30 Fun Facts About Mario (It’s me, Mario!)
1. Mario was created by game designer Shigeru Miyamoto and first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong.
Shigeru Miyamoto, a game designer, gave life to the character we all know as Mario. His first appearance dates back to the legendary 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong.
Since then, Mario has become a familiar face in the gaming world and is often known as one of the most popular icons in video game culture. His impact on the industry can be felt even more than three decades later.
2. Originally, Mario was known as “Jumpman” and was a carpenter, not a plumber.
Mario has come a long way since his humble beginnings! He was first given the name “Jumpman,” and surprisingly enough he wasn’t a plumber, but a carpenter. Mario’s story is definitely one for the books.
This iconic video game character was once known as Jumpman and he had roles that we least expected. His transitioning from Carpenter to Plumber is surely worth celebrating — what an inspiring journey!
3. Mario’s character was named after Mario Segale, the landlord of the building where Nintendo of America was headquartered.
Nintendo of America was headquartered in a building owned by Mario Segale. To honor the landlord of such an important milestone to the success of the company, Nintendo decided to name the iconic character after him.
So, was born the very first rendition of Mario; a little Italian plumber, dressed in red and blue overalls with mustache and boundless enthusiasm for adventure.
The only evidence that he represented a real person from our world was his name –Mario Segale–as well as his roots to true Italian ancestry.
4. Mario’s trademark mustache was added to give him more personality and to make it easier to distinguish his nose from his mouth.
Introducing a main character for Nintendo’s instantly recognizable Super Mario Brothers video game, what easily stands out from the design? His now famous distinctive mustache!
It added to the personality of this much loved character and served an important functional purpose: helping to distinguish Mario’s nose from his mouth, making him easier to see as he glides across our TV screens.
The addition of these few curved lines created what is undeniably an iconic look for our Italian plumber friend.
5. Mario’s favorite food is spaghetti, as revealed in the Super Mario Bros. Super Show cartoon.
Mario is famed for his adventures, leaping from platform to platform, busting through brick blocks and rescuing Princess Peach. Yet there’s one aspect about him that many people forget: Mario has a strong affinity for spaghetti.
This love of Italian cuisine was revealed in the Super Mario Bros. Super Show cartoon, where the plumber can often be found enjoying celebration versions of the beloved pasta dish.
So if you ever happen to spot Mario amongst his kingdom, be sure to bring a plate of spaghetti–it might just make his day!
6. Mario’s full name is Mario Mario, as revealed in the 1993 live-action film adaptation of the game.
Mario Mario! That name must sound so familiar to fans of the 1993 live action film adaptation of the classic video game. But why, you may ask? Well, because revealed within the movie is the greatest truth of all – Mario’s full first name is Mario!
What could this be a coincidence or is it absolutely hilarious? Only the makers of the film know that answer. But one thing’s for sure; this iconic character will forever bear the delightfully unique moniker: ‘Mario Mario’.
7. Mario has appeared in over 200 video games, making him one of the most recognizable and iconic video game characters of all time.
Mario is without question one of the most memorable and beloved video game characters in history. With more than two hundred titles to his name, it’s not hard to see why.
From classic platforming adventures like Super Mario Bros. to more modern interpretations like the sprawling Super Mario Odyssey adventure, it seems you can’t keep Mario away from a controller.
His many appearances across nearly all gaming generations have fused him into a timeless icon of the cultural zeitgeist, immortalizing this mustachioed plumber in popular culture much the same as a cinema superhero.
8. Mario has been voiced by the same actor, Charles Martinet, since 1995.
Mario is an iconic character, beloved by many different generations of gamers. Since 1995, he has been voiced by the talented Charles Martinet.
Martinet’s whip-smart delivery and natural comedic timing bring life to Mario, creating a star power that audiences eagerly embrace in every appearance Nintendo makes. His signature chipper catchphrase of “Let’sa Go” follow virtually every exciting project that arises from the highly successful gaming cornerstone.
Martinet campaigns hard for both his cultivated love for Mario and for the principles believed to govern much of everyday life: make someone smile, support family as well as friends, and exercise enough patience to overcome any dilemma!
9. Mario’s brother, Luigi, was created as a palette swap of Mario for the game Mario Bros.
Mario’s brother, Luigi, holds a special place in the hearts of gamers all over. He was widely credited as one of the first “clone” characters; created from Mario himself for their joint debut game Mario Bros.
To stand out from his brother, Luigi boasts a different color palette, sometimes using darker or brighter shades to distinguish him from the otherwise identical Nintendo superstar. Being much bolder in style than his typically more stoic older brother serves as a testament to how dynamic and fun he could be.
Fans recognize Luigi fondly through games beyond the original Mario Bros. and hail him as an essential part of the franchise’s legacy.
10. Mario’s first appearance as a playable character was in the 1983 game Mario Bros.
In the early 1980s, gaming history was forever changed with the introduction of the iconic plumber, Mario. First seen in 1981’s Donkey Kong arcade machine, this character soon made his move to the classic title Mario Bros., where he made his first appearance as a playable character in 1983.
This 2D platform was one of the original side scrollers released for arcade machines and soon became a household name – not only because of its gameplay being ahead of its time but also due to its most famed lead figure who continues to reign as Sega’s number one mascot today.
11. Mario was originally supposed to have a tanuki tail in Super Mario Bros. instead of a raccoon tail.
In the early stages of Super Mario Bros. development, Mario wasn’t planned to have a raccoon tail – instead, he was intended to have a tail like that of the tanuki, a mythical animal found in Japanese folklore.
This would have given Mario’s design a totally different look compared to his current incarnation. But eventually the idea was offloaded in order to make the classic gaming character more recognizable to audiences worldwide, inspiring designers to give him his beloved festive attire and trade his tanuki tail for one belonging to a raccoon instead.
12. Mario’s design was heavily influenced by the character Popeye, according to Miyamoto.
The design of Mario, one of the most iconic video game characters ever, was heavily influenced by Popeye. This is according to Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and many other iconic characters .Miyamoto has cited Popeye in several interviews as his inspiration for the look and demeanor of Mario when creating him decades ago.
He also used to draw little sketches resembling both characters on explanation documents throughout his career.Many similarities between the two are abundantly clear! From their notably well muscled arms to overall hairstyle as well as facial hair.
Each character has a sense of eagerness to them embodied by trusty facial expression specialties for each. Not to mention a distinct outfit choice featuring blue overalls in their everyday wear consistently through out Popeye and Mario’s iterations over the years.
13. The first Mario game to feature a save function was Super Mario World for the SNES.
Super Mario World for the SNES marked an important milestone in gaming history; it was the first Mario game to feature a save function. This innovative technology gave people the ability to save their game progress, rather than having to start each run from the beginning.
As a result of this added convenience, it exploded in popularity and set the standards of future gaming experiences. It undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping both hardware and software innovation.
Super Mario World’s strong impact can still be appreciated today, paving the way for countless gamers around the world.
14. Mario has appeared in various forms of media, including television shows, movies, and comic books.
Mario is no stranger to fame, having made cameos in various media formats since the 80s. Television shows and films featuring Mario introduced him to new depths of popularity, garnering fun and admiration from viewers across all ages.
But TV and movies weren’t the only outlets celebrating this beloved red-shirted plumber. His timeless look has made screaming cameos in comic books around the world, reaffirming his global fame which first came through video games in 1981.
15. Mario has had various love interests over the years, including Pauline, Princess Daisy, and Princess Peach.
Throughout the years, Mario has had a few different love interests that have captured his heart. One of his earliest loves was Pauline, who appeared in the original Donkey Kong game. However, Mario’s most well-known love interests are Princess Peach and Princess Daisy.
An interesting fact about Princess Peach is that she has been a recurring character in the Mario franchise since the release of Super Mario Bros. in 1985. She is often kidnapped by Bowser, and Mario must go on a quest to rescue her.
Princess Daisy, on the other hand, is the princess of Sarasaland and first appeared in Super Mario Land for the Game Boy.
While Mario’s romantic relationships with these characters are not always central to the games’ plots, they do add an element of depth and complexity to the Mario universe.
16. In the original Donkey Kong arcade game, Mario was trying to rescue Pauline from the clutches of the titular gorilla.
Mario made his debut in 1981’s Donkey Kong, the classic arcade game. Players controlled the iconic plumber on a mission to save Pauline from the powerful title character: a rampaging gorilla.
As Mario attempted his daring rescue, he evaded errant barrels and ran across girders before eventually claiming victory over Donkey Kong.
This groundbreaking adventure (which was among the first platform titles ever created) pitted brave Mario against the dreaded primate, forever affirming its status as a global sensation that spawned tons of spinoffs both in arcades and beyond.
17. Mario’s first appearance in a handheld game was in Super Mario Land for the Game Boy.
Mario is an iconic video game character who was first introduced to the world nearly 30 years ago. He made his debut on the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System, but he quickly expanded his reach as a gaming idol by making his appearance in a handheld game, Super Mario Land for the Game Boy.
This title introduced gamers to Mathilda, a beautiful princess kidnapped by the terrifying alien Tatanga! Players had to use their wits and reflexes to conquer the many obstacles and areas in this rapidly expanding world; a world so captivating that it enabled gamers to experience more enjoyment and adventure than any other platform before it.
18. Mario has a number of power-ups, including the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Starman.
Mario’s arsenal of power-ups is extraordinary. He can access the Super Mushroom to gain extra strength, work his way up to the Fire Flower for formidable fireballs, or rely on the Starman for complete invincibility. In the heat of battle, such turbo power certainly comes in package handy.
There’s an entire suite of additional items Mario can procure, allowing him to excel in all manner of adventures. Whether navigating a castle filled with danger or facing off against a bespoke assortment of adversaries, these bubbly boosts provide much needed aid.
19. Mario’s catchphrase, “It’s-a me, Mario!” was first used in the 1996 game Super Mario 64.
In 1996, the world of gaming first heard Mario’s iconic catchphrase; “It’s-a me, Mario!”. This line was introduced to gamers when the animated plumber made his debut in Super Mario 64: a ground-breaking 3D platformer that revolutionized the genre and thrilled players around the globe.
It quickly became one of those classic lines that cemented itself into popular culture. Over two decades have passed since the original game release, but no one can forget started it all: “It’s-a me, Mario!”
20. Mario has appeared in various sports games, including Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, and Mario Kart.
Mario, a beloved character for many gamers, has made an impact on the world of sports. From Mario Tennis to Mario Golf and the ever popular Mario Kart, he has lent his virtual presence to multiple sporting enclaves over the years.
His iconic figure and global appeal have connected with a range of athletes looking to battle in minigames or grand scale tournaments alike. Such heroics on the virtual court and track have earned him renown among gaming fans everywhere.
21. Mario’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, was inspired to create the character after seeing the Popeye cartoons.
Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, is said to have been inspired by characters in the Popeye cartoons. Watching these beloved cartoons, Miyamoto recognized a potential for an idea that came to life in one of the most iconic game characters in history.
People across the world grew up playing as Mario, becoming bewitched by this epic video game hero and all the trouble he got himself into. Who would’ve thought that it was just some old cartoons that were behind his inception?
It just goes to show how one artist’s own creativity can revive something from the past and adapt it into something even more dynamic and extraordinary.
22. Mario has been inducted into the Walk of Game and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Mario has achieved something that few video game characters have – renown on the public stage! The famous mustachioed plumber, who originated in the Mushroom Kingdom back in 1981, was recently bestowed one of gaming’s highest honors – induction into the Walk of Game.
As a result, a star erected in his honor now stands alongside those of others renowned for their achievements, situated precariously on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This significant milestone promises to bring Marioto another level of adoration that fans around the world can relate to.
23. Mario’s height is approximately 5’1″ (155 cm).
Mario stands at an impressive 5′ 1″. That’s 155 centimetres of fun and adventure. Living up to their epithet ‘The Super Mario Brothers’, Mario towers over his short and stout brother, Luigi.
Despite his slightly undersized stature, he has some epic ambitions! It is no wonder that Mario is the most iconic Italian plumber ever!
24. Mario’s first appearance in a 3D game was in Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64.
Mario’s ground-breaking venture into 3D gaming was welcomed with open arms when Nintendo released Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64 in 1996. This title is remembered to this day for bringing about a whole new era of gaming, reaching avid gamers far and wide.
Super Mario 64 is widely considered one of the most iconic 3D games; praised by critics and consistently ranked as one of the greatest video games of all time. It featured smooth, innovative game play, immersive graphics and modernized control scheme beneficial to gameplayers alike.
A go-to game for any classic gamer, Super Mario 64 propelled platform style gaming forward with its revolutionary features and unforgettable moments allowing us to join our beloved Italian plumber on his wildest adventure yet.
25. Mario has appeared in various crossover games, including Super Smash Bros. and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games.
Mario has made numerous cameos into pop culture, from racing game requests in Super Smash Bros. to hitting the beaches to compete in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games.
As one of the world’s most recognizable video game characters, Mario stands out as a champion: beyond Mario’s special abilities that are popular among video games players, he has star in some of the world’s most iconic franchises and can take you from the Mushroom Kingdom to global competitions!
26. Mario’s hat, known as a “power cap,” has been a staple of the character’s design since Super Mario 64.
Mario is iconic for many roles and Nintendo titles since 1985, but game fans most recognize him for his adrenaline-filled hat. His famous purchase, known as the “power cap,” has officially been a staple of the character’s design since Super Mario 64.
Fans around the world have recognized and held onto this peaceful design to be associated, from time to time, with the beloved Italian plumber.
Many replicas of Mario’s hat can be seen amongst most video gamer houses to provide steady inspiration from regradental titles such as Super Mario 3D World or even classic scenarios for some accurate retro gaming competitions with local friends.
27. Mario has appeared in various educational games, including Mario Teaches Typing and Mario’s Time Machine.
Mario’s presence spans over more than everyday video gaming; he has appeared in a variety of educational games, too. One of these is Mario Teaches Typing, which uses Mario to explain the basics of keyboard and typing to players.
Another educational title with Mario as the main character is Mario’s Time Machine. Here, the mission is to track down artifacts and return them to their rightful points in history, teaching Mario fans valuable facts about world history as they progress.
Both of these titles have been warmly received by audiences and have gone on to charm generations!
28. Mario’s theme song, “Jump Up, Super Star!”, was sung by Kate Higgins in Super Mario Odyssey.
Kate Higgins is the one to thank for the melodic lines of the iconic theme song of Mario’s world, “Jump Up, Super Star!”. This song has lit up the ears of many gamers sure to recognize it in Mario’s video game, Super Mario Odyssey.
Higgins gave it her powerhouse vocals, imbuing a great magic into the intricately arranged but immensely catchy score. It’s trilling tones transport us into a more vivid universe, fuelling our imagination and signifying a burst of energy and boldness which evokes the plucky nature of our hero Mario in the immersive virtual kingdom.
29. Mario has appeared in various merchandise, including action figures, plush toys, and clothing.
Mario has been featured in a wide range of merchandise. Action figures, plush toys, and even fashion clothing adorned with characters of the Mario game have been well received by fans of all ages. But his influence extends to well beyond kids toys.
Soon Mario found a place in everyday paraphernalia like mugs, socks, bags and wall hangings adorning the homes of Super Mario enthusiasts and admirers of his retro charm.
Collectors far and wide soon recognized the value of the vintage trinkets depicting everyone’s favorite plumber in action and continue to trade them today.
30. Mario’s signature color is red, but he has also appeared in green, blue, and other colors throughout the years.
Mario, who’s been a beloved face in gaming for more than three decades, is closely associated with his signature red. Yet players have seen him appear in other colors too—including blue, green and more over the years.
From wild appearances in Super Mario Sunshine to his flash change in Dr. Mario—Mario has reinvented himself many times not just in appearance but also in how he interacts with particular games.
His ubiquity and sustained popularity rarely needs justification to millions of devoted followers, though these varying looks prove how determined he still is to keep us interested!
