Every 3D Mario Game, Ranked by Replayability

The 3D Super Mario series is definitely Nintendo’s most important franchise. After moving to 3D graphics with the Nintendo 64, almost every Nintendo console has gotten a new platforming game starring the famous Italian plumber. It’s safe to say that a Nintendo console doesn’t feel fully realized until it has a new 3D Mario game available.

The Nintendo Switch 2 still hasn’t gotten its own new 3D Mario game, and we don’t know when one will be released. Until then, the best option is to revisit classic 3D Mario adventures, and that’s become easier this week with Super Mario Galaxy 1 + Super Mario Galaxy 2 now available on Switch. If you’re interested in playing a Mario game from the past, here’s a ranking of all the games based on how much fun they are to play again and again.

7. Super Mario 64

No matter how much you love Super Mario 64 or feel nostalgic about it, it hasn’t aged very well by 2025. The game still boasts fantastic level design and a memorable soundtrack throughout. Importantly, it established a blueprint that most subsequent Mario games followed, and that’s something it deserves recognition for.

However, Super Mario 64 isn’t as fun to play today as you might expect. The controls feel clunky compared to modern games, and some of the platforming sections are frustrating rather than genuinely difficult. If you’re looking for a 3D Mario game to play now, this would be my least recommended choice.

6. Super Mario 3D Land

Super Mario 3D Land is a really well-made game. It was the first Mario title to bring the style of the home console games to a handheld system-the 3DS. Surprisingly, this change worked very well, resulting in 3D Land being a game that’s enjoyable on its own merits.

Honestly, it’s getting tough to go back to this game because it’s still stuck on the 3DS. That, and when I compare it to the 3D Mario games on my consoles, it just doesn’t quite measure up. It’s a fun game, but those things keep it pretty low on my list. I really enjoy Super Mario 3D Land, but it’s hard to revisit with newer options available. It’s still a solid title, though!

5. Super Mario Sunshine

I’m a little sad to place Super Mario Sunshine lower on this list. Even though some fans find Sunshine disappointing compared to other 3D Mario titles, I still enjoy it as much as I did when it originally came out on the GameCube. The introduction of F.L.U.D.D., along with the Isle Delfino setting, makes Super Mario Sunshine a truly one-of-a-kind Mario game.

The main weakness of Super Mario Sunshine is that it doesn’t feel as creative as other Mario games. While F.L.U.D.D. offers a fresh way for Mario to move through levels, the level designs themselves aren’t always very impressive. Adding to this, the only way to play it on Nintendo Switch is through the no-longer-available Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection, which makes it less accessible than other games in the series.

4. Super Mario 3D World

I don’t dislike Super Mario 3D World, but it’s not my top pick in the Mario series. However, 3D World is much more replayable than other games, mainly because you can play it with others. The option to experience levels with friends and family is unique to this 3D Mario game and is probably the main reason people keep coming back to it.

What makes Super Mario 3D World even more fun to play again and again is the Bowser’s Fury game mode, which was added when it was re-released on the Nintendo Switch. Bowser’s Fury is basically a completely new 3D Mario game with some really unique and inventive ideas you won’t find in other games. This makes Super Mario 3D World a more complete experience than almost any other game on this list.

3. Super Mario Galaxy 2

Many believe Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the greatest 3D Super Mario game ever made. It builds on everything that made the original Super Mario Galaxy so good, adding new power-ups and letting you play as Yoshi. The fact that it’s now available on Switch is fantastic news for all Nintendo fans, as it’s the first time it’s been playable outside of the Wii.

For players who like to collect everything, Super Mario Galaxy 2 can feel a little more challenging to replay than some other Mario games. It has a massive 240 stars to find! This isn’t a bad thing – it means Super Mario Galaxy 2 offers a lot of gameplay for your money. However, all those collectibles come with a steeper learning curve, which can sometimes be quite frustrating in Galaxy 2.

2. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is currently my favorite 3D Super Mario game. This installment is a little different from previous games because it moves away from levels with a specific focus, and instead offers a bigger, more open-world, sandbox-style experience. Although it’s a change, it works really well, making Super Mario Odyssey a game all about collecting things.

Mario’s new friend, Cappy, significantly improves the Odyssey game’s platforming. Besides letting you take control of enemies and objects, Cappy offers fresh and surprising ways to move around. This makes Super Mario Odyssey a little harder to learn at first, but once you master the controls, it’s arguably the most enjoyable Mario game ever made.

1. Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy is still the best and easiest Mario game to play if you’re new to 3D Mario adventures. Even after almost 20 years, Galaxy still feels remarkably innovative. Every level offers a unique experience, and the power-ups Mario can get are incredibly creative.

Simply put, this is Nintendo delivering a classic experience. Super Mario Galaxy brilliantly captures the feel of earlier Mario games while also innovating and taking the series in exciting new ways. Now that it’s easily accessible on both Switch and Switch 2, there’s really no excuse not to revisit Super Mario Galaxy if you’re craving a top-tier platforming adventure.

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2025-10-03 22:04