Experience the legendary platformer game that revolutionized gaming history and captured hearts worldwide
Journey through the iconic gaming franchise that defined platform gaming
Super Mario Bros, released in 1985, revolutionized the video game industry and established Nintendo as the gaming powerhouse. The side-scrolling platformer introduced innovative gameplay mechanics, precise jump controls, and level design that became the gold standard for platformer games worldwide.
Mario, the Italian plumber, alongside Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Yoshi, created an unforgettable cast. The antagonist Bowser, also known as King Koopa, became gaming's most recognizable villain. These characters transcended gaming to become cultural icons.
The vibrant Mushroom Kingdom serves as the primary setting for Mario's adventures. From grasslands to underwater levels, castle stages to sky worlds, each environment features unique enemies like Goombas, Koopa Troopas, Piranha Plants, and Hammer Bros.
Mario (then "Jumpman") first appeared in the arcade game Donkey Kong, marking the beginning of Nintendo's most successful franchise.
The legendary NES platformer that saved the gaming industry, introducing the iconic run-and-jump gameplay, warp zones, and the quest to rescue Princess Peach.
Introduced the world map, diverse power-ups including the Super Leaf and Tanooki Suit, and is considered one of the greatest games ever made.
Super Mario 64 pioneered 3D platforming on Nintendo 64, featuring open-world exploration, camera controls, and analog movement that defined modern gaming.
Revolutionary gravity-based platforming on Wii, featuring spherical worlds, motion controls, and orchestral music that redefined 3D platform games.
Nintendo Switch masterpiece introducing the capture mechanic, sandbox exploration, and returning to the open-ended adventure style with modern graphics.
Meet the beloved characters that make the Mario universe unforgettable
The brave Italian plumber and Nintendo's mascot. Known for his jumping abilities, courage, and determination to save Princess Peach. Mario's athleticism, power-ups mastery, and never-give-up attitude make him gaming's most beloved hero.
Mario's loyal younger brother, wearing green and known for higher jumps but lower traction. Luigi starred in Luigi's Mansion games, showcasing his ghost-hunting abilities and proving he's a hero in his own right.
The benevolent ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, frequently kidnapped by Bowser. Beyond being a damsel in distress, Peach is playable in multiple games, showcasing her floating abilities, magic powers, and leadership.
The powerful Koopa King and Mario's arch-nemesis. This fire-breathing turtle-dragon commands the Koopa Troop and repeatedly attempts to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom and marry Princess Peach through various schemes and boss battles.
The friendly dinosaur species serving as Mario's trusty steed. Yoshi can eat enemies with his long tongue, flutter jump, and lay eggs. Available in multiple colors with unique abilities, Yoshi starred in his own game series.
Princess Peach's loyal attendant and the humanoid mushroom species inhabiting the kingdom. Toads are known for their speed, helpfulness, and courage. Captain Toad leads the Toad Brigade on treasure hunting expeditions.
Explore the extensive Mario game series across all Nintendo platforms
The Super Mario franchise spans over 40 years with more than 200 games across platforms including NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Game Boy, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS. From classic 2D side-scrollers to revolutionary 3D platformers, racing games, RPGs, sports titles, and party games, Mario has conquered every gaming genre.
| Game Title | Platform | Release Year | Game Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Bros | NES | 1985 | 2D Platformer | Original side-scrolling adventure, warp zones, 8 worlds, power-ups, saved gaming industry |
| Super Mario Bros 3 | NES | 1988 | 2D Platformer | World map navigation, diverse power-ups, Tanooki Suit, airship levels, mini-games |
| Super Mario World | SNES | 1990 | 2D Platformer | Yoshi debut, Cape Feather, secret exits, Star Road, 96 level exits, Dinosaur Land |
| Super Mario 64 | Nintendo 64 | 1996 | 3D Platformer | First 3D Mario, analog control, open worlds, 120 Power Stars, camera innovation |
| Super Mario Sunshine | GameCube | 2002 | 3D Platformer | FLUDD water pack, Isle Delfino, tropical theme, cleaning mechanics, Shine Sprites |
| Super Mario Galaxy | Wii | 2007 | 3D Platformer | Gravity mechanics, spherical planets, motion controls, orchestral soundtrack, space theme |
| Super Mario Galaxy 2 | Wii | 2010 | 3D Platformer | Yoshi returns, Cloud Mario, refined gravity gameplay, 242 Power Stars, difficult levels |
| Super Mario 3D World | Wii U / Switch | 2013 | 3D Platformer | 4-player co-op, Cat Suit, isometric view, creative levels, Bowser's Fury expansion |
| Super Mario Odyssey | Nintendo Switch | 2017 | 3D Platformer | Capture mechanic, sandbox worlds, Cappy companion, 999 Power Moons, global kingdoms |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Nintendo Switch | 2017 | Racing Game | Anti-gravity racing, 48 tracks, online multiplayer, 200cc speed, item warfare |
| Mario Party Superstars | Nintendo Switch | 2021 | Party Game | Classic boards, 100 mini-games, online play, 4-player competitive, turn-based strategy |
| Paper Mario Series | Multiple | 2000-Present | RPG Adventure | Paper aesthetic, turn-based combat, story-rich, humor, puzzle-solving elements |
Mario Kart series dominates arcade racing with power-ups, drifting mechanics, battle modes, and iconic tracks across mushroom kingdoms and rainbow roads.
Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, Mario Strikers, and Mario Sports Mix bring arcade-style sports with special shots, character abilities, and competitive gameplay.
Mario Party franchise features board game strategy combined with mini-game collections for family-friendly multiplayer entertainment and competition.
Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi RPG series combine platforming with turn-based combat, deep stories, humor, and character development mechanics.
Master the iconic power-ups that define Mario's gameplay mechanics
The fundamental power-up that transforms Small Mario into Super Mario, doubling his size and allowing him to break brick blocks. Getting hit once returns Mario to small form. Essential collectible found throughout levels.
Grants Mario pyrokinetic abilities, allowing him to throw fireballs that defeat most enemies instantly. Mario's outfit changes to red and white. The Fire Flower is one of the most versatile and popular power-ups in the franchise.
Provides temporary invincibility with enhanced speed and the ability to defeat enemies on contact. Accompanied by the iconic "star" music theme. Duration is limited but extremely powerful against all hazards and bosses.
Introduced in Super Mario Bros 3, grants raccoon ears and tail for flight and tail-whip attacks. The rare Tanooki Suit adds statue transformation ability for invincibility and secret discovery.
Super Mario World's signature power-up providing a yellow cape for extended flight and diving attacks. Mastering cape physics allows for infinite flight and makes Mario extremely versatile in exploration.
Super Mario 3D World's adorable transformation enables wall climbing, scratch attacks, and diving pounces. The Cat Suit revolutionized 3D Mario movement with vertical exploration capabilities.
Transforms Mario into a giant capable of crushing everything in his path including pipes, enemies, and brick blocks. Temporary but extremely satisfying, creating massive destruction and earning bonus 1-ups.
Super Mario Odyssey's revolutionary mechanic allows Mario to throw his sentient cap and "capture" enemies and objects, controlling their abilities. This includes becoming a T-Rex, Bullet Bill, or even electrical wires.
Power-ups are the cornerstone of Super Mario gameplay design, offering players multiple approaches to level completion. The power-up system creates risk-reward scenarios where players must decide between safety and speed running. Hidden blocks, question blocks, and secret areas contain these transformations.
Understanding what makes Mario's gameplay feel perfect
Mario's jump is legendary for its pixel-perfect precision and variable height based on button press duration. The acceleration curve, air control, and momentum preservation create intuitive physics that players can master through practice. This responsive jump mechanic is the foundation of all platforming challenges.
Holding the run button increases speed, allowing for longer jumps and accessing previously unreachable platforms. The run mechanic adds depth to level traversal, speedrunning strategies, and enables power-up abilities like flight with sufficient momentum buildup.
Jumping on enemies defeats them while earning points and sometimes items. Ground pound attacks, spin jumps, and various power-up attacks provide multiple combat options. Enemy bounce chains create combo opportunities for skilled players pursuing high scores.
Non-linear level design with multiple paths, secret exits, warp zones, and hidden areas rewards exploration. Backtracking with new power-ups unlocks previously inaccessible secrets. World maps show progression through themed kingdoms and castle fortresses.
Collecting 100 coins grants an extra life, encouraging thorough exploration and skillful play. Coins mark safe paths, indicate secrets, and create collection challenges. Red coin missions and purple coin collectathons add objectives beyond level completion.
Timer creates urgency in classic Mario games, preventing excessive camping while maintaining forward momentum. Speed runs challenge players to complete levels quickly, while timer extensions reward exploration. The hurry-up music intensifies urgency during final seconds.
Super Mario games are masterclasses in difficulty progression. Early levels teach core mechanics through gentle introduction and forgiving design. Mid-game levels combine mechanics in creative ways, testing player mastery. Late-game stages and special worlds present extreme challenges for expert players seeking completion.
The franchise pioneered accessibility features including assist modes, invincibility power-ups after repeated failures, and optional challenging content that doesn't block main story progression, making games enjoyable for all skill levels.
The memorable monsters and hazards that challenge players throughout the Mushroom Kingdom
The most basic enemy - a walking mushroom creature easily defeated by jumping. Goombas patrol platforms and serve as the first enemies new players encounter, teaching jump timing.
Turtle soldiers of Bowser's army. Jumping on them creates a shell that can be kicked as a projectile weapon, creating chain reaction defeats and strategic opportunities.
Carnivorous plants hiding in pipes that emerge periodically. Cannot be jumped on from above, requiring careful timing to avoid or defeat with fireballs and power-ups.
Cloud-riding enemies throwing Spiny eggs that cannot be stomped. Defeating Lakitu allows Mario to ride the cloud, demonstrating creative enemy-to-tool transformation mechanics.
Elite enemies throwing hammer arcs while jumping between blocks. Difficult to approach and defeat, representing mid-to-late game challenges requiring advanced techniques.
Shy ghosts haunting castle levels who only move when Mario looks away. This unique AI pattern creates tension and requires backing movement strategy for safe passage.
Massive stone blocks that slam down when Mario passes underneath. Timing is critical to avoid instant crushing defeat, teaching players pattern recognition and patience.
Undead Koopa skeletons inhabiting castle dungeons. They temporarily crumble when jumped on but resurrect after seconds, requiring strategic planning for safe passage through castle corridors.
Everything you need to know about the Mario franchise
The first Super Mario game was "Super Mario Bros," released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). However, Mario first appeared as "Jumpman" in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong. Super Mario Bros revolutionized platform gaming with side-scrolling gameplay, precise controls, hidden secrets, and innovative level design that established the blueprint for the entire platformer genre.
Super Mario was created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto at Nintendo. Mario is a plumber because of his first appearance in the arcade game "Mario Bros" (1983), where he and Luigi fought creatures emerging from pipes in New York sewers. The plumber profession made sense for gameplay centered around pipes, which became Mario's signature method of transportation, hiding power-ups, and accessing secret areas throughout the franchise.
Top-rated Mario games include: Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo Switch) for innovative capture mechanics and open exploration; Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 (Wii) for revolutionary gravity-based platforming; Super Mario 64 (N64) for pioneering 3D platforming; Super Mario Bros 3 (NES) for perfect 2D design; Super Mario World (SNES) for Yoshi introduction and level variety; and Super Mario 3D World (Switch) for multiplayer fun. Each offers unique gameplay innovations while maintaining Mario's core excellence.
There are over 200 Mario games if you count all spin-offs, remakes, and ports across platforms. The mainline Super Mario platformer series includes approximately 20 major titles. Beyond platformers, the franchise expanded into racing games (Mario Kart series), party games (Mario Party), sports titles (Mario Tennis, Golf, Strikers), RPGs (Paper Mario, Mario & Luigi series), puzzle games (Dr. Mario), and educational titles. Mario has appeared in more games than any other video game character in history.
Super Mario's enduring popularity stems from multiple factors: Perfect controls with responsive, precise gameplay that feels great; excellent level design that teaches through play without tutorials; creative innovation with each new entry introducing fresh mechanics; universal appeal suitable for all ages and skill levels; memorable characters with iconic designs and personalities; consistent quality maintained across decades; and cultural impact as gaming's most recognizable mascot. Nintendo's commitment to excellence and innovation keeps Mario relevant across generations.
The Mushroom Kingdom is the primary setting for Mario games, a magical realm ruled by Princess Peach. This vibrant world features diverse environments including grasslands, deserts, ice worlds, sky kingdoms, underwater zones, volcanic regions, and castle fortresses. Inhabited by mushroom people called Toads, the kingdom is repeatedly threatened by Bowser and his Koopa Troop. The kingdom's geography expands with each game, including neighboring regions like Dinosaur Land, Isle Delfino, and various galaxies in space-based adventures.
Extra lives (1-Ups) in Mario games are obtained through several methods: Collecting 100 coins grants one extra life and resets the coin counter; Green 1-Up Mushrooms hidden throughout levels; defeating multiple enemies in succession creates combos yielding 1-Ups; completing levels quickly with high scores; finding secret areas with multiple 1-Up opportunities; playing mini-games in certain titles; and achieving specific challenges like collecting all red coins or completing time trials. Modern games often have infinite lives with different penalty systems.
2D Mario games (side-scrollers) feature left-to-right progression, simpler controls, linear level design with branching secrets, traditional power-ups, and focus on precise platforming reflexes. Examples include Super Mario Bros series and New Super Mario Bros. 3D Mario games offer full 3D exploration, camera control, open-ended level design, collect-athon objectives (Power Stars/Shines/Moons), and experimental mechanics. Examples include Mario 64, Galaxy, and Odyssey. Both styles maintain Mario's core excellence while offering distinct gameplay experiences and appeal to different preferences.
Official Super Mario games are exclusive to Nintendo platforms and not released for PC. To play Mario games, you need Nintendo consoles: Nintendo Switch (latest platform with Odyssey, 3D World, etc.), Wii U, Wii, Nintendo 64, GameCube, or handheld systems like Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo occasionally releases retro Mario games on their online subscription services. The company maintains strict platform exclusivity to drive hardware sales. While emulation exists, Nintendo actively protects its intellectual property and official games should be played on legitimate Nintendo hardware.
Mario Kart is Nintendo's premier arcade racing game series featuring Super Mario characters and locations. Starting in 1992 with Super Mario Kart on SNES, the franchise combines go-kart racing with battle items (shells, bananas, lightning bolts), power-sliding drift mechanics, and iconic tracks inspired by Mushroom Kingdom locations. Mario Kart maintains Mario's accessibility and fun while offering competitive depth. The series became one of gaming's best-selling franchises, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch being one of the platform's most popular titles with online multiplayer and continuous DLC support.
Power-ups are collectible items that transform Mario and grant special abilities. The system typically works in stages: Small Mario â Super Mario (via Super Mushroom, increases size and allows taking one hit) â Powered Form (Fire Flower, Cape, etc. granting special abilities). When hit by enemies, powered Mario reverts to Super form, then to Small form on second hit, creating a damage buffer system. Power-ups are found in question blocks, hidden blocks, and carried by some enemies. Different power-ups enable unique gameplay strategies, access to secrets, and easier enemy defeat methods.
Yes, Super Mario games are family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages. The franchise maintains an E (Everyone) rating with no violence, inappropriate language, or mature themes. Gameplay teaches hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, pattern recognition, and persistence through challenges. The colorful aesthetic, cheerful music, and whimsical characters create a positive gaming environment. Nintendo designs Mario games with adjustable difficulty through optional content, assist modes in newer titles, and multiplayer cooperation options allowing parents and children to play together. Mario represents gaming's gold standard for all-ages entertainment.
The classic Super Mario story follows Mario, a heroic plumber living in the Mushroom Kingdom, who must rescue Princess Peach from the villainous Bowser, King of the Koopas. Bowser repeatedly kidnaps Peach in attempts to conquer the kingdom and force marriage. Mario, often accompanied by brother Luigi and friends like Toad and Yoshi, travels through eight worlds filled with enemies, obstacles, and challenges to reach Bowser's castle and save the princess. While this core narrative remains consistent, modern Mario games expand the story with unique settings, motivations, and adventures exploring different kingdoms, galaxies, and dimensions.
After the 1983 video game crash, the industry faced collapse due to oversaturated markets with low-quality games. Super Mario Bros (1985) revitalized gaming through: exceptional quality and polish that restored consumer confidence; innovative design with secrets encouraging replay value; perfect difficulty curve accessible to newcomers but challenging for experts; technical excellence pushing NES hardware limits; and bundling with NES in North America, driving console adoption. Mario proved video games could be artistic, challenging, and commercially successful, establishing Nintendo's reputation for quality that continues today.
Speedrunning is completing Mario games as quickly as possible, creating a competitive community around time optimization. Players discover skips, glitches, sequence breaks, and optimal routes to minimize completion time. Categories include Any% (finish game by any means), 100% (collect everything), glitchless, and specific challenge runs. Super Mario games, especially Super Mario 64, Super Mario World, and Super Mario Bros, have massive speedrunning communities with world records constantly being broken. Speedrunning reveals incredible depth in Mario's physics, level design, and mechanics while showcasing extraordinary player skill and game knowledge.
How Mario became gaming's most influential franchise
Mario transcended gaming to become a global cultural icon recognized by over 90% of children worldwide, surpassing even Disney characters in some markets. The franchise influenced countless game developers, established industry standards for platformers, and demonstrated video games as legitimate art form. Mario's jump sound effect and theme music are among the most recognizable audio in entertainment history.
Beyond games, Mario expanded into animated series, comic books, educational software, theme park attractions (Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios), and the 2023 animated film which grossed over $1.3 billion globally. Merchandise includes toys, clothing, home goods, and collectibles generating billions in revenue. Mario represents Nintendo's brand identity and appears as Olympic mascot, museum exhibitions, and cultural celebrations.
Mario games pioneered critical innovations: analog stick 3D control (Mario 64), gravity-based platforming (Galaxy), motion controls (Galaxy's star bits, Odyssey's motion throws), HD rumble feedback, and capture mechanics. Each mainline entry pushes hardware capabilities while maintaining accessible gameplay. Nintendo's "gameplay first" philosophy exemplified through Mario influenced entire industry design principles prioritizing fun over graphics.
Experience the magic of Super Mario games on Nintendo Switch and discover why millions of players worldwide love the Mushroom Kingdom