Super Mario Bros. Celebrates 40 Years of Gaming Magic

In 1985, Nintendo introduced the world to Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a game that would change the landscape of video games forever. Now, in 2025, the beloved franchise is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of platforming fun, iconic characters, and groundbreaking innovation.

A Legacy That Began in 1985

When Super Mario Bros. first launched in Japan on September 13, 1985, few could have predicted the cultural phenomenon it would spark. Designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, the game introduced players to Mario’s quest to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches, with levels full of Goombas, Koopas, secret pipes, and hidden power-ups. Its smooth side-scrolling gameplay and colorful worlds redefined what video games could be.

Since then, Mario has appeared in over 200 games, spanning platformers, sports titles, racing classics like Mario Kart, and even RPGs. He’s become not only Nintendo’s mascot but also one of the most recognized characters in pop culture.

Celebrating 40 Years of Mario

Nintendo has big plans to mark this milestone year, and fans around the globe are joining in the celebration:

• Special Anniversary Merchandise: Limited-edition collectibles, apparel, and retro-styled memorabilia inspired by the original NES game are being released.
• Re-releases & Collections: Fans can expect remastered versions of classic Mario games bundled for the Nintendo Switch and possibly Nintendo’s next-gen hardware.
• In-Game Events: Popular titles like Mario Kart Tour, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Super Mario Maker 2 are hosting anniversary-themed events.
• Community Celebrations: From fan art contests to speedrun tournaments, the global Mario fanbase is keeping the mustachioed hero’s spirit alive.

Fun Facts You Might Not Know

To honor the 40th anniversary, here are some fascinating Mario tidbits:

• Mario Was Almost Called “Jumpman” Forever: His original name in Donkey Kong (1981) was “Jumpman.” He was renamed Mario after Nintendo’s American office landlord, Mario Segale.
• Super Mario Bros. Saved the Game Industry: Following the 1983 video game crash, Super Mario Bros. played a major role in reviving home gaming.
• Hidden Level 1-1 Secrets: Even 40 years later, players are still discovering tricks in World 1-1, including ways to manipulate the score and warp zones.
• Mario Has His Own Hollywood Film: The character’s cultural reach includes cartoons, comics, and the hit 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie, which became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time.
• Most Successful Game Franchise Ever: With over 826 million copies sold across all Mario titles, it’s one of the best-selling franchises in history.

Mario’s Future

Even after 40 years, Mario shows no signs of slowing down. Nintendo continues to innovate, blending nostalgia with new gameplay ideas. From augmented reality racing (Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit) to new platformers like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Mario keeps evolving for each generation of players.

The 40th anniversary isn’t just about celebrating the past—it’s about looking forward to the next adventures of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and the rest of the Mushroom Kingdom.

🎉 Here’s to 40 years of Super Mario Bros.—and many more adventures ahead!