Forty years ago, Super Mario jumped out of his debut role—he was the nameless carpenter “Jumpman” in the classic game Donkey Kong—and into a realm of his own with the 1985 release of Super Mario Bros. Video games have never been the same. In this spectacular new special edition, TIME follows Mario’s journey, featuring interviews with creator Shigeru Miyamoto, inside details of Mario's development and insights from video game experts. Mario's indisputable greatness and how he has inspired some of the most popular modern games is all laid bare. Plus: Film industry experts reveal why 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie was such a success.
Super Mario • The All-Star Video Game Changer
STILL SUPER AFTER ALL THESE YEARS • What began as an 8-bit platformer game has spawned a global multimedia franchise.
1 Mario’s Evolution • The world’s most famous plumber began as the humble “Jumpman” in a Donkey Kong arcade game. Through the years he’s developed a unique history and lore that comes to life across evolving technologies.
IT’S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG: THE GAME’S ORIGINS • Mario began as a side character in an earlier Nintendo game. The company’s storied history sheds light on his full journey.
MARIO’S MAKER • In 2010, for the Super Mario 25th anniversary, TIME spoke with the game’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto.
HIS 3D TRANSFORMATION • In 2013 Nintendo reached into its library and remade series mainstays in a new way. That year, TIME spoke to the developers on that process.
WHEN MARIO WENT MOBILE • In 2016, ahead of a landmark new Mario game, TIME spoke with the character’s famed creator on the transition.
Super Mario Run: The Best Way to Play • The game is unique among other franchise entries. You can play with one hand, and it all comes down to your taps.
2 Game Time • You can jump, run, kart, swing, and party in the sprawling library of Mario games. Certain releases are pillars of the franchise. Others are outliers.
THE BEST GAMES • A lifelong gamer weighs in on the must-plays—and some you can skip.
HOW SUPER MARIO CHANGED PLATFORMER GAMES FOREVER • Mario brought arcade games into our living rooms with his approachable style, endearing character, and zest for exploration.
THE EXPANDED UNIVERSE • There’s more than Mario in the Mushroom Kingdom. A lot more.
NOT A DAMSEL ANYMORE • Having once held the title of ‘most kidnapped,’ the franchise mainstay is finally fighting back.
3 A Super Brand • Today, Mario is more than just his games. Nintendo has expanded his reach to include film, toys, hot sauce, and even theme parks.
WHY SUPER MARIO WORKS ON FILM • Video game movies are a tough endeavor to get right. Yet Super Mario Bros. figured out a way to perfect the formula.
Flop or Phenomenon? • The top star made a case for the 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. in a 2023 interview with People magazine.
LEVEL UP IN REAL LIFE • The Universal Studios parks that let you step inside the game.
THE WIDE WORLD OF MERCH • From wacky toys to luxury fashion, there are 40 years’ worth of Mario goods out there.
TIME Super Mario
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The Greatest of All Time • The chronic kidnapper is the best video game villain ever. It’s good to be king.
MARIO’S MAGIC • The mustachioed mainstay has been chasing power-ups and stomping Goombas for four decades. With the release of Super Mario Bros., Nintendo began an expansive franchise that now includes theme parks and feature films.