Super Mario Odyssey review

Super Mario Odyssey is the most approachable great game on Switch. Nintendo's page describes a globe-trotting 3D adventure where Mario and his new ally Cappy collect Power Moons to power the Odyssey airship. Cappy is the hook: Mario can throw him to capture and control enemies, objects and animals, which changes how each kingdom plays. A second player can take a Joy-Con and control Cappy while player one controls Mario, which suits a parent helping a child. Nintendo lists a free Switch 2 update with visuals optimized for higher-resolution screens and HDR support, and GameShare so two people can play together locally or online over GameChat. The drawbacks are age and price. It came out in October 2017 and still costs $59.99, and the two-player mode is lighter than true co-op. For a feel-good game that almost anyone can enjoy, it remains one of the safest buys on the system.

Who it is for

Players of any age who want a bright, polished platformer, and parents who want to play alongside a child.

Price

$59.99 one-time digital purchase on the US Nintendo eShop.

Super Mario Odyssey™ Regular Price: $59.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Capture and control enemies, objects and animals with Cappy
• Collect Power Moons across many kingdoms
• Two-player mode: one player is Mario, the other controls Cappy
• Free Switch 2 update with improved image quality and HDR
• GameShare on Switch 2, locally or online through GameChat

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Easy to start, with plenty of hidden collectibles for experienced players
• Strength: A second player can help by controlling Cappy
• Strength: Free Switch 2 update improves visuals
• Weakness: Two-player mode is lighter co-op, not a full second character
• Weakness: Released in 2017, so it is the oldest game here
• Weakness: Full price at $59.99 despite its age

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo
• Released: October 27, 2017
• Players: 1-2
• eShop price: $59.99

Where it ranks

Super Mario Odyssey is No. 4 in our Best Nintendo Switch Games verdict and No. 8 in Best Video Games of All Time.