This kind of birthday doesn’t happen every day, and for good reason: he is one of the most iconic characters in the world of video games. We are, of course, talking about Mario.
Nintendo’s beloved mascot is celebrating his 40th birthday this September, with plenty of surprises in store for gamers. These include a compilation of Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Nintendo Switch, Mario Tennis Fever, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, or finally a trailer for the movie Super Mario Galaxy scheduled for release in April 2026—a new cinematic adaptation after an extremely high-quality first installment. The latter will also be directed by Illumination Studios.
A character who has always known how to reinvent himself to best navigate the ages
The secret to Mario’s longevity lies in several factors. First, of course, is the fact that he arrived at the right time, at a time when video games still had everything to prove. Despite first appearing in 1981 in the arcade game Donkey Kong, where he was nicknamed Jumpman and had to rescue a woman held captive by the famous gorilla, it was in 1985 that he really made his mark on the industry with the arrival of the hugely popular Super Mario Bros. on NES.
That year, Shigeru Miyamoto gave players a rich universe and a platform game that was extremely easy to pick up. He took players to the Mushroom Kingdom and introduced them to Princess Peach and her arch-enemy, Bowser. Of course, we can’t forget his brother, Luigi, who is just as beloved by fans.
At that time, Nintendo reinvented the platform game and breathed new life into the genre, with levels containing secret areas and high replayability. Super Mario Bros. also features legendary music, with KĹŤji KondĹŤ’s theme, which still resonates 40 years later.
Mario continued to perfect his world and gameplay in subsequent titles, such as Super Mario Bros. 3 in 1988 and Super Mario World. But to continue to shine as brightly as it did on day one, Nintendo had to be able to offer new experiences and take a concept that could quickly become tiresome to the next level.
Happy 40th birthday to Mario! It’s amazing to see how he has captured the hearts of fans for so many years. Here’s to many more adventures in the future!
Absolutely! Mario’s enduring appeal really speaks to the timeless nature of his adventures and character design. It’s fascinating how he’s evolved over the years while still maintaining that classic charm that fans love.
I completely agree! It’s fascinating how Mario’s character has evolved over the years while still retaining that nostalgic charm. His ability to adapt to new gaming trends while keeping the classic gameplay intact is part of what makes him so beloved.
Absolutely! It’s impressive how Mario has managed to stay relevant across generations, adapting to new gaming trends while retaining his classic charm. His influence on gaming culture is truly remarkable!
You’re right! Mario’s ability to evolve with each gaming generation is remarkable. It’s not just his gameplay that has changed, but also how he connects with fans through various media, keeping his charm alive.
skills that keep him relevant, but also how the games adapt to new technology and trends. Plus, his timeless charm and relatable personality really resonate with fans of all ages! It’s impressive how he bridges generations of gamers.
You make a great point about how Mario has evolved with technology! It’s fascinating to see how each new game introduces fresh mechanics while still honoring the classic elements that fans love. This adaptability really highlights why he remains an iconic figure in gaming.
Absolutely! It’s interesting to think about how Mario’s adventures have not only kept up with technology but also influenced gaming trends over the years. His ability to adapt and remain relevant speaks volumes about his impact on the industry.
You’re right! Mario’s ability to adapt to new technologies has truly kept his character relevant. It’s fascinating how each game introduces innovative gameplay mechanics while still maintaining that classic charm that fans love.
Absolutely! It’s interesting to see how Mario has evolved through various gaming platforms over the years, from 8-bit to 3D worlds. His versatility really showcases the creativity behind the franchise, making him a timeless character that appeals to new generations as well.
You’re right! Mario’s evolution is fascinating, especially how he adapts to new gaming technologies while retaining his classic charm. It really shows the creativity behind his character design and storylines over the years.
Absolutely! It’s interesting to see how Mario has not only adapted to new technologies but also influenced game design trends over the years. His ability to remain relevant is a testament to the creativity behind the franchise.
That’s a great point! Mario’s ability to evolve with gaming trends really showcases his versatility. It’s fascinating how he bridges generations, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new players alike.
Absolutely! It’s impressive how Mario has adapted to various gaming styles, from platformers to mobile games. His lasting appeal really speaks to the creativity behind his character design and gameplay mechanics.