Mariois one of the most recognizable video game characters ever created. While he may have been introduced in a few older games, it is theSuper Mario Brosseries that made him a gaming icon. Super Mario Bros is a series that spans many genres, butplatformers remain what he is best known for.
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The 2D and 3D platformers play quite differently, beyond just the latter having an extra dimension of exploration. 2D titles focus on linear levels designed around simply reaching the end, while 3D titles such asSuper Mario Odysseyare more about finding collectibles scattered all around the map. This list will be ranking the best 2D platformers in the Super Mario series.
Updated by Chad Thesen on June 17, 2025:This article has been updated to bring it up to a higher level of quality. This will enhance the reader’s experience and make the article more engaging thanks to the inclusion of new formatting, amended paragraph presentation, new links, replaced entries, bullet points, games metascores, and additionalinformation.
10New Super Luigi U
Metascore: 77
New Super Mario Bros U is the fourth game in a row that uses the same gameplay style. It is extremely similar to the Wii game, which makes it one of the least exciting installments in the series. That being said, it does actually have some excellent level design. New Super Luigi U was a DLC expansion that became its own game.
This version of the game modifies levels to be even better, replaces Mario with Nabbit, and gives other characters a flutter jump. This flutter jump makes the gameplay much more interesting than Mario U since it actually plays differently from the 3 previous New Super Mario Bros games. Nabbit, however, does make the game feel a bit unbalanced. Nabbit’s inability to take damage gives the player who uses him an unfair advantage — though it’s great for a less-experienced sibling/friend to join in on the fun.
New Super Luigi U
9New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Metascore: 80
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxenot only includes the original New Super Mario Bros. U, but it also throws in New Super Luigi U into one purchase. This game lets players enjoy all the levels and experiences of the game in the way it was originally meant to be enjoyed. Then they can explore all the post-release content — such as the more challenging variations of levels that were created for New Super Luigi U.
This creates a much richer experience by being able to experience the entirety of the game in numerous ways. This game’s Metascore is actually 4 points lower than the original New Super Mario Bros. U, but it still includes everything from it and more, making it the obvious choice.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
8Super Mario Bros.
Metascore: 84
The original game in this series is one of the most basic, but it laid an incredible foundation on which all future Mario games are built. Few games have left such a massive legacy on their genre compared to how much this game did.
This is where many iconic Mario power-ups, enemies, and even characters originated from. This game redefined the entire brand, and it is the reason Mario became the mascot of Nintendo. It might be tough to get ahold of this game and a classic NES at this point, but you may easily play this iconic title with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Super Mario Bros.
7New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Metascore: 87
New Super Mario Bros. Wiiis the very first Mario platformer to have true multiplayer. Four players can take control of Mario, Luigi, Blue Toad, and Yellow Toad to save the day. Unlike Mario Bros 2, all characters play similarly, but this is actually very good for balance. Every player has the same abilities and opportunities that other players do.
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New Super Mario Bros. Wii’s biggest flaw is that it marks the start of the series becoming repetitive. Wii removes a lot of what made it unique while simultaneously not bringing much new to the table other than multiplayer. It is also the first to bring back the Koopalings. New Super Mario Bros 2 and U reusing the same formula doesn’t help it stick out much either.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
6Super Mario Maker 2
Metascore: 88
Super Mario Makerlet players take countless assets from past Mario games and use these assets to create their own level designs using a very easy-to-learn building system — along with being able to make these levels available for other players to enjoy. This led to seemingly limitless possibilities, with players putting together utterly brutal gauntlets that required players to input perfectly timed reactions.
Another fan favorite was levels where players didn’t touch any buttons on the controller and a series of mechanisms and events would move the player all the way to the end on their own. This would lead to the release ofSuper Mario Maker 2, which incorporated numerous fan-requested improvements and even more elements for players to build with. If you’re looking for a ‘forever game,’ this one’s got the most replayability by a long shot.
5New Super Mario Bros.
Metascore: 89
Ground pounds, wall jumps, and a unique boss in every world made this installment stand out quite a bit from its predecessors. Despite getting 3 direct sequels, it still feels unique among them due to the creative bosses.
There are even some common enemies and power-ups that don’t return. This installment is the last time the series genuinely tried to redefine itself, and it managed to accomplish this very well. Sure, it’s not the prettiest to look at, but it’s got it where it counts — in the platforming.
New Super Mario Bros.
4Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
Metascore: 92
Super Mario World 2 had a truly charming art style reminiscent of a children’s crayon drawing. It involves the player controlling a Yoshi that carries around Baby Mario. The player will not control just one Yoshi, as each Yoshi will hand off the baby they are carrying to another one once the player reaches the end of the level.
Should Baby Mario fall off Yoshi’s back, a countdown will start in which the player will need to reclaim Baby Mario. The story of the game is to reunite Baby Mario and Baby Luigi together. The game features plenty of puzzles to solve and lots of platforming elements. There are also plenty of collectibles to acquire along the way. This game would later have a port released for the Game Boy Advanced called Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2.
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
3Super Mario World
Super Mario World’s dinosaur theme makes it feel unique compared to most Mario games. It introduced Yoshi, as well as dozens of dinosaur-themed enemies. Most of these enemies never returned in later installments.
World also offers unique mechanics that don’t appear in other entries, such as being able to throw enemies high into the air. Overall, Super Mario World is a charming and unique experience in a series that has become a lot more repetitive in recent years. This title would re-release on the Game Boy Advanced under the title Super Mario World: Super Mario Advanced 2, earning it extremely high praise for being a fantastic portable version of a stellar platforming experience.
Super Mario World
2Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario Bros. Wonderadded a slew of new elements to all the existing mechanics fans have come to know and love. New power-ups have made their way into the game, including the very notorious Elephant Fruit — along with the Drill Mushroom and Bubble Flower. Levels can now be completely augmented thanks to Wonder Effects. These effects can be triggered when a player picks up one of the game’s many Wonder Flowers.
The visuals, music, and sound effects are better than they have ever been in the history of the franchise. Mario also has a brand-new video game voice actor for the first time since 1994 — meaning Charles Andre Martinet had been voicing the plumber for almost 30 years!
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
1Super Mario Bros. 3
Metascore: 94
Out of all the NES entries, this is the installment that has aged the best.Super Mario Bros. 3offers new power-ups like the Tanooki costume, a lot offantastic level diversity, and a fun overworld map.
This game also introduced all the Koopalings as bosses. This set of bosses has been reused a number of times over the years, which may have made them feel stale in newer entries, but they were a very refreshing concept in their debut. The entire concept that the game is a stage play is also quite fun and unique, giving the levels (sets) a sort of hand-crafted quality to them.
Super Mario Bros. 3
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