iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Choose Sonic Mania Plus if you want the closest replacement for classic 2D Super Mario. It preserves fast, readable side-scrolling, bright stage themes and a deliberately retro structure. Choose Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for more demanding platforming, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove for a multi-campaign retro package, Celeste for precision challenge, Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition or Yoshi’s Crafted World for gentler family play, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land when you want an accessible 3D adventure instead of another side-scroller.
The best choice depends on which part of Mario you miss: 2D movement, forgiving family design, short high-pressure stages, collectible-focused exploration or a larger 3D world. The guide below separates those experiences rather than treating every platformer as interchangeable.
Quick picks by the kind of Mario experience you want
| Game | Best fit | How it differs from classic Mario | Evidence and useful context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic Mania Plus | Closest 2D classic-style substitute | Faster momentum and Sonic-style routes instead of Mario’s measured jumps | Nintendo called it a new 2D Sonic adventure and “the ultimate celebration of past and future”; Nintendo Life described it as a return to Sonic’s classic 2D form. |
| Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | Harder, highly responsive platforming | More demanding timing, hazards and collectible routes | Nintendo highlights swimming, swinging, springing, surfing, hazards and collectibles. Nintendo Life calls it refined, fluid and responsive. |
| Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove | Retro campaign collection | Deliberately 8-bit-inspired presentation with several distinct campaigns | The package contains three chapters and added functionality; Nintendo Life reports about 15 hours for the author’s completion. |
| Celeste | Precision challenge | Compact, hand-crafted obstacle rooms and repeated attempts rather than traditional power-up collecting | Nintendo describes hundreds of hand-crafted challenges and a “super-tight” platformer. |
| Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition | Colorful, flexible family platforming | More animation-led and rhythmically staged than Mario | Nintendo lists it among its Switch platformer recommendations. |
| Yoshi’s Crafted World | Gentle entry point | Slower, softer presentation with a handmade visual theme | Nintendo’s roundup highlights its handcrafted stages. |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Accessible 3D alternative | Free movement through 3D spaces and Kirby’s copy abilities | T3 describes it as an imaginative, accessible 3D game for children and adults. |
Sonic Mania Plus is the closest classic 2D Mario alternative
Start with Sonic Mania Plus if your reference point is the original side-scrolling Mario formula: enter a stage, learn its visual language, find alternate routes and reach the goal through a sequence of compact obstacles. It is not a Mario clone. Sonic accelerates quickly, carries momentum through slopes and rewards players who learn when to move fast and when to slow down. That difference makes the game feel more kinetic, but the overall 2D structure is immediately familiar to anyone who grew up with cartridge-era platformers.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Nintendo’s official platformer roundup from 11 December 2019 described Sonic Mania as “the ultimate celebration of past and future” in a new 2D Sonic adventure. Nintendo Life’s 6 May 2026 guide called it a “true return to form” for the mascot in his 2D “Classic” guise, noting new areas, imaginative second acts and boss encounters. Those descriptions explain why it is the safest first recommendation: the game deliberately uses retro design ideas while adding modern level construction rather than simply reproducing an old game.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why it suits Mario fans
- Stages are side-scrolling and built around learning movement patterns.
- Visual themes and boss encounters provide the clear stage-to-stage variety expected from a classic platformer.
- Its retro presentation feels intentional, while the new areas and second acts keep it from being only a museum piece.
Who should choose something else
Players who prefer careful, low-speed jumps may find Sonic’s momentum less comfortable than Mario’s. If your priority is forgiving family play, choose Yoshi’s Crafted World, Rayman Legends or Kirby instead. If you want severe precision rather than speed, Celeste is a better match.
For the hardest traditional platforming: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the strongest alternative for players who already find standard Mario stages too forgiving. Its platforming is built around timing, momentum and hazards that demand commitment. Nintendo’s 2019 roundup summarizes the structure as islands packed with opportunities to “swim, swing, spring and surf,” alongside collectibles. That combination gives each level more physical variety than a basic run-and-jump course.
Nintendo Life’s 2026 guide describes Tropical Freeze as refined, fluid and responsive, with difficulty balancing from Funky Kong. The same guide calls it streamlined, rewarding and especially worthwhile for fans of 2D platformers. In practice, that means the challenge comes from execution and route knowledge rather than sluggish controls. When a jump fails, the game generally makes the cause legible: a missed timing window, an overlooked hazard or a route taken too quickly.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why it is a good step up from Mario
- Responsive movement supports precise corrections in mid-stage platforming.
- Collectibles add optional routes for players who want more than simply reaching the exit.
- Swimming, swinging, springing and surfing create different movement problems within the same side-scrolling framework.
- Its difficulty is adjustable through the game’s character options, giving experienced players a tougher challenge without making the controls obscure.
Choose Tropical Freeze over Celeste when you want a conventional platforming adventure with themed worlds and collectibles. Choose Celeste when you prefer isolated challenges that can be retried immediately.
For a retro campaign collection: Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the most substantial retro-style package in this group. Instead of one campaign, it bundles three chapters and additional functionality into a single collection. Its design intentionally evokes 8-bit platformers, but the shovel attack, bouncing attacks and campaign-specific abilities give it a distinct identity rather than making it a straight Mario imitation.
Nintendo Life’s 6 May 2026 guide describes Treasure Trove as a compelling complete package and reports roughly 15 hours for the author’s completion. That figure is an individual playthrough report, not a guaranteed time for every player; completion goals, optional content and familiarity with retro platformers will change the total.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What makes it different
- Several campaigns let you approach the same retro foundation through different character abilities.
- Its stage design emphasizes deliberate enemy placement, jump arcs and secrets.
- The collection format makes it better suited to players who want a long sequence of classic-inspired stages rather than one short throwback.
Pick Treasure Trove if you want the visual language and rhythm of older platformers but do not require Nintendo characters. Sonic Mania is the closer match for classic console speed; Shovel Knight is the better choice for campaign variety.
For precision challenge: Celeste
Celeste is the recommendation for players who enjoy repeating a difficult screen until every movement is reliable. Nintendo’s official description promises “hundreds of hand-crafted challenges” in a “super-tight platformer” as Madeline climbs Celeste Mountain. The emphasis is on exact movement, short sequences and immediate learning rather than on collecting a set of power-ups across broad worlds.
How its challenge works
Celeste’s stages are assembled from compact problems. You identify the required dash, jump or directional correction, attempt it, and restart quickly when the timing is wrong. That structure makes failure useful: the screen remains familiar, and each attempt narrows the timing you need. The game’s modern presentation and story framing also distinguish it from a pure 8-bit homage.
Choose Celeste when “hard but fair” means mastering individual rooms. Choose Tropical Freeze when you want difficulty embedded in a larger traditional adventure with themed islands, collectibles and varied movement.
For family-friendly play and gentler platforming
Yoshi’s Crafted World
Yoshi’s Crafted World is the gentlest recommendation in the list. Nintendo’s platformer roundup specifically highlights its handcrafted stages, and that visual idea describes the game’s appeal: levels look assembled from paper, cardboard and household objects rather than from a dangerous, high-speed world. The presentation is inviting for younger players and for anyone who wants exploration without constant precision pressure.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Choose Yoshi when the priority is a calm, colorful first platformer. It is a weaker substitute for players seeking Sonic-like speed or Celeste-level execution.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition
Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition offers another colorful side-scrolling option. Nintendo lists it among its Switch platformer recommendations. Its identity is more animation-driven and rhythmically staged than Mario’s, making it a good choice when you want lively set pieces and a broad range of visual themes rather than a strict retro recreation.
Rayman is a sensible family alternative if you want more visual spectacle than Yoshi but do not want Tropical Freeze’s tougher reputation. Check the current Nintendo eShop or physical product listing for the local multiplayer configuration available in your region, because player support and edition details can change.
Kirby Star Allies
Nintendo’s 2019 roundup also includes Kirby Star Allies and explicitly highlights its cooperative appeal. It is a useful option when several people want to play together and the group prefers a forgiving platformer. Kirby’s ability to absorb enemies and use different powers creates more experimentation than a basic jump-only game, while the overall tone remains approachable.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Local-player details should be confirmed on the current product page before purchase, particularly if you are buying for a specific number of players or using a Switch 2.
For an accessible 3D replacement: Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the clearest choice when “Mario alternative” means a Nintendo-style adventure but not necessarily another 2D game. T3’s 26 March 2026 coverage describes it as an imaginative, accessible 3D alternative suitable for children and adults. Stages are explored through open 3D movement rather than a single horizontal lane, and Kirby’s abilities provide the central way to interact with enemies and obstacles.
The shift to 3D changes the decision more than any difference between two side-scrollers. You get space to look around, find paths and approach encounters from different angles. That makes Kirby a better introduction for players who are not comfortable with precision 2D jumps, while players specifically seeking the feel of Super Mario Bros. should stay with Sonic Mania, Rayman, Yoshi or Tropical Freeze.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Kirby versus a 2D Mario-style game
- Choose Kirby for exploration, accessible combat and a 3D camera.
- Choose Sonic Mania or Shovel Knight for deliberate retro side-scrolling.
- Choose Yoshi or Rayman for gentler 2D family play.
- Choose Tropical Freeze or Celeste for demanding execution.
Other Switch platformers worth considering
Nintendo’s official 2019 roundup also names Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Mega Man 11. They are useful alternatives if your definition of a Mario replacement is broader than one-to-one 2D similarity:
- Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a collection of three remade adventure platformers and is closer to 3D exploration than to a linear Mario stage.
- Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy groups three remastered Crash games around fixed perspective, timing-heavy obstacle courses.
- Mega Man 11 is a more combat-focused side-scroller, with shooting and boss-based progression taking a larger role than in Mario.
These games appear in Nintendo’s platformer recommendations, but the supplied descriptions do not establish a current price, performance profile or exact local multiplayer arrangement for each Switch edition. Treat availability and edition features as product-page details to check before buying.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a newer option for players who want both modern and classic-flavored Sonic content. T3 reported on 26 March 2026 that the bundle combines a remastered Sonic Generations with a new Shadow campaign. T3 also reported 60 frames per second in docked and handheld play on Switch 2. That performance statement applies to the Switch 2 version and should not be generalized to the original Switch without confirmation.
How Nintendo Switch Online fits into the decision
If what you really want is the original software rather than a modern alternative, Nintendo Switch Online is the first place to check. Nintendo Life’s 2026 guide says classic 8-bit and 16-bit platformers are available through the service or through individual re-releases. Its examples include Super Mario Bros. 3, Sonic 2 and Rocket Knight Adventures. Catalogs vary by subscription tier, region and licensing, so the games available to you may differ.
Nintendo Life also identifies Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Mario Maker 2 and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe as major 2D Mario choices on Switch. They are not alternatives to Mario, but they matter if your search started because you wanted more current 2D Mario content. Nintendo’s official listing says New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe contains 164 courses and supports up to four players; that figure is from Nintendo’s 2019 product information.
When the subscription is the better choice
- Choose Switch Online when you want several older games instead of one new campaign.
- Choose a standalone game when you want modern checkpoints, presentation and level design.
- Check the current regional catalog before subscribing; classic-game availability is not identical everywhere and can change.
2D, 3D, difficulty and family play: a practical decision guide
If you want the closest movement and stage format
Start with Sonic Mania Plus. Its 2D structure and explicit classic-Sonic design make it the most direct substitute, although its momentum-based controls feel faster than Mario.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
If you want the toughest conventional adventure
Choose Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Its hazards, movement variety and collectibles create a full-length challenge without abandoning the familiar side-scrolling format.
If you want to improve through repeated attempts
Choose Celeste. Its hand-crafted rooms and immediate retry loop make every failure part of the learning process.
If you want several retro campaigns
Choose Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove. The three-chapter package gives you more character and campaign variety than a single throwback platformer.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf children or mixed-skill players will join
Begin with Yoshi’s Crafted World, Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition, Kirby Star Allies or Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Yoshi and Rayman keep the 2D format; Kirby and the Forgotten Land supplies the more accessible 3D option. Confirm current local-player details for the exact edition you plan to purchase.
Buying and compatibility details to check
Nintendo Life’s 2026 guide records physical or retail listing routes for Sonic Mania Plus, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Prices, stock and retailer availability are volatile, so a listing is not a permanent price recommendation. Compare the digital and physical editions currently offered in your region.
Also check whether you are buying for the original Nintendo Switch or Switch 2. A Switch 2 performance report for Sonic X Shadow Generations should not be treated as evidence for every other game. Product pages can also change their descriptions, bundles and local-player information over time.
Quick Recap
Final recommendations
- Closest classic 2D feel: Sonic Mania Plus.
- Hardest traditional platforming: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.
- Best precision challenge: Celeste.
- Best retro collection: Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove.
- Best gentle 2D entry: Yoshi’s Crafted World.
- Best colorful family side-scroller: Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition.
- Best accessible 3D alternative: Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
- Best route to original-era games: Nintendo Switch Online, subject to your region’s current catalog.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
