SwitchMar 10, 2026

Best Games Like Mario: 10 Platformers That Nail The Same Magic

Looking for games like Mario? Here are 10 top platformers, from Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze and Kirby to Astro Bot, Rayman Legends, and Crash 4.

Best Games Like Mario Games Similar to Mario Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze Kirby and the Forgotten Land Astro Bot Rayman Legends

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Mar 10, 2026

Best Games Like Mario: 10 Platformers That Nail The Same Magic

Best Games Like Mario Hero — If Mario is your comfort zone, these games deliver the same joy with their own flavor of chaos.

Finished another Mario run and now everything else feels... less bouncy?
Understandable.

If you want that same mix of tight controls, clever level design, and "just one more level" momentum, this list is for you.

These are the best games like Mario, ranked by platforming quality, creativity, charm, and replay value.

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What "Like Mario" Means For This Ranking

Games Like Mario Criteria — The best Mario-like games combine readable platforming, creative mechanics, and replayable fun.

For this ranking, strong picks needed at least three of these:

Tight platforming controls
Creative, readable level design
Strong visual/personality identity
Fun replay loop for completionists

So no, this is not just "games with jumping."
This is curated platforming excellence.

#10 Celeste

Celeste Like Mario — Celeste delivers precision platforming with elite level design and a powerful story core.

Celeste is harder than most Mario games, but the movement clarity is so good it never feels random.

If you love Mario for pure jump-control satisfaction, Celeste is a masterclass.

#9 Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Spyro Reignited Trilogy Like Mario — Spyro offers colorful 3D platforming with collectible-driven momentum and strong personality.

Spyro leans more exploration-heavy, but the feel is very Mario-adjacent: playful worlds, collectible loops, and clean movement flow.

Great pick if you want lighter tone + steady completion dopamine.

#8 Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania Like Mario — Sonic Mania channels classic platforming energy with speed-focused 2D mastery.

Sonic Mania is the best "classic-style Sonic done right" entry for many players.

It is faster and more momentum-driven than Mario, but still nails that polished, repeatable platforming joy.

#7 Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Sackboy A Big Adventure Like Mario — Sackboy blends co-op-friendly platforming with vibrant, toybox-level creativity.

Sackboy is one of the safest "Mario fans will probably love this" recommendations.

It is bright, creative, and built for co-op chaos without losing precision in solo play.

#6 Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair Like Mario — A strong modern 2.5D platformer with clever level states and old-school DNA.

Impossible Lair has clear Donkey Kong/Mario-era inspiration and uses it well.

Its level-state system keeps stages fresh, and the overall design feels like a love letter to classic platforming structure.

#5 Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

Crash Bandicoot 4 Like Mario — Crash 4 delivers high-precision platforming with modern visuals and serious challenge.

Crash 4 is tougher and more punishing than Mario, but mechanically excellent.

If you want platforming with high execution and big creative set pieces, this one absolutely delivers.

#4 Rayman Legends

Rayman Legends Like Mario — Rayman Legends is one of the strongest 2D platformers of the modern era.

Rayman Legends is pure platforming quality: inventive stages, tight pacing, and excellent co-op support.

It is one of the easiest recommendations on this list for any Mario fan.

#3 ASTRO BOT

Astro Bot Like Mario — Astro Bot captures Nintendo-style platforming creativity with premium modern polish.

ASTRO BOT feels like a giant celebration of 3D platformer design done right.

Responsive movement, playful mechanics, and constant stage variety make it one of the best modern "Mario-like" experiences available.

#2 Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land Like Mario — Kirby delivers approachable 3D platforming with Nintendo-level charm and polish.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is one of the strongest recent Nintendo platformers outside Mario itself.

It is accessible, polished, and creative enough to satisfy both casual and experienced players.

#1 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze Like Mario — Tropical Freeze is the closest all-around match to Mario-quality platforming brilliance.

Tropical Freeze takes #1 because it nails the essentials at an elite level:

Incredible level design
Tight movement and challenge balance
Great co-op value
Long-term replayability

If you want "Mario quality, different flavor," start here.

Quick Picks By Preference

Games Like Mario By Preference — Pick based on whether you want challenge, co-op, speed, or classic 2D mastery.

If you want:

Closest overall quality: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Best easy-to-love modern pick: Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Best 3D spectacle alternative: ASTRO BOT
Best hard precision platformer: Celeste
Best co-op platforming night: Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Pick by your favorite Mario feeling, not just mascot vibe.

Final Summary

No game copies Mario perfectly, and that is a good thing.

But these 10 absolutely capture the parts that matter most: crisp movement, creative levels, strong personality, and that addictive "run it again" loop.

You are not replacing Mario.
You are finding your next platforming comfort addiction.

By Aiden Nguyen

Senior Editor, Console Pulse

Images Credit

Official artwork, promotional assets, and in-game screenshots are credited to their respective publishers and rights holders, including Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Ubisoft, SEGA, Activision, Team17, and associated partners. Images are used for editorial coverage.