Best Mario Games For Kids: Fun For The Whole Family
Hey everyone! So, you're looking for the best Mario game to play with your kids, right? That's awesome! Mario games are practically a rite of passage in gaming, and for good reason. They're colorful, cheerful, and usually pretty darn accessible, making them perfect for family game nights. But with so many Mario titles out there, which one is the absolute best to dive into with your little ones? Let's break it down, shall we? We want something that's fun for everyone, not too frustrating for the newbies, and packed with that classic Mario charm that we all know and love. Whether your kids are tiny tots just getting their gaming fingers dirty or a bit older and ready for a challenge, there's a Mario adventure waiting for you.
Super Mario Odyssey: A Boundless Adventure
When we talk about the best Mario game to play with your kids, Super Mario Odyssey on the Nintendo Switch has to be at the top of the list. Seriously, this game is a masterpiece. It takes Mario to a whole new level, quite literally, with its expansive kingdoms packed with secrets, quirky characters, and tons of things to collect. What makes it so great for playing with kids is its assist mode. This mode is a total game-changer, guys. It makes the game much more forgiving, allowing players who might be struggling to get extra lives and respawn closer to where they fell. This means less frustration and more fun for everyone, especially the younger gamers. Plus, the sheer variety of worlds – from bustling cities to delicious food-themed lands – keeps things visually exciting. The core gameplay involves Mario throwing his hat, Cappy, to possess enemies and objects, which opens up a whole universe of creative platforming. This mechanic is super intuitive and incredibly fun to experiment with. You can even play with two people, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy, which is a fantastic way to get the whole family involved and cooperate on challenges. The game is also incredibly charming, with a lighthearted story and plenty of humorous moments that will have everyone giggling. The exploration aspect is also a huge draw. There are so many moons to collect, each unlocking new areas or challenges, encouraging players to really dig deep and discover all the secrets the game has to offer. This sense of discovery is super rewarding and keeps the game fresh for a long time. It’s not just about getting to the end of a level; it's about the journey, the sights, and the silly things you can do along the way. Honestly, Super Mario Odyssey is more than just a game; it's an experience that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, all wrapped up in that signature Nintendo polish. It’s a must-have for any family looking for some high-quality gaming fun. The controls are tight and responsive, which is crucial when you're trying to nail those tricky jumps or master Cappy's abilities. And the soundtrack? Oh, the soundtrack is absolutely chef's kiss. It's upbeat, memorable, and perfectly complements the joyous atmosphere of the game. You'll find yourselves humming the tunes long after you've turned off the console. The sheer amount of content means that you can pick it up and play for short bursts or settle in for longer sessions, and there's always something new to see or do. It truly is a game that grows with your child, offering layers of complexity for older players while remaining accessible and enjoyable for beginners. The sheer joy derived from helping Mario achieve his goals, combined with the vibrant and imaginative world, makes this an unforgettable adventure for players of all ages. It’s the kind of game that creates lasting memories and sparks a love for gaming that can last a lifetime. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s ability to create universally appealing entertainment.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Racing Fun for Everyone
If you're searching for the best Mario game to play with your kids that guarantees laughter and friendly competition, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is your undisputed champion. This game is an absolute blast! It’s a go-kart racing game where you pick your favorite Mario character and race on wildly imaginative tracks, using power-ups like shells and bananas to gain an edge. The Deluxe version on the Nintendo Switch is fantastic because it includes all the DLC from the original Wii U version, meaning there’s a ton of content right out of the box. What makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe so perfect for families is its pick-up-and-play nature. The controls are simple enough for anyone to grasp quickly, but there's enough depth to keep more experienced players engaged. Plus, the different speed classes (50cc, 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror mode) allow you to tailor the difficulty. For younger kids, starting with the lower CCs is ideal, as the karts move slower and are easier to control. The game also features Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate options, which are absolute lifesavers for beginners. Smart Steering gently guides your kart and prevents you from falling off the track, while Auto-Accelerate means you just need to worry about steering and using items. These accessibility features are brilliant for ensuring that everyone, regardless of their gaming skill level, can join in the fun and feel like they’re contributing to the race. The sheer variety of characters and karts also adds to the replayability. Do you want to race as Bowser, Yoshi, or Princess Peach? You can! And customizing your kart with different bodies, wheels, and gliders adds a nice personal touch. The tracks themselves are incredibly creative and visually stunning, ranging from underwater reefs and bustling cityscapes to even cosmic environments and tracks based on other Nintendo games. Each race is a chaotic, unpredictable, and hilariously fun experience, especially when a blue shell comes flying your way! The multiplayer aspect is where this game truly shines. You can play with up to four players on a single Switch using split-screen, or even connect multiple Switches for larger tournaments. It’s the ultimate party game, fostering both cheers of victory and good-natured groans of defeat. The item system is brilliantly designed to keep races exciting and unpredictable. Even if you’re in last place, a well-timed item can turn the tide of the race in an instant, giving everyone a fighting chance. This element of surprise ensures that no one gets left behind and that every race is a nail-biter. The vibrant graphics, catchy music, and sheer sense of fun make Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a timeless classic that will provide hours upon hours of entertainment for your family. It's the kind of game that brings people together, encourages laughter, and creates some truly memorable moments. So, grab a controller (or two, or three, or four!), pick your favorite racer, and get ready for some epic laps around the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond. It's pure, unadulterated joy in a box, perfect for igniting that competitive spirit in a fun and lighthearted way. You really can't go wrong with this one when it comes to family fun.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: Classic 2D Platforming Fun
If you're looking for a more traditional, side-scrolling Mario experience that's still a fantastic choice for playing with kids, then New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a superb option. This game brings back the classic 2D platforming that many of us grew up with, but with a fresh coat of paint and tons of levels to conquer. It’s available on the Nintendo Switch and bundles the original New Super Mario Bros. U and the New Super Luigi U expansion into one neat package. The core gameplay involves running, jumping, and stomping your way through beautifully designed levels, using power-ups like the Super Mushroom to grow bigger and Fire Flowers to throw fireballs. What makes this game particularly great for playing with kids is its multiplayer mode, which supports up to four players simultaneously. You can all jump into the game together and help each other (or hilariously get in each other's way!) as you try to reach the flagpole at the end of each stage. This cooperative element is fantastic for teaching kids about teamwork and shared success. The difficulty curve is generally well-balanced. While some later levels can offer a decent challenge, the early worlds are quite accessible, allowing younger players to build confidence and get a feel for the controls. Plus, the inclusion of Nabbit and Toadette as playable characters adds even more appeal. Nabbit is a character who doesn’t take damage from enemies, making him a great choice for players who are still mastering the basics. Toadette, when she finds a Super Crown, can transform into Peachette, which gives her a special floaty jump, also making the game a bit easier. These characters are brilliant additions for ensuring that everyone can participate and have a good time without feeling constantly defeated. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe offers a pure, unadulterated dose of Mario platforming. The levels are creative, filled with hidden secrets, and offer plenty of opportunities for those satisfying leaps and bounds. You'll encounter familiar enemies like Goombas and Koopa Troopas, as well as new challenges that keep things interesting. The art style is bright, colorful, and full of life, making it visually appealing for players of all ages. The sheer number of levels available across both games means you're getting incredible value and a huge amount of playtime. Whether you’re navigating tricky Yoshi-egg throwing sections or using the Super Acorn to glide across vast chasms, there’s always a fun new mechanic or challenge to discover. It’s a game that harks back to the golden age of platforming while incorporating modern design sensibilities. The sense of accomplishment when you finally beat a tough level together is incredibly rewarding. It’s the perfect game for fostering a love of classic gameplay and cooperative play. It truly embodies the spirit of classic Mario: simple to learn, but with a surprising amount of depth for those who want to master it. The joy of sharing those familiar Mario moments – the coin collection, the hidden blocks, the triumphant flagpole grab – with your children is what makes this game a standout choice. It’s a reliable and fun adventure that will keep the whole family entertained for hours on end, providing that satisfying sense of progression and teamwork.
Other Fantastic Mario Adventures for Kids
While Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe are arguably the top contenders for the best Mario game to play with your kids, Nintendo has blessed us with so many other amazing Mario titles that are worth considering. Let's talk about a few other gems that might just be perfect for your family's gaming library. First up, we have Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. This game is another fantastic choice on the Nintendo Switch. Super Mario 3D World itself offers a delightful blend of 2D and 3D Mario gameplay, featuring colorful worlds and creative level designs. What really makes it shine for families is its four-player co-op mode. Unlike many other games where co-op can feel tacked on, here it feels integral to the experience. Players can work together to overcome obstacles, collect power-ups, and reach the goal, making it a fantastic exercise in teamwork and communication. The levels are designed to accommodate multiple players, with plenty of room for everyone to maneuver. Then there's the bonus Bowser's Fury content. This is a more open-world adventure where Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to take down a giant, enraged Bowser. It's a bit more challenging but still very accessible and visually spectacular. The inclusion of both of these games in one package offers incredible value and variety. Next on the list is Mario Party Superstars. While not a platformer or a racer, Mario Party Superstars is a digital board game that brings together classic boards and minigames from the series' Nintendo 64 and GameCube eras. It's all about luck, strategy (in the minigames), and a whole lot of laughter as you try to collect the most stars. It’s incredibly easy to pick up and play, and the competitive yet lighthearted nature of the minigames makes it perfect for family gatherings. Just be prepared for some friendly rivalry! Finally, for the absolute youngest gamers, you can't overlook Yoshi's Crafted World. While not strictly a Mario game, Yoshi is Mario's best pal, and this game shares that signature Nintendo charm and accessibility. It's a gorgeous-looking 2D platformer with a unique craft-based aesthetic where players help Yoshi explore vibrant, diorama-like levels. The gameplay is very forgiving, with a