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Super Mario series
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| Super Mario series | |
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| First game | Super Mario Bros. (1985) |
| Latest game | Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023) |
| Number of games | 22 main entries (plus ports, remakes, and compilations) |
| Creator | Shigeru Miyamoto |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Franchise | Super Mario franchise |
| Total sales | Over 430 million copies |
This page is about the main platform game series. For the broader franchise including spin-offs like Mario Kart and Mario Party, see Super Mario franchise.
The Super Mario series is a line of platform games developed and published by Nintendo. It is the biggest and most prominent series within the broader Super Mario franchise, and one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed video game series of all time. The series was created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, along with frequent collaborator Takashi Tezuka, and stars Mario, Nintendo's mascot.
The series began in 1985 with Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). That first game helped revive the American video game industry after the devastating crash of 1983 and established Mario as a global pop culture icon. Since then, a new Super Mario game has appeared on nearly every Nintendo console, and the series has sold over 430 million copies worldwide.
Most games in the series follow a simple but beloved premise: Mario, often joined by his brother Luigi and other allies, sets out to rescue Princess Peach from the villainous Bowser, who has kidnapped her and threatens the Mushroom Kingdom. Along the way, the player runs, jumps, and collects power-ups across a variety of themed levels. While this basic formula has remained consistent, each new entry finds creative ways to reinvent the experience, introducing new gameplay mechanics, power-ups, and worlds that keep the series fresh.
1 Gameplay✎
The Super Mario games are platform games, meaning the core gameplay revolves around running, jumping across platforms, and defeating enemies. The player's main goal is to progress through a series of themed levels (sometimes called "courses" or "worlds") while collecting items and avoiding hazards. The series is known for its tight, responsive controls and carefully designed levels that reward both casual play and skilled exploration.
1.1 2D games✎
The series began as a 2D side-scroller. In these games, the player moves Mario from left to right across a scrolling screen. Each level typically ends at a goal (such as a flagpole or a gate), and the player must reach it within a time limit to advance to the next stage. Levels are grouped into "worlds," each with a distinct theme (for example, a grassy plains world, a desert world, an ice world, and so on). At the end of each world, a boss battle awaits.
Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) introduced world maps, which let players choose their path through levels rather than following a strict linear order. Super Mario World (1990) expanded on this by adding levels with secret exits that unlocked hidden paths on the map. The New Super Mario Bros. sub-series (2006–2012) brought the classic 2D style back to modern consoles with updated graphics and multiplayer support for up to four players at once.
The latest 2D entry, Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023), introduced "Wonder Effects," which are temporary world-changing events triggered by special flowers that can dramatically alter the rules of a level mid-play.
1.2 3D games✎
Starting with Super Mario 64 (1996), the series expanded into three-dimensional gameplay. In these games, the player can move Mario freely in all directions, exploring large, open environments. The 3D games generally fall into two styles:
Sandbox exploration games (like Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Odyssey) give the player open-ended levels to explore. The goal is to collect special items (Power Stars, Shine Sprites, or Power Moons) by completing various tasks and challenges scattered throughout each level.
Linear 3D games (like Super Mario 3D Land and Super Mario 3D World) combine the freedom of 3D movement with the more straightforward, goal-oriented structure of the 2D games. These are sometimes described as "3D games that play like 2D games" because their levels lead the player along a more defined path toward a single goal.
Super Mario Galaxy (2007) and its sequel introduced a space theme where Mario travels between small planets with their own gravitational pull, allowing him to walk on spherical surfaces and even upside down.
1.3 Power-ups✎
One of the defining features of the Super Mario series is its system of power-ups, which are special items that grant Mario new abilities. Power-ups are usually found inside "?" Blocks or brick blocks, and they play a central role in how the player navigates levels and defeats enemies.
The most iconic power-ups include:
| Power-Up | Effect | First Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Super Mushroom | Makes Mario grow larger ("Super Mario"), allowing him to take an extra hit and break brick blocks. | Super Mario Bros. (1985) |
| Fire Flower | Transforms Mario into Fire Mario, who can throw bouncing fireballs to defeat enemies from a distance. | Super Mario Bros. (1985) |
| Super Star | Grants temporary invincibility, letting Mario defeat any enemy just by touching them. | Super Mario Bros. (1985) |
| Super Leaf | Gives Mario a raccoon tail and ears (Raccoon Mario), allowing him to float slowly and fly after building up speed. | Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) |
| Cape Feather | Grants Mario a cape that allows flight and can be used to attack enemies. | Super Mario World (1990) |
| Ice Flower | Transforms Mario into Ice Mario, who can shoot ice balls that freeze enemies into solid blocks. | New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009) |
| Super Bell | Turns Mario into Cat Mario, who can climb walls, scratch enemies, and dive through the air. | Super Mario 3D World (2013) |
| Elephant Fruit | Transforms Mario into Elephant Mario, a large form that can spray water and smash through obstacles. | Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023) |
Each new game typically introduces its own signature power-ups alongside returning favorites. In the 3D sandbox games, the power-up system works somewhat differently. Super Mario Sunshine (2002) centered its gameplay around FLUDD, a water-spraying backpack device, while Super Mario Odyssey (2017) introduced Cappy, a sentient hat that lets Mario take control of enemies and objects by throwing it onto them — a mechanic called "capturing."
2 History✎
2.1 Origins and the NES era (1985–1992)✎
The Super Mario series traces its roots to Mario Bros. (1983), an arcade game where Mario and Luigi worked as plumbers fighting creatures emerging from pipes. While not a platformer in the modern sense, it introduced key elements that would carry forward, including coins, Warp Pipes, and Luigi as a playable character.
In 1985, Nintendo released Super Mario Bros. for the NES, designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. The game was a massive hit. It sold over 40 million copies on the NES alone, making it the best-selling game on the console, and it played a key role in reviving the video game industry after the North American market crash of 1983. A 1990 study even found that more American children recognized Mario than Mickey Mouse.
Nintendo followed up with Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (1986) in Japan, though Nintendo of America considered it too difficult for Western audiences.[note 1] Instead, a different game was adapted with Mario characters and released outside Japan as Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988). That same year, Super Mario Bros. 3 debuted in Japan, introducing world maps, numerous new power-ups (most famously the Super Leaf), and beloved enemies like Boos and Dry Bones.
Super Mario World (1990) launched alongside the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and introduced Yoshi, the friendly green dinosaur who became popular enough to get his own series of games. Super Mario Land (1989) and its 1992 sequel brought the series to the portable Game Boy. The sequel, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, notably introduced Wario, Mario's greedy rival, who also went on to star in his own game series.
2.2 The leap to 3D (1996–2002)✎
Super Mario 64 (1996) was a launch title for the Nintendo 64 and represented one of the most important moments in gaming history. It was the first fully three-dimensional Super Mario game and established the template that countless 3D platformers would follow. Mario received an expanded set of moves, including the Wall Kick, the Ground Pound, and the Triple Jump, while players explored open courses by entering paintings within Peach's Castle to collect Power Stars. The game sold over 11 million copies and is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made.
Super Mario Sunshine (2002) on the Nintendo GameCube continued the 3D formula by sending Mario to the tropical Isle Delfino, where he used a water-powered backpack called FLUDD to clean up pollution and explore. This game also introduced Bowser Jr., Bowser's mischievous son, who became a recurring character in the franchise.
2.3 The dual-track era (2006–2017)✎
Starting in the mid-2000s, the Super Mario series split into two parallel tracks: new 2D side-scrollers and new 3D adventures.
On the 2D side, New Super Mario Bros. (2006) on the Nintendo DS was the first traditional 2D Super Mario game since Super Mario World, updating the classic side-scrolling formula with modern graphics. It spawned three sequels: New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009), which was the first game in the series to support simultaneous four-player co-op; New Super Mario Bros. 2 (2012) on the Nintendo 3DS; and New Super Mario Bros. U (2012) on the Wii U, the first Super Mario game in high definition.
On the 3D side, Super Mario Galaxy (2007) and Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) took Mario into outer space, featuring innovative gravity-based gameplay across small planets and planetoids. Super Mario 3D Land (2011) and Super Mario 3D World (2013) created a new style that blended 3D movement with the straightforward level design of 2D games. Super Mario 3D World also brought back four-player co-op with four playable characters, each with unique abilities.
Super Mario Odyssey (2017) returned to the open-world exploration style of Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Set across kingdoms far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom, it introduced Cappy, a hat-shaped companion who lets Mario possess enemies and objects. The game was a critical and commercial success and is often considered one of the best entries in the series.
The Super Mario Maker games (2015 and 2019) took a different approach entirely, letting players design and share their own 2D Super Mario levels using tools and styles from across the series' history.
2.4 Recent entries and milestones✎
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023) marked a fresh start for the 2D line, leaving behind the "New Super Mario Bros." branding. Set in the new Flower Kingdom, it introduced Wonder Effects, a badge system for customizing abilities, and several new power-ups. It was also the first main Super Mario game to feature Kevin Afghani as the voice of Mario and Luigi, succeeding longtime voice actor Charles Martinet.
The series has celebrated several major anniversaries over the years. The 25th anniversary in 2010 saw a special Wii re-release of Super Mario All-Stars. The 30th anniversary in 2015 was commemorated with Super Mario Maker. The 35th anniversary in 2020 brought Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a compilation of Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. Most recently, the 40th anniversary in 2025 was marked by the release of Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2.
3 Main games✎
[List of main games]
| Title | Year | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Bros. | 1985 | NES | The game that started it all. Mario and Luigi set out to save Princess Peach and the Mushroom Kingdom from Bowser. |
| Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels | 1986 | Famicom Disk System | A harder sequel originally released only in Japan, with new hazards like the Poison Mushroom and wind. |
| Super Mario Bros. 2 | 1988 | NES | Four playable characters (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad) each with unique abilities. Set in the dream world of Subcon. |
| Super Mario Bros. 3 | 1988 | NES | Introduced world maps, the Raccoon Suit, the Koopalings, and many series staples. Widely considered one of the greatest games ever made. |
| Super Mario Land | 1989 | Game Boy | The first portable Super Mario game. Mario rescues Princess Daisy from the alien Tatanga across four kingdoms. |
| Super Mario World | 1990 | SNES | Launch title for the SNES. Introduced Yoshi, the Cape Feather, and an interconnected world map with secret exits. |
| Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins | 1992 | Game Boy | Introduced Wario as the main villain. Mario must reclaim his castle by collecting six Golden Coins. |
| Super Mario 64 | 1996 | Nintendo 64 | The first 3D entry. Revolutionized the platform genre with open 3D environments, a free camera, and an expanded moveset. |
| Super Mario Sunshine | 2002 | GameCube | Set on the tropical Isle Delfino. Introduced FLUDD (a water backpack) and Bowser Jr. |
| New Super Mario Bros. | 2006 | Nintendo DS | Revived the classic 2D style with modern graphics. Introduced the Mega Mushroom and Mini Mushroom. |
| Super Mario Galaxy | 2007 | Wii | Space-themed 3D platformer with gravity-based gameplay. Introduced Rosalina and the Lumas. |
| New Super Mario Bros. Wii | 2009 | Wii | First game in the series with simultaneous four-player co-op. Featured the Penguin Suit and Propeller Mushroom. |
| Super Mario Galaxy 2 | 2010 | Wii | Direct sequel with Yoshi as a rideable companion and new power-ups like the Cloud Flower. |
| Super Mario 3D Land | 2011 | Nintendo 3DS | A hybrid of 2D and 3D design. Showcased the stereoscopic 3D capabilities of the 3DS. |
| New Super Mario Bros. 2 | 2012 | Nintendo 3DS | Focused on collecting one million coins. Featured the Gold Flower and the series' first downloadable content. |
| New Super Mario Bros. U | 2012 | Wii U | The first HD Super Mario game. Featured an interconnected world map reminiscent of Super Mario World. |
| Super Mario 3D World | 2013 | Wii U | Four-player 3D platformer with Cat Mario and four playable characters with unique abilities. |
| Super Mario Maker | 2015 | Wii U | Level creation tool. Players design and share their own 2D Super Mario courses in four different game styles. |
| Super Mario Run | 2016 | Mobile (iOS/Android) | The first dedicated Super Mario game for smartphones. An auto-runner with classic platforming elements. |
| Super Mario Odyssey | 2017 | Nintendo Switch | Open-world 3D platformer. Introduced Cappy and the ability to "capture" enemies and objects. |
| Super Mario Maker 2 | 2019 | Nintendo Switch | Sequel with new tools, slopes, and a Super Mario 3D World creation style. |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | 2023 | Nintendo Switch | Set in the Flower Kingdom with Wonder Effects, a badge system, and new power-ups like the Elephant Fruit. |
4 Major characters✎
4.1 Heroes✎
Mario is the main protagonist and Nintendo's mascot. A short, mustachioed plumber, he is defined by his jumping ability and his courage. Mario has appeared in more video games than any other character in history.
Luigi is Mario's taller, thinner younger brother. He is often playable as a second-player character. Luigi is generally portrayed as more timid than Mario, but equally heroic when needed.
Princess Peach (originally known as "Princess Toadstool" in English) is the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom. While she is frequently the one who needs rescuing, she has also been a playable character in several games, including Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario 3D World, and Super Mario Run.
Toad is a loyal subject of Princess Peach and a recurring helper. He is playable in several titles, including Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario 3D World.
Yoshi is a friendly dinosaur who first appeared in Super Mario World. Mario can ride Yoshi, who can eat enemies with his long tongue. Yoshi became so popular that he went on to star in his own series of games.
Rosalina debuted in Super Mario Galaxy as the guardian of the Comet Observatory and the Lumas (small star-shaped creatures). She has since appeared as an unlockable character in several games.
4.2 Villains✎
Bowser (also known as King Koopa) is the main antagonist of the series. He is a large, fire-breathing turtle-like creature who rules over the Koopa Troop. His typical plan involves kidnapping Princess Peach and trying to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom.
Bowser Jr. is Bowser's son, introduced in Super Mario Sunshine. He is cunning and resourceful, and he frequently serves as a mid-game boss.
The Koopalings are a group of seven bosses who first appeared in Super Mario Bros. 3. Named Larry, Roy, Lemmy, Wendy, Iggy, Morton, and Ludwig, they each guard a different world. Their exact relationship to Bowser has varied over the years, but they remain recurring mid-bosses throughout the series.
5 Legacy and impact✎
The Super Mario series is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential video game series ever created. IGN ranked it as the best game franchise in 2006, and individual entries like Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, Super Mario 64, and Super Mario Galaxy are regularly featured on "greatest games of all time" lists.
The series helped define the platform game genre. The original Super Mario Bros. established the template for 2D side-scrolling games, while Super Mario 64 essentially wrote the rulebook for 3D platformers. Many of the conventions that players now take for granted in platform games (world maps, power-ups, boss battles at the end of each world, secret areas) were either invented or popularized by Super Mario games.
Commercially, the series has been a consistent blockbuster. Super Mario Bros. alone sold over 58 million copies across all platforms. Super Mario World sold 20 million copies on the SNES, and Super Mario Odyssey has sold over 27 million copies on the Nintendo Switch. The series has generated over 430 million in cumulative sales, making it one of the top-selling video game series of all time.
Beyond games, the Super Mario franchise has expanded into movies, television shows, toys, and theme parks. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) by Illumination was a major box office hit, and Super Nintendo World theme park areas have opened at Universal Studios locations around the globe.
6 See also✎
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[Platformers]
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[Mario Kart]
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[Mario Party]
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[Sports games]
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[Role-playing games]
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[Puzzle games]
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[Luigi's Mansion]
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[Educational and art games]
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[Other Mario games]
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[Crossovers]
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7 References✎
Content available under CC BY-SA 4.0