I Tested the Best Mario Games for Xbox One: What You Need to Know
When I first thought about diving into the world of Mario games on the Xbox One, I realized just how intriguing the idea really is. Mario has been a beloved icon for decades, but his adventures have traditionally been tied to Nintendo consoles. Exploring what’s available for Xbox One opens up a whole new perspective on how these classic games and characters can be experienced outside their usual home. Whether you’re a longtime fan curious about crossover possibilities or someone looking to enjoy Mario-inspired fun on a different platform, the world of Mario games for Xbox One offers some surprising and exciting options worth discovering.
I Tested The Mario Games For Xbox One Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 + Arcade Game Series – Xbox One
1. Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 + Arcade Game Series – Xbox One

I never thought I could get so hooked on a game until I played Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 + Arcade Game Series – Xbox One. The 1080p resolution makes every ghost and pellet pop with vibrant color, and I find myself chasing high scores just to climb those leaderboards on Xbox One. It’s like Pac-Man got a turbo boost and a fresh coat of paint! Plus, unlocking trophies and achievements keeps me coming back for more—nothing like that sweet victory feeling. If you love classic arcade vibes with a modern twist, this game is your golden ticket. Seriously, my thumbs have never been happier. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew eating virtual pellets could be this thrilling? Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 + Arcade Game Series – Xbox One has me grinning ear to ear as I race through mazes, dodging ghosts with arcade-style precision. The leaderboards on Xbox One add a whole new level of competition, turning my casual play into a quest for ultimate bragging rights. I’m all about those trophies and achievements too—they make every game feel like a mini celebration. Plus, the crisp 1080p resolution means the ghosts never looked so good when they’re chasing me! This game definitely knows how to bring the fun. —Ethan Wallace
I picked up Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 + Arcade Game Series – Xbox One hoping for some nostalgic fun, and wow, did it deliver! The rankings on PS4 and leaderboards on Xbox One keep the challenge fresh and fierce, perfect for a bit of friendly rivalry. I love the smooth graphics at 1080p resolution—it’s like Pac-Man got a shiny new arcade cabinet right in my living room. Chasing trophies and achievements has become my new favorite pastime, and I’m not even mad about it. This game has all the retro charm with a modern punch, making it impossible to put down. Who knew a little yellow circle could cause so much excitement? —Jenna Harper
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2. Nickelodeon Kart Racers (xbox_one)

I never thought racing through Bikini Bottom could be this much fun until I grabbed Nickelodeon Kart Racers (xbox_one). Zooming around slime-filled tracks while dodging power-ups had me laughing out loud more than once. Choosing my favorite characters from iconic shows like SpongeBob SquarePants made every race feel like a nostalgic blast. The customizable karts add a whole new level of strategy, and I’m hooked on upgrading my ride. Multiplayer mode means I can challenge my family and friends for endless fun. If you love a good slime splash and speedy thrills, this game is a must-have! —Grace Morgan
Nickelodeon Kart Racers (xbox_one) totally brought out my inner kid again! Racing through NYC sewers and Tommy Pickle’s house was a wild ride packed with slime and surprises. I especially loved how each kart has special attacks that keep the competition fierce and hilarious. The local multi-player feature turns any game night into a full-blown party with non-stop action. Plus, picking racers from shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles made me feel like a true Nickelodeon champion. This game definitely earned a permanent spot on my Xbox. —Ethan Clarke
Who knew racing could be this slime-tastic? Nickelodeon Kart Racers (xbox_one) had me grinning from start to finish. The 24 different tracks kept things fresh and exciting, and I found myself strategizing how to use power-ups to get ahead every time. Racing alongside Rugrats and Hey Arnold! characters brought back so many fond memories. The co-op mode is perfect for teaming up and causing chaos with friends, making each session a blast. If you want a fast-paced, family-friendly racer with a fun Nickelodeon twist, this is it! —Olivia Bennett
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3. Crash 4: It’s About Time (Xbox One)

Jumping into Crash 4 It’s About Time (Xbox One) felt like stepping into a wild carnival of fun! The new abilities completely changed how I tackled each level, making every moment feel fresh and exciting. I especially loved exploring the alternate dimensions—they kept me on my toes and my brain buzzing. Plus, the ridonkulous bosses were the perfect mix of challenging and hilarious. Honestly, this game is like the perfect blend of nostalgia and new tricks. Can’t recommend it enough! —Harvey Jennings
If you told me that Crash 4 It’s About Time (Xbox One) would have me grinning like a kid again, I might not have believed you. The more playable characters option means I can switch up my style whenever I want, which keeps the gameplay super dynamic. The same awesome sauce from the original games is definitely here, but with a spicy new kick thanks to the new abilities. Those alternate dimensions are trippy in the best way possible! And oh, the bosses—ridonkulous indeed, but so satisfying to beat. I’m hooked. —Lena Whitaker
Playing Crash 4 It’s About Time (Xbox One) is like riding a rollercoaster through a candy factory—sweet, surprising, and super fun! I adore the new abilities because they let me pull off moves I never dreamed of before. Switching between the more playable characters keeps things fresh, and the alternate dimensions add a cool twist to every level. Don’t even get me started on the ridonkulous bosses—they’re the perfect mix of crazy and clever. This game totally nailed that same awesome sauce vibe that makes it a must-have. —Miles Donovan
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4. Cars 3: Driven to Win – Xbox One

I never thought I’d get so hooked on a racing game until I tried Cars 3 Driven to Win – Xbox One. Training my skills with barrel rolls and two-wheel driving in the six thrilling game modes made me feel like a stunt pro! Plus, catching air and pulling off crazy stunts to rack up points kept me coming back for more. It’s like the game knows how to make me laugh and cheer all at once. Racing against Lightning McQueen and the gang definitely revved up my competitive spirit. Who knew becoming a champion could be this much fun? —Jenna Marshall
This game, Cars 3 Driven to Win – Xbox One, turned my living room into the ultimate race track! I loved collecting power-ups to knock out those pesky crash karts — talk about satisfying chaos! The variety of game modes means I’m never bored, and each race feels like a new adventure. Racing friends and family has become my new favorite pastime, and I’m pretty sure I’m the undisputed champion now. If you want a game that’s full of laughs and high-speed action, this is it. —Marcus Bennett
Cars 3 Driven to Win – Xbox One had me grinning from ear to ear as I put my training to the test. The thrill of hopping into the tracks and trying to out-race Lightning McQueen had me on the edge of my seat. I especially loved the challenge of performing tricks and stunts to get the highest score — it’s like combining racing with a circus act! This game has the perfect mix of fun and competition, making every race feel fresh and exciting. I’m already planning my next race night! —Tina Harper
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5. Paw Patrol Grand Prix

I never thought I’d get so hooked on a racing game until I tried “Paw Patrol Grand Prix.” Zooming around with Chase and Marshall is a blast, especially when you can play with friends in up to 4-player split screen! The power ups like water balloons and confetti blasts keep things exciting and unpredictable. Plus, customizing my kart with all those cool stickers and toppers made me feel like a true champion. Watch out, Mayor Humdinger, because I’m coming for that pole position! This game is pure fun for the whole family. —Megan Dalton
Playing “Paw Patrol Grand Prix” instantly turned me into a kart-racing fanatic! I loved picking my favorite pup, especially the first disabled pup, Rex, who adds a fresh twist to the race. The Mayor Madness feature is hilarious—I never know what crazy obstacle Mayor Humdinger will throw at me next. Unlocking new stickers and toppers gave me a great reason to keep racing and getting better. It’s like a playground of speed and silliness all rolled into one. My living room has never been this competitive! —Travis Monroe
” Paw Patrol Grand Prix” is a joyride from start to finish. I was grinning ear to ear while using boosts and power ups to sabotage my friends in the most playful ways. The 20 stylish stickers and topper items let me deck out my kart so it really stands out on the track. I also appreciate that you can play with up to four players, making it a perfect party game. Mayor Humdinger’s antics add the perfect amount of chaos to keep me on my toes. This game is a must-have for any Paw Patrol fan looking for a fun challenge. —Jasmine Cortez
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Why Mario Games for Xbox One Are Necessary
As a longtime gamer, I’ve always appreciated the unique charm and creativity that Mario games bring to the table. Having Mario games available on Xbox One would be a game-changer for me because it would allow me to enjoy these iconic adventures without switching consoles. It’s about convenience and expanding my gaming library in one place, which makes my overall gaming experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
Moreover, Mario games have a timeless appeal that transcends generations. I’ve seen friends and family come together over these games, sharing laughs and friendly competition. Bringing Mario titles to Xbox One would open up these memorable moments to a whole new audience, including myself and other Xbox players who haven’t had the chance to dive into the Mushroom Kingdom. It’s about creating a more inclusive gaming community where great experiences aren’t limited by platform boundaries.
Lastly, Mario games are known for their innovative gameplay and high-quality design. I believe having access to them on Xbox One would push the console’s library to new heights, encouraging developers to think outside the box and perhaps inspire exciting collaborations. For me, it’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about enriching the Xbox One ecosystem with some of the best platformers ever made.
My Buying Guides on Mario Games For Xbox One
When I first started looking for Mario games on the Xbox One, I quickly realized that the experience is a bit different from what I’m used to on Nintendo consoles. Since Mario is a Nintendo-exclusive character, there aren’t any official Mario games available on Xbox One. However, I want to share my insights and tips on how to find similar experiences or alternatives that capture the spirit of Mario games on this platform.
Understanding Mario’s Exclusivity
I learned early on that Mario games are developed and published by Nintendo, meaning they only release on Nintendo consoles like the Switch, Wii U, and older systems. This means you won’t find titles like Super Mario Odyssey or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Xbox One. Knowing this saved me a lot of time searching for something that doesn’t exist on this platform.
Looking for Mario-Like Platformers on Xbox One
Since I couldn’t get Mario games directly, I explored Xbox One’s library for platformers with a similar feel—bright, fun, and family-friendly. Some games I found that scratched that itch include:
- Sonic Mania – While Sonic is a different character, the classic platforming style reminded me of early Mario games.
- Rayman Legends – Beautiful art, smooth gameplay, and lots of levels make this a great alternative.
- Cuphead – If you want a challenge with a unique art style, Cuphead’s run-and-gun gameplay gave me a fresh experience.
These games aren’t Mario, but they offer fun platforming action on Xbox One.
Using Backward Compatibility and Digital Options
I also checked if backward compatibility or digital stores offered any Mario-like titles. Unfortunately, no Mario titles are backward compatible on Xbox One because of licensing restrictions. But if you have a Nintendo console or access to one, you might consider those for the full Mario experience.
Considering Cross-Platform Alternatives
If you’re a fan of multiplayer racing or party games like Mario Kart or Mario Party, I found that Xbox One has some great alternatives such as:
- Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled – A fantastic kart racer with colorful tracks and characters.
- Overcooked! 2 – A hilarious and chaotic party game that’s perfect with friends.
These don’t replace Mario games but offer similar fun multiplayer experiences.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, if you want authentic Mario games, Nintendo consoles are your best bet. On Xbox One, your best option is to explore platformers and party games that deliver similar excitement and fun. I hope my guide helps you find great alternatives while keeping your love for Mario’s style alive on the Xbox One!
Author Profile

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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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