The Nintendo Switch has become an exceptional platform for side-scrolling platformers, housing both modern masterworks and retro classics. Players can experience decades of side-scrolling history on a single hybrid console, making it easier than ever to jump into Mushroom Kingdom adventures. Whether you prefer polished modern entries or original retro titles, the current library offers unparalleled variety for platforming fans of all ages.
Modern 2D Mario Experiences on Switch
Super Mario Bros. Wonder stands out as the premiere modern side-scrolling entry on the system, delivering inventive mechanics and vibrant visual style. The introduction of Wonder Flowers completely transforms traditional stage layouts, turning familiar platforming tropes into unpredictable, surreal challenges. It offers a fresh perspective while maintaining the tight controls and responsive physics fans expect from the franchise.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe provides a more traditional side-scrolling experience, collecting the Wii U original and its companion Luigi expansion into one package. The game features four-player local multiplayer, making it an excellent choice for family gaming sessions or casual cooperative play. Its accessible character choices also allow younger players to navigate tricky levels without steep difficulty curves.
Exploring Classic Adventures via Nintendo Switch Online
Subscribers to Nintendo's online service gain access to a massive retro library that includes the iconic NES and SNES eras. Masterpieces like Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World remain immensely enjoyable today thanks to their brilliant level design and timeless secrets. These games laid the foundational rules for side-scrolling platformers and continue to influence modern game design.
For those interested in handheld history, the Expansion Pack tier opens up Game Boy and Game Boy Advance catalogs. Titles like Super Mario Land 2 and the Super Mario Advance series highlight how Nintendo adapted its signature platforming formula for portable hardware. Reliving these retro journeys gives players a deep appreciation for the steady evolution of two-dimensional level architecture over the decades.
Creative Platforming with Mario Maker
Super Mario Maker 2 shifts the focus from simple completion to creative level design and community sharing. Players can build their own custom side-scrolling courses using themes from classic retro titles up to modern graphical styles. The virtually endless stream of user-created content guarantees that platforming enthusiasts will never run out of unique stages to conquer.
Beyond building stages, the game includes a robust single-player story mode crafted by Nintendo's own designers. This campaign serves as both an entertaining adventure and a practical demonstration of advanced course creation tools. It balances structured challenge with creative inspiration, appealing to casual players and aspiring level designers alike.
Choosing the Right Side-Scrolling Adventure
Determining where to start depends largely on whether you prefer nostalgic design or modern visual polish. Retro classics available through online subscriptions offer incredible historical value, while modern releases deliver refined physics and multiplayer features. Either path provides exceptional entertainment, proving that side-scrolling platformers remain just as relevant today as they were decades ago.