Mario turns 40: From pixelated plumber to global gaming icon

Nintendo’s most famous character, Mario, celebrates 40 years this week, marking four decades since the launch of Super Mario Bros. on September 13, 1985. The moustachioed plumber has grown from a simple 8-bit figure into one of the most recognisable faces in global gaming and popular culture.

Mario first appeared in 1981’s Donkey Kong as “Jumpman” before gaining his name in Mario Bros. (1983). The true breakthrough came with Super Mario Bros. on the Famicom (NES), a game that sold more than 40 million copies worldwide and revolutionised the home console market. The side-scrolling adventure introduced generations of players to a colourful world of pipes, platforms, and power-ups, accompanied by a theme tune that remains iconic to this day.

Designed under strict technical constraints, Mario’s distinctive look, red cap, blue overalls, and bushy moustache were chosen to stand out on limited hardware. Over time, he became a reassuring constant for players across generations, starring in both mainline adventures and spinoffs ranging from Mario Kart to Mario Tennis.

The character’s reach has extended far beyond consoles. From Lego sets and luxury merchandise to dedicated theme parks in Japan and the United States, Mario has become a cross-generational cultural phenomenon. The 2023 animated film adaptation grossed over $1.3 billion at the box office, with a sequel already in production.

While modern titles like Fortnite and Roblox dominate younger audiences, Mario continues to benefit from parental nostalgia, with adults introducing the games to their children. Nintendo has adapted accordingly, expanding into new product ranges and introducing more diverse roles for its characters.

As of March 2025, the Super Mario series has sold more than 452 million units worldwide, excluding spin-offs. The franchise also holds records in speedrunning, publishing, and auctions, with a sealed Super Mario 64 cartridge fetching $1.56 million in 2021.