Mario has staying power for a reason. The games are colorful, the characters are iconic, and the gameplay is genuinely fun without being overly violent or mature. Unlike a lot of modern games, Mario titles don't have loot boxes, battle passes, or chat features with strangers. They're just... games.

For younger kids, Mario represents accessible gaming — bright colors, clear objectives, forgiving difficulty curves (usually). For older kids and teens, Mario games offer surprising depth, speedrunning potential, and competitive multiplayer that doesn't involve screaming into a headset.

Plus, Mario is one of the few gaming franchises where parents and kids can actually play together without anyone feeling patronized or overwhelmed.

Let's break this down by what actually matters: age appropriateness, skill level, and whether you'll want to throw the controller through the TV.

Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo Switch) This is the gold standard for introducing kids to 3D platforming. The "Assist Mode" is genuinely helpful, the worlds are gorgeous and varied, and the hat-throwing mechanic is intuitive. Your kid can spend 20 minutes just possessing different creatures and making them dance. It's also got enough depth that older siblings or parents won't be bored. Age 6+ is the sweet spot.

Super Mario 3D World (Nintendo Switch) Perfect for families because up to four people can play simultaneously. It's more forgiving than traditional 2D Mario games because if someone dies, they respawn in a bubble. Less crying, more cooperation (or chaos, depending on your family dynamic). Age 5+ works here.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) The auto-steer and auto-accelerate features mean even a 4-year-old can participate without constantly driving off the track. Fair warning: this game can get competitive fast, and you will get blue-shelled by your 6-year-old, and they will laugh at your pain. Age 4+ with assists on.

Super Mario Maker 2 (Nintendo Switch) If your kid likes creating things, this is incredible. They can design their own Mario levels, play levels created by others, and learn basic game design principles. The story mode is fun, but the real value is in the creativity and problem-solving. Just know that some user-created levels are brutally difficult — you can filter for difficulty. Age 8+ is ideal.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (without assists) Once kids turn off the training wheels, Mario Kart becomes a genuinely competitive racing game. It's also one of the most popular multiplayer games for this age group — if your kid has friends over, this will get played. Age 7+ for competitive play.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) This is classic 2D Mario platforming — harder than the 3D games, more precise jumping required. Good for kids who are ready for a challenge but not ready for Dark Souls. The multiplayer can be cooperative or absolute mayhem (usually both). Age 8+ recommended.

Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo Switch via 3D All-Stars collection) Widely considered one of the best Mario games ever made. The gravity-based mechanics are mind-bending, the level design is brilliant, and the difficulty ramps up significantly in later levels. If your kid loved Odyssey and wants something more challenging, this is it. Age 10+ due to difficulty.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (Nintendo Switch) This is a turn-based strategy game that's way better than it has any right to be. If your kid likes thinking through moves and planning ahead, this is a great introduction to tactical gaming. The Rabbids humor is... an acquired taste, but the gameplay is solid. Age 10+ for the strategic thinking required.

Paper Mario: The Origami King (Nintendo Switch) An RPG-lite with puzzle elements and a genuinely funny story. The battle system is unique (and sometimes frustrating), but the exploration and writing are top-notch. Good for kids who are ready to read a lot of dialogue and think through puzzles. Age 10+ recommended.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) Yes, Mario is in this, along with approximately 8 million other characters. This is a fighting game, but it's cartoony and not graphic. It's also incredibly popular with kids and teens. The skill ceiling is high, which means your 12-year-old will destroy you, and your 8-year-old might get frustrated playing against older kids. Age 8+ is fine, but be aware of the competitive nature and check out this guide to Smash Bros. for more context.

Mario Party Superstars (Nintendo Switch) Digital board game meets mini-game collection. Great for family game nights, but be warned: Mario Party has ended friendships. The luck-based elements mean a 6-year-old can beat a 40-year-old, which is either delightful or infuriating depending on your perspective. Age 6+ works.

Not all Mario games are equally frustrating. The 2D platformers (New Super Mario Bros. series) require more precise jumping and timing than the 3D games. If your kid gets easily frustrated, start with Odyssey or 3D World.

Multiplayer can be cooperative or chaotic. Games like Super Mario 3D World and Mario Kart can be played cooperatively, but they can also lead to sibling conflict. Set expectations before you start.

Mario games don't have microtransactions or online chat. This is huge. You're not going to get a surprise credit card bill, and your kid isn't going to be exposed to toxic online behavior. Most Mario games are single-player or local multiplayer only.

The Switch is the current Mario hub. If you don't have a Nintendo Switch, you're missing out on most modern Mario games. The Switch Lite is cheaper but doesn't connect to a TV — something to consider for family play.

Skill progression is real. A kid who starts with Mario Kart at age 5 will be ready for more complex games by age 8. Don't feel like you need to stick with "baby games" if your kid is ready for more challenge.

Mario games are some of the safest, most age-appropriate gaming options out there, but they're not all the same. Start younger kids with Super Mario Odyssey or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with assists on. Move to 2D platformers and competitive multiplayer as skills develop. For older kids who want challenge, Super Mario Galaxy and Mario + Rabbids offer depth without the mature content of most "serious" games.

The best part? These are games you can actually play with your kids without wanting to fake a work emergency. And in the world of modern gaming, that's worth its weight in gold coins.