Super Mario is a well-loved video game loved the world over. Interestingly, The New Yorker reports a movement among collectors to preserve the history of Super Mario, from its design history, and production relics to the copies of the original games themselves. What makes Super Mario such an endearing character, and how has the game evolved through the years? Today, we’ll discuss Super Mario’s humble beginnings in the arcades and how it enjoys widespread influence and popularity in the present.
The origin and development of Super Mario
Super Mario Bros. was released 37 years ago, first in Japan, then in North America. It features its titular character, Mario, a plumber on a quest to save the kidnapped Princess Peach from Bowser, the game’s primary antagonist. Mario is sometimes joined by his brother Luigi and other members of the core gameplay. It was first released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and sold 40 million copies for the gaming platform, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time. Mario has since become a flagship franchise under Nintendo’s brand, producing a series of video games and extending to other forms of media such as comic books, film and TV series, and even a theme park.
Mario was the brainchild of legendary video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of equally notable video games such as The Legend of Zelda and Star Fox. Mario first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, where the giant ape was actually his pet. Super Mario became a momentous title for Nintendo, with the Japanese multinational company even adopting him as their official mascot. The explosive popularity of Super Mario has even inspired the company to create dozens of spinoffs through the years, the most popular of which are Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., and Paper Mario.
Super Mario’s journey from the NES to the PC
Super Mario has come a long way since it was first released for the NES. Its sequels have been released in almost every gaming console developed by Nintendo. The game was an amusement arcade staple, with gamers of all ages flocking to their nearest branch to have their go on the highest score. With the increasing popularity and affordability of home gaming consoles, Mario found its way into handheld devices and home gaming setups.
Today, Super Mario can be played across different platforms, and it’s only a matter of finding which one fits your gaming style best. Among the gaming PCs featured on Adorama, the MSI Creator P100X Gaming Desktop Computer is ideal for those looking for a superfast performance while displaying physically accurate shadows, reflections, and lighting. Because the current Super Mario iterations come with advanced motion graphics, this $2400 desktop with the latest MSI GeForce RTX Graphics Card can surely deliver the most optimal gaming experience for this classic game. Pairing the computer with the Sony INZONE H9 Wireless Over-Ear Gaming Headset can maximize your nostalgia as it helps you hear the classic sound effects and music crisply and clearly.
Another platform that offers great Mario gameplay is Nintendo’s latest handheld device, the Switch. This is best for gamers who prefer to bring their games everywhere. Its main feature is its transformability into a home console from a portable system in just one snap. Priced at $299, the Switch can be played in three modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld. The first two are perfect for playing multiplayer Mario games, such as Super Mario Strikers: Battle League or Mario Party Superstars. The attached Joy-Con controllers give players total flexibility, reminiscent of the original gameplay via the NES. But, the traditionalists among us can still return to basics and play Super Mario with its original controller, thanks to new technology, by pairing the NES30PRO controller to the Amazon Fire TV.
Super Mario’s simple yet entertaining quests in the fictional world of Mushroom Kingdom have captured the hearts of gamers since 1985 and inspired today’s popular culture. Its legacy will continue to live on as it keeps growing in popularity and winning over the next generation of gamers.
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