If You Loved Super Mario Bros. Wonder: 10 Platformers to Play Next

Hook: Loved Super Mario Bros. Wonder? Here’s what to play next

If you finished Super Mario Bros. Wonder and felt that mix of joy, curiosity, and “I need more of this” — you’re not alone. Platformers are suddenly back in the spotlight in 2026, and whether you want more whimsical stage design, precision-level challenge, or music-forward gameplay, there’s a world of excellent alternatives across PC and consoles. This guide curates 10 platformers chosen by gameplay, tone, and audio character so you can jump from Wonder’s bubble-blast energy into the perfect next experience.

Why this list matters in 2026

Late 2025 and early 2026 saw three key trends that change how platformer fans pick games:

• Renewed mainstream interest after Wonder’s success led publishers and indies to spotlight platformers again.
• Audio-first design — developers increasingly use dynamic soundtracks and spatial audio (Dolby Atmos/Tempest) to make levels feel alive, a direction Mario also amplified when its new voice actor and sound design became a talking point.
• Subscription & cross-buy access growth: Game Pass, expanded Switch Online libraries, and better cross-buy deals make jump-in choices easier and cheaper.

Editors’ note: Nintendo’s casting and audio changes in Wonder helped highlight how much a voice and soundtrack can define a platformer’s personality — we used that lens for these picks.

How to use this list

Each recommendation includes:

• Why it clicks for Wonder fans (gameplay, tone, or audio)
• Best platform(s) to buy in 2026
• Quick tips to get the best experience (settings, play style, mods, accessibility)

10 platformers to play next

1. Kirby and the Forgotten Land — For players craving playable wonder in 3D

Why it fits: If you loved Wonder’s sense of discovery and approachable 3D platforming, Kirby’s bright, tactile worlds are an easy next stop. The tone is playful, and the audio design emphasizes charming voice snippets and whimsical music cues that sell every punch and inhale.

• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Play tips: Turn on motion camera assistance for smoother analog control. Use the accessibility settings for invincibility or increased health if you just want to explore the levels without stress.
• Why now: Nintendo kept the game updated with quality-of-life patches through 2025; it’s a polished 3D alternative to Mario’s new era.

2. A Hat in Time — Collectathon charm with modern indie polish

Why it fits: A Hat in Time is a 3D collectathon that channels classic Mario/64 vibes but with a quirky indie personality. The soundtrack and vocal samples make each hub sing — similar to the audio-forward approach Wonder emphasizes.

• Platform: PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One/Series
• Play tips: On PC, enable controller rumble and spatial audio for the best feedback in platform-heavy sequences. Community mods exist for extra levels if you want extended playtime.
• Why now: Post-2024 updates refined camera and control responsiveness — ideal for players migrating from Mario’s tight movement system.

3. Sackboy: A Big Adventure — Co-op platforming with a heart

Why it fits: If Wonder’s family-friendly co-op is what you loved, Sackboy’s level design and handcrafted musical stages deliver similar social fun. The game’s audio cues are tightly synced to platforming moments, making rhythm-based sections especially satisfying.

• Platform: PlayStation (PS4/PS5), and available on PC
• Play tips: Team up locally for the best experience. If you’re solo, use the assist options to lower enemy damage or increase checkpoints.
• Why now: PlayStation’s post-launch support in 2025 improved load times and performance on PS5.

4. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair — A 2D/3D hybrid for nostalgic bite-size runs

Why it fits: This title blends collectible hub exploration with tight 2D platforming stages. Tone-wise it’s colorful and cheeky like Wonder, and its music-driven levels make audio feel like a gameplay partner.

• Platform: PC, Switch, PS4/5, Xbox
• Play tips: Use rewind or checkpoint options in thornier runs. On PC, custom controller layouts help if you prefer Mario-style stick sensitivity.
• Why now: The sequel-lite design makes it a great palate cleanser between big 3D sessions.

5. Celeste — Precision platforming with a resonant soundtrack

Why it fits: For players who loved Wonder’s handcrafted levels but want a higher skill ceiling, Celeste’s tight controls and Justin Chan’s evocative soundtrack create an emotional and audio-forward experience. The game’s pacing and checkpoint system encourage practice without frustration.

• Platform: PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox
• Play tips: Start on Assist Mode if you prefer the story and atmosphere to raw difficulty. Turn on the high-contrast UI for clarity in busy platforming sequences.
• Why now: Its soundtrack and narrative have only grown in relevance in 2026 as players look for emotionally smart platformers.

6. Hollow Knight — Atmospheric movement and layered soundscapes

Why it fits: Hollow Knight isn’t whimsical like Mario, but its movement feels buttery and its sound design is among the best in indie platformers. If you appreciated Wonder’s audio personality, Hollow Knight’s moody soundtrack and precise controls will hook you.

• Platform: PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox
• Play tips: Use controller deadzone tweaks for tighter jumps. Explore audio options — dynamic music layering can be toggled on some platforms.
• Why now: The 2025 content updates and widespread availability on Game Pass mean it’s more accessible than ever.

7. Sonic Superstars — Fast, modern 2D platforming with punchy audio

Why it fits: For players who enjoyed Wonder’s kinetic energy but want speed, Sonic Superstars modernizes classic side-scrolling speed runs with crisp sound effects and energetic music that complements the gameplay pace.

• Platform: PC, Switch, PS4/5, Xbox
• Play tips: Use analog stick sensitivity and enable hitbox visibility in practice mode to master transitions between run and platform segments.
• Why now: Post-launch patches improved frame delivery in late 2025, so play is smoother on current-gen consoles.

8. Ori and the Will of the Wisps — Lyrical platforming with a cinematic soundtrack

Why it fits: Ori’s fluid traversal and award-winning score give it an audio-first identity not unlike the elements that made Wonder’s soundtrack stand out. Movement feels seamless — great for players who love platforming that doubles as performance.

• Platform: PC, Xbox, and re-releases on Switch
• Play tips: Enable visual clarity filters if you’re playing handheld. On PC/Xbox, use high-fidelity audio options for orchestral depth.
• Why now: The game’s accessibility and recent ports in 2024–2025 make it easy to pick up across devices.

9. Rayman Legends — Musical stages and cooperative design

Why it fits: Rayman Legends is a longtime favorite for players who want levels that literally dance to the music. If Wonder’s level-driven audio surprises were your favorite part, Rayman’s rhythm-based stages deliver memorable audiovisual set pieces.

• Platform: PC, Switch, PS4/5, Xbox
• Play tips: Play the music levels with friends locally for maximum chaos. Use dynamic music settings on consoles to sync visuals and audio tightly.
• Why now: The title remains a gold standard for music-linked platforming and it’s a great multiplayer alternative to Mario’s cooperative modes.

10. Psychonauts 2 — Narrative-driven 3D platforming with strong audio identity

Why it fits: Psychonauts 2 blends platforming with narrative and strong sound design. The levels are imaginative and characterful — if Wonder’s new character-driven audio made you curious about personality-first design, Psychonauts 2 is a brilliant, comedic contrast.

• Platform: PC, PS4/5, Xbox Series
• Play tips: Play with headphones to catch subtle environmental audio cues that often hint at secrets or story beats. Use performance mode for framerate-sensitive platform moments.
• Why now: Ongoing DLC and community-created challenges kept the game relevant through 2025.

How to choose the right next platformer (actionable checklist)

Use this quick checklist to match the next game to what you enjoyed most about Wonder:

1. If you loved the voicework and audio character: Prioritize titles with orchestral or dynamic soundtracks — Ori, Psychonauts 2, Rayman Legends.
2. If you want co-op family fun: Choose Sackboy or Rayman for local play, or Kirby for single-session friendly exploration.
3. If you want tighter challenge: Go Celeste or Hollow Knight. Use Assist Mode if you want story without the grind.
4. If you crave movement variety in 3D: Pick Kirby, A Hat in Time, or Psychonauts 2.
5. If you want the cheapest path: Check subscription services (Game Pass, Nintendo Switch Online, PlayStation Plus Extra) — many platformers cycle through these services in 2026.

Settings & accessory tips for the best experience

Small setup tweaks go a long way when switching from Mario’s controls:

• Controller sensitivity: Reduce stick deadzone for tighter jumps. Many PC ports default to generous deadzones; tweak in settings.
• Audio: Use spatial audio or headphones for dynamic soundtracks — titles like Ori and Psychonauts 2 scale dramatically with better audio setups.
• Performance vs fidelity: Switch to performance mode on consoles for smoother framerate during precision platforming.
• Accessibility: Try Assist Modes or checkpoint sliders — indie devs (Celeste, A Hat in Time) often expose robust options to customize difficulty.
• PC mods: Search for community mods to add custom levels, camera improvements, or audio enhancements — especially helpful for A Hat in Time and Hollow Knight.

Where to buy and catch deals in 2026

Recent platformer demand means frequent sales and bundles. Here’s where to look:

• Game Pass: Many platformers cycle through Xbox Game Pass; check monthly updates for high-value picks like Hollow Knight and Ori.
• Nintendo eShop: Kirby and A Hat in Time often get seasonal discounts; pre-2026, eShop sale cadence accelerated after Wonder’s release.
• Steam & Humble: Watch for publisher bundles and charity packs that include indie platformers (Rayman, Yooka-Laylee).
• PS Store sales: Sackboy, Psychonauts 2, and Rayman regularly appear in PlayStation seasonal sales.

Future predictions for platformers (through 2026 and beyond)

Expect these developments to shape platformers moving forward:

• Audio-driven levels: More devs will design levels around dynamic scores and spatial cues — Wonder’s emphasis on voice and sound helped accelerate this trend in late 2025.
• AI-assisted level design: Indie teams will use AI tools to prototype level ideas faster, leading to more diverse platforming mechanics across smaller releases in 2026.
• Cross-platform saves & cloud play: Wider adoption will make trying multiple platformers across systems easier — expect more seamless handoffs between Switch, PC, and cloud services.

Final takeaways

If Super Mario Bros. Wonder left you wanting more, there’s an excellent next game for you depending on what lit you up — audio-first wonder, family-friendly co-op, speed, or skill. Our picks balance big-studio polish and indie creativity, and most are accessible via subscriptions or frequent sales in 2026. Try one that matches the element of Wonder you loved most, and use the settings and accessory tips above to get the best possible experience on your platform.

Call to action

Ready to jump in? Pick one title from this list, load it up with headphones, and spend an hour exploring the first hub — then tell us which mechanic or musical cue hooked you. Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly platformer deal roundups, hands-on reviews, and curated indie spotlights tailored to what you loved about Wonder.

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