Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I will fully admit that I have some hot takes when it comes to video games that are quite a bit different from the mainstream consensus. Sometimes you just have to look at beloved franchises with a critical eye. Recently, I came across a post on X (formerly Twitter) from a user named Christopher Whipler. He posted a picture of Super Mario Bros. 2 (the Western release) with the caption: "Worst Mario game ever, but I know you played it. Who did you pick?"
First of all, I strongly disagree with that original post. Super Mario Bros. 2 is not a bad game. In fact, as we’ve discussed on the channel recently, Princess Peach is an absolute unsung hero in that title. Her hover mechanic is incredible for platforming, and she completely changes the way you navigate the game. So no, the Western Super Mario Bros. 2 is definitely not the worst.
But that got me thinking: what actually are the worst games in the mainline Mario franchise? I decided to put together my bottom three, but with two very strict caveats.
First, I had to have actually played the game. This means notorious CD-i garbage like Hotel Mario or educational spin-offs like Mario Is Missing are disqualified.
Second, I am leaving RPGs completely off this list. It is no secret that the Role-Playing Game genre is simply not for me. Because I actively avoid RPGs, it wouldn't be a fair or objective critique to drag games like Super Mario RPG or Paper Mario into this conversation.
So, looking strictly at the platforming and action titles, here are the three worst Super Mario games ever produced.
3. Mario Bros. (Arcade / NES)
Believe it or not, I really do not like the original Mario Bros. I almost put the classic Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. on this list too, because the truth is, I am just not a big fan of original, single-screen arcade games.
The gameplay loop of Mario Bros. is incredibly boring and repetitive. You are just bumping the floor, kicking crabs and turtles, and doing the exact same thing over and over again as the speed increases. When introducing my youngest daughter to beginner-friendly titles to spark a love for gaming, this is definitely not the starting point. It lacks the exploration, the vibrant world-building, and the satisfying physics that define what a Mario game should be. It might be historically significant, but it is a chore to play today.
2. Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Famicom Disk System)
While I completely disagree with Christopher Whipler about the Western Super Mario Bros. 2, I absolutely agree that the original Japanese sequel is a massive disappointment. Known here in the States as The Lost Levels, this was the true Super Mario Bros. 2 released for the Famicom Disk System in Japan. You can easily play it today on the Nintendo Switch Online service, but honestly, you might want to save your sanity.
Part of the problem is that visually and mechanically, it is just more of the exact same. If this were released today, it would just be considered a frustrating DLC map pack. But the real issue is the cruelty of the level design. The game is unnecessarily punishing. It requires you to take blind leaps of faith over massive open gaps where you have absolutely no idea if you are going to land on a platform or fall into a bottomless pit. It relies on trial-and-error memorization rather than actual skill or reflexes. It takes the brilliant foundation of the first game and makes it entirely devoid of joy.
1. Super Mario Sunshine (GameCube)
This is it. For me, Super Mario Sunshine is the absolute worst mainline Mario game ever produced. I know this game has a cult following, but I simply cannot stand it.
The biggest offender here is the controls. I absolutely despised the FLUDD (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device) mechanics. Strapping a water jetpack to Mario completely ruined the tight, precision platforming the series is known for. Instead of a fun 3D platformer, it felt like a frustrating chore. Add in a heavily convoluted story with voice acting that felt completely out of place, and you have an experience that is far more frustrating than it is fun.
Honorable Mention: I almost put the original Super Mario Land for the Game Boy on this list. The controls in that game are incredibly slippery, Mario slides all over the place, and the physics just feel completely wrong. Much like Sunshine, it just doesn't feel like it fits with the rest of the traditional Super Mario series.
The RoXolid Reality Check
These are just my personal thoughts and gripes with a franchise I otherwise love. We all have those games that just rub us the wrong way mechanically or conceptually.
I want to hear from YOU in the comments:
What is your absolute LEAST favorite Mario game of all time?
#SuperMario #Nintendo #RetroGaming #SuperMarioSunshine #HotTakes #GamingDiscussion #NES #GameCube #MarioBros #LostLevels #SuperMarioBros2 #NintendoSwitchOnline #FamicomDiskSystem #RoXolidProductions #ClassicGaming #VideoGameHistory #SpringOnShorts
I will fully admit that I have some hot takes when it comes to video games that are quite a bit different from the mainstream consensus. Sometimes you just have to look at beloved franchises with a critical eye. Recently, I came across a post on X (formerly Twitter) from a user named Christopher Whipler. He posted a picture of Super Mario Bros. 2 (the Western release) with the caption: "Worst Mario game ever, but I know you played it. Who did you pick?"
First of all, I strongly disagree with that original post. Super Mario Bros. 2 is not a bad game. In fact, as we’ve discussed on the channel recently, Princess Peach is an absolute unsung hero in that title. Her hover mechanic is incredible for platforming, and she completely changes the way you navigate the game. So no, the Western Super Mario Bros. 2 is definitely not the worst.
But that got me thinking: what actually are the worst games in the mainline Mario franchise? I decided to put together my bottom three, but with two very strict caveats.
First, I had to have actually played the game. This means notorious CD-i garbage like Hotel Mario or educational spin-offs like Mario Is Missing are disqualified.
Second, I am leaving RPGs completely off this list. It is no secret that the Role-Playing Game genre is simply not for me. Because I actively avoid RPGs, it wouldn't be a fair or objective critique to drag games like Super Mario RPG or Paper Mario into this conversation.
So, looking strictly at the platforming and action titles, here are the three worst Super Mario games ever produced.
3. Mario Bros. (Arcade / NES)
Believe it or not, I really do not like the original Mario Bros. I almost put the classic Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. on this list too, because the truth is, I am just not a big fan of original, single-screen arcade games.
The gameplay loop of Mario Bros. is incredibly boring and repetitive. You are just bumping the floor, kicking crabs and turtles, and doing the exact same thing over and over again as the speed increases. When introducing my youngest daughter to beginner-friendly titles to spark a love for gaming, this is definitely not the starting point. It lacks the exploration, the vibrant world-building, and the satisfying physics that define what a Mario game should be. It might be historically significant, but it is a chore to play today.
2. Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Famicom Disk System)
While I completely disagree with Christopher Whipler about the Western Super Mario Bros. 2, I absolutely agree that the original Japanese sequel is a massive disappointment. Known here in the States as The Lost Levels, this was the true Super Mario Bros. 2 released for the Famicom Disk System in Japan. You can easily play it today on the Nintendo Switch Online service, but honestly, you might want to save your sanity.
Part of the problem is that visually and mechanically, it is just more of the exact same. If this were released today, it would just be considered a frustrating DLC map pack. But the real issue is the cruelty of the level design. The game is unnecessarily punishing. It requires you to take blind leaps of faith over massive open gaps where you have absolutely no idea if you are going to land on a platform or fall into a bottomless pit. It relies on trial-and-error memorization rather than actual skill or reflexes. It takes the brilliant foundation of the first game and makes it entirely devoid of joy.
1. Super Mario Sunshine (GameCube)
This is it. For me, Super Mario Sunshine is the absolute worst mainline Mario game ever produced. I know this game has a cult following, but I simply cannot stand it.
The biggest offender here is the controls. I absolutely despised the FLUDD (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device) mechanics. Strapping a water jetpack to Mario completely ruined the tight, precision platforming the series is known for. Instead of a fun 3D platformer, it felt like a frustrating chore. Add in a heavily convoluted story with voice acting that felt completely out of place, and you have an experience that is far more frustrating than it is fun.
Honorable Mention: I almost put the original Super Mario Land for the Game Boy on this list. The controls in that game are incredibly slippery, Mario slides all over the place, and the physics just feel completely wrong. Much like Sunshine, it just doesn't feel like it fits with the rest of the traditional Super Mario series.
The RoXolid Reality Check
These are just my personal thoughts and gripes with a franchise I otherwise love. We all have those games that just rub us the wrong way mechanically or conceptually.
I want to hear from YOU in the comments:
What is your absolute LEAST favorite Mario game of all time?
#SuperMario #Nintendo #RetroGaming #SuperMarioSunshine #HotTakes #GamingDiscussion #NES #GameCube #MarioBros #LostLevels #SuperMarioBros2 #NintendoSwitchOnline #FamicomDiskSystem #RoXolidProductions #ClassicGaming #VideoGameHistory #SpringOnShorts
