The 90s were a golden era for gaming, especially for fans of classic Mario games. From the NES to the SNES and the leap to 3D on the Nintendo 64, Mario starred in some of the most iconic titles of the decade. These games not only defined the best Mario experiences but also helped shape the future of gaming itself.
Let’s explore the best 90s Mario games ranked in order. We’ll highlight what made each title special and why they’re still loved today. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to retro Nintendo games, this list has something for everyone who loves 90s Mario nostalgia.
The Table of Contents
A Look Back at the Best 90s Mario Games
Super Mario RPG – SNES (1996)
Super Mario RPG was well-received upon its release, with its unique gameplay and rich story. This game introduced a lot of gamers to the RPG genre and is still remembered as one of the
best SNES RPGs.
The game was created by a strong partnership in the gaming industry. It was developed by Square Enix and Nintendo, two well-known power houses in the video game industry.
This game is a large RPG set in the Mario universe. It was made by the talented team behind Final Fantasy. You can expect a lot from such an exciting idea.
Super Mario RPG transformed one of gaming's most famous characters, Mario, into the hero of a timeless role-playing adventure. As per usual, the story belongs with our beloved princess being kidnapped yet again by Bowser.
However, there is a catch. Mario starts a daring rescue mission but faces an unexpected challenge: a talking sword. This sword sticks itself in Koopa's fortress and becomes a key part of the game.
Super Mario 64 – N64 (1996)
Within the open-world genre, there’s always a push and pull between making a game-world vast and making it have more things for the player to do. Now and then, a game manages to nail that
balance.
Super Mario 64 changed the way 3D games were made and was praised for its open-world design and intuitive controls. Super Mario 64 set new standards for 3D platformers with its engaging gameplay and exploration elements, and instantly became one of the best N64 games.
Seeing the world of Mario realized in its full 3D glory is breathtaking to behold and as long-time Mario fans, it was incredibly compelling for us to go explore different areas and uncover hidden secrets.
What lies beyond that wall? What if I could get to that one point on top of that ledge? What would I see if I crossed this valley? Mario 64 is a game that encourages and rewards curiosity and exploration – a hallmark of good adventure games.
Mario can do many new moves besides running and jumping. He can perform punch and kick combos, fly, swim, sweep enemies off their feet, make a dash jump, and do a dive bomb attack. There are other moves to discover as you'll certainly enjoy this magical journey.
Super Mario Bros. 3 – NES (1990)
A common idea on this list is that the classic Mario games are of high quality. Super Mario Bros 3 on NES is still recognized as one of the best NES Nintendo games from the 1990s. Super Mario Bros 2
is one of those games that shows a developer and a franchise that confident about their craft and are finding new avenues to wow and enthrall audiences.
Super Mario Bros 3 was a huge hit, noted for its fun gameplay and imaginative level design. It was appreciated for its variety and creativity, showcasing what the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) could do.
Across its 8 worlds and 70+ levels, you’ll run, jump, bounce off Goombas and cross fiery chasms just to get to the princess. One reason this game is popular is because it has many different activities. You can jump on platforms, scroll through levels, solve puzzles, and swim.
One of the levels even has gigantic versions of all the enemies you’ve faced earlier in the game. As is tradition with a Mario game – there are plenty of hidden paths, shortcuts and pipes that lead down and up into parts of the world that you won’t expect.
Super Mario World – SNES (1990)
You know what the hallmark of a great game is, first and foremost? It should be enjoyable! And Super Mario World is a ton of fun. Super Mario World is not just a standout among classic Mario
games; Overall, Super Mario World ranks as one of the top 1990's Nintendo games.
Super Mario World became one of the top-selling games for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and many still consider it one of the greatest games ever made. The introduction of Yoshi brought something new to the gaming franchise.
Super Mario World was a shining beacon in the 16-bit era – A Mario game that was bigger, better and more beautiful than anything that had come before it. You’re still following the lovestruck plumber’s side-scrolling adventures to get to the princess, but now you have a companion – Yoshi, the adorable dinosaur who can swallow enemies and spit fire.
Also, Mario can fly in this game with a glide jump that allows you to travel significant distances. This game offers a well-designed experience. The levels are great, and the gameplay is challenging. You will want to play Super Mario World again even after you complete it.
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island – SNES (1995)
Super Mario World 2 is as close to platforming perfection as you can probably get. Shigeru Miyamoto – a man who has changed many different genres of gaming, from Legend of Zelda first game,
F-Zero and Donkey Kong, is the man behind Yoshi’s island. And it shows with its colorful visuals, creative gameplay mechanics, and engaging levels.
Creating a fun platformer only requires the game to excel within a pre-existing formula. Despite these challenges, a skilled developer can craft a fun experience that stands out as one of the best in its category.
Yoshi's Island stands out from many other Mario games from the 90s because it lets you play as Yoshi. This was a big surprise for many kids and made the game special. As you explore the colorful, hand-painted world as a friendly dinosaur, you will enjoy some precise platforming challenges along the way. Get this game today and see why it's one of the best 1990's Nintendo games.
The Retro Wrap-Up on the Best 90s Super Mario Games
Did we miss any particular titles? Do you agree with our list? What are some of your favorite Mario games or childhood Mario memories? Let us know in the comments below!
And if you’ve still got your old SNES games collecting dust, we’ll take them off your hands! Visit our SNES trade-in page to get top-dollar cash offers for your retro classics.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Mario game came out in the 90s?
- Several Mario games were released in the 1990s, including:
- Super Mario World (1990)
- Super Mario Kart (1992)
- Super Mario RPG (1996)
- Super Mario 64 (1996).
What was the Mario game in 1991?
- In 1991, Nintendo NES Open Tournament Golf, and Yoshi both for the NES.
What was the Mario game in 1993?
- In 1993, Nintendo released Super Mario All-Stars for the SNES — a compilation of earlier Mario titles with enhanced 16-bit graphics and sound.
- Mario is Missing was also released on both the Super Nitendo & Nintendo NES
- Mario's Time Machine & Yoshi's Safari were both released on the Super NIntendo
What was the game of the year in 1993?
- Game of the Year awards in 1993 varied by outlet, but notable titles included Mortal Kombat & NBA Jam.
Who is the LGBTQ character in Mario?
- Birdo is often considered Nintendo’s first LGBTQ+ character. In early manuals, Birdo was described as a male character who believes they are female, sparking discussions around gender identity in gaming.
Who is Mario and Luigi's girlfriend?
- Mario’s girlfriend is Princess Peach, while Luigi has been romantically linked to Princess Daisy in various games and spin-offs.
What was Super Mario originally called?
- Super Mario was originally part of the arcade game Donkey Kong (1981), where he was simply known as “Jumpman” before being renamed Mario.
