Even without the mainline Mario platforming formula, this kart racer has cemented itself as one of the most polished and complete games on the Nintendo Switch. The kart handling feels instantly satisfying, with tight drifting and cleverly designed shortcuts that reward skill over pure speed. But what truly separates it from other racers is the sheer chaos.
From anti-gravity sections to underwater tracks, every race feels different. With over 90 playable characters across the base game and DLC, including Link and Isabelle, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe blends Nintendo fan service with finely tuned gameplay. The battle modes and online support only add to its replayability.
7 Best Mario Kart Games, Ranked
The Mario Kart series has always been solid, even on mobile, but there are seven that top the rest!
