Super Mario is the series that had the most successful and smoothest transition from 2D to 3D with Super Mario 64. Released as a launch title in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, Super Mario 64 was the most anticipated game for the release of the new system and went on to become the best-selling game for the system.
Nintendo picked up their ball of success and ran to the end zone with it. Each new console following the Nintendo 64 received a 3D Super Mario title, each with its unique gimmicks, delightful music, and a host of wonderfully bright and colorful levels.
6 Cosmic Cove Galaxy
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Super Mario Galaxy 2, the sequel to the highly popular Super Mario Galaxy, took the world by storm on the Nintendo Wii in 2010. Once again, Bowser has kidnaped Peach and must rescue her by collecting the power stars.
A vast range of fantastic galaxies and planets are waiting for players to discover and explore them. None of these stand out quite like Cosmic Cove Galaxy. Filled with water that players can freeze to skate upon and caverns to explore, Cosmic Cove Galaxy is a great level that just also happens to be home to many penguins, a staple of the 3D Super Mario games.
5 Sirena Beach
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Super Mario Sunshine was the only 3D Super Mario title the GameCube console received. Released in 2002, Super Mario Sunshine took Mario and his friends on a holiday to the tropical Isle Delfino. Unfortunately, Mario's brother Luigi was not able to join the trip as he was moving into his new mansion.
One of the most beautiful locations in all of Mario's history, Sirena Beach is a luxurious getaway with beautiful sunsets; based on Italian and Spanish holiday destinations with a central focus on Hotel Delfino. Exploring the beachfront and hotel interior, along with its casino, genuinely feels like a virtual break away from it all, made to be that bit more special by being able to enjoy it alongside Mario and his friends.
4 The Great Goal Pole
Super Mario 3D World truly took the 2D Mario games and brought their look and feel into the 3D landscape. Missed by many due to the game initially releasing on the Wii U in 2013, Super Mario 3D World received a re-release for the more popular console, the Nintendo Switch, in 2021.
The Great Goal Pole stands out among the crowd with its unique mechanic players came face to face with upon first playing the level. Looking at first like a straightforward level, players will soon discover it is anything but. On approaching the goal pole, the initial shock when the pole sprouts wings and begins to move away from the player is a moment to bring a smile to Mario fans' faces. Chasing down the pole is a brilliant twist on the standard Mario level and one of the most memorable moments in the series' history.
3 Freezeflame Galaxy
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Super Mario Galaxy came to the Nintendo Wii console in 2007, and gamers were able to relive the fun all over in the 2020 Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection for Nintendo Switch. A unique title compared to what had come before, Super Mario Galaxy utilized the Wii remote in creative ways to enhance players' experience when exploring the galaxy.
Freezeflame Galaxy really shone in its one-of-a-kind mechanic requiring the use of both fire flower and ice flower to progress through the stage. A chill may run down players' spines with the excellent cold wind sound effects used to create a cold and icy ambiance throughout. Bonus points for being another level housing one of the lovable 3D Mario penguins.
2 Metro Kingdom
The Nintendo Switch is one of Nintendo's most loved and popular consoles; the hybrid nature of handheld and home consoles sat well with gamers upon release. No Nintendo can go without a Mario title, and for the Switch, Super Mario Odyssey is that game. A semi-open world title with many Easter eggs and nods to Mario's history throughout, Super Mario Odyssey cemented itself as a fan favorite very quickly.
Metro Kingdom is the place to be, a vibrant swinging city that gives off Super Mario Bros The Movie vibes and has a whole ton of Easter eggs to find. One of the most epic moments in the entire game is the fight with Donkey Kong in Metro City, which is a homage to the original Donkey Kong game from 1981. A truly wonderful urban landscape to explore and uncover secrets in.
1 Bob-Omb Battlefield
Super Mario 64 kicked off the 3D Mario series and set the bar extremely high. As the best-selling game on the Nintendo 64, this launch title was a must-have for any owner of the system. From rumors of an unlockable Luigi to a Japan-only special edition, Super Mario 64 is one of the all-time videogame greats.
The music, the visuals, and the star quests are some factors in making Bob-Omb Battlefield not only the best stage in Super Mario 64 but one of the best Mario levels of all time. Being the first stage, Bob-Omb Battlefield taught players everything they needed to know about Mario's new 3D mechanics and abilities in genius level design and carefully structured missions. A phenomenal lesson in level design and one that has not been matched or topped to this day.