5 Super Mario Sports Games We Want in 2023

What started out as a simple spin-off series eventually transitioned into a kingdom of its own, making the beloved plumber a jack-of-all-trades of the gaming world. Karting drifted into soccer, and soccer soon shuffled into the Olympics, causing the snowball to develop into a planet-sized treasure trove of video game hits. Now, Super Mario possesses the keys to venture down any route without consequences, making his franchise not only incredibly flexible—but an impenetrable force without limits.

Thinking about the number of routes Nintendo could very well take with Super Mario does, of course, pique our interest, and very much gives us reason to rant and rave about what could be. And on that note, we'll spill the beans on the five sports we personally believe would make fitting accessories in the sporting chain. If you can let us know your thoughts on what would suit the Super Mario spin-off series, feel free to let us know down in the comments below.

5. Mountain Biking

Nintendo did, of course, once insert a cycling mini-game into its 2012 Olympics chapter, though it was whittled down to an elementary circuit race and nothing more. But as far as fleshed out biking goes—mountain biking included—the red and white kingmaker has yet to scratch the surface, meaning a lot of potential currently sits eagerly on the line without a green light to ignite it.

Picture Mario Kart, but with downhill courses packed full of obstacles, narrow passes, and high-octane declines. That, to us, is award-winning material, and it makes us wonder why Nintendo has yet to delve into such a concept and churn out the gold. But perhaps, with a little nudge in the right direction, the wheels could be put in motion, so to speak. One can only hope, anyway.

4. Ice Hockey

Like the cycling mini-game that featured in the 2012 Olympics, ice hockey did actually make an appearance in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. Again, it was a watered-down version of what could have been, with only a watery pool of features as opposed to the whole ice sculpture. Though, with the sport only having an immense popularity in certain countries, it does explain why Nintendo has yet to explore it with a global audience.

Should Nintendo ever decide to carve up a standalone ice hockey chapter under the Super Mario banner, then we can only hope that it closely resembles the physics as seen in the Mario Strikers series. If it comes within spitting distance of it, then it'll be on for a winner, no questions asked. But then, that's a decision for Nintendo to make, should they ever cross that gold-plated bridge.

3. Basketball

Okay. so we'll happily sing Mario Sports Mix‘s praises, as it was a pretty great game for its time. Although not quite on par with the universally acclaimed NBA series, its basketball mini-game was definitely a shining highlight in the catalog. The only problem was, well, it wasn't enough to quench the thirsts of the millions of players who enjoyed it. It was bite-sized, and fans longed for something a little meatier.

Fast-forward to 2022, and our views haven't changed all that much. There is definitely an itch that deserves to be scratched, and we know all too well how deep Nintendo's nails can pry if push comes to shove. Basketball deserves more screen time, especially if it is to follow the same style as the aforementioned Mario Strikers saga. Hint, hint, Nintendo.

2. Wrestling

It goes without saying that a Super Mario wrestling spin-off would garner a serious amount of hype. Though, to our utmost surprise, a video game of such an idea was actually in the works once upon a time. Without the leak that popped up in 2014, we never would've even known about the world that would have been Super Mario Spikers, a wrestling entry that eventually met an unfortunate demise in 2007.

Although the concept was already in the pipeline, Nintendo did unfortunately decide to cut ties by 2007. After just two years of development, the ambitious wrestling chapter was sent out to pasture. Something about it being a little too violent, or something along those those lines. Swings and roundabouts, for sure, but we certainly know a few million people that would give a left leg for such a spin-off to come to fruition.

1. Mario at The X Games

Maybe it's just us, but we can't help but think that an X Games collaboration would bode ridiculously well with Mario fans. Where the series has already tried and succeeded in the Olympics, it would be intriguing to see a new ocean explored—one that boasts a number of extreme sports that dare to go beyond the norm. And that doesn't just apply to mountain biking, but everything that the celebrated event hosts on an annual basis.

Besides biking, The X Games also houses sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross. Picturing these in a familiar collection like the 2012 Olympics seems like an 18 karat gold system for both extreme sports and handheld fanatics alike. Will it ever come to pass? I mean, we wouldn't turn our noses up at it if given the opportunity to play it. No pressure, Nintendo.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.