Nintendo is bringing three classic Mario games to Nintendo Switch Online on March 10, marking this year's MAR10 Day celebration with a trio of titles that span puzzle platforming, arcade action, and sports.
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Three Games, Two Platforms
The March 10 lineup pulls from Game Boy Advance and Virtual Boy libraries, covering different corners of the Mario catalog. Here's what subscribers get:
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Game Boy Advance) through the Switch Online Expansion Pack
- Mario Clash (Virtual Boy) through the Switch Online Expansion Pack
- Mario's Tennis (Virtual Boy) through the Switch Online Expansion Pack
Each game requires the Expansion Pack tier, which unlocks Game Boy Advance, Virtual Boy, Nintendo 64, and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis collections beyond the standard subscription.
What Each Game Brings to the Table
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (GBA)
This Game Boy Advance puzzle platformer puts Mario on a mission to recover stolen wind-up Mini Mario toys from Donkey Kong, who's raided the toy factory. Each stage is a self-contained puzzle that builds on ideas from the 1994 Donkey Kong Game Boy release.
Nintendo remade this game for Switch in 2024, so the GBA version offers a chance to see the original design before the modern overhaul.
Mario Clash (Virtual Boy)
Mario Clash reimagines the arcade Mario Bros. formula using the Virtual Boy's stereoscopic display. Mario climbs the 99-floor Clash House Tower, stomping Koopa Troopas and throwing shells at enemies positioned in both the foreground and background. The depth mechanics make it one of the more interesting uses of the Virtual Boy's signature feature.
Mario's Tennis (Virtual Boy)
This was the first tennis game to put Mario characters on the court. It shipped with the Virtual Boy in North America (though not in Japan) and introduced a seven-character roster: Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Toad, Princess Toadstool, Koopa Troopa, and Donkey Kong Jr., each with different speed, power, and accuracy stats. This is where the Mario Tennis series started.
Subscription and Hardware Requirements
Getting access to these games requires more than the basic Switch Online membership.
The Virtual Boy titles need both the Expansion Pack subscription and a physical Virtual Boy accessory from the My Nintendo Store. Two options exist: a replica of the original hardware at $100/£67, or a cardboard viewer at $25/£17.
MAR10 Day Tradition
MAR10 Day has turned into a regular occasion for Nintendo to highlight its most recognizable character. The date March 10 looks like "MAR10" when written out, and Nintendo uses it to roll out deals, content updates, and library expansions centered on Mario. Dropping three games at once, including two from the short-lived Virtual Boy library, makes this one of the bigger MAR10 announcements in recent years.
The Virtual Boy had a limited game catalog during its brief 1995 run, and Nintendo has been gradually adding those titles to Switch Online. Mario Clash and Mario's Tennis give players an easy way to try the hardware's stereoscopic visuals without hunting down the original console.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When are these Mario games available on Switch Online?
All three titles, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Mario Clash, and Mario's Tennis, launch on Nintendo Switch Online on March 10, timed with MAR10 Day.
Do I need the Expansion Pack to play these games?
Yes. All three require the Switch Online Expansion Pack, which runs $49.99 per year. The standard Switch Online subscription doesn't cover Game Boy Advance or Virtual Boy games.
Do the Virtual Boy games require extra hardware?
Yes. Playing Mario Clash and Mario's Tennis on Switch Online requires buying a physical Virtual Boy accessory from the My Nintendo Store. The replica console accessory costs $100/£67, while a cardboard viewer option is available for $25/£17.
Is Mario vs. Donkey Kong different from the 2024 Switch remake?
Yes. The version joining Switch Online is the original Game Boy Advance release. Nintendo released a separate remake for Switch in 2024, but this addition provides access to the original GBA version that served as the remake's foundation.
