Games like Super Mario World on Xbox
3 of the 5 modern alternatives to Super Mario World (1990) run on Xbox. The cheapest is Kaze and the Wild Masks at € 14,99. All of them are made by independent developers.
Xbox has the strongest backwards-compatibility programme of any console, so a large number of original Xbox and Xbox 360 games run natively on current hardware. Add Game Pass and the steady stream of retro-styled indies and the coverage is broad.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove Indie
€ 24,99A love letter to 8-bit and 16-bit platformers with tight controls and charm.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is also an alternative to 3 other classics
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Owlboy Indie
€ 19,50A hand-pixelled flight and exploration platformer with the craftsmanship of the best 16-bit games.
Owlboy runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Kaze and the Wild Masks Indie
€ 14,99A 16-bit style platformer of power-up masks and secret exits, openly built on the SNES greats.
Kaze and the Wild Masks is also an alternative to 3 other classics
Kaze and the Wild Masks runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Not on Xbox
These alternatives to Super Mario World are listed on the main page, but do not run on Xbox:
All 5 games like Super Mario World