9 Best Mario Toys of 2026

Bursting with charm and chaotic fun, this TOMY Pop Up Super Mario Board Game delivers family-friendly excitement that pulls kids into the Mushroom Kingdom like never before. With its spring-loaded pop-up mechanics, vibrant board design, and three distinct play modes—Classic, Coin Collection, and Team Play—it keeps young minds engaged while subtly sharpening color recognition and decision-making skills. Perfect for parents seeking a screen-free activity that actually holds attention, it turns game night into a lively adventure where every turn could send Mario flying—literally.

In real-world testing with families, the game proved quick to set up and easy to grasp, even for 4-year-olds. The push-down-and-release action that launches Mario into the air never gets old, and the randomized outcome of each play ensures no two games are the same. It performs best on flat, stable surfaces—carpet or hardwood—and holds up well to enthusiastic little hands. However, younger players may need occasional guidance during Coin Collection mode, and the plastic pop-up mechanism, while durable, can wear slightly with heavy daily use.

Compared to other Mario board games like the Blow Up! Shaky Tower, this one offers more replay variety and active participation. It’s not just about balance or chance—it’s about engagement, laughter, and light learning. Ideal for families with preschoolers or siblings close in age, it supports 2–4 players and scales well across skill levels. While it lacks collectible figures, it beats the Shaky Tower in accessibility and educational value, making it a smarter pick for developmental play.

Speed, simplicity, and authentic style define the Carrera Pull & Speed Mach 8 Mario and Luigi 2-Pack—a no-batteries-needed thrill ride that zips straight into backyard races and hallway sprints. These 1:43 scale pull-back cars are officially licensed, meticulously detailed, and engineered for lightning-fast bursts across any surface, from tile to grass. With just a press and pull, kids unleash high-octane action that mirrors the excitement of Mario Kart—no screens, no rules, just pure momentum.

Real-world testing reveals these cars launch with impressive force and maintain smooth roll-out on flat terrain. The Mach 8 design is instantly recognizable, and the twin-pack format invites immediate head-to-head racing, making it ideal for siblings or playdates. They handle indoor turns decently, though sharp corners on slick floors can send them skidding off-course. While the build feels solid for the price, repetitive hard pulls may strain the internal spring over time—especially in eager hands under age 5.

When stacked against the Hot Wheels Mario Kart 4-Pack, this Carrera set trades die-cast heft for ready-to-race simplicity and larger scale detail. It’s less about collecting and more about instant action—perfect for younger fans who’d rather drive than display. While not as customizable or track-compatible as Hot Wheels, it outshines in realism and speed, offering a more immersive Mario Kart feel right out of the package.

Communication just got wildly imaginative with these Super Mario Bros Walkie Talkies—a static-free, role-play-powered duo that transforms backyards into Mushroom Kingdom battlegrounds. With a 750-foot range in open spaces and a push-to-talk button that even 3-year-olds can master, these radios turn hide-and-seek into a mission to rescue Peach or warn Luigi of incoming Goombas. The bold Mario and Luigi graphics are eye-catching, and the inclusion of wrist straps and belt clips means they stay put during full-throttle play.

In real-world use, the sound clarity is surprisingly crisp for the price, with minimal interference between units—ideal for neighborhood games or park adventures. The radios perform best in outdoor, obstacle-free zones; thick walls or metal structures reduce range significantly. They’re lightweight and durable, surviving drops and splashes, but the plastic casing feels thin under rough handling. Battery life is solid with the included AAA cells, lasting hours of intermittent use.

Compared to standard kids’ walkie talkies, these stand out with branded immersion and reliable range, but they don’t match the interactive features of the Mario Rumble Kart RC Racer. Still, for fans who love storytelling and coordination, they offer unique social play value that screen-based toys can’t replicate. While not a precision tool, they deliver more fun per pound than generic sets, making them a top pick for imaginative duos.

This isn’t just an RC car—it’s a moving movie moment. The Super Mario Bros. Movie Rumble Kart RC Racer brings the film’s energy to life with 2.4GHz precision, realistic drifting, spinning action, and dynamic sound effects that roar to life with every turn. Mario’s head and hands move in sync with steering, creating an almost animated effect that captivates kids and nostalgic adults alike. With a 100-foot range and rugged wheels, it conquers carpets, concrete, and backyard terrain—making it the most immersive remote-controlled Mario toy available.

In hands-on testing, the Rumble Kart delivers smooth, responsive control with minimal lag, thanks to its interference-free 2.4GHz remote. The spinning feature is a crowd-pleaser, allowing for dramatic 360s that mimic in-game power slides. Lights flash from the tailpipes, and engine rumbles add to the cinematic flair. It handles outdoor gravel better than expected, though steep inclines challenge the motor. The battery life is moderate, supporting about 15–20 minutes of active play before recharging.

Next to the Carrera Pull-Back cars, this RC Racer offers far more interactivity and tech, but demands more space and care. It’s not a grab-and-go toy like the pull-back models, but for kids who crave control, sound, and motion, it’s unmatched. While pricier than most Mario toys, it delivers premium features that justify the cost, outperforming simpler RC options in both engagement and build.

Tension, tremors, and total giggles—the Super Mario Blow Up! Shaky Tower turns simple stacking into a nerve-wracking family challenge where one wrong move sends Mario and friends tumbling. With seven collectible action figures—including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Boo—this dexterity game blends storytelling with physical skill, making it perfect for developing focus and fine motor control in young players. The included die dictates who adds or removes a figure, ensuring every turn feels unpredictable and full of suspense.

In real play, the tower’s wobbly spring base amplifies every shaky hand, and kids quickly learn the value of patience and precision. The figures are small but detailed, and their compatibility with other Mario games adds long-term value. It works best on a steady table, and while it’s durable, repeated drops can loosen the tower’s base over time. Younger players may get frustrated when the tower collapses early, but the quick reset keeps games flowing.

Compared to the TOMY Pop Up Game, this one leans harder into skill and suspense rather than luck and action. It’s less about explosive fun and more about controlled excitement, making it a better fit for calmer play sessions. While it doesn’t offer multiple modes, it excels in tactile engagement, outperforming simpler stacking games with its licensed charm and replayability.

Menacing, majestic, and packed with play value, the Deluxe Bowser’s Air Ship is the undisputed king of Mario playsets—earning its title as the Best Overall with flying colors. This motorless fortress comes alive when rolled, triggering spinning propellers and authentic in-game sounds at the press of a button. The 2.5-inch Mario figure fits snugly inside, and the hinged design allows for open-concept play, making it ideal for imaginative battles between Bowser and his nemesis.

In testing, the sound effects are crisp and instantly recognizable from the games, and the propellers spin smoothly when the ship is pushed forward—no batteries needed for motion. The build is sturdy, with thick plastic that withstands crashes and rough play. It’s compact enough for travel but large enough to dominate the playroom. While it doesn’t include Bowser, the open storage compartment invites figure swapping, letting kids mix in their own collection.

Against the Mushroom Kingdom Castle, Bowser’s Air Ship offers more interactive mechanics and villain-centric appeal. It lacks the expansive interior of Peach’s castle, but makes up for it with motion and sound. For kids who love bad guys and flying fortresses, it delivers richer sensory feedback and more dynamic play, standing tall as the most complete all-around Mario toy.

Speed, scale, and serious collectibility define the Hot Wheels Mario Kart 4-Pack—a must-have for fans who crave display and drive. Each set includes four 1:64 scale die-cast karts, featuring fan favorites like Mario and Luigi, plus one exclusive model per pack that fuels the thrill of the hunt. These aren’t just toys—they’re miniature tributes to the game, with authentic colors, decals, and track compatibility that lets kids race them on any Hot Wheels setup.

In real-world use, the die-cast base adds satisfying weight, improving roll and collision realism on tracks. The karts handle high-speed drops and loops without breaking, and their low center of gravity prevents tipping. Kids love mixing them into larger Hot Wheels collections, and the exclusive model incentive keeps them coming back for more. While they’re small for very young hands, ages 5+ handle them with ease.

Compared to the Carrera Pull-Back cars, these offer better durability and customization, but less instant speed. They’re not designed for floor racing but for precision track performance and display. While pricier than single vehicles, they deliver superior value per model, outclassing generic sets with licensed authenticity and build quality.

Surprise, speed, and collectible chaos—the TOMY Mario Kart Pull Back Racers turn every unboxing into a mini Mario Kart Grand Prix. Packaged in blind capsules, this 10-count set hides fan-favorite racers like Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and even a rare duplicate for added thrill. Each car features a signature sticker and pull-back motor, ready to race the second it’s freed from its capsule. The gashapon-style reveal taps into the collector’s instinct, making it perfect for birthdays, party favors, or just-because excitement.

In action, the pull-back mechanics deliver short bursts of solid speed, though not as powerful as the Carrera models. The cars are smaller (about 2 inches), making them ideal for little hands and compact races. The blind-box format occasionally yields duplicates, which can disappoint—but the randomized fun keeps kids engaged. They’re durable enough for indoor tracks but not built for rough outdoor terrain.

Next to the Hot Wheels 4-Pack, this set trades die-cast heft for surprise and quantity, offering more figures per dollar. It’s less about precision and more about unboxing joy and variety. While not track-compatible, it beats blind-bag candy toys in play value, delivering a unique mix of collectibility and action that few Mario toys match.

From fold-flat to full-scale fantasy, the Mushroom Kingdom Castle Playset is a cinematic playground that brings The Super Mario Bros. Movie to life in dazzling detail. With a 22-inch wide interior that unfolds like magic, it’s packed with movie-accurate features: a Piranha Plant trap, Bullet Bill launcher, and fire stick obstacle—all designed to recreate the film’s training grounds. The inclusion of 1.25-inch Mario and Princess Peach figures kicks off storytelling the second the box opens.

In real play, the castle’s interactive elements spark endless missions—dodge the Piranha, launch Bullet Bills, and race through obstacles like Mario did in the film. The plastic is lightweight but resilient, surviving repeated folding and roughhousing. It’s ideal for floor play and pairs seamlessly with other movie figures, though small parts require supervision for under-3s. The compact fold makes it travel-friendly, a rarity for playsets this large.

Against Bowser’s Air Ship, this castle offers more interior space and puzzle-like play, but lacks motorized features. It’s the ultimate hero-side counterpart to Bowser’s villain lair. While it doesn’t include sound or motion, it outshines in expandability and scene variety, making it the top pick for fans who dream of ruling the Mushroom Kingdom.