Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope and 10 other gift worthy games
Mario is making headlines left and right (up, down and over the top). First, with the new Super Mario animated movie, where Chris Pratt voices him and Jack Black is Bowser. Now Mario wields space pistols to help his Rabbids friends reclaim the Mushroom Kingdom in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.
Reviewers call the new game a “colourful, playful turn-based tactical game, [that] offers a huge amount of choice and depth in every turn,” making it a must have in your gaming library.
But Mario’s adventures don’t stop there. The Italian plumber has worn many hats throughout his lifetime (quite literally), and if this is your first Mario game you might want to check out the rest of the catalogue as possible Christmas gifts.
Below we’ve highlighted our favourite Mario games for the Nintendo Switch.
10 Nintendo games to add to your Christmas list
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
If Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope sparked joy, you’d be happy to know that more turn-based Mario games are available. Kingdom Battle is the direct prequel to Sparks of Hope, where the Mushroom Kingdom team meets their kooky Rabbid friends for the first time.
Paper Mario: The Origami King
In this RPG game, Mario partners up with a young origami princess to save the Mushroom Kingdom from her brother’s paper clutches. This delightful game offers a more story-like adventure than your usual jumping Mario games. It’s also great for those who aren’t keen on platforming mechanics.
Super Mario Bros U Deluxe
This Super Mario game was originally on the Wii U and was brought to the Switch. It’s an excellent platform addition to your family’s gaming library with multiple player options. If you want to introduce someone to Super Mario for the first time this game is a great place to start.
Super Mario Maker 2
Have you ever wanted to build your own Mario level? With Super Mario Maker 2, you can create stages to play and share online. Or discover new stages to test out.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario becomes a racecar driver and competes with other Nintendo characters for the champion title. This was originally a Wii U game, but the Switch version offers more than the previous one. It comes with 48 racetracks, and with the newest DLC (downloadable content), there are another 48 tracks coming soon!
Super Mario Party
Super Mario Party is what happens when you create a Mario board perfect for multiplayer shenanigans. This game is full of creative mini-games that could keep anyone entertained for hours.
Super Mario Odyssey
Every new Nintendo console always comes with a titular Mario game. Super Mario Odyssey is the Switch’s main Mario game where he has to wear several hats to save the universe from Bowser's clutches (again). With the help of Cappy, Mario gains control of most enemies and gains fun special abilities while taking their form.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Super Mario 3D World is another Wii U port, but the Switch edition comes with the brand-new Bowser’s Fury game. It also has a new online multiplayer option, letting you play with anyone with a Nintendo Online account.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
While Mario isn’t the main character in Luigi’s Mansion 3, this game requires Mario’s younger brother to rescue him and Princess Peach from the clutches of silly ghosts. Luigi picks up his trusty vacuum cleaner and literally cleans the hotel of ghosts and slime. This Switch game also features co-op, where player 1 is Luigi and player 2 can be a Luigi goop clone.
Mario Tennis Aces
Mario is no stranger to sports, and tennis has always been a Nintendo favourite. Play as your favourite characters on the green lawn and swing yourself to victory. If you have Nintendo Online, you can play with other players online.
If you need more Christmas shopping ideas, make sure to check out our online shopping hub.