Super Mario is a beloved video game franchise that has captured the hearts of gamers young and old for decades. From its humble beginnings on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to its current iteration on the Nintendo Switch, the history of Super Mario is a long and storied one.
The Super Mario franchise was created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto and first launched in 1985 with the release of Super Mario Bros. for the NES. The game was a critical and commercial success, revolutionizing the platforming genre and setting the stage for countless sequels and spin-offs to come.
Super Mario Bros. introduced players to the plucky plumber Mario and his brother Luigi as they embarked on a quest to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser. The game’s iconic power-ups, such as the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Starman, became staples of the franchise and have since been featured in nearly every Mario game to follow.
Over the years, the Super Mario franchise has expanded to include a wide variety of games across multiple genres, including sports games like Mario Kart and Mario Tennis, puzzle games like Dr. Mario, and role-playing games like Super Mario RPG. The franchise has also spawned numerous spin-off series, such as the Yoshi games and the Wario games, each with their own unique characters and gameplay mechanics.
In 2006, the Super Mario franchise made the leap to the Nintendo Wii with the release of Super Mario Galaxy. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics, and imaginative level design, earning it numerous Game of the Year awards. Super Mario Galaxy was followed by a sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2, in 2010, which further expanded on the original’s success.
In 2012, Nintendo released New Super Mario Bros. U for the Wii U, marking the first time that the franchise had appeared on a high-definition console. While the game was praised for its tight controls and nostalgic gameplay, the Wii U’s lackluster sales meant that it failed to capture the same level of success as previous entries in the series.
In 2017, the Super Mario franchise made its long-awaited debut on the Nintendo Switch with the release of Super Mario Odyssey. The game was hailed as a return to form for the franchise, featuring open-world exploration, a variety of new power-ups, and a vibrant cast of characters. Super Mario Odyssey went on to become one of the best-selling games on the Switch, further solidifying Mario’s status as a gaming icon.
Looking ahead, the future of the Super Mario franchise looks bright. Nintendo has announced that a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey is currently in development, as well as a new installment in the Mario Kart series. With the continued success of the Nintendo Switch and the enduring popularity of the Super Mario franchise, it seems likely that Mario and his friends will continue to delight fans for years to come.
In conclusion, the history of Super Mario is a testament to the enduring appeal of the franchise and the creativity of its creators. From its humble beginnings on the NES to its current iteration on the Switch, the Super Mario franchise has brought joy and excitement to millions of players around the world. As long as Nintendo continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in gaming, it seems likely that Mario will remain a fixture in the world of video games for many years to come.
