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Super Mario

Nintendo's flagship platformer franchise starring Mario in adventures across the Mushroom Kingdom.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Super Mario Bros.

Also Known As

Super Mario, Mario Bros., Super Mario Series

Format

Video Game Franchise

Release Year

1985

Current Status

Active

Region

Japan

Creator

Shigeru Miyamoto

Publisher

Nintendo

Original Work

Super Mario Bros. (1985)

Genre

Platformer, Adventure, Action

Where to Start & Recommended Order

A beginner-friendly guide for starting Super Mario Bros. without spoilers.

Best starting point

Best starting point: start with a modern, beginner-friendly mainline title that matches your taste:

•Prefer 3D exploration? Try Super Mario Odyssey (2017).

•Prefer classic 2D platforming? Try Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023).

If you want to see the “classic foundation,” Super Mario Bros. (1985) or Super Mario World (1990) are common historical entry points, but modern games are usually easier to pick up.

Recommended order

Recommended order (spoiler-safe):

•For mainline Mario platformers, there is no strict story order. Most games are designed to be standalone, so you can jump in almost anywhere.

A practical path for most beginners:

1.Pick one modern mainline game (2D or 3D)

2.If you want multiplayer, add a spin-off like Mario Kart or a party/sports title

3.If you enjoy the “feel,” explore older classics for history and extra challenge

Fast-track option

If you want to catch up faster:

•Skip the backlog and play one modern mainline game first; that gives you the core Mario experience immediately.

•For classic-era sampling, use Nintendo Switch Online (or official collections when available) to try a few early worlds/levels.

•Do not worry about completion: optional post-game challenges can be tough, and the franchise is not built around “finishing everything in order.”

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Super Mario.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

A bright, bite-sized adventure series built around movement, creativity, and pure fun.Super Mario is Nintendo’s flagship platforming franchise, best known for fast, readable action and worlds that fee...

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

The Mushroom Kingdom and beyond: a playful world where rules change to serve the fun.Super Mario’s setting is built around iconic, instantly readable elements: the Mushroom Kingdom, warp pipes, power-...

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Joy, perseverance, and the simple satisfaction of making progress.Playfulness and optimismMario’s tone is intentionally bright. The franchise treats joy as part of the experience, using music, color,...

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Super Mario's global influence.

Creation Background

Created by Shigeru Miyamoto at Nintendo during the rise of home consoles

Cultural Impact

Defined platformer genre; iconic characters and music permeate global culture

Legacy

Benchmark for game design and family entertainment for decades

Major Milestones

1985: Super Mario Bros. launches on Famicom/NES,1990: Super Mario World introduces Yoshi on SNES,1996: Super Mario 64 pioneers 3D platforming,2007: Super Mario Galaxy reimagines platforming with gravity,2017: Super Mario Odyssey delivers sandbox exploration

Awards

Multiple Game of the Year awards across entries,BAFTA and The Game Awards nominations

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Super Mario.

Mario

“It's-a me, Mario!”

The heroic plumber of the Mushroom Kingdom known for jumping, power-ups, and saving Princess Peach.View Profile

Luigi

“I'm-a Luigi, number one!”

Mario’s taller brother, a kind-hearted hero who bravely explores haunted mansions and adventures alongside Mario.View Profile

Princess Peach

“Thank you, Mario! The quest is over.”

The benevolent ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, often targeted by Bowser and rescued by Mario and friends.View Profile

Bowser

“Bwahaha! All hail the King of the Koopas!”

King of the Koopas and Mario’s arch-nemesis who frequently kidnaps Princess Peach.View Profile

Explore all Super Mario characters

Should You Watch Super Mario?

A practical, spoiler-safe snapshot of what many viewers love (and what some do not).

Top reasons fans love it

•Instant “pick-up-and-play” fun: Mario games are designed to be readable and satisfying within minutes.

•World-class level design: Many entries are built around clean rules and smart escalation, making progress feel earned.

•Creativity through mechanics: Power-ups and movement systems encourage experimentation and playful problem-solving.

•Something for every mood: Mainline platforming, kart racing, party games, and more—Mario is a whole ecosystem.

•A cultural icon: If you like game history, Mario is one of the clearest “source codes” of modern game design.

Reasons some viewers bounce

•Story is minimal by design: If you want deep narrative continuity, Mario is not primarily that kind of franchise.

•Difficulty spikes exist: Some post-game or optional challenges can be surprisingly tough.

•Genre variety can confuse beginners: “Mario” includes very different experiences (platformer vs kart vs party).

•Platform availability matters: Many entries are tied to Nintendo hardware and specific consoles.

•Some older games feel dated: Early-era controls and presentation can take an adjustment period if you start with classics.

If you are unsure, start here

•Pick your play style: try a modern 2D entry if you want precision platforming, or a modern 3D entry if you want exploration and movement freedom.

•For a quick taste, play the opening world/levels and see if the movement feels satisfying—Mario lives or dies on “feel.”

•If you want multiplayer, start with a party or kart title for instant group fun, then try a mainline platformer later.

Explore next on enjoyip

Characters Works timeline Collectibles

Frequently Asked Questions

Who created Super Mario?▼

Super Mario was created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto and produced by Nintendo. The character first appeared as 'Jumpman' in Donkey Kong (1981) before starring in Super Mario Bros. (1985).

When was the first Super Mario game released?▼

The original Super Mario Bros. was released in Japan on September 13, 1985, for the Famicom (NES). It revolutionized the platforming genre and saved the video game industry from the 1983 crash.

Who are the main characters in the Super Mario franchise?▼

The primary characters are Mario (the hero), Luigi (his brother), Princess Peach (ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom), and Bowser (the main antagonist). Other key characters include Toad, Yoshi, Wario, and Donkey Kong.

What is the Mushroom Kingdom?▼

The Mushroom Kingdom is the primary setting for most Super Mario games. It is a fantasy world ruled by Princess Peach and inhabited by Toads, Goombas, Koopas, and other unique creatures.

What is the difference between Mario and Luigi?▼

Mario is the older, shorter brother who wears red and is generally the main hero. Luigi is the younger, taller brother who wears green. Luigi is often portrayed as more timid but equally brave when it counts, having his own spooky series, Luigi's Mansion.

How many Super Mario games are there?▼

There are over 200 games featuring Mario, including the main Super Mario platformers and various spin-off series like Mario Kart, Mario Party, Mario Tennis, and Paper Mario.

Who is Mario's main enemy?▼

Mario's arch-nemesis is Bowser (King Koopa). Bowser repeatedly kidnaps Princess Peach and attempts to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom, usually breathing fire and leading an army of minions.

Is Super Mario suitable for children?▼

Yes, the Super Mario series is renowned for being family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Most games are rated 'E for Everyone' (or regional equivalent) with mild cartoon violence.

What are Mario's most famous power-ups?▼

Iconic power-ups include the Super Mushroom (makes Mario grow), Fire Flower (allows throwing fireballs), Super Star (invincibility), and the Super Leaf/Cape Feather (flight). Newer games introduce items like the Cappy capture ability.

Where can I play Super Mario games?▼

Super Mario games are exclusive to Nintendo consoles. You can play the latest titles on the Nintendo Switch, while many classic titles are available via the Nintendo Switch Online service.