So, you’re looking for a Super Mario Switch console. It sounds simple enough until you realize there isn't just "one" version. Nintendo has a habit of releasing these things in waves, often tied to a big movie or a game launch, and if you aren't careful, you’ll end up overpaying for a basic model with a couple of stickers on it. Honestly, the market is a bit of a mess right now. You’ve got the older "Mario Red & Blue" edition, the newer "Mario Red" OLED, and a bunch of bundles that aren't actually special editions at all. It’s confusing.
The reality is that Nintendo doesn't just sell a console; they sell a vibe. When you buy a themed Switch, you're usually paying for the aesthetic. But sometimes, you're also getting better hardware, like the OLED screen, which is a massive jump from the original 2017 LCD.
The OLED "Mario Red" is the one you probably want
If you walk into a store today—or browse a site like Amazon or Best Buy—the most common Super Mario Switch console you’ll see is the 2023 OLED model. It’s bright. Like, really bright. It is entirely "Mario Red," which is a specific shade that Nintendo guards pretty fiercely. Unlike the previous special editions, this one is subtle. There are no giant faces of Mario on the dock. Instead, you get a tiny silhouette of Mario leaping on the back of the dock near the ports. It’s a "if you know, you know" kind of design.
Why the OLED version matters
The OLED screen is 7 inches. The original was 6.2. It doesn't sound like much, but in your hands, it feels like moving from an old tube TV to a modern theater. The blacks are actually black, not that weird glowing grey you see on cheaper screens. This happens because OLED pixels can turn off individually. If you're playing Super Mario Odyssey, the colors pop in a way that makes the standard Switch look dusty.
Beyond the screen, the kickstand is actually usable. On the original Super Mario Switch console (the 2021 Red and Blue version), the kickstand was a flimsy piece of plastic that felt like it would snap if you breathed on it. The OLED version has a wide, adjustable stand that spans the whole back. It's solid. It works.
Don't get fooled by the "Mario Red & Blue" Edition
This is where people get tripped up. Back in 2021, to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the franchise, Nintendo released a "Mario Red & Blue Edition." It was a standard V2 Switch—meaning it had the improved battery life over the 2017 launch model, but it still had the old LCD screen.
You’ll still find these on eBay or through third-party sellers. They often cost more than the new OLED models because they are technically "rare" now. Don't fall for it. Unless you are a hardcore collector who needs the specific blue Joy-Con grips that came in that box, the hardware is inferior to the OLED. Plus, the 2021 version didn't include a game. It just gave you a carrying case.
Actually, speaking of games, that’s another trap.
Most people assume a Super Mario Switch console comes with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Mario Wonder. It usually doesn't. Nintendo loves to sell the hardware and the software separately. Every now and then, for Black Friday or MAR10 Day (March 10th), they’ll drop a "Choose One" bundle. These are just standard Neon Red/Blue consoles with a digital download code inside. They aren't "special editions" in terms of the plastic; they’re just retail boxes with a discount.
The technical side: What's under the hood?
Let’s be real: the Switch is old. We’re deep into the lifecycle of this thing. Whether you buy the Mario OLED or a standard one, you're getting the same Nvidia Tegra X1 processor. It’s 2026, and we're still talking about a chip that was mobile-tier years ago.
- Internal Storage: 64GB on the OLED vs. 32GB on the standard.
- Resolution: 720p handheld, 1080p docked.
- Battery: 4.5 to 9 hours, though Wonder will drain it faster than Stardew Valley.
If you're buying this for a kid, 64GB is nothing. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is about 7GB, but if they start playing Fortnite or Apex Legends, that space vanishes. You basically have to buy a microSD card immediately. Get a 256GB card at the minimum. SanDisk makes those licensed ones with the Mario "M" on them, but you're paying a "Nintendo Tax" for that logo. A regular SanDisk Ultra or Samsung Evo works exactly the same for ten bucks less.
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Is it worth waiting for the "Switch 2"?
This is the elephant in the room. Everyone knows a successor is coming. However, Nintendo's history shows that they don't just kill off the old hardware immediately. If you want to play Super Mario Bros. Wonder or Bowser's Fury today, the Super Mario Switch console is still the best way to do it.
There's a specific charm to the red Joy-Cons. They look great on a shelf. They look great in your hands. If you’re a parent, the Switch is still the most durable, kid-friendly thing out there. The OLED version, specifically the Mario Red one, feels more premium than the toy-like original. It feels like a piece of tech you actually want to take care of.
The Drift Issue (The elephant that won't leave)
We have to talk about Joy-Con drift. It’s been years, and it still happens. Even on the fancy Mario Red OLED edition, the sticks use the same basic tech that eventually fails. The "potentiometers" inside wear down, and your character starts walking left when you aren't touching anything.
Nintendo fixes these for free in many regions (like the US, UK, and EU), but it’s a pain. If you buy a Super Mario Switch console, just accept that you might have to mail those red controllers back to Nintendo eventually. Or, just buy a Pro Controller. It's the best controller Nintendo has ever made, and it doesn't drift nearly as often.
How to spot a fake or "Reshelled" console
Because the Mario editions are popular, there’s a massive market for "reshells." This is when someone takes a beat-up, standard grey Switch, puts a cheap $15 red plastic shell from AliExpress on it, and sells it as a "Limited Edition Super Mario Switch."
Check the serial number.
Real Mario OLEDs have serial numbers that start with specific prefixes (usually "XTW" or "XJW"). Also, look at the buttons. Authentic Nintendo Joy-Cons have a very specific "click" and the font on the ± buttons is crisp. If the plastic feels grainy or the Mario silhouette on the back looks blurry, it’s a fake.
Also, the "Mario Red" OLED has red Joy-Cons with matching red straps. Most people who reshell consoles forget the straps. If the straps are black but the console is red, someone's been tinkering with it.
Setting up your Mario Switch for the first time
Don't just hand the box to your kid and walk away. You’ll be dealing with "Update 18.0.0" or whatever version we're on for the next forty minutes.
- Do the system update first. It takes forever on slow Wi-Fi.
- Create a Nintendo Account. You cannot buy games or download DLC without one.
- Enable Dark Mode. Go to System Settings > Themes > Basic Black. It looks way better on the OLED screen.
- Turn off "Screen Burn-in Reduction" if you're a purist, but honestly, leave it on. OLEDs can get "ghost images" if you leave the same Mario health bar on the screen for 500 hours straight.
Essential Accessories
Forget the "Starter Kits" with the cheap earbuds and plastic screen protectors. You need three things. First, a tempered glass screen protector. Plastic ones scratch if you just look at them wrong. Second, a carrying case. The Mario Red OLED doesn't come with one (unlike the 2021 version). Third, a microSD card.
Actionable Steps for the Buyer
If you are ready to pull the trigger on a Super Mario Switch console, do it with a plan. Don't just buy the first one you see on a resale site.
- Prioritize the OLED: If the price difference is within $50, always get the OLED over the 2021 Red/Blue edition. The screen is the entire experience.
- Check the "Ship-from" location: If you're buying on Amazon, make sure it says "Sold and Shipped by Amazon." Third-party sellers often ship Japanese or European models. They work fine (the Switch isn't region-locked), but you might have trouble with the warranty if you're in the US.
- Wait for the Sales: Check prices on Tuesdays. For some reason, that’s when retailers like Target or Best Buy often refresh their inventory or price-match competitors.
- Skip the "Special Edition" Pro Controller: Unless you love the look, the standard black Pro Controller is exactly the same and usually $10–$20 cheaper.
The Super Mario Switch console is a great piece of kit, but it’s a tool for playing games. Don't get so caught up in the "collectibility" that you forget to actually play the thing. Whether it’s the little Mario silhouette on the dock or the bright red Joy-Cons, it’s a fun tribute to a character that’s been around for over 40 years. Just make sure you’re getting the version that actually has the hardware to match the price tag.