Nintendo fans with a flair for the artistic have a reason to celebrate: Mario Paint, the 1992 SNES classic, is now available through the Nintendo Switch Online service. More than just a nostalgic addition, the re-release coincides with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2’s innovative Joy-Con mouse functionality—making this creative suite more accessible and dynamic than ever.
Whether you’re an original fan of the game or discovering it for the first time, Mario Paint delivers a compelling mix of creativity, interactivity, and retro charm that holds up even 33 years after its original release.
Joy-Cons Turn Into a Mouse—And Mario Paint Is the Perfect Testbed
Perhaps the most buzzworthy feature of the Nintendo Switch 2 is its Joy-Con controllers’ ability to function as a mouse—a first for any Nintendo system. And what better way to showcase that functionality than with a game that was designed around pointer-based input?
Originally released alongside the SNES Mouse peripheral in 1992, Mario Paint was a pioneer of interactive digital art long before tablets or touchscreens were the norm. On the original Switch, players can use a compatible USB mouse to replicate the original experience. But the Nintendo Switch 2 changes the game by allowing direct Joy-Con input, turning your handheld console into a portable canvas with zero setup fuss.
The precision and freedom this control scheme offers will be a welcome upgrade for artists and hobbyists alike, whether sketching pixel art, composing catchy 8-bit tunes, or swatting flies in a mini-game break.
A Creative Playground: Drawing, Animating, Composing, and More
At its core, Mario Paint is a multi-modal creative experience. The game isn’t just about drawing static pictures—although the drawing tools are a highlight. Players can animate their creations, design custom stamps and sprites, and even compose original music using an intuitive sequencer that features a now-iconic musical notation style with familiar Mario-themed sounds.
One of the standout features is the Stamp Designer, where players can craft up to 15 custom sprites. These can be used in drawings or simple animations, offering a form of creative expression that was years ahead of its time.
Then there’s The Breakroom, a surprisingly entertaining mini-game where players use a fly swatter to eliminate pests buzzing around their digital studio. It’s a quirky inclusion that adds a dose of arcade-style fun to the otherwise tranquil artistic environment.
With its re-release on Switch, all these features are preserved and enhanced by today’s modern hardware—offering smoother performance, higher resolution, and flexible input options.
A Full Multimedia Revival: Soundtrack Now on Nintendo Music
Nintendo is going beyond just the game itself. Alongside Mario Paint’s reintroduction to a modern audience, its beloved soundtrack has also been added to the Nintendo Music app. This means fans can revisit the nostalgic tones of Mario Paint on their smartphones or smart devices whenever they like.
From the upbeat menu music to the goofy fly-swatting tunes, the soundtrack holds a special place in retro gaming culture. Making it available outside the game shows that Nintendo recognizes not just the gameplay value of Mario Paint, but its broader cultural impact.
Available Now on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
Mario Paint is now live for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers and can be played on both the original Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Whether you’re revisiting it with a USB mouse on the classic console or exploring Joy-Con-controlled drawing on the newer model, it’s never been easier—or more fun—to get artsy with Mario.
With nostalgia fueling its return and new features enhancing the experience, Mario Paint feels less like a relic of the past and more like a creative tool for today’s gamers. Whether you’re here to draw, compose, animate, or just swat a few flies, Mario Paint is the colorful trip down memory lane you didn’t know you needed.
