Mario, the iconic Italian plumber created by Nintendo, is the ultimate representative of gaming. In addition to revolutionizing the industry with his 2D platforming classics, his jump to 3D was unprecedented, setting the stage for other games to follow. Here is our list of every mainline 3D Mario game, ranked.
7. Super Mario Sunshine
| Initial Release | July 19, 2002 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Platform(s) | – GameCube |
Super Mario Sunshine is the second 3D Mario game and the most unusual of all. Set on the tropical Isle Delfino, the game features Mario using FLUDD, a talking water-powered jetpack, to clean up pollution and defeat enemies.
In spite of a beautiful setting, challenging platforming, and the creative gameplay that comes from using FLUDD, it suffers from a difficult camera, repetitive objectives, and often extreme difficulty spikes in certain sections.
Despite its flaws, Super Mario Sunshine remains a beloved entry in the Mario series, praised for its innovation and charm.
6. Super Mario 3D Land
| Initial Release | November 3, 2011 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD Tokyo |
| Platform(s) | – Nintendo 3DS |
Super Mario 3D Land is the first fully 3D Mario game on a handheld device, combining elements of both 2D and 3D entries to deliver a mix of classic linear platforming and modern exploration. It was praised for its creative level design and the return of the infamous Tanooki suit.
It was meant to be accessible and succeeds at balancing the difficulty in a way that makes it approachable for players of all ages and skill levels. Furthermore, the stereoscopic 3D enhances depth perception and immersion.
While polished, it does not offer any groundbreaking new features, and the main story is brief in comparison to other 3D entries.
5. Super Mario 3D World
| Initial Release | November 14, 2013 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Platform(s) | – Wii U |
Super Mario 3D World features multiplayer gameplay for up to 4 people and introduces the Cat Suit, a power-up that allows players to climb walls and perform unique attacks.
Playable characters include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and Rosalina, each with their own distinct abilities, which adds a lot of replay value. Yet, the co-op can easily get hectic and frustrating, especially with inexperienced players.
Still, the game boasts charming visuals, catchy music, and smooth gameplay, adding fresh mechanics with new power-ups.
4. Super Mario Odyssey
| Initial Release | October 27, 2017 |
| Developer | Nintendo EPD |
| Platform(s) | – Nintendo Switch |
Super Mario Odyssey is the first and only fully 3D entry on Nintendo Switch, following Mario and his companion Cappy as they journey across diverse kingdoms to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. The game introduces the “capture” mechanic, which allows Mario to control enemies and objects using his signature cap.
Players have a bucket-load of content here, with an incredible variety of challenges and greater exploration than ever before, complete with secrets, collectibles, and puzzles.
3. Super Mario 64
| Initial Release | June 23, 1996 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Platform(s) | – Nintendo 64 |
Super Mario 64 is where the 3D entries began, and was the centerpiece of inspiration and innovation for every title that has followed since. Players control Mario as he collects Power Stars to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser.
Non-linear levels finally allowed players to approach objectives in multiple ways, and the perfect controls made Mario extremely responsive with precise movement, offering depth for skilled players.
Peach’s Castle is an engaging central hub that offers exploration across so many memorable worlds, filled with secrets, variety, and clever boss battles.
Although Lakitu is not the best cameraman while following Mario throughout his journey, and certain levels have awkward challenges with sharp difficulty spikes, Mario 64 is still one of the best in the library to this day.
2. Super Mario Galaxy
| Initial Release | November 1, 2007 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Platform(s) | – Wii |
If it weren’t for its masterful sequel, Super Mario Galaxy is easily the best 3D Mario game. Set in space, the game follows Mario as he travels across various galaxies to rescue Princess Peach and restore the Power Stars. Its gravity-defying mechanics and imaginative design make it a standout entry in the Mario series.
The amazing gravity mechanics and spherical level designs offer a fresh, mind-bending platform experience. Gorgeous visuals and an orchestral soundtrack create an epic atmosphere, with each galaxy offering unique themes and challenges throughout to constantly keep the gameplay fresh.
Although the motion controls play and feel well most of the time, they too can feel clunky at times. Regardless, Super Mario Galaxy is widely regarded as almost perfect, delivering a magical experience that pushed the boundaries of the genre in ways never seen before.
1. Super Mario Galaxy 2
| Initial Release | May 23, 2010 |
| Developer | Nintendo EAD |
| Platform(s) | – Wii |
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the sequel to the 2007 masterpiece, and it manages to be even better, building on the original’s formula with new galaxies, mechanics, and the addition of Yoshi as a playable companion. It is praised as one of the greatest platformers of all time, if not ever.
The levels have even further polish, offering more challenge and creativity than the original, with plenty of surprises. Furthermore, the game maintains the high-quality presentation of its predecessor with a memorable score and gorgeous graphics.
A more streamlined approach to gameplay focuses on platforming and actions, with tons of hidden collectibles and bonus challenges for hungry completionists.