by MORGAN Jack - Published 2 months ago

Mario Games: Which Console Has The Most?

Super Mario games, with their innovative designs and enjoyable gameplay, have been around for almost 40 years and have crossed various genres, consoles, and platforms. From classic arcade cabinets to the Nintendo Switch, Mario has appeared in numerous games.

But which consoles boast the largest number of Mario games? We have compiled a list of Mario games across various consoles, both modern and retro, to determine the console with the most Mario titles.

How Many Mario Games Exist?

The total number of Mario games is somewhat debatable, depending on what constitutes a Mario game. Some consider only mainline Mario games like Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Odyssey as true Mario games, totaling 24 games.

However, the Mario umbrella encompasses various games, including typing games, Donkey Kong titles, and old PC learning games. Including all these games brings the total to an impressive 238 games.

Arcade - 11 Mario Games

Arcade cabinets were where Mario first appeared, with the original Donkey Kong cabinet released in 1981. This game originally featured Jump Man, but was later reworked into Mario, where he confronts Donkey Kong to rescue Pauline. More recently, Mario arcade games have focused on Mario Kart Arcade GP titles, adaptations of the Mario Kart series, developed by Bandai Namco. These titles have alterations in items and characters that differentiate them from regular Mario Kart games.

Game & Watch - 15 Mario Games

The Game & Watch, Nintendo's initial foray into handheld games, adapted early Nintendo titles like Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros. into portable versions. The first Super Mario Bros. game introduced Bowser into the Mario universe and established many game tropes. The Game & Watch handheld gained widespread popularity upon its release and even featured original games like Mario's Cement Factory, Donkey Kong Hockey, and Mario the Juggler.

Nintendo Entertainment System - 17 Mario Games

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), known simply as the NES, allowed many young gamers to experience a Mario game for the first time as it was the primary way to enjoy Mario at home. The NES featured a re-release of the original Donkey Kong, along with Super Mario Bros., his first solo game. Many players remember the version bundled with Duck Hunt, which technically counts as two distinct Mario games. The NES also introduced Dr. Mario and the Mario sports game NES Open Tournament Golf.

Famicom Disk System - 14 Mario Games

The Famicom Disk System, a Japanese-only console, blurred the line between home console and computer by using floppy disks to play games. There were plans to release the Famicon Disk System to Western audiences but was ultimately scrapped. While there were several rereleases of established Mario games, there were also a few new ones, like I Am a Teacher: Super Mario Sweater, a sewing simulator to help teach people how to sew.

Game Boy - 15 Mario Games

The Game Boy, the second and more well-known entry in Nintendo's handheld gaming devices, saw the release of some classic Mario games, as well as an introduction to Wario with Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3. You also got a few collection games like the Game & Watch Gallery and the popular Tetris Attack.

Game Boy Color - 5 Mario Games

While the Game Boy Color is very similar to the Game Boy, it is distinct enough to warrant its own entry. Only five Mario-based games released on the updated handheld device, with Mario Golf, Mario Tennis, and Super Mario Bros. Deluxe headlining the device.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - 20 Mario Games

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, known to many as the SNES, brings a whole new generation of Mario games to players. The classic Super Mario World, which introduced a number of mechanics, characters, and design aesthetics that would carry to even today's Mario games. The SNES also let Mario explore a little bit with his games, like the Mario Paint painting simulator, which had a mouse and mousepad accessory, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, which had Yoshi protecting a Baby Mario from harm, and Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, an epic role-playing game from Square Soft, before they became Square Enix.

Phillips CD-i - 9 Mario Games

The Phillips CD-i isn't a core Nintendo console. Instead, it was developed by Philips Electronics and was granted rights to create Nintendo video games. There were not many games made for this platform, as most of the games are remakes or rereleases of other Mario titles. It does, however, feature the odd Hotel Mario, a game where Mario is in charge of a hotel while Koopas and other enemies keep opening doors, while Mario has to close them. Notably, Hotel Mario has voice actors for Mario, Luigi, and Princess Toadstool, and for being one of the worst Mario games ever made.

Virtual Boy - 2 Mario Games

The Virtual Boy is the fifth generation of consoles released by Nintendo and was the developer's first entry into virtual reality. The Virtual Boy had only two Mario games released for it, Mario's Tennis and Mario Clash, though the console was short-lived as it never really caught on with gamers at the time.

Nintendo 64 - 16 Mario Games

The incredibly popular and universally praised Super Mario 64 came as a launch title for the Nintendo 64 and is one of the best Mario games ever made. The Nintendo 64 saw some fantastic games, like Mario Kart 64, Super Smash Bros., and Mario Party, establishing long lines of stellar games for years to come. The Nintendo 64 has an additional release with the Nintendo 64DD, which had four Mario games specifically for it, but since it's a peripheral for the base Nintendo 64, they're lumped together in one category.

Game Boy Advance - 17 Mario Games

The Game Boy Advance, also known as the GBA, built upon the improvements of the Game Boy Color. It featured games like Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, a unique RPG, and sports titles like Mario Golf: Advance Tour and Mario Tennis: Power Tour.

Nintendo GameCube - 14 Mario Games

While the GameCube had fewer Mario games than the Nintendo 64, it pushed the franchise in new directions. Super Mario Sunshine introduced F.L.U.D.D. and enhanced movement compared to Super Mario 64. Other notable releases included Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Luigi's Mansion, a ghost hunting adventure featuring Luigi.

Nintendo DS/DSI - 21 Mario Games

The Nintendo DS introduced dual screens, offering unprecedented power for handheld gaming. It featured Mario titles like New Super Mario Bros. and Super Princess Peach. The system also had two Japanese exclusive Mario games.

Wii - 18 Mario Games

The Wii revolutionized home gaming, making it more interactive. It featured innovative Mario games like Super Mario Galaxy and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Wii also saw the release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl and two Mario Party games.

Nintendo 3DS - 29 Mario Games

The Nintendo 3DS, with its optional 3D feature, provided depth to games. It featured a range of multiplayer games, including Super Mario 3D Land, which fully utilized the 3D capabilities, and Super Mario Maker, allowing players to create custom Mario levels.

Wii U - 18 Mario Games

The Wii U, though not a complete failure, didn't live up to its potential. Nevertheless, it featured notable games like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, New Super Luigi U, and the long-running Mario Kart 8.

Nintendo Switch - 29 Mario Games

The Nintendo Switch, the current console generation, has already released numerous Mario games and is likely to surpass the Nintendo 3DS soon. The Switch blends the power of a home console with the portability of handheld devices. It includes original games like Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Super Mario Odyssey, and Super Mario Bros. 35, as well as remakes like Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Mario Party Superstars.

Mobile - 3 Mario Games

Although not confined to a single platform, mobile devices have seen the release of three Mario titles: Super Mario Run, Dr. Mario World, and Mario Kart Tour. All these games are exclusively available on mobile devices, but Dr. Mario World has been discontinued, making it impossible to play.