Nintendo has officially added Mario Paint to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) library for the Nintendo Switch Online service. This long-awaited addition marks the first Super Nintendo game added to the platform since March 2025, breaking a dry spell in SNES support and bringing back a beloved yet often overlooked gem from the 16-bit Mario era.
A Cult Classic Returns After Decades
Originally released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo, Mario Paint has remained a cult classic thanks to its unique creative tools, including drawing, animation, and music composition features. The game originally required the SNES Mouse, a rare peripheral that limited its accessibility over the years. That limitation may be one reason why it took Nintendo this long to reintroduce the title.
However, with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2—whose controller supports mouse-like input—the game is now fully playable without the need for additional accessories. For those using the original Nintendo Switch, the game is still accessible through compatible USB mice, offering broad support across both console generations.
Features and Functionality on Switch
The new Mario Paint release includes the classic music composition tool, which has inspired digital creators for decades. Now, players can save their creations using the suspend point feature built into Nintendo Switch Online. Additionally, the music composed in-game can now be played on the official Nintendo Music app, extending the experience beyond the console.
A new reveal trailer shared by Nintendo walks players through the updated control scheme and mouse functionality, making it easier for returning fans and newcomers alike to jump into the nostalgic software.
A Creative Legacy Reborn
Though not the most commercially successful Mario title, Mario Paint has left a lasting impact on the gaming and creative communities. Over the years, fans have recreated everything from classical music to modern TV themes—like the Succession theme—in its iconic music editor. Its legacy as an artistic sandbox has only grown in the decades since its debut.
With Mario Paint now finally available on Nintendo Switch Online, creative gamers have a new opportunity to explore digital art and sound in a retro environment, using modern tools. It’s a long-overdue return that brings one of Nintendo’s most creative titles back into the spotlight.
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers with access to the SNES library can now launch Mario Paint and start creating without delay. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia or looking to compose something entirely new, Mario Paint is ready to inspire once again.
