Mario, the iconic Italian plumber created by Nintendo, is the ultimate representative of gaming. It was specifically his 2D platforming classics that completely changed the face of the industry and helped set the standards for consoles. Here is our list of every mainline 2D Mario game, ranked.
14. Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels
| Initial Release | June 3, 1986 |
| Developer | Nintendo R&D4 |
| Platform(s) | – Famicom |
Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels was originally released exclusively in Japan. It took quite a long time before arriving to international audiences. This game is essentially a direct sequel to the original Super Mario Bros. and features the same core gameplay but with a significant increase in difficulty.
The levels are more complex, with more precise platforming, dangerous obstacles, and trickier enemies. The game reintroduces the traditional gameplay style of Super Mario Bros. but pushes players to their limits, making it a challenging and rewarding experience for hardcore Mario fans. While it was initially considered too difficult for the Western market, The Lost Levels is now celebrated for its tough but fair level design and as an important part of the Mario franchise’s history.
13. Super Mario Land
| Initial Release | April 21, 1989 |
| Developer | Nintendo R&D1 |
| Platform(s) | – Game Boy |
Super Mario Land was the first Mario game to ever release for a handheld device. Despite being a portable title, it captured the essence of the beloved Mario series while introducing unique gameplay elements that set it apart from its console counterparts.
The game took Mario on a new adventure through Sarasaland, featuring four distinct worlds and new power-ups, like the Superball Flower, which added a fresh twist to the traditional gameplay mechanics.
Its impressively tuned controls and charming visuals helped make it one of the standout titles for the Game Boy, and its influence can still be felt in later handheld Mario games. What makes it particularly remarkable is how it managed to create a unique Mario experience on limited hardware while still delivering the classic charm, platforming action, and fun that the series is known for.
12. Super Mario Bros. 2
| Initial Release | October 9, 1988 |
| Developer | Nintendo R&D4 |
| Platform(s) | – Nintendo Entertainment System |
Super Mario Bros. 2 took a unique departure from the series’ traditional platforming formula. It game introduced gameplay mechanics like picking up and throwing objects, a variety of playable characters (Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Princess Toadstool), and different abilities for each character.
Set in the dreamlike world of Subcon, it had a whimsical, colorful design that felt distinct from the more grounded, Mushroom Kingdom-focused adventures. The gameplay’s puzzle-solving elements and emphasis on exploration made Super Mario Bros. 2 a fresh and exciting experience for players, cementing its place as a beloved and innovative classic in the Mario franchise.
11. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
| Initial Release | October 21, 1992 |
| Developer | Nintendo R&D1 |
| Platform(s) | – Game Boy |
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is one of the best 2D Mario games of all time due to its unique charm and groundbreaking features for the Game Boy. it introduced new mechanics and more exploration-driven gameplay compared to its predecessor, Super Mario Land.
Players must collect six golden coins to defeat Mario’s rival, Wario, who has taken over Mario’s castle. The game featured a wide variety of settings, from pumpkin fields to space, offering refreshing and diverse environments. With better controls, fun power-ups, and vibrant visuals for the handheld system, Super Mario Land 2 stands as a memorable and innovative entry in the Mario series.
10. Super Mario Maker
| Initial Release | September 10, 2015 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Platform(s) | – Wii U |
Super Mario Maker is the first official title to give players the ability to create and share their own Mario levels, turning every player into a level designer. It combined the charm of classic Mario with the creativity of a user-generated platformer.
The game allowed for limitless possibilities, with players able to craft custom stages using elements from various Mario games. Its easy-to-use level editor, alongside the ability to play an endless variety of fan-made levels, made it a revolutionary experience and a celebration of Mario’s legacy.
9. New Super Mario Bros.
| Initial Release | May 15, 2006 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Platform(s) | – DS |
New Super Mario Bros. revitalized classic side-scrolling platforming for a new generation. It brought fresh graphics, power-ups like the Mega Mushroom, and tight, responsive controls while staying true to the spirit of the original Super Mario Bros. The game’s mix of nostalgia and innovation, along with its fun multiplayer mode and secret-packed levels, made it a standout in the series and a must-play for fans of classic platformers.
8. New Super Mario Bros. 2
| Initial Release | November 9, 2009 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Platform(s) | – Wii |
New Super Mario Bros. 2 takes the series’ classic platforming formula and adds an addicting twist—coins, coins, and more coins! The game challenges players to collect a staggering one million coins, making every level feel like a treasure hunt.
With all new levels, the return of the fan-favorite Raccoon Mario power-up, New Super Mario Bros. 2 delivers a fun and rewarding experience that keeps players coming back for more.
7. New Super Mario Bros. Wii
| Initial Release | November 9, 2009 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Platform(s) | – Wii |
New Super Mario Bros. Wii is responsible for bringing multiplayer madness to classic Mario platforming. It introduced four-player co-op, letting friends and family team up—or hilariously sabotage each other—through expertly designed levels.
With new power-ups like the Propeller Mushroom and Penguin Suit, as well as challenging Star Coin hunts, the game perfectly blends nostalgia with fresh mechanics. Its tight controls, creative level design, and chaotic fun make it a standout entry in the Mario series.
6. Super Mario Bros.
| Initial Release | September 13, 1985 |
| Developer | Nintendo R&D4 |
| Platform(s) | – Nintendo Entertainment System |
Super Mario Bros. revolutionized gaming with its precise controls, iconic level design, and memorable soundtrack. From the very first Goomba to Bowser’s castle, every stage introduces new challenges and mechanics that keep players engaged. Its perfect blend of accessibility and depth has made it a timeless classic, inspiring countless sequels and redefining what a great video game could be.
5. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
| Initial Release | October 20, 2023 |
| Developer | Nintendo EPD |
| Platform(s) | – Nintendo Switch |
Super Mario Bros. Wonder redefines the classic formula with fresh mechanics, vibrant visuals, and inventive level design. The introduction of Wonder Flowers brings unpredictable transformations to stages, creating surreal and exciting gameplay twists.
With a diverse character roster, new power-ups like the Elephant Suit, and a stunning art style, the game feels both nostalgic and innovative. Wonder captures the magic of classic Mario while pushing the genre forward, making it a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers.
4. New Super Mario Bros. U
| Initial Release | November 18, 2012 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Platform(s) | – Wii U |
New Super Mario Bros. U offers classic platforming action with modern polish. It features beautifully designed HD levels, quality controls, and innovative power-ups like the Super Acorn, which lets Mario glide as a Flying Squirrel.
The game also introduces Boost Mode and Challenge Mode, adding depth for skilled players. With fun multiplayer, hidden secrets, and nostalgic nods to Super Mario World, it’s a standout entry in the series.
3. Super Mario World
| Initial Release | November 21, 1990 |
| Developer | Nintendo EPD |
| Platform(s) | – Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
Super Mario World is a strong contender for the best 2D Mario game of all time, thanks to its masterful level design, exceptional controls, and vast, interconnected world. It introduced Yoshi, hidden secret exits, and a rich, colorful art style that still holds up today.
The game’s perfect blend of challenge, exploration, and innovation set a new standard for platformers. With its memorable soundtrack and timeless gameplay, Super Mario World remains a beloved classic that defines what makes a great Mario adventure.
2. Super Mario Maker 2
| Initial Release | June 28, 2019 |
| Developer | Nintendo EPD |
| Platform(s) | – Nintendo Switch |
Super Mario Maker 2 allows players to design and share their own Mario levels using assets from multiple classic Mario games, including Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World. In doing so, it offers infinite creativity and replayability.
With a robust Story Mode, online level sharing, and countless player-made challenges, it delivers endless fun. Whether recreating nostalgic stages or crafting entirely new experiences, Super Mario Maker 2 ensures that 2D Mario never stops evolving.
1. Super Mario Bros. 3
| Initial Release | October 23, 1988 |
| Developer | Nintendo R&D4 |
| Platform(s) | – Nintendo Entertainment System |
Super Mario Bros. 3 is the hallmark title of the NES, a masterpiece that refined everything great about its predecessors while introducing revolutionary mechanics. With a world map, diverse power-ups like the iconic Super Leaf (which grants Mario his Raccoon form), epic boss battles, and imaginative level design across eight distinct worlds, Super Mario Bros. 3 set a new standard for platformers.
Beyond its gameplay innovations, the game’s pop culture status was cemented by The Wizard (1989), a film that famously showcased the title before its North American release, making it one of the most legendary marketing moves in gaming history. Its perfect controls, balanced difficulty, and sheer creativity make Super Mario Bros. 3 not just the best 2D Mario, but one of the greatest video games ever made.