Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
People constantly debate the perfect Star Wars watch order (and let's be real, it's 4, 5, 6, then 1, 2, 3—we really don't need to talk about the rest of the movies). But as a gamer parent, the question I get asked even more often is: "What is the right order to introduce my kids to the Super Mario series?"
It’s a fantastic question. Mario is the ultimate gateway to the world of video games, but with a franchise that spans decades and features dozens of incredible titles, there are a lot of different options out there. Where do you even begin so your kids don't get frustrated and give up?
The best part about this list? You don't need to hunt down dusty original consoles, untangle old wires, or buy expensive retro hardware. Every single game we are talking about today is easily accessible and ready to be played right now on the Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Switch 2. Let's dive into the three absolute best Mario games to start your kids' gaming journey!
1. Super Mario 3D World
Up first is an absolute gem of a platformer: Super Mario 3D World. When transitioning kids into 3D spaces, the camera can be their biggest enemy. 3D World completely fixes this with a brilliant fixed camera and colorful, engaging level design. It features incredible music, a fantastic roster of characters, and it's just a top-tier game from start to finish.
But the real reason this is the perfect introduction is the multiplayer co-op mechanics. If you have a younger kid who is struggling to make a jump or getting overwhelmed by enemies, you can literally pick up their character and carry them safely through the level! This is exactly how my youngest and I played hundreds of hours of this game together. It completely removes the frustration of tricky platforming and lets them just enjoy the magic of playing alongside you.
2. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Up next, we are going old school, but don't worry—you just need the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) app to play it. It’s Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins originally for the Game Boy (which is actually the gameplay you are seeing playing above me right now).
You might be wondering why a classic Game Boy game made the cut. While Super Mario World is my personal favorite video game of all time, the controls can be a little complex for an absolute beginner. Super Mario Land 2 gives you that incredible, classic Super Mario World feel, but it strips the controls down to just two buttons. It is incredibly accessible for tiny hands learning to hold and master a controller. Plus, the level design is brilliant but much more basic, straightforward, and linear than modern titles. There is far less confusion about where to go or what to do next, allowing kids to simply focus on the joy of running, jumping, and exploring.
3. Super Mario Bros. 3
Finally, we have the ultimate classic. While Super Mario World holds my heart, I truly believe Super Mario Bros. 3 on the NES (also available via Nintendo Switch Online) is the absolute best 2D place to start your kids off in the Super Mario universe.
You might be wondering, "Why not start at the very beginning with Super Mario Bros. 1 or 2?" Honestly, in a lot of ways, Super Mario Bros. 3 is more forgiving and easier for a newcomer to grasp. I actually didn't beat the original Super Mario Bros. until about four or five years ago—it is a much harder and more punishing game than it gets credit for!
Super Mario Bros. 3, however, introduces the world map, phenomenal power-ups like the Super Leaf, and incredibly tight gameplay mechanics. Once again, they only need to worry about two buttons to play. It is a masterpiece of game design that teaches kids the language of platforming naturally. I guarantee that if you start them here, they will be set up for a lifetime of gaming success.
What do you think? Did I miss your favorite childhood Mario game? Let me know down in the comments what game you used to introduce your kids to the world of gaming!
#SuperMario #NintendoSwitch #GamingWithKids #Parenting #RetroGaming #Mario3DWorld #SuperMarioBros3 #Nintendo
People constantly debate the perfect Star Wars watch order (and let's be real, it's 4, 5, 6, then 1, 2, 3—we really don't need to talk about the rest of the movies). But as a gamer parent, the question I get asked even more often is: "What is the right order to introduce my kids to the Super Mario series?"
It’s a fantastic question. Mario is the ultimate gateway to the world of video games, but with a franchise that spans decades and features dozens of incredible titles, there are a lot of different options out there. Where do you even begin so your kids don't get frustrated and give up?
The best part about this list? You don't need to hunt down dusty original consoles, untangle old wires, or buy expensive retro hardware. Every single game we are talking about today is easily accessible and ready to be played right now on the Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Switch 2. Let's dive into the three absolute best Mario games to start your kids' gaming journey!
1. Super Mario 3D World
Up first is an absolute gem of a platformer: Super Mario 3D World. When transitioning kids into 3D spaces, the camera can be their biggest enemy. 3D World completely fixes this with a brilliant fixed camera and colorful, engaging level design. It features incredible music, a fantastic roster of characters, and it's just a top-tier game from start to finish.
But the real reason this is the perfect introduction is the multiplayer co-op mechanics. If you have a younger kid who is struggling to make a jump or getting overwhelmed by enemies, you can literally pick up their character and carry them safely through the level! This is exactly how my youngest and I played hundreds of hours of this game together. It completely removes the frustration of tricky platforming and lets them just enjoy the magic of playing alongside you.
2. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Up next, we are going old school, but don't worry—you just need the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) app to play it. It’s Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins originally for the Game Boy (which is actually the gameplay you are seeing playing above me right now).
You might be wondering why a classic Game Boy game made the cut. While Super Mario World is my personal favorite video game of all time, the controls can be a little complex for an absolute beginner. Super Mario Land 2 gives you that incredible, classic Super Mario World feel, but it strips the controls down to just two buttons. It is incredibly accessible for tiny hands learning to hold and master a controller. Plus, the level design is brilliant but much more basic, straightforward, and linear than modern titles. There is far less confusion about where to go or what to do next, allowing kids to simply focus on the joy of running, jumping, and exploring.
3. Super Mario Bros. 3
Finally, we have the ultimate classic. While Super Mario World holds my heart, I truly believe Super Mario Bros. 3 on the NES (also available via Nintendo Switch Online) is the absolute best 2D place to start your kids off in the Super Mario universe.
You might be wondering, "Why not start at the very beginning with Super Mario Bros. 1 or 2?" Honestly, in a lot of ways, Super Mario Bros. 3 is more forgiving and easier for a newcomer to grasp. I actually didn't beat the original Super Mario Bros. until about four or five years ago—it is a much harder and more punishing game than it gets credit for!
Super Mario Bros. 3, however, introduces the world map, phenomenal power-ups like the Super Leaf, and incredibly tight gameplay mechanics. Once again, they only need to worry about two buttons to play. It is a masterpiece of game design that teaches kids the language of platforming naturally. I guarantee that if you start them here, they will be set up for a lifetime of gaming success.
What do you think? Did I miss your favorite childhood Mario game? Let me know down in the comments what game you used to introduce your kids to the world of gaming!
#SuperMario #NintendoSwitch #GamingWithKids #Parenting #RetroGaming #Mario3DWorld #SuperMarioBros3 #Nintendo
