Tech

Mario Paint Joins Switch Online: Draw, Compose, and Play Like It’s 1992!

Mario Paint

Are you ready to take a trip down memory lane and relive the golden days of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System? Well, grab your digital paintbrush because Mario Paint has officially landed on Nintendo Switch Online, and it’s here to stir up all the retro creativity your inner child could ask for.

If you’ve never heard of Mario Paint, you’re in for a colorful treat. And if you have? Let’s just say—it’s time to draw, animate, and compose like it’s 1992 again!


🎨 What Is Mario Paint?

Mario Paint isn’t your typical Nintendo game. Instead of running through Mushroom Kingdoms or saving princesses, this game invites you to unleash your imagination. Released originally in 1992 for the SNES, Mario Paint was a unique mix of art, music, and animation tools, bundled with a quirky SNES Mouse accessory.

Fast forward to today, it’s been lovingly reintroduced through the Nintendo Switch Online SNES library, and yes—it still has that same creative magic.


🕹️ How Mario Paint Works on Nintendo Switch

So, how does a mouse-based creative tool from the early ’90s work on modern hardware? Pretty smoothly, actually.

You can now use a USB mouse with your Nintendo Switch or control the pointer using the Joy-Con controllers, especially on the newer Nintendo Switch 2 system. It’s intuitive, nostalgic, and still surprisingly fun!

And the best part? No art degree required. Whether you want to draw, animate stick figures, or compose a quirky 8-bit track, the tools are playful and easy for anyone to pick up.


🎼 Compose Your Own Nintendo Music

This isn’t just about drawing. One of the most beloved features of Mario Paint was its music composer. With just a few clicks, you can arrange a melody using a fun mix of sound effects—dogs barking, baby cries, and even Yoshi’s chirps!

Now, Nintendo Music has joined the party too. Through the Nintendo Music app, available on smart devices for free with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can enjoy a selection of retro tunes, including themes from Mario Paint, Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and more.

Also read this: Amazon Removes All Google Shopping Ads Globally in 48 Hours


🖌️ What Makes Mario Paint So Special?

Let’s break it down.

  • It’s timeless: Mario Paint is pure nostalgia in a cartridge (or now, a digital app).
  • It’s creative: There aren’t many games that let you draw, animate, and make music in one package.
  • It’s silly—in the best way: The quirky sound effects and colorful sprites still make us giggle.

This isn’t just a game; it’s a digital art studio with Nintendo’s signature charm baked in.


🧑‍🎨 Tools You Can Use Inside the Game

You’re not just limited to a pencil tool. Mario Paint offers:

  • Drawing tools with shape creators, stamps, and fill options
  • Animation tools to create short frame-by-frame sequences
  • Music tools to write your own soundtrack
  • Mini-games, including the iconic “Gnat Attack” fly swatter game

For a 1992 game, that’s quite the toolkit!


📱 What’s New with the Nintendo Switch Online Version?

Aside from being playable on the Nintendo Switch, here’s what’s new:

  • USB Mouse support (sold separately, but worth it!)
  • Joy-Con pointer controls on the Nintendo Switch 2
  • Integrated music access via the Nintendo Music app
  • Save your creations and share screenshots with friends

It’s a love letter to the original game, updated just enough to feel fresh without losing its charm.


🗂️ Part of a Growing Nintendo Library

Mario Paint joins a long list of Nintendo Classics now available through the Nintendo Switch Online membership. You now get access to over 150+ classic games from the SNES, NES, Game Boy, and more.

Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or discovering these gems for the first time, the Nintendo Library keeps growing—and we’re here for it.


📦 Do You Need the SNES Mouse to Play Mario Paint?

Not at all! You can:

  • Use a USB mouse (yes, it’s supported natively)
  • Or control with your Joy-Con, which works surprisingly well thanks to the motion and pointer features

This flexibility makes it super accessible. It’s the perfect setup whether you’re lounging on your couch or going all in at your desk setup.


🎮 Why It’s a Perfect Fit for Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has always been about versatility and fun, and Mario Paint fits right in:

  • Want to chill and sketch after a long day? Mario Paint.
  • Want to introduce your kids to retro creativity? Mario Paint.
  • Want to swat flies in the most ridiculous mini-game ever? You guessed it—Mario Paint.

It’s relaxing, goofy, and a refreshing break from high-stakes gaming.


🎁 Nintendo Switch Online Adds More Than Just Games

Your Nintendo Switch Online membership brings more than access to Mario Paint:

  • Nintendo Music App: Listen to retro and modern tracks from across Nintendo’s franchises
  • Multiplayer access: Play online with friends across supported games
  • Classic libraries: NES, SNES, Game Boy, and more
  • Exclusive games & offers: Like F-ZERO 99, and now—Mario Paint

It’s not just a service. It’s a retro playground.


🎉 Final Thoughts: A Creative Comeback for the Ages

In a world of hyper-realistic graphics and competitive multiplayer games, Mario Paint is a breath of fresh (and colorful) air. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s the point.

This release is more than just nostalgia. It’s about rediscovering the joy of creating for the fun of it, whether you’re doodling goofy faces or composing 16-bit masterpieces.

So, dust off your creative side. Mario Paint is back—and it’s better than ever.


❓ FAQs

1. Can I play Mario Paint without a USB mouse on Switch?

Yes! You can use the Joy-Con controllers to control the pointer, especially on the Nintendo Switch 2, which offers smoother motion tracking.

2. Is Mario Paint included in all Nintendo Switch Online plans?

It’s included in the base Nintendo Switch Online membership, which gives you access to SNES games like Mario Paint and many more classics.

3. Can I save and share my creations in Mario Paint?

You can’t export animations directly, but you can take screenshots or video captures using the Switch and share them online!

4. What age group is Mario Paint suitable for?

All ages! It’s simple enough for kids and packed with enough charm to entertain adults.

5. Is the Nintendo Music app free?

Yes, if you’re a Nintendo Switch Online member, the Nintendo Music app is free to download and use on your smart device.

6. Are there other creative games like Mario Paint on Switch?

There are a few, but Mario Paint is one-of-a-kind. For similar vibes, try Game Builder Garage or even WarioWare: Get It Together!

author avatar
Ubaid Ur Rehman