If you grew up jumping on turtles, collecting coins, and rescuing princesses, you probably miss Mario every time you look at your phone. While Nintendo's iconic plumber has only appeared sporadically on Android, the reality is that there are Tons of platformers and runners inspired by Super Mario that's worth trying on your phone or tablet.
In this article we will calmly review The best games similar to Super Mario to download on AndroidMixing classic Mario Bros.-style titles with more modern 2D alternatives, Super Mario Run-style auto-runners, and even options to relive the original games through emulators. The idea is to give you a good selection of options so you don't miss Nintendo too much while you decide which world to jump into.
Super Bino Go and the return to classic platformers
There's a fine line between blatant copies and well-executed homages, and Super Bino Go falls squarely on the right side: it's a classic platforming that recaptures the essence of Mario It's reminiscent of old NES and Super Nintendo games, but with a design adapted for touchscreens. It's presented as a "retro" adventure that takes us back to our childhood with a timeless mission: to rescue a kidnapped princess.
In Super Bino Go we embody a hero who could be called Bino, Mario, Pop, Lep or Bob, depending on your preferred reference, but the idea is the same: we must explore islands filled with blocks, enemies, and impossible jumps until reaching the final castle to save the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom. The game boasts 8 themed islands with different environments (skies, aquatic areas, underground levels, etc.) that in total 145 Niveles, more than enough to keep you entertained for weeks.
At the end of each world, one of the following awaits us: 7 final bosses These are especially tough, acting as guardians of the next map, recreating that "castle and boss" feeling so characteristic of the early Mario games. The control system is very simple and designed to resemble that of a console: a virtual D-pad on the left and jump and ability buttons on the right, with a fairly fluid response and a clean interface.
Visually, the game opts for high-resolution graphics and a colorful styleWith enemies and settings instantly recognizable to any fan of the genre, the soundtrack and sound effects complement the action well without being intrusive. It's clear the game aims to be accessible to both children and adults seeking a dose of nostalgia.
Another point in favor is that Super Bino Go is free to play and requires no mandatory purchases.There are unlockable items and power-ups that can be purchased with in-game currency, but you're not forced to spend money to progress. Furthermore, it's optimized to run on both Android phones and tablets, which is a plus if you want to play on a larger screen.
To overcome the most difficult stages, the game offers three types of power-ups hidden in blocks or available with the coins we collect: the object that allows you grow and become bigger to withstand an extra blow, a power of fire that lets you launch projectiles at enemies and a temporary shield that protects your character for a few seconds. The mechanic is a clear reference to classic Mario power-ups, but with its own name and presentation.
Super Bino Go is updated regularly, and its creators use social networks such as Facebook and YouTube for publishing news and tutorialsThis also helps maintain a small community of players around it. If you're looking for a classic platformer that doesn't just mindlessly copy others, it's one of the best entry points on Android.
Classic Mario Bros clones on Android: Andrio's World, Super Jungle Adventures and Lep's World
Before Super Mario Run appeared on mobile phones, there were already quite a few on Android. games that more or less blatantly imitated Super Mario BrosMany of them were unplayable or even dangerous because they came loaded with malware, but among all that rubbish some proposals appeared that, without being perfect, do allow you to have a fun time remembering Nintendo.
One of those attempts is Andrio's WorldA platformer that presents itself unabashedly as a coin-collecting game in the purest Mario style. The aesthetic is very reminiscent of the original Super Mario Bros. levels, both in terms of colors and the shape of the blocks and the platform layout. At the bottom of the screen, we find the touch controls, with Arrows to the left to move the character and jump and crouch buttons on the right.
Andrio's World doesn't stand out for its groundbreaking design or variety, but it has one important detail: It is not saturated with aggressive advertisingThis makes playing short sessions enjoyable. It's one of those games you won't play for hours on end, but it's perfect for satisfying your gaming cravings with a distinctly Nintendo feel, without any major complications.
One step above visually is Super Jungle Adventures World (also known as Super Adventures World in some versions). In this game, the inspiration from the first Mario Bros. is very clear: we run to the right, jump on enemies, and when we get the typical flower, we can throw fireballs to clear the path. The end of each stage is marked by a bar or post very similar to the one we saw in the early Super Mario games and which was brought back in New Super Mario Bros for modern consoles.
One of the rules of this game is that We cannot go back. Once we progress through the level, something it also borrowed from the older Mario games, we have to carefully plan each jump and movement, especially if we want to collect all the coins and items on the stage. The graphics, both of the backgrounds and the characters, are... somewhat more attention to detail than in Andrio's World, which makes it a more eye-catching option for those who appreciate a minimum of artistic flair.
Within the catalog of clones and tributes, one of the names that stands out the most is Lep's WorldThis game has earned its fame because, rather than being a soulless copy, it has strived to create its own universe around a little elf who must overcome all sorts of obstacles. Three main installments: Lep's World 1, Lep's World 2, and Lep's World 3, all of them free, which together add up to more than 130 levels distributed in themed worlds.
The structure and mechanics borrow heavily from Mario (jumps, blocks, enemies that we defeat by stepping on their heads, secret areas…), but the Irish setting and some unique enemies give it its own distinct character. a touch of identity enough so that it doesn't look like a cheap copyMany players consider it one of the best approximations of the Mario spirit on Google Play, precisely because it combines obvious inspiration with reasonable level design.
Super Mario Run-style alternatives: platformers and automatic runners
With the arrival of Super Mario Run on iOS first and Android later, the debate broadened: had it games on Google Play capable of surpassing or matching the Super Mario Run experienceThe idea was to find titles that shared a common denominator: 2D platformers, some automatic movement mechanics, and, if possible, quality in level design and visual appearance.
One of the names that always comes up in these comparisons is Super Cat Bros (or Super Cat Bross in some variants)Here we control a group of cats with their own personalities and controls reminiscent of Mario, especially in the way the jumps and the character's momentum feel. The whole game is a blatant homage to Nintendo, but with enough original ideas and a Colorful and charming pixel art which have made it a must-have for platform fans.
Instead of being limited to a single protagonist, Super Cat Bros offers us six different cats with unique abilitiesThis adds variety to how you approach the levels and provides high replayability. The game also emphasizes exploration: to get the most out of it, you have to revisit completed stages, look for alternative routes, and make the most of each feline's unique abilities.
If we're talking about careful production, Rayman Adventures It's probably Super Mario Run's most serious rival on Android. The Rayman series has spent years establishing itself as a top-tier alternative to Mario games, and this mobile version carries on that tradition with a spectacularly beautiful platform runnerwith smooth animations, detailed environments, and a cast of incredibly charismatic characters.
Rayman Adventures plays with an interesting idea: the You decide the difficulty.You can complete the levels simply by dodging obstacles and reaching the end, or you can make it more challenging by searching for all the collectibles and secrets in the stage. That "I'm going to 100% complete the level" philosophy is very typical of Nintendo platformers, and Ubisoft brings it to life here quite successfully, adding an addictive progression and character unlocking system.
Among the alternatives that blend the dreamlike with action we find ParalyzedA platform runner where you control twin sisters who share a common destiny but move through different layers of the same world. Each one has different skills, personality, and attributesAnd the challenge lies in alternating your position to overcome enemies and obstacles in an environment that is as beautiful as it is unsettling.
Very much in the same vein as Rayman in terms of graphic spectacle is Wind Runner AdventurerThis title features a visual style reminiscent of anime, with a manga-style protagonist who races through levels collecting coins and activating various gameplay mechanics. It's a platformer heavily focused on... fluid movement and outstanding graphicsdesigned for those who enjoy both watching and playing.
Another proposal that garnered much praise upon its release is Leo's FortuneHere, the spotlight falls on a curious, furry, round creature that roams through elaborately crafted environments. The game has become famous for its very high technical level and its visual aspect is almost handcrafted.with backgrounds and environments designed with spectacular care. In return, some players have missed more depth in the level design, as it sometimes feels more like a graphical showcase than a complex platformer.
Halfway between a platformer and a puzzle game we find DoctorA game with an aesthetic clearly inspired by Tim Burton's films, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas. We play as a small skeleton who must Protect a princess while solving puzzles and overcoming trapsThe highlight here is the character and enemy design, with a very particular hand-drawn style that makes it unmistakable.
Somewhat further removed from the Mario pattern but difficult to ignore is BA side-scrolling game where you control a black creature that must traverse forests filled with traps, gears, and dangerous mechanisms. dark atmosphere and its peculiar physics This makes it a very special title, so much so that it spawned a sequel. However, the sequel was heavily advertised, which for some players detracted from the experience compared to the original.
More platforms inspired by Mario and Nintendo
We can't talk about platforms without mentioning Sonic the HedgehogMario's eternal rival from the 16-bit console era. SEGA's blue hedgehog stars in an optimized version of the original classic on Android, allowing us to relive their high-speed races but adapted for touchscreens. It's a perfect opportunity for those who were more into the Mega Drive than the Super Nintendo back in the day, or for those who didn't experience that rivalry and want to discover it now.
Continuing with cats as the main characters, Super phantom cat It's another platformer that shamelessly borrows from Mario games. Jumping over enemies, hidden areas, and a very pronounced pixel art style are all back, wrapped in a... a very vibrant color palette and a soundtrack full of winks and nods Thanks to the work of Kōji Kondō, composer of the classic Super Mario music. The game's pace is somewhat slower than in other titles, encouraging players to thoroughly explore each level to find secrets.
The paid section of the catalog stands out Goo SagaA platformer where we control an elastic creature that stretches and deforms to make its way through galleries and stages of a very peculiar appearanceIt shares certain elements with Badland in its movement and world-building, though it has its own distinct personality. It has gradually gained visibility on the Play Store thanks to its technical quality and unique approach.
If you're drawn to futuristic settings and speed, Vector 2 It offers an experience closer to parkour. Here we guide a character who runs, jumps, slides and performs acrobatics to dodge lasers, traps, and security devices in a high-tech complex. It departs from the lighthearted and fun tone of other games on this list, but maintains common elements in terms of jump precision and level design.
Another title that blends the runner spirit with platforming is Chameleon Runwhere the key is in the color. The character moves automatically and we must change their color and coordinate the jumps with very precise timing to land on platforms of the right tone. Although it leans more towards 3D than traditional 2D, many consider it one of the best platforming games of recent years on Android, thanks to its minimalist design and technical polish.
In the field of robotic adventures we find Cordy 2A sequel to a platformer that was already a hit on the Play Store. The protagonist is a friendly robot that travels through levels full of mechanisms, springs, and moving parts, with Beautifully crafted graphics and charming secondary charactersIt shares a spirit with titles like Rayman or Wind Runner Adventurer in its visuals and in the feeling of a well-rounded game.
Fans of classic pixel art will find in Meganoid 2 A good option. This game, created by OrangePixel, puts us in the shoes of an adventurer clearly inspired by Indiana Jones. The levels take place in scenarios filled with traps, rolling stones, and ancient ruinsas if they were taken straight from the movies of the famous archaeologist. Their retro visual style is very well done, and the studio has always been characterized by that recognizable graphic touch.
To finish this section we have CATCHA platformer that departs from the runner format to focus on hand-designed levels with lots of color and very smooth animations. The fun here lies in progressing through increasingly complex levels, with collectibles and challenges that significantly extend the game's lifespan. Many people readily consider it a serious rival to Super Mario Run within the Android catalog.
Other alternatives while you wait for Mario: Mr. Jump, Sackboy, Hop Swap, Sonic Dash 2 and more
While awaiting the official arrival of Super Mario Run on Android, some games appeared that, while not direct copies, did offer similar features. very similar sensations in the form of demanding platform runners. One of them is Mr jumpA minimalist game that reduces everything to a single gesture: jumping. Every mistake usually means starting over, so precision and muscle memory are key.
Mr. Jump is ideal for those who enjoy a little suffering, since the The difficulty level is designed for very persistent players.The seemingly simple screens hide traps and jump combinations that require several attempts to master. Their clean aesthetic helps you focus on what's important: nailing the perfect jump time and time again.
From the PlayStation universe, it arrived on Android Run Sackboy! run!Starring the lovable rag doll from LittleBigPlanet. Here we have a pure endless runner in which Sackboy Run from left to right, dodge hazards, collect coins, and unlock outfits and accessories.Although the original saga was characterized by its powerful level editor, this mobile spin-off has opted for a more direct and arcade-style experience, quite enjoyable thanks to its good touch controls.
Another curious game is hop-swap, by Nitrome. The key to this proposal is that There are two parallel worlds overlapping each otherAnd we can switch between them to continue progressing. The character moves on its own, and our role is to alternate between dimensions at the right moment, something that is somewhat reminiscent of the "two-layer" concept seen in some Nintendo titles, although here it is exploited more consistently.
In the Sonic realm, in addition to the classic 2D, we find Sonic Dash 2: Sonic BoomAnother endless runner with a vertical perspective where the hedgehog and his friends run through levels filled with rings, ramps, and enemies. The game Take advantage of the character redesign from the Sonic Boom series It also adds boss fights, something not so common in traditional endless runners. It doesn't reinvent the genre, but it offers quick and highly entertaining matches for fans of the character.
Getting back to cats, Super phantom cat It can also be included in this group of Super Mario Run alternatives, due to its focus on exploration and discovering secret routes. The controls are more classic (it's not all automatic movement), but its level structure and lighthearted tone make it a great candidate to fill the gap left by Mario on Android.
Finally, Adventure beaks It proposes replacing the plumber with a penguin. It's an auto-advance platformer where we can run, jump and slide through 50 levels Carefully designed. In addition to the main campaign, it includes 16 challenge levels and 150 side missions, making the amount of content remarkable. The character customization system, with outfits and accessories, adds a touch of humor without affecting gameplay.
Emulation: the most faithful way to play the original Mario games
Beyond clones, homages, and reinterpretations, there is one option that many consider the most attractive for truly enjoying Mario on Android: use classic console emulatorsWith a suitable emulator, such as RetroArchWith a controller connected via USB OTG (or Bluetooth) and the corresponding ROMs, it's possible to play games on your mobile phone or tablet. Great classics from NES, Super Nintendo, Game Boy and even Nintendo 64.
This is a delicate matter, because Nintendo is clearly opposed to emulation when it involves piracy.Despite this, emulators rarely disappear from Google Play, and many users defend the use of private copies of games they already own physically. Without going into the legal aspects, the reality is that you can technically enjoy a virtually perfect Mario experience if you properly configure an emulator and use a comfortable physical controller.
If you choose this path, there's a list of titles you shouldn't miss. NESOne of the essentials is Super Mario Bros 3A game that was groundbreaking in its time and remains highly enjoyable today. In fact, it has been re-released on modern consoles, including the famous NES Mini, precisely because of its historical significance.
En Super NintendoThe almost unanimous recommendation is Super Mario WorldConsidered by many to be the pinnacle of 2D platforming on that console, this title has it all: precise controls, brilliant level design, tons of secrets, and an unforgettable soundtrack. Playing it on a good emulator with a controller is an experience very close to the original.
If you want to jump into 3D, Super Mario 64 The Nintendo 64 version marked a turning point in how platform games were understood. While its technical aspects may show their age, it remains key to understanding the genre. How was Mario transitioned to a three-dimensional environment? and why it laid the foundation for so many subsequent games.
Finally, on more modern consoles like the Wii, Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 They are two true masterpieces that culminate many of the ideas that began with Mario 64. Their level design based on small planets and their constant ability to surprise have led many players to place them among the best games in history.
It should be remembered that Google occasionally removes overly blatant Mario clones From the Play Store, there are relatively few games that closely resemble the original without legal issues. Some titles have even disappeared just days after becoming popular precisely because they were too similar to the Nintendo character and universe.
Given this whole scenario, there is no shortage of options for those looking Games similar to Super Mario to download on AndroidFrom classic platformers like Super Bino Go, Lep's World, and Super Jungle Adventures to brilliant productions like Rayman Adventures, Sonic, and Super Cat Bros., and more original offerings like Paralyzed, Hop Swap, and CATTCH. And for those who want something 100% Mario, emulation remains the most direct way to relive Nintendo's great classics on their mobile screen, provided, as far as possible, that the legal requirements of each country are respected.
