A Nintendo fan has showcased his Super Mario collection to mark the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., featuring over 3,000 items in total.
Online platforms like YouTube and TikTok have made the act of collecting video game merchandise more popular, and profitable, than ever but few people have spent four decades amassing their collections.
Steve Bagley, 45, from Staffordshire, is one of the diehards who has built what is believed to be one of the biggest Mario collections in the world.
The NHS worker, who celebrates the character through his website Mario Museum, began his obsession after playing Super Mario Bros. aged five on the NES.
His collection today spans between 2,000 and 3,000 items in total, including almost 500 games, every Nintendo console ever made, signed posters, Japanese exclusive items, and antique playing cards from when Nintendo was just a card-making company.
Bagley brought together his Mario collection in one space, in honour of the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., which took place on September 15, 2025. Mario’s first appearance was in 1981’s Donkey Kong, but 1985’s Super Mario Bros. set the foundations of what the plumber is known for today.
To mark the occasion, Bagley released a video tour of his games room on his social media channels, complete with Lego sets, Nintendo’s toy robot R.O.B., and items from Super Nintendo World. Bagley counted down for 40 days leading up to the anniversary, with social posts highlighting different Mario titles over the years.
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‘A very special project I have been working on for a long time, let’s say a lifetime, is my games room,’ Bagley wrote on Mario Museum in the games room reveal. ‘Bringing together my collection and displaying it in a purpose-designed room, for the very first time since I began collecting and preserving game media, over 30 years ago!’
Nintendo marked the 40th anniversary with a Direct presentation a day prior. In the showcase, it announced a slew of new Mario games, including Mario Tennis Fever and an upgraded re-release of Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 for the Switch.
For anyone expecting a brand new 3D Mario, however, it was a somewhat underwhelming presentation – where the biggest takeaway was the astronomical prices.
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What an impressive collection! It’s always amazing to see how passionate fans can be about their favorite franchises. Steve’s dedication to Super Mario over the years is truly inspiring.
Appreciate this post—concise and informative.
Thanks for your feedback! It’s impressive how much dedication goes into building such a collection over four decades. It really highlights the impact of nostalgia and how gaming can create lifelong passions.
Absolutely! It’s fascinating to see how collections like Steve’s not only reflect personal passion but also document the evolution of gaming culture over the years. Each piece has its own story and significance!
but also the evolution of gaming culture over the decades. It’s amazing how items from the past can evoke such nostalgia and connect generations of gamers. Steve’s collection is a testament to how influential Super Mario has been in shaping the gaming industry!
Absolutely, the evolution of gaming culture is fascinating! Steve’s collection not only highlights nostalgia but also reflects how gaming has transformed into a significant part of pop culture. It’s interesting to see how these collectibles tell the story of gaming history.
Absolutely, the evolution of gaming culture is fascinating! Steve’s collection not only highlights nostalgia but also showcases how Mario has influenced generations of gamers. It’s interesting to see how the design and gameplay have evolved over the years, reflecting changes in technology and player expectations.
the nostalgia many feel for classic games, but it also underscores how these franchises have shaped modern gaming. It’s amazing to see how much joy and inspiration a single series can bring over the decades!
Absolutely, nostalgia plays a huge role in our connection to these games. It’s fascinating to see how franchises like Super Mario have influenced not just gaming culture but also creativity in storytelling and character design over the decades. Steve’s collection is a testament to the lasting impact these games have had on multiple generations!