Gaming News

In Honor of Mario’s 40th Anniversary, Here Are 5 Mario Co-Op Games To Play This Weekend

On Sep 12, 2025 6:00 pm, by NuclearCoffee

September 13, 2025, marks the 40th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros. franchise. Why not celebrate this landmark date with some Mario co-op this weekend? Jump into a classic arcade title with Mario, Luigi, and their friends (and enemies), or explore some of the newer offerings currently available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. There’s Mario-themed co-op games out there in practically every genre, from adventure to platforming to sports, kart racing and more, so there’s definitely something for everyone.

Mario Kart World

One of the newest co-op titles starring Mario and co., Mario Kart World debuted alongside the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 console earlier in 2025. Players can challenge one another to races across a variety of tracks or simply hang out in Free Roam mode, which offers a massive world to explore. Plus, there are tons of exciting speed- and technique-based challenges to find around the world. There’s no better way to celebrate Mario’s anniversary than with a race — or two, or three, or even more. Just don’t forget to pick up a delicious snack along the way at one of the many drive-up restaurants available around the game’s world.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

The September 12, 2025, Nintendo Direct broadcast revealed that Super Mario Bros. Wonder will be getting a Switch 2 edition complete with new content, including a multiplayer-focused area called Bellabel Park. Unfortunately, the updated Switch 2 edition of the game won’t be coming out until Spring 2026, but that doesn’t mean that players can’t enjoy some Wonder-ful co-op together this weekend. Explore the colorful and exciting new kingdom and all the strange effects its levels feature while playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder with friends and family.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Systems

Released: October 20, 2023
ESRB: e
Developer(s): Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Engine: ModuleSystem engine

Super Mario Bros. 3

No Mario co-op weekend would be complete without a blast from the past in the form of a classic multiplayer Mario experience. While there have been many games over the years that see two players teaming up to control Mario and Luigi, Super Mario Bros. 3 is consistently hailed as one of the best. It introduced several now-iconic elements of the Mario franchise, such as an overworld map, and saw the debut of recurring enemies like the Koopalings. Any of the classic Mario games are great for a nostalgic co-op throwback, but Super Mario Bros. 3 does it best.

Super Mario Bros. 3

Systems

Released: October 23, 1988
ESRB: e
Developer(s): Nintendo R&D4
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Engine: Miyamoto’s
Multiplayer: Local Multiplayer

Mario Tennis Aces

It’s great playing collaborative co-op with a friend or family member — but it’s also great to challenge them to a friendly (or not-so-friendly) sports match. Players can let their competitive sides loose in the many Mario-centric sports games released throughout the year. But, as the Mario Tennis series will be returning soon with a new title, Mario Tennis Fever, for the Nintendo Switch 2, players could spend this weekend brushing up on their tennis skills in the previous title, Mario Tennis Aces. Fever is going to spice up tennis gameplay with new moves, rackets with a wide variety of unique effects, and an all-new Adventure mode, so interested players should definitely get some Mario Tennis practice in before the game releases.

Mario Tennis Aces

Systems

7/10

Released: April 20, 2020
ESRB: e
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Engine: Proprietary Engine

Super Mario Maker 2

Finally, players can finish off a weekend filled with Mario-themed co-op experiences by creating their own levels in Super Mario Maker 2. Players can work together with friends and family to design levels collaboratively, or they can create levels on their own and then challenge one another to complete them. There’s no better way to celebrate 40 years of fun and games with Mario and co. than by being creative and sharing that creativity with one another, and making levels in Super Mario Maker 2 is an awesome way to do that.