Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey

Last updated date: August 12, 2019

DWYM Score
9.9


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We looked at the top Nintendo Switch Games and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Nintendo Switch Game you should buy.

Overall Take

With the Best Overall ratings, the Nintendo Switch "Super Mario Odyssey" offers players a classic character in a fantastic setting. The new kingdoms and creatures are enticing and a refreshing change from the classic Mario games. Secrets abound in the game as well, so players will always find something new, round after round. In our analysis of 189 expert reviews, the Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey placed 1st when we looked at the top 10 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

Editor's Note August 20, 2019:
Checkout The Best Nintendo Switch Game for a detailed review of all the top nintendo switch games.

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Expert Summarized Score
9.8
27 expert reviews
User Summarized Score
9.6
2,664 user reviews
Our Favorite Video Reviews
What experts liked
Super Mario Odyssey is a fantastic game that introduces Mario's ability to "capture" items and creatures around the world. It's filled to the brim with inventive kingdoms, superb gameplay, tons of secrets and so much more.
- CNET
October 26, 2017 | Full review
Odyssey positively encourages the player to dally around and explore every bit of the map. Each kingdom contains far more Power Moons than are needed to progress to the next; Nintendo won’t be drawn on exactly how many there are, but we’re told that finding them all could take dozens of hours.
- Den of Geek
November 10, 2017 | Full review
Moons are the new Stars, the focal collectible, and there's hundreds to find. You get more Moons, unlock more places, and get more Moons there. Bouncing around with fast travel and a level-select menu makes it all easy, as do the sandboxes themselves that are overflowing with Moons.
- Destructoid
October 29, 2017 | Full review
Endgame provides great puzzle variety.
- Digital Trends
| Full review
Super Mario Odyssey abandons linear levels for more open-ended “Kingdoms”, and it’s a move that’s definitely paid off. While these sizable sandboxes still see Mario tasked with pursuing a main objective, players are also free to traverse each level as they please.
- Fandom
| Full review
Odyssey is a less of a reinvention and more of an explosion: all of those jumps and puzzles we're all become familiar with are now studded in a vast world that feels bizarre even for a series that began with an Italian plumber jumping on anthropomorphic mushrooms.
- Forbes
| Full review
Even by the time I collected my last moon, I felt like I was still getting better at controlling Mario and discovering new techniques. His moveset is deeper than we’ve seen before, allowing for a high level of nuance. Adding a perfectly timed curve to a hat throw, running and lunging into a roll to achieve greater speed, and hopping gently to bounce off of your cap and onto a wall are just a few of the maneuvers that are beautifully sewn into the mix.
- Game Informer
October 26, 2017 | Full review
Capture mechanic totally turns Mario on its head.
- Games Radar
| Full review
Capture ability turns almost every enemy into an opportunity, and greatly expands Mario's skillset
- GameSpot
October 26, 2017 | Full review
One of the standout parts of the game, aside the obviously incredible level design, is the boss fights. They are never particularly hard, but they are immensely satisfying.
- God Is A Geek
October 26, 2017 | Full review
Returning once more to the subject of hats, playing dress-up is a big feature of Odyssey. Coins are actually used as currency here, not just as 1/100th of a 1up mushroom (which don’t exist anymore; you just lose 10 coins when you die). You can exchange your cash for dozens of new hats and outfits.
- Kotaku
October 26, 2017 | Full review
Throwing Cappy is the key - he defeats enemies, captures them, solves puzzles and even acts as a spring to boost Mario’s jumps. The basic throw is easy, but Nintendo has also utilised motion controls for broader moves such as a circular attack (also vital for some puzzles) and the option to fling him vertically. The key moves to progress in the game can all be done with a button press, but some of the smarter throws do require motion inputs.
- Nintendo Life
October 26, 2017 | Full review
Many kingdoms to explore and challenges to beat. Capture mechanic adds exciting problem-solving elements.
- PC Mag
| Full review
Odyssey, quite simply, is the best platformer we've played in many a year. In fact, it's one of the best games full stop. It's jam-packed full of secrets, collectables, innovation and inventiveness, all of which you should savour for the first time without spoilers.
- Pocket-lint
October 27, 2017 | Full review
For what it’s worth, I think the bosses are wildly successful, and wouldn’t describe any of them as dragging on — up to perhaps the optional post-credits boss rush, which completely destroyed me many times over. The thing I love about Mario bosses in general, and these bosses in particular, is that Nintendo is so good at signposting what you need to do to succeed.
- Polygon
October 26, 2017 | Full review
Hundreds and hundreds of power moons to collect, expanding gameplay significantly.
- Slash Gear
November 8, 2017 | Full review
Mario Odyssey is one game that I will continue to play for the longest time. It’s one collect-a-thon I WANT to 100%. I WANT to speak to certain characters for help and I WANT to exhaust all of the game’s options it gives you before finally consulting a walkthrough for that ever elusive power moon or purple coin.
- Star Struck Gaming
December 3, 2018 | Full review
The process of uncovering all of its secrets and finding all of its collectibles will take the average player weeks if not longer, and the game world is so chock full of intriguing surprises that it's almost impossible to put down.
- Tech Radar
November 16, 2017 | Full review
Although it’s still just as fun to run around as Mario, especially as he leans his body to the side and sticks out his arms like an uninhibited infant, Cappy is a welcome new companion; he gives you so much more to play with.
- The Guardian
| Full review
Super Mario Odyssey is very fun, and it’s also very approachable. Odyssey is an incredibly forgiving game; there are no lives, so if you die you simply lose a few coins, which are already plentiful.
- The Verge
October 26, 2017 | Full review
Super Mario Odyssey is perfection when it comes to video games as escapism. When I played over a rainy weekend, I felt as if I were surrounded by sunshine. On the train, I had to make sure I wasn't so engrossed I missed my stop. This game is truly medicine for the stressful times we live in, and gamers of all ages will fall in complete and utter love with it.
- Tom's Guide
October 31, 2017 | Full review
Being able to collect dozens of Power Moons in a single outing, with a keen eye helping find more, I soon fell in love with exploring, interacting, and throwing Cappy in every direction. Finding a Power Moon simply because I dared to venture off the beaten path, or working to reach the tallest point in a map with inch-perfect jumps and throws, felt so good. It encourages experimentation, and richly rewards you for it.
- Trusted Reviews
October 1, 2018 | Full review
Super Mario Odyssey's graphics opt for style over realism. 99 percent of the time, the game looks great. Beaches boast crystal-clear waters and blazing sunsets, the Luncheon Kingdom looks good enough to eat, and the stormy, rain-soaked New Donk City is quite a sight.
- US Gamer
October 26, 2017 | Full review
The game looks great no matter if your Switch is docked or handheld. The graphics look crisp and clear and the music as always is fun, bouncy and will get you whistling along.
- Ancient Gamer
February 8, 2018 | Full review
The gameplay and controls are flawless. The visuals are perfect, the gameplay and controls are solid and the level design is diverse and enjoyable.
- Nerd Burglars
| Full review
The game has a really fantastic variety of new and old enemies, as well as entirely new kingdoms that are filled with yet again – new and old puzzles alike. You’ll feel right at home and yet there’s lots of new and fun things to see. It’s even more Mario and it’s a blissful, nostalgic trip that simply feels and looks both fun and fresh, from start to finish.
- Niche Gamer
October 27, 2017 | Full review
With a little bit of teamwork boss battles and puzzles are significantly easier and more fun than the single-player mode.
- Rez Plz
January 28, 2018 | Full review
What experts didn't like
Using motion controls isn't always fun or intuitive, especially when playing on the go.
- CNET
October 26, 2017 | Full review
The two-player mode is a minor distraction, really - one player controls Mario, the other Cappy
- Den of Geek
November 10, 2017 | Full review
Controls and camera can be imprecise, frustrating.
- Digital Trends
| Full review
For me, one of the best parts of the Switch is that I can go out and play unadulterated versions of the best games on the market wherever I want. Which makes it a bit disappointing that the handheld version of Super Mario Odyssey is, for lack of a better word, adulterated.
- Forbes
| Full review
A spinning hat throw requires just a flick of the wrist, which is better than rotating the analog stick to make Mario spin – a feat that is not as easy or consistent in execution.
- Game Informer
October 26, 2017 | Full review
You have to play with motion controls for the best experience.
- Games Radar
| Full review
Some of Cappy's minor actions require the use of motion controls.
- GameSpot
October 26, 2017 | Full review
Handheld mode affects motion controls.
- God Is A Geek
October 26, 2017 | Full review
The one thing that strikes me as a bit inelegant about the game design is that a Moon is a Moon is a Moon, regardless of how you came across it.
- Kotaku
October 26, 2017 | Full review
It has very limited multiplayer.
- PC Mag
| Full review
I had one single and minor frustration: the controls. Let me be clear here that the controls aren’t bad by any means, but given the sheer number of possible moves at Mario’s disposal, there’s, uh, a lot to learn. Certain complex moves can require eventually holding down three or more buttons, all pressed with perfect timing, or letting go of buttons at the right time. And most annoyingly, a few options require the use of motion controls.
- Polygon
October 26, 2017 | Full review
Motion controls feel shoehorned in at spots.
- Slash Gear
November 8, 2017 | Full review
On the downside, the devilishly compelling multiplayer witnessed in Super Mario 3D World is gone. Although, a very basic co-op mode – which gives the second player limited control over Cappy's movements – is available.
- Tech Radar
November 16, 2017 | Full review
Like pretty much every Super Mario before it, the impetus of Odyssey is a tired damsel in distress narrative: Princess Peach has been captured by Bowser, and Mario needs to rescue her.
- The Verge
October 26, 2017 | Full review
Some of Cappy’s moves require motion controls.
- Trusted Reviews
October 1, 2018 | Full review
I wish the game had tried to take a page out of Zeldas book and shook things up a bit more.
- Nerd Burglars
| Full review
Some moons are stupidly easy to get, or discovering them feels less special.
- Niche Gamer
October 27, 2017 | Full review
One minor negative point and it ended up being very minor, is the camera angles. The camera focuses on Mario, which is great since Mario is the one that can die but can be a little tricky for the Cappy player.
- Rez Plz
January 28, 2018 | Full review

From The Manufacturer

Explore incredible places far from the Mushroom Kingdom as you join Mario and his ally Cappy on a massive, globe-trotting 3D adventure. Use amazing abilities like the power to capture and control objects, animals, and enemies to collect Power Moons so you can power up the Odyssey airship and save Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans. Thanks to heroic, hat-shaped Cappy, Mario’s got moves that’ll make you rethink his traditional run-and-jump gameplay like cap jump, cap throw, and capture. Use captured cohorts such as enemies, objects, and animals to progress through the game and uncover loads of hidden collectibles. And if you feel like playing with a friend, just pass them a Joy-Con controller! Player 1 controls Mario while Player 2 controls Cappy. This sandbox-style 3D Mario adventure the first since 1996’s beloved Super Mario 64 and 2002’s Nintendo GameCube classic Super Mario Sunshine is packed with secrets and surprises, plus exciting kingdoms to explore. Explore astonishing locales like skyscraper-packed Donk City to your heart’s content, and run into familiar friends and foes as you try to save Princess Peach from Bowser’s dastardly wedding plans. Find something interesting? Toss your cap at it and see what happens! There are lots of fun and surprising ways to interact with your surroundings. Be sure to bring any coins you find to a Crazy Cap store, where you can exchange them for decorative souvenirs for the Odyssey and outfits for Mario! Some destinations have very exclusive dress codes, after all…

Overall Product Rankings

1. Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey
Overall Score: 9.9
Expert Reviews: 27
2. Nintendo Switch The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Overall Score: 9.7
Expert Reviews: 23
3. Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Overall Score: 9.3
Expert Reviews: 16
4. Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Overall Score: 9.3
Expert Reviews: 17
5. Nintendo Switch Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Overall Score: 9.2
Expert Reviews: 11
6. Nintendo Switch Minecraft
Overall Score: 8.8
Expert Reviews: 7
7. Nintendo Switch New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Overall Score: 8.5
Expert Reviews: 15
8. Nintendo Switch Splatoon 2
Overall Score: 8.4
Expert Reviews: 12
9. Nintendo Switch Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Overall Score: 8.1
Expert Reviews: 12
10. Nintendo Switch LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2
Overall Score: 7.8
Expert Reviews: 22

An Overview On Nintendo Switch Games

With video gaming constantly evolving, it is dizzying to keep up with the latest number one games. There are countless platforms to play games on, and recently, the Nintendo Switch has become quite high on the popularity list. With a soar in popularity, there have been a myriad of games released to appease the gaming community. With over 2,000 games offered for the Nintendo Switch, find out which games are at the top and surprise your gamer with a few of the best Nintendo Switch Games this year.

The Nintendo Switch is a gaming console composed of a console and a handheld device. The awesome thing about the Switch is the portability of it. There are no wires attaching the handheld device to the console. This allows you to game from many different places and, positions around your home, depending on the range. In addition, it is extremely easy to take on-the-go with you to play with pals.

Of course, this gaming console is not for everyone and has its pros and cons. There are so many personal preferences for those who game and buy gaming consoles that it is important to know what the Nintendo Switch offers for consumers.

For those who enjoy the first-party games that Nintendo has created, the Nintendo Switch is the console for you. This includes “Super Mario Odyssey”, a great game that all ages can enjoy. In addition, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild” is also one of the best Nintendo Switch first-party games that users will love.

If you are the type who is always on the go, then the Switch is definitely for you. With a super portable handset that features a built-in screen and attachable Joy-Con controllers, you can take this from living room to vacation in a snap. This is a huge advantage over other gaming consoles of its class.

The Nintendo Switch is also known to be a favorite of indie game players. Coined as “Nindies” by Nintendo, there are countless options for indie game lovers. A few of the Indie games that are most popular with Switch users include: “Stardew Valley,” “Axiom Verge” and “Shovel Knight.”

Perhaps the biggest pro to the Nintendo Switch is the charging cable. It is a super common, USB Type-C that you can find almost anywhere and easily replace for not a lot of money. In addition, it works with Type-C power banks to give it a longer life to use on-the-go.

Now that you’ve heard the pros, let’s talk about the cons of the Nintendo Switch. There are always a few elementary features in the first release of a new product, and that’s what you’ll find with the Switch.

First, the graphics are not the best of the best. Though it features 720p resolution, you won’t have high definition in some of the games. When compared to its competitors that are less mobile and more stationary, this is one of the features that knocks it down a bit.

Depending on what you are playing, the Switch can have a shorter battery life. It is advertised that the battery lasts anywhere from 2.5 hours to 6 hours. This isn’t ideal, especially when you are traveling or playing a long game.

An additional negative to the system is the expensive accessory costs. The controllers are slightly more than their competitors, and if you want a charging grip for the Joy-Con, you’ll pay extra for that too. This is a huge con to the system.

Finally, if you are a multiplayer game-lover, the Switch is a bit behind. Their chat feature costs you an annual subscription fee to their online service but even that seems to be a bit slow. This is tough for multiplayer enthusiasts.

That sums up the pros and cons for the Nintendo Switch, but let’s take a look at a couple more of the best games for the Switch that game-lovers are going crazy over. “The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” is an upgraded version of one of the classics. This game has endless intrigue and impressive graphics for users to enjoy. Next, you should really take a look at “Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy-Nintendo Switch Standard Edition.” This game features a fan favorite, Crash Bandicoot, and he sure does have all the moves. Players of all ages will find this game fun and exciting. There are hours of fun to be had with these Nintendo Switch Games.

DYWM Fun Fact

There are several neat things to know about your Nintendo Switch. First, it has an excellent defense against piracy. The system has a series of notifications during the login process that can help it detect piracy and stop it. This is great news for those who play by the rules and pay for their games.

The console also supports games from other systems, such as N64 and GameCube, for a more diverse selection. The Switch logs your gaming time, so you can cut back or increase your gaming time depending on habits, time and performance within the games.

One final fun fact: More copies of “The Legend of Zelda” have been sold by Nintendo than actual Switches themselves.

The Nintendo Switch Game Buying Guide

  • When you are ready to start purchasing games for your Nintendo Switch, be sure to look at those customer reviews. The reviews will help you to know the best value and overall experience of each game.
  • Many gamers recommend getting a good case as well as a screen protector for your Switch.
  • When a game does not require Wi-Fi, turn it off to preserve some of the battery.
  • If you find a game you like that requires lots of storage, invest in a Micro SD card to accommodate it.
  • Recommended accessory is an external battery to keep the Switch going even after its short battery life ends.
  • Plugging in keyboards and external accessories will also extend the battery life when you are home.