The evolution of Super Mario's world
Through time, the world of gaming has continued to evolve around us, with new concepts, characters and consoles being created and introduced to generations. Famous franchises like Nintendo’s Mario have adapted and been at the forefront of new technology, as well as expanded the universes and possibilities for their iconic characters.
Decades on from when the hero was first introduced, Mario has become the best-selling video game character of all time. But if you had to choose, which Super Mario Bros, character would you be?
Check out our IYKYK quiz below to find out whether you’re more Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Bowser, Yoshi or Princess Daisy. Here, BBC Bitesize also takes a closer look at the phenomenon that is Mario and how the character and gaming have evolved over time.
Who is Mario?
Arguably Nintendo’s unofficial mascot, Mario is perhaps the world’s most famous plumber and is recognisable across the globe for his iconic moustache, overalls and red cap and shirt. The title character of various Nintendo games on numerous consoles and handhelds, the hero lives in the Mushroom Kingdom with his brother Luigi, who has a matching trademark hat and shirt in the colour green.
In most Super Mario games, it is up to the brothers to rescue the beloved Princess Peach from Bowser, the King of the turtle-like Koopas. Navigating multiple worlds, Mario overcomes numerous obstacles and uses the likes of Super Mushrooms and Fire Flowers to battle Bowser and his minions.
In various games and worlds, we also meet fellow characters Yoshi, a green dinosaur-like character, Princess Daisy of Sarasaland, the antithesis, Wario, and Waluigi, the cosmic Princess Rosalina, jungle king Donkey Kong and more.
When was Mario created?
The iconic Mario character was created over 40 years ago by Japanese video game designer and producer Shigeru Miyamoto. Not only did Miyamoto create the Mario franchise, but he is also responsible for creating best-selling game series like Donkey Kong and The Legend of Zelda.
Before the days of Super Mario Bros., the character was first introduced to gamers in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong. In the early 1980s, Miyamoto is said to have been tasked with creating a new arcade game to replace one of Nintendo’s failed projects called Radar Scope.
Initially, the video game designer had hopes of creating a game based on cartoon sailor Popeye. But as Nintendo could not acquire the rights to Popeye and its characters, Miyamoto had to think of a new concept.
In Donkey Kong 1981, Mario debuted as Jumpman, a carpenter who jumps up and down to climb a construction site and rescue his girlfriend from the huge gorilla. In the early days, the first incarnation of Mario was also referred to as Mr Video – but it wasn’t until Super Mario Bros. was released that the character we know today was introduced.
When did Super Mario Bros. first come out?
It was in the 1983 arcade game Mario Bros. that we were first introduced to Mario and Luigi as the iconic plumbers – a role they are now known for across the globe. But it was two years later that the first game in the Super Mario series was released, which quickly became a massive worldwide success.
Designed by Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, Super Mario Bros. was first released on 13 September 1985 in Japan. Initially on a console called Famicom, it was later released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and sold around the world.
Super Mario Bros. introduced audiences to the Mushroom Kingdom and gave players the opportunity to rescue Princess Toadstool (later known as Princess Peach) from King Koopa (later named Bowser). Throughout the 80s, new characters were introduced such as Yoshi, Princess Daisy and Wario, as new games in the Super Mario series were released.
Since 1985, Mario and fellow characters have featured in more than 200 games and a few films. The franchise has also spawned a diverse range of merchandise and fans have seen Super Nintendo World come to life at Universal Studios Japan.
How have Mario and gaming evolved?
Nintendo’s journey began in Kyoto, Japan on 23 September 1889 – and it's fair to say that a lot has changed over the last century. The company started out creating and selling Hanafuda playing cards before expanding into the world of toys and then becoming a key player in the video game industry.
The brand's first worldwide game console, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), was first released as the Famicom (Family Computer) in 1983, before being sold worldwide in the following years. In February 2026, the BBC reported how The Switch is now the best-selling Nintendo console in history, surpassing the Nintendo DS and the company’s most successful piece of gaming hardware.
Through the decades, generations have come to own numerous Nintendo game consoles and other products, seeing the evolution of technology before their eyes. What was once deemed high-tech and unlike anything anyone had ever seen today can look outdated and of its time.
But that doesn’t mean that they’re not still loved, functional and fun or capable of leaving a gamer feeling nostalgic. As for the Mario franchise, that has seen an evolution in itself.
The 1980s 2D pixelated Mario is now a 3D animated character travelling universes creators could have only dreamed of making a reality years ago. Fans have seen Mario and pals take on adventures in other kingdoms, worlds and galaxies, as well as collaborate with other iconic video game series like Sonic the Hedgehog.
As technology has developed, so have the possibilities of different merchandise. Mario has also made it onto the big screen, first in the 1993 live-action film Super Mario Bros, starring Bob Hoskins and Samantha Mathis.
What can we learn from Mario and Nintendo's many games?
On the face of it, the world of Mario and Nintendo’s many games in the franchise can appear as nothing more than a hobby. But it can act as a fun tool to develop new skills and learn life lessons.
For instance, different levels of a game and often having to repeat them enables gamers to learn from mistakes, as well as be patient. If you don’t succeed the first time, it can teach you to be resilient, move forward and not to give up when facing new challenges.
A lot of the Mario games are multiplayer, which encourages teamwork – but we can also learn a lot of this from the characters as well. As much as Mario is the title character, a lot of his missions could not be completed without his friends.
Many of the Mario characters are also underdogs who become heroes against the odds. If you’re a fan of the franchise, you will also know different games are set in different universes that see the characters adapt – showing how one idea can lead to a world of creativity.
Gaming in general is a great way of building social connections, as well as developing problem-solving, cognitive and perceptual skills. However, like many things, it is important to not let it consume all your time or get in the way of important responsibilities.
Which Super Mario character are you?
When is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie coming out?
Boasting an all-star ensemble voice cast, The Super Mario Bros. Movie animated film was released back in 2023. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the film is based on Nintendo’s Mario video game franchise and was produced by Nintendo and Illumination.
Bringing the Mario characters to life for a new adventure, the spectacular voice cast included Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael-Richardson as Kamek and Jack Black as Bowser.
Fans will also remember the success of Jack Black’s song Peaches for the film, which expressed his character Bowser’s unrequited love with Princess Peach. Following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, a sequel is now on its way.
Officially titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the film is scheduled for release in April 2026 on various dates across the world. For the UK and some other countries, it will be released on 1 April, whereas in Japan, the release date is 24 April.
Following the first film’s post-credits scene, fans will be thrilled to see one loved character who was absent in The Super Mario Bros. Movie be part of the sequel. It has been confirmed that green dinosaur Yoshi will appear!
Who are the cast of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will see favourite Mario characters take on a new cosmic adventure, as well as several actors reprise their voice roles. This includes Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Kevin Michael‑Richardson, and Jack Black.
However, there are new characters starring in the highly anticipated sequel. This includes Bowser Jr., voiced by Benny Safdie, and Princess Rosalina, voiced by Brie Larson.
This article was written in February 2026