Super Mario Marks 40 Years, Sells 40M Worldwide

Nintendo's iconic mascot Mario celebrates 40 years as a global symbol of the video game industry, having significantly expanded its audience beyond children to include a wide age range. The original "Super Mario Bros.", released in 1985 on the NES and Famicom consoles, has sold over 40 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling games of all time. Mario was originally created by Shigeru Miyamoto as a functional character under technical constraints, which led to his distinctive look and enduring appeal. The game's upbeat theme by Koji Kondo and the collaborative development team contributed to its lasting success. Fans like Japanese mega-collector Kikai, who has amassed over 20,000 Mario-related items, demonstrate the character's deep cultural impact. Speedrunning records and high-value auctions of Mario memorabilia continue to highlight the character's significance in gaming culture.