Super Mario – Complete Guide to Games, History and Movie

When Was the First Super Mario Game Released? A History of the Franchise

Super Mario is one of the most recognizable and enduring franchises in video game history. Developed and published by Nintendo, the series centers on Mario, a plumber who has become the company’s mascot. The journey began not with a plumber, but with a carpenter named Jumpman in 1981.

The first game to feature the character who would become Mario was Donkey Kong, released in arcades in 1981. In that game, the protagonist was called Jumpman. It was not until Mario Bros. in 1983 that the character was given the name Mario and established as a plumber. The true turning point came on September 13, 1985, with the release of Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in Japan. (Nintendo’s official history page notes a release date of Oct. 18, 1985 on the NES.) This title defined the side-scrolling platformer genre and set the template for countless games to follow.

• Super Mario remains Nintendo’s most valuable franchise, with over 400 million units sold across all titles.
• The 2023 animated movie significantly boosted mainstream interest, driving new players to older titles.
• Unlike many franchises, Super Mario has minimal official PC presence, creating a large emulation/unofficial market.
• Super Mario Bros 35 (2020) was a limited-time battle royale variation that is no longer playable.
• Super Mario Galaxy is widely considered one of the highest-rated games in history (97 Metascore).

Who created Super Mario? The Origin Story

Shigeru Miyamoto, a legendary game designer at Nintendo, created Mario. Mario first appeared as Jumpman in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, where players controlled the character to rescue a damsel from a giant ape. Miyamoto’s design philosophy was to create a character that was instantly readable, even with the limited graphical capabilities of the time. The red cap and mustache were practical choices: the cap meant he didn’t need to animate hair, and the mustache made the nose stand out against the pixelated background.

What was the original Super Mario game like?

The original Super Mario Bros. was a side-scrolling platformer. Players guided Mario (or Luigi in two-player mode) through the Mushroom Kingdom, moving from left to right across levels. The goal was to reach a flagpole at the end of each stage while avoiding enemies like Goombas and Koopa Troopas. The game introduced power-ups such as the Super Mushroom, which made Mario grow larger, and the Fire Flower, which allowed him to throw fireballs. It also featured hidden blocks, warp pipes, and a limited number of lives.

How did Mario become Nintendo’s mascot?

Mario’s rise to mascot status was gradual but definitive. After the success of Donkey Kong and Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. was a global phenomenon that sold tens of millions of copies. The character’s cheerful, everyman personality, combined with the exceptional design of his games, made him synonymous with Nintendo itself. Over the decades, Mario has appeared in hundreds of games, from kart racing to sports to role-playing adventures, cementing his place as the company’s most recognizable face.

Can I Play Super Mario Online for Free? Gameplay Access Guide

This is one of the most common questions about the franchise. The answer depends on what you mean by “Super Mario” and what you consider official. There is no single, official website that hosts all classic Mario games for free play. However, there are several legitimate and unofficial ways to access Mario titles.

Is Super Mario available on PC?

No official mainline Super Mario game has been released for Windows or Mac. Nintendo has historically kept its flagship franchises exclusive to its own hardware. The only official exception is Super Mario Run, a mobile game available on iOS and Android. All other titles require a Nintendo console. Playing Mario games on PC typically involves using unofficial emulators, which operate in a legal gray area. Nintendo does not authorize this practice.

How do I download Super Mario games legally?

For the most current games, the Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch is the primary digital storefront. For classic titles, Nintendo offers a subscription service called Nintendo Switch Online, which includes a library of NES and Super NES games. Individual classic games like Super Mario Bros. 3 are also sometimes sold separately. Super Mario Run can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

What consoles have Super Mario World?

Super Mario World originally launched on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990. Today, it is available on the following platforms:

• Nintendo Switch (via the Super Nintendo Entertainment System app for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers)
• Super NES Classic Edition (a dedicated mini-console)
• New Nintendo 3DS (via the Virtual Console service)
• Wii U (via the Virtual Console service)

What is Super Mario Run? The mobile experience

Super Mario Run, released in 2016 for iOS and Android, is a mobile game where Mario runs forward automatically. The player’s main interaction is tapping the screen to make him jump, timing jumps to collect coins and avoid enemies. The game is free to try, with a one-time purchase to unlock the full game. It represents Nintendo’s first major foray into mobile gaming with its flagship character.

When Was The Super Mario Bros. Movie Released? Film Details and Updates

The Super Mario Bros. Movie premiered in theaters on April 5, 2023, in the United States. Co-produced by Illumination (the studio behind Despicable Me) and Nintendo, the film was a massive commercial success, grossing over $1.36 billion worldwide. It became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time and a major cultural phenomenon.

Who voices Mario in the 2023 movie?

Chris Pratt provided the voice of Mario in the English-language version of the film. The main voice cast also included Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser. The casting of Pratt was a subject of significant discussion among fans, but the film’s overall performance was undeniably strong.

Is The Super Mario Bros. Movie streaming?

As of early 2025, the movie is available to stream on Peacock in the United States. It has also been released on physical media (Blu-ray and DVD) and is available for digital purchase or rental on various platforms. As is common with major studio releases, it will likely rotate between streaming services over time.

Will there be a Super Mario movie sequel?

As of early 2025, a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie has not been officially confirmed by Nintendo or Illumination. However, given the film’s extraordinary financial success, industry analysts and fans widely expect a sequel to be greenlit. The film’s post-credits scene teasing Yoshi also strongly suggests future plans. Any official announcement is likely to come from Nintendo or Illumination in the future.

What Are the Best Super Mario Games Ranked? Key Titles Explained

“Best” is subjective, but certain Super Mario games are consistently cited as masterpieces that defined or redefined the platforming genre. The franchise’s history is marked by constant innovation, from the 2D perfection of Super Mario World to the groundbreaking 3D design of Super Mario 64.

What is Super Mario Galaxy?

Released for the Wii in 2007, Super Mario Galaxy is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the 3D Mario series. The game’s central mechanic involves Mario running on small, spherical planets and platforms, using gravitational forces to navigate. It is renowned for its inventive level design, orchestral soundtrack, and a Metacritic score of 97, making it one of the highest-rated games ever. A direct sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2, was released in 2010.

What is Super Mario World?

Super Mario World, the launch title for the Super Nintendo in 1990, is a landmark 2D platformer. It introduced Yoshi, Mario’s dinosaur companion, and a sprawling overworld map that allowed players to choose their paths through levels. Its secret exits and Star Road warp zone set a new standard for exploration and replayability in the genre.

What is Super Mario Bros 35? The battle royale edition

Super Mario Bros. 35 was a unique, limited-time game released in October 2020 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. It was a battle royale where 35 players raced through the original game’s levels simultaneously. Enemies a player defeated would be sent to opponents’ screens, adding a competitive layer. Nintendo shut down the servers on April 1, 2021, making the game unplayable. It has not been re-released.

How does Super Mario Bros 1985 compare to modern games?

The 1985 original is simpler and more direct. It has no save system, a fixed difficulty curve, and a smaller move set. Modern 2D Mario games, like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, offer checkpoints, more forgiving lives systems, deeper gameplay mechanics, and online co-op. While the 1985 game is a classic piece of history, modern titles offer a more accessible and feature-rich experience. Many fans still consider the original a perfect distillation of the platforming genre’s fundamentals.

Super Mario Timeline: Key Milestones

The franchise has a long and storied history. Below are the most significant milestones that shaped the series.

• 1981: Mario debuts as ‘Jumpman’ in Donkey Kong arcade game.
• 1985: Super Mario Bros. launches on NES, becomes a global phenomenon.
• 1990: Super Mario World released with the Super Nintendo.
• 1996: Super Mario 64 transitions the franchise to 3D on the Nintendo 64.
• 2007: Super Mario Galaxy released on Wii, achieving critical acclaim.
• 2016: Super Mario Run launches on mobile devices.
• 2020: Super Mario Bros 35 limited release for 35th anniversary.
• 2023: The Super Mario Bros. Movie released in theaters; Super Mario Bros. Wonder launches.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Super Mario

While many facts are well-documented, some questions about the franchise’s future and specific aspects of its past remain open.

Background and Context: Why Super Mario Matters

Nintendo’s strategy of platform exclusivity has been central to Mario’s identity. By keeping Mario tied to its hardware, Nintendo creates a powerful incentive for consumers to buy its consoles. This strategy has been incredibly successful, making Mario a system-seller for decades. The 2023 movie’s success should be seen within the broader trend of video game film adaptations finally finding their footing, with The Super Mario Bros. Movie becoming a benchmark for the genre. Super Mario Galaxy remains a design benchmark for 3D platformers, praised for its inventive use of gravity and spherical worlds. Beyond the games, Mario’s cultural impact as a symbol of Japanese game design and family-friendly entertainment is immeasurable.

Sources and Key Information

Shigeru Miyamoto, on designing Mario: ‘I wanted a character that was immediately recognizable, even in silhouette.’

— Various Nintendo interviews (1985-2010)

The Super Mario Bros. Movie voice cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black.

— Illumination/Nintendo, 2023

Nintendo’s official history page provides the definitive franchise timeline and sales figures.

— mario.nintendo.com/history

Summary of the Super Mario Franchise

Mario began in Donkey Kong, became a plumber in Mario Bros., and exploded globally with Super Mario Bros. The key mainline milestones are Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, Super Mario 64, Sunshine, Galaxy, Odyssey, and Wonder. The 2023 animated Super Mario Bros. Movie brought the franchise to a huge mainstream audience. To play, you move, jump, defeat enemies, collect items, and finish levels.

Frequently Asked Questions