2020 is the 35th anniversary ofSuper Mario Bros,meaning the plumpy plumber has warmed the hearts of countless video game fans over the decades in his spectacular platforming adventures. As entertaining as most of the mainlineSuper Mariogames are, the spinoffs have often been just as great. And with the success of the Nintendo Switch, it’s surprising that the hybrid console hasn’t seen too manyMariospinoff games to date.
Nintendo is reportedly working onSuper MarioHD remakesfor many of its titles to celebrate the 35th anniversary ofSuper Mario. Reworking classics such asSuper Mario GalaxyandSuper Mario 64to be playable in HD on the Nintendo Switch makes too much sense, as players from multiple generations would love to be able to enjoy the blockbusterMariogames again. However, the spinoffMariogames deserve just as much attention.
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Nintendo has created darlingMariogames that are outside of the standard platforming experience for decades, including games likeSuper Mario Karton the SNES andSuper Mario Makeron the Wii U. In most cases, the games are successful enough that they aren’t just one-offs, and instead, start their own series that last through multiple console generations. When it comes to theNintendo Switch, which sold 50 million units in less than three years, theMariospinoffs are lacking. Outside of the undeniably marvelousSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate,Super Mario Party, and a few exceptions, the Nintendo Switch hasn’t had too manyMariospinoffs, and that needs to change.
Paper Mario
One of the most successful Mario spinoffs has been thePaper Marioseries. The original is consideredone of the best games on the Nintendo 64. The N64 classic is often considered the best Mario spinoff, specifically in the RPG category, right there withSuper Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Starson the Super Nintendo.
There is a recentrumor that points to Paper Mario getting a Switch releasesometime soon, something that would thrill fans of the series. After the incredibly successful and lovedPaper Marioon the N64 andPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Dooron the Gamecube, the series shifted gears on the Wii withSuper Paper Mario. The Wii version forfeited some of the RPG elements in favor of platforming gameplay. Although the Wii game was a blast, ifPaper Mariowere to make a return sometime soon, most fans would rather the series look back at the original game as the formula to follow-up on and perfect.
Mario & Luigi (Mario RPG)
With the aforementionedSuper Mario RPGon the Super Nintendo and thePaper Marioseries, some may get overwhelmed with all of theMarioRPG spinoffs. However, theMario & LuigiRPG series is probably the most successful of the bunch, with over 12 million games sold over the series' lifespan. The games feel like a true continuation ofSuper Mario RPGon the SNES in many ways, including the fantastic humor and the timing based RPG gameplay. While still a turn-based RPG, theMario & Luigigames have the gameplay twist of allowing players to time their attacks with button presses for additional damage and hilarious visuals.
It’s been a while since Nintendo has released a game in the series, and it most likely has something interesting up its sleeve when it comes toMarioRPGs. Thesuper fun and challengingMario & Luigi: Paper Jamwas even a crossover ofMario & LuigiandPaper Mariothat many fans found refreshing. One interesting note is that theMario & Luigigames have not yet been released on a home console, with all of the titles being launched on Gameboy Advance, Nintendo DS, and 3DS. A dedicated Nintendo Switch version would be fantastic.
Mario Golf
Perhaps the most relaxingMariospinoffs of them all,Mario Golfgames are an absolute joy. Many golf game enthusiasts love simulators, such as theTiger Woods PGA Tour, but those same fans often considerMario Golf: Toadstool Touron the Gamecube to be the best golf game and arguably one of thebest Nintendo sports games ever.
The magic of theMario Golfseries has been a perfect combination of arcade-style fun with simulation elements. InToadstool Tour, for example, players had remarkable control over the golf ball for precise shots around obstacles and towards the hole, as long as the timing of the short was on point. Players were able to play in seven different courses, ranging from beautiful standard feeling courses like Cheep Cheep Falls to awesome over the top and difficult courses like Bowser Badlands. A par three course was even available named Congo Canopy that took place up in the treetops of Donkey Kong’s Congo Jungle.
The most recent release in the series wasMario Golf: World Touron the 3DS. Although the game was enjoyed by some, it lacked the depth and control of some of its predecessors, perhaps thanks to the limitations of the console or even Nintendo choosing to shoot for a specific audience. Many were shocked thatMario Golfdidn’t make it to the Wii, with the Wii-mote feeling perfect for golf games. And with the series now being on a six-year hideous, after having a ten-year hideous between the 3DS and Gameboy Advance iterations, now feels like the perfect time to launch a fully-fledged and deepMario Golfgame on the Nintendo Switch.
Mario Strikers
Mario Tennishas already been released on the Nintendo Switch, to a bit of disappointment.Mario Sluggersis sort of the black sheep of theMariosports games. The aforementionedMario Golfdeserves its day in the sun on the Switch for sure. ButMario Strikersmay be the bestMariosports series of them all.
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Super Mario Strikersgot its start on the Gamecube, butMario Strikers Chargedis considered one of the best Nintendo Wii games. Mario’s take on soccer is absolutely insane, in the best ways possible. Perhaps one of the reasons that the series has a cult-following is that it doesn’t necessarily feel like a standardMariogame. Instead of the bubbly and fun-natured feel of games likeMario PartyorMario Sluggers,Mario Strikersis gritty and chaotic.
In each match, players select one of the Super Mario stars as the captain, and each of them had their own powerups. Additionally, three sidekicks would also be selected such as Boo, Dry Bones, and Koopa Troopa. Creating a well-balanced team was just as fun as the game itself, as Boo’s ability to vanish and take the ball right through defenders was a must-have, as was Dry Bones' ability to shock goalies with powerful kicks.Mario Strikersis one of theNintendo series that absolutely deserves a comeback.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mariois one of Nintendo’s earliest spinoffs. The addictive puzzle game once stood toe-to-toe withTetrisand did quite well for itself back in the NES days. With theunfortunate failure that isDr. Mario Worldon mobile, it is a wonder if the series is going to disappear for a while.
Nintendo has traditionally figured out creative ways to get theDr. Marioseries into the hands of gamers, such as the mobile game orDr. Luigibeing a downloadable only game on the Wii U.Tetris 99was released for free with Nintendo Online, perhapsDr. Mariocould be another title to follow-up with the free games with the online service.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Speaking ofMariopuzzlers, theMario vs. Donkey Kongseries is due for a return.Donkey Kong 94on the Gameboy is considered by some to be the best puzzle game of all time, and theMario vs. Donkey Kongseries is its spiritual successor. Between the firstMario vs. Donkey Kongin 2004 and the most recentMario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Starsin 2015, there was seemingly a new game in the series every one to two years. But again, the games have vanished.
In some ways,Mario vs Donkey Konghas already become one of theforgottenMariogames. The fantastic puzzler that pits Mario against his old rival was the perfect combination of challenging yet doable. It also came with a level creator that was a blast. A chill, fun, and stimulating puzzle game likeMario vs. Donkey Kongfeels like it would be right at home on the Switch.
Mario Kart
Yes,Mario Kart 8 Deluxehas already been released on the Nintendo Switch. But it would be a massive disservice to the series if the onlyMario Kartgame on the Switch was a re-release.There’s no denying the polish ofMario Kart 8,as it’s one of the most beautiful games Nintendo has ever created. The levels are well designed, there are many playable characters, and the multiplayer action is the same banana-slipping and blue-bomb bashing fun as always. However, the game was originally launched on the Wii U. Nintendo was very wise to rerelease it on the far more popular Nintendo Switch.
But the success ofMario Kart 8 Deluxealone, as well as the general success of every game in the series, points to how Nintendo would be smart to make anotherMario Kartgame on the Switch, this time its own unique experience. And there are rumors that a brandnewMario Kartis on the way for the Switch.Splatoongot a new game, and not a rerelease on the Switch.Super Smash Bros.got its own Switch exclusive experience.Mario Kartneeds to be next.
Nintendo is assuredly working on many projects in and out of theMariouniverse. Super obscure games likeMario HotelandMario is Missingare even rumored to be getting Switch releases. But there are plenty of awesomeMariospinoffs that deserve their time to shine with brand new titles on the Nintendo Switch, and hopefully, they arrive soon.
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