Top Ten Best Super Mario Bros Games of All Time

Which Super Mario Bros games are the best of all time? There are dozens of games between all of the consoles, but here, we'll go over the top ten most popular and well reviewed classic games. Consoles included will be the Wii, DS, NES, Nintendo 64, and other favorite Nintendo consoles. From New Super Mario Bros. Wii to the original game for the NES, Mario has been delivering fun video games entertaining hundreds of millions of players. Come along and play as everyone's favorite Italian plumber, or his brother Luigi to defeat the evil Bowser and his army of Koopa, Goomba, and Koopaling minions across dozens of classic games on different Nintendo gaming systems.

Games will be rated for their originality, popularity, replayability, and most importantly, fun. Which games are your absolute favorites? Vote below or read up on the classics here!

If you're a big fan of the original NES Nintendo games like SMB1, SMB2, and SMB3, as well as Super Mario World for the SNES, this game takes elements from all of those and combines them into one unique game. Yes, it even has 2-D side scrolling!

The best of the best characters return from the entire series, including the long awaited return of the Koopalings from SMB3 and SM World. Making a return are Yoshi, Bowser, Bowser Jr., the Airships, and the mini stages where you battled the Hammer Bros. one on one. There are new power ups, too, like the Propeller Hat, Ice Flower, and Penguin Suit.

You can also play with four different players, which is a lot of fun (and the game doesn't slow down like the old 8 bit games would when too much is going on). All in all, this is an instant classic for the Wii, garnering a solid 4.5 star rating from users. If you love the franchise, you will really love this game.

Why I love this game: It includes four playable characters for the first time ever. This is absolute mayhem sometimes, but completely fun. Remember back in the day when you had to wait your turn to play a 2-player game (those that grew up in the 80's remember anyway)? This is the opposite, which makes it a lot of fun for groups of people to play. Returning to the fold are the much missed Koopalings, in addition to Bowser Jr. Just about every villain, small or big, makes an appearance in this game. As far as platforming titles in this franchise go, this one is hard to beat in terms of fun.

As Princess Peach shows Mario the Star Festival as it rains star bits in the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser tries to harness the power of the stars and comets. Bowser retreats into the center of the universe to create his evil empire, with Mario in hot pursuit. Will he be able to defeat the evil Bowser once again?

Joining Mario in this game is Yoshi, with Bowser Jr. making a return to this game as well. This is the fourth 3D platforming game, and the sequel to the massively successful 2007 originator. It has received high praise from gamers, Wii lovers, and game critics.

There are a number of brand new power ups Mario can use in the game. Bee Mario has the ability to fly, and Boo Mario can pass through walls and attract other Boos. Ice Mario and Fire Mario make a return, while also introducing Flying, Spring, and Rainbow Mario power ups.

What's really cool about this game: It goes way outside of the box. This is beyond any previous 3D title in the franchise, and has a huge difficulty factor that puts it way beyond the side scrollers. It also incorporates a new way to play with the nunchuk remote, which is challenging yet fun. Lots of new enemies and power-ups are introduced in this game, as well as a more original storyline than you'll find in your typical "Princess got kidnapped by Bowser" storylines of the side scrollers.

This is the flagship game released along with the Wii U in 2012. Initial reception to the game was mixed, but it has settled into a nice 4.5 star rating, making it one of the better received recent ones. The graphics are one of the biggest improvements in this game. While NSMB Wii was a great game, the graphics were a little bit lacking in comparison to the technology other systems (Playstation, XBox) were using at the time. Finally, Wii U makes a big step up in the graphics department.

The other large addition to this game is the game tablet. The tablet allows for up to five players at the same time. The fifth player can assist the other four players (or just one other player if you decide to play with just two) by tapping the screen. Tapping the screen will create platforms that the gamers can jump on, making it helpful in some circumstances. Tapping enemies can also temporarily stun them, while tapping power-ups can send them in the opposite direction to help gamers attain them.

As for plot, it's more of the same "Princess gets kidnapped" stuff that we have come to expect. This time around, the Koopalings are back as the villains. Bowser Jr. and Bowser also return. The game uses the "star coins" tactic to lure you in to replay old levels, so that you can unlock World 9, Star Road. Collecting all star coins from the game will unlock all of the levels in Star Road.

You can view the bulk of the final battle with Bowser here. Predictably, you'll need to trip the pin behind Bowser to make him fall into the pit below, or spit a bunch of fireballs at him. Before that though, you'll need to escape Bowser Jr. one last time before you can make it to the final battle. If you do, you'll find that familiar scene from the original game waiting for you.

After falling through the lava, Bowser chases you to the final scene. Bowser Jr. and Bowser must both be beaten at the same time. The graphics in this scene are incredible, as you'll see more detail in the background and on Bowser than ever before. Hint: You'll need to get Boswer Jr. before you get to Bowser.

Released in 1988 in the USA

SMB2 was the second release for the NES in the Mario franchise of video games (though there were other games before like Donkey Kong that did feature him). In this game, you do not try to defeat Bowser, but the evil Wart who has ruled the land of Subcon. This dream world introduces a whole new bunch of enemies like Shy Guy, Pokey, Mouser, Clawgrip, and Birdo. Instead of stomping on enemies heads, in this game, you'll defeat them by throwing a vegetable at them, or by picking them up and throwing them at another enemy (or down a hole if you can find one).

There are few power-ups, but you will find the Super-Mushroom and the Invincibility star. At the end of most levels, you will face off with the prehistoric looking bird creature, Birdo. Subsequent levels involve more difficult bosses like Fryguy and Mouser. In level 7, you will face off with Wart, who can only be defeated by throwing veggies into his open mouth.

Why this game is cool: This is nothing like the original 1985 title. You'll find few similarities, even with the music. Enemies returning? None, but some power-ups do return like the Magic Mushroom and Invincibility Star. Some of the enemies from this game, as well as Toad, would make appearances in future titles.

Read more about the game, including how it evolved from the previous incarnation, Doki Doki Panic on this page:

Super Mario Bros 2

The most common enemy - SQUASH!

Goombas are a small mushroom creature that are the most common enemies in most Mario games. In fact, it was the first enemy found in the 1985 original game. They are characterized by their trademark small fangs and menacing looking unibrow. They are one of Bowser's most loyal minions, and considering how many appear throughout games, their must be an army of thousands of these creatures.

Goombas can now be found in a number of sizes, sometimes with different abilities resembling the power-ups found in that level. For instance, in 3D Land, Goombas have swinging Tanooki tails and can fly. Large Goombas also typically split into several more smaller Goombas when stomped. They are vulnerable to fire, stomping, and other projectile power-ups.

In the SMB film, Goombas appeared more reptilian and far more grotesque.

In most games, Goombas can be easily defeated by stomping on them. Flying Goombas can be defeated by stepping on them twice.

Is it Bowser, Wart, Bowser Jr., or someone else? Tell us below!

Is this the best Super Mario Bros game of all time?

Besides the original first game which was included with most NES game systems, Super Mario Bros. 3 was the 2nd best selling NES game of all time. Over 18 million people ran out to purchase this classic video game. To help with the hype, the game was featured prominently featured on the movie The Wizard (1989). Just a few brief clips of Mario flying was all it took for kids to go into a frenzy begging for the upcoming Mario release (I was one of them).

The game featured many new updrades, like an increase of levels, with 8 worlds containing 5 or more levels each (sometimes ten or more). Power-ups were also plentiful and exciting, with new additions like the Hammer Bros. suit, the Raccoon suit, the Tanooki suit, the Frog Suit, and the traditional mushroom and Fire Flower.

Most consider this the very best game in the series. Why? It's highly original, the graphics were a huge improvement, worlds were inventive, power-ups were innovative, and the entire environment was radically different (yet felt somewhat familiar) from the previous games. All future games in the series were based off of this highly successful game.

Below, you'll find photos, cheats, and gameplay tips for this all time classic NES game:

Super Mario Bros 3

The Airships and the Koopalings are part of what made this game so cool, besides the fact that the power-ups were awesome. The Koopalings, of which there are seven, ruled each of the seven worlds in this game. They were all fairly easy to beat. Three stomps is all it took. The Airships that they ruled were the real challenge. Nonetheless, they were fun to play, and have appeared in subsequent titles on the Wii.

The first game released on the SNES console

Super Mario World took the classic NES franchise to a whole new level with better graphics, more gamplay features, new sound effects, new worlds, and new power-ups. Introduced in this game was Yoshi, the dinosaur creature that can gulp down Goombas, Koopas, and most other enemies with the flick of the tongue. He has turned up in many other games later on, including some of his own titles like Yoshi's Story and Yoshi's Cookie.

The game introduces the Cape Feather power-up, which allows Mario to fly into the air and either float down, or to crash down the ground with a thunderous, enemy crunching blow. Unique worlds were added like the Ghost Houses, which contained mazes, hidden passages, and plenty of Boos for Mario to avoid. At the end of the first 7 worlds, you will face off with one of the Koopalings seen in SMB3, however in a different order. This is considered one of the classics in the series of Super Mario Bros. video games! It's available for download on the Wii Virtual Console.

Why this game is cool: Yoshi. And, the Cape!

This game is considered one of the top games released in the Mario franchise. You can read more about it on the following page:

Super Mario World

This isn't easy to beat. In fact, I've never beaten it. This title introduces a lot of new characters and gameplay elements, and totally reinvents the music. Yoshi is one of the main additions to this game that has survived the long haul. From the beginning, you can tell that this game is a lot tougher than previous ones when a giant Bullet Bill comes shooting out at you unexpectedly in world 1.

This was the predecessor for the Wii game released in 2009 and was released in 2006 on the DS. It was a return to the classic side scrolling platform the game is known for. New enemies like Lakithunder, Mummikpokey, Petey Piranha, and Dry Bowser make their video game debuts here. Playing a big role in this game is Bowser's youngest son, Bowser Jr, whom you will have to defeat along with Bowser in the final battle of the game.

The game also introduces some really unique power-ups, especially for the tiny DS. The Mega Mushroom allows Mario to become gigantic, crashing through bricks, enemies, and everything in his way. Shell Mario has the ability to swim better underwater, and is able to pull himself into a shell to avoid attacks from enemies. He can also perform the Shell Dash to destroy most enemies.

Everyone prefers to play one character over the other. In certain games, there are actually advantages to using one character over the other. Which is it that you prefer, and why?

Which character would you rather play as?

An innovation in 3D gaming, this game has incredibly smooth gameplay and a whole new style of play. Building off the success of previous 3-D games like SMB64 and SMB Sunshine, "Galaxy" involves use of both the nunchuck and the Wii remote. This takes some getting use to at first, but is an awesome challenge.

The plot of "Galaxy" involves Bowser interrupting a Centennial comet event in the Mushroom Kingdom, warping Princess Peach and her castle to the center of the universe. Mario unsuccessfully tries to save her, being cast to a planetoid far away by a Magikoopa.

There are brand new power-ups in this game as well, including Bee, Rainbow, Flying, and Spring Mario. Enemies making a return are Bob-Ombs, Bowser Jr., Bowser, Petey Piranha, Goombas, Koopas, Bullet Bills, Cheep Cheeps, and Dry Bones. There are also unlockable mini games, which can eat up a whole lot of time themselves! This highly entertaining entry into the saga is a must-have for fanatics.

Nintendo really stepped it up upon the release of the Wii system. With many Mario titles available on the Wii, you can play for weeks on end and still not beat all of these games. The following games are other classics which should still be mentioned, though might not be top ten list worthy. The Mario saga of games has produced some of the best video games of all time, so you really can't go wrong with these releases! Click through any product to read the official Amazon description or to purchase.

Other Best Selling Wii Games:

The franchise was just getting started when Super Mario Bros was released for the Nintendo NES system in 1985. Sure, he'd been in the original "Mario Bros" and Donkey Kong, but not in this capacity.

For the first time ever, we have a game that can truly suck you in for hours on end and really get addicted to. This was truly the first game worth playing again and again!

What made it so special? There were hidden elements to the game, like the Warp Zones, which were really satisfying to the player. There was the sense of accomplishment when you defeated all 8 levels. There was the triumphant feel of rescuing the Princess. The weird and imaginative world of Magic Mushrooms and Fiery Flowers that allowed you to spit fireballs at Squids, Goombas, Cheep-Cheeps, and Koopa Troopas.

And then, there was the evil Bowser, who you had to defeat not once, but eight different times. It was a long game, but it was amazing! Start here if you've never played a Mario game before, and learn where the entire Super Mario franchise came from. The graphics are a little shoddy since it's 8 bit, but hey, this was the 80s, and the game is classic and fun. And it's still fun to play!

I hear this music and I can tell you I wasted a lot of days of my youth playing this game. Yes, I even tried getting mini fiery Mario to no avail (anyone ever succeed at that?), and perfecting the bounce-the-koopa-off-the-steps 1-up trick.

(Slightly) Younger bro

The younger of the two brothers, Luigi is the traditional second player in most games. Before Super Mario Bros 2, Luigi was depicted exactly the same as Mario, except with green and white colored overalls. This was partially because making Luigi look any different was nearly impossible with the early technology. This changed in 1987 when he finally received his own signature look and style. His clothes were switched to blue and green, he became taller, slimmer, and could jump higher. This has stayed the same since SMB2 for most titles.

Luigi was mostly a background character until he received his own game with Luigi's Mansion. In that game, Luigi hunts ghosts and tries to navigate the large maze reminiscent of the Ghost House seen in SMB games.

In the cartoon TV series, Luigi was voiced by Danny Wells, who also played Luigi in the live action sitcom Super Mario Bros Super Show! In the video games, Luigi is voiced by Charles Martinet. In the 1993 film, Luigi is played by actor John Leguizamo.

It's hard to imagine a Mario game without Luigi. As his fraternal twin, he's at least made a cameo in every game. Their relationship is the epitome of brotherly love.

This was the very first 3D Mario game. It was released in 1996 on the then brand new Nintendo 64 system. There were new gameplay elements that started here and continued on with SMB Galaxy. Once you get used to maneuvering in 3D, you'll have a blast trying to beat Bowser once again! This updated version for the Nintendo DS allows you to play as Wario or Yoshi, which weren't playable characters in the original Nintendo 64 game.

Craving even more? These might not the MOST popular in the series, but these are still fun games nonetheless.

Go online and challenge friends with the Wi-Fi mode, or just take advantage of the awesome range of classic characters in the 7th title in the Mario Kart series with Mario Kart DS! Choose your player and take part in the Mushroom Cup, Star Cup, Leaf Cup, or the Shell Cup in this exciting adventure. Default characters include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, Wario, and Bowser. Available as unlockable characters are Daisy, Dry Bones, Waluigi, and R.O.B. (and also Shy Guy, for download only).

You'll find familiar stages in this game that you might recognize from other games in the series, like the desert world, Luigi's Mansion, and the Airships. Play up to 8 other players at once utilizing the Wi-Fi connection ability, or just go it solo. Like the other Mario Kart games, what makes this one unique is the abilities the cars have like spitting turtle shells, banana peals, and lightning bolts, in addition to your favorite characters on fun Mario themed tracks. For old fans and new, you'll find a significant replay factor here that makes this game worth buying!

The following games are available on the Nintendo DS (and playable on the 3DS). These titles deserve a little shout out. The Nintendo DS has created some of the most memorable games in the Mario series, includes the much loved "New" version of 2007. True fans will also have fun playing the following titles (you can also find the full list of

Super Mario Bros DS games on Amazon

Brand new on the Nintendo 3DS is the much clamored for Super Mario 3D Land! This promises to be one of the best games of the year for Nintendo, and definitely for Mario releases. This game will feature the return of the classic Tanooki suit, last seen in SMB3. There's also new cool enemies like Goombas with tails, Goomba stacks, and ink-spitting Piranha Plants.

What's great about this game: Just when you think it's over, it's not. This game is incredibly hard. It makes incredible use of the 3D of the 3DS, which actually comes in quite handy to time your jumps. This game marks the return of Boom-Boom, a villain who has been missing since SMB3. For the return of the Tanooki suit alone, this game is worth it. A well deserved nearly five star rating on Amazon.

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