A Journey Through Mario’s Iconic Evolution: From Jumpman to Gaming Legend!
Mario is one of the most famous video game characters ever. Even non-gamers know his name. He first appeared in Donkey Kong in 1981 as “Jumpman,” a carpenter who jumped over barrels to save a girl.
Since then, he’s starred in over 200 games and become a gaming legend. Let’s see how he’s changed over time.
1. Donkey Kong (Arcade) – 1981
Mario made his debut in Donkey Kong as “Jumpman.” He wasn’t the star, but his red hat, overalls, and mustache were already there. No one knew he’d become the biggest name in gaming!
2. Donkey Kong (Game & Watch) – 1982
Before the Game Boy, Nintendo had handhelds called Game & Watch. Mario’s second appearance came in this version of Donkey Kong. The graphics were super simple, but you could still tell it was him as he climbed from the bottom screen to the top.
3. Donkey Kong Jr. (Arcade) – 1982
Mario came back in Donkey Kong Jr., and this time he was officially called “Mario.” The graphics got a small upgrade, and he looked bigger compared to Donkey Kong and the background. But overall, his look stayed mostly the same.
4. Mario Bros. (Arcade) – 1983
This was the first game where Mario was the main star, alongside his new brother, Luigi. They looked the same except for their colors: red for Mario, green for Luigi. Mario’s look was tweaked a bit, especially his nose.
5. Mario’s Cement Factory (Game & Watch) – 1983
Mario starred in this Game & Watch title. The graphics were basic, and Mario looked just like he did in other handheld games.
6. Pinball (NES) – 1984
Mario was on the cover, but he only appeared briefly in a bonus stage. Still, Nintendo used him a lot to promote games.
7. Super Mario Bros. (NES) – 1985
This was Mario’s big breakout. He could grow bigger with a mushroom or shoot fireballs with a fire flower. It set the standard for platform games.
8. Golf (NES) – 1985
Mario showed up as a chubby golfer with a big nose. The game was simple, but it introduced controls still used in golf games today.
9. Wrecking Crew (NES) – 1985
Mario wore a helmet and used a hammer to knock down walls. His design was close to Super Mario Bros., with only slight color changes.
10. Super Mario Bros. (Game & Watch) – 1986
Mario came to Game & Watch again, now looking more like the console version.
11. Mario Bros. II (Commodore 64) – 1987
This sequel was only on the Commodore 64. It had simple graphics and played differently from the original.
12. Punch-Out!! (NES) – 1987
Mario appeared as the referee. He had a more human look and a round belly.
13. Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES) – 1988
This version was based on a different Japanese game. Luigi became taller and could jump higher.
14. Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES) – 1988
A fan favorite where Mario got new suits like raccoon, frog, and tanooki with unique powers.
15. Super Mario Land (Game Boy) – 1989
Mario’s first Game Boy adventure had all-new levels but a familiar style.
16. Super Mario World (SNES) – 1990
With better graphics, Mario could fly with a cape and ride Yoshi for the first time.
17. Dr. Mario (NES) -1990
Mario took on the role of a doctor, dropping pills to clear viruses in a puzzle game.
18. NES Open Tournament Golf – 1991
Mario returned in a better-looking golf game. You could play as Luigi too, and Peach and Daisy were your caddies.
19. Yoshi – 1991
A puzzle game where Mario helps stack enemies to hatch Yoshi eggs. It looked a lot like Dr. Mario.
20. Super Mario Kart – 1992
Mario and his friends raced on fun tracks with different abilities. It became a classic multiplayer game.
21. Mario Paint – 1992
This creative game lets players draw and make music. Mario showed up in different tools, like dancing to the music.
22. Mario is Missing! – 1992
Luigi took the lead in this educational game. It looked similar to Super Mario World.
23. Super Mario All-Stars – 1993
A collection of upgraded Mario games from the NES, including a Japan-only one called The Lost Levels.
24. Mario & Wario – 1993
A Japan-only puzzle game where players used a mouse to guide Mario through levels.
25. Hotel Mario – 1994
A puzzle game on the CD-i that’s often seen as one of Mario’s worst games. It had odd video cutscenes.
26. Donkey Kong – 1994
A big Game Boy game with 101 levels. Mario had to save Pauline, like in the original arcade game.
27. Mario’s Tennis – 1995
One of the few games for the Virtual Boy. It was the packed-in game and starred Mario and friends.
28. Mario Excite Bike – 1995
A remake of the NES bike game with Mario characters and better graphics for the SNES Satellaview.
29. Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64) – 1996
Mario entered 3D for the first time. Players could explore freely and do lots of new moves like wall jumps and swimming. It changed Mario and gaming forever.
30. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (Super Nintendo) – 1996
Mario’s first RPG. Made by Square, it mixed fun battles and humor. Mario looked like his 3D self.
31. Mario Party (Nintendo 64) – 1998
The first Mario Party game. Single-player was basic, but multiplayer had 56 fun mini games.
32. Mario Golf (Nintendo 64) – 1999
A simple, fun golf game with lots of characters. It included mini golf and speed golf.
33. Paper Mario (Nintendo 64) – 2000
An RPG with a paper-style look. Mario looked younger, and the game was known for its charm and humor.
34. Mario Tennis (Nintendo 64) – 2000
Mario’s first starring tennis game. Easy to play with deep controls. Great for multiplayer.
35. Super Smash Bros. Melee (Gamecube) – 2001
A popular fighting game with 26 characters. Players fought by knocking others off the screen.
36. Mario Kart: Super Circuit (Game Boy Advance) – 2001
The first Mario Kart on a handheld. It had 20 new tracks and 20 from the SNES game.
37. Super Mario Sunshine (Gamecube) – 2002
Mario got a water pack called FLUDD and explored a tropical island. Introduced Bowser Jr and Toadsworth.
38. Mario Kart: Double Dash (Gamecube) – 2003
Two characters per kart made this game different. Players could switch between the driver and the item thrower.
39. Mario Kart DS (Nintendo DS) – 2005
Used two screens for gameplay and maps. Players could race online for the first time.
40. Super Mario Strikers (Gamecube) – 2005
Mario’s first soccer game. Fast-paced and full of power-ups like red shells and bananas.
41. New Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo DS) – 2006
A return to 2D platforming. New power-ups like mega mushrooms made it a big hit. Sold over 26 million copies.
42. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) – 2007
Mario explored space and different planets. Used the Wii Remote and had a two-player mode. A fan favorite.
43. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii) – 2007
Mario and Sonic teamed up for sports events like track, swimming, and archery.
44. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) – 2008
Came with a steering wheel accessory. Great online play and fun tracks made it a hit.
45. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii) – 2009
A console version of the DS hit. Four players could play together. One of the best-selling Wii games.
46. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii) 2010
A follow-up to Galaxy with even better gameplay. More levels and new power-ups.
47. Mario Sports Mix (Wii) 2010
Included sports like basketball and hockey. It had fun ideas but didn’t get great reviews.
48. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem (Nintendo DS) 2010
A puzzle game where players guide toy Marios to the exit.
49. Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS) 2011
Mixed 2D and 3D platforming. Had classic power-ups and fast-paced levels. Fastest-selling Mario handheld game.
50. Mario Tennis Open (Nintendo 3DS) 2012
A new tennis game for 3DS. It got mixed reviews but supported 4-player online matches.
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