How Old Is the Mario Franchise?
The Mario franchise is one of the most iconic and beloved in video game history. The mustachioed plumber has starred in countless games over the years, from the original Donkey Kong in 1981 to the latest Super Mario Odyssey in 2017. But just how old is the Mario franchise?
The answer is a bit complicated. The first game to feature Mario was Donkey Kong, which was released in Japan in 1981. However, Mario was not the star of the show in that game. He was just a supporting character, known as Jumpman. It wasn’t until the release of Mario Bros. in 1983 that Mario became the main character.
So, if we count from the release of Donkey Kong, the Mario franchise is 40 years old. However, if we count from the release of Mario Bros., the franchise is only 38 years old.
Either way, the Mario franchise is one of the most successful in video game history. The games have sold over 500 million copies worldwide, and the franchise has spawned numerous spin-offs, TV shows, and movies.
Here is a timeline of some of the key events in the Mario franchise:
- 1981: Donkey Kong is released in Japan. Mario makes his debut as a supporting character.
- 1983: Mario Bros. is released in Japan. Mario becomes the main character.
- 1985: Super Mario Bros. is released in Japan. The game is a huge success and helps to establish Mario as a household name.
- 1988: Super Mario Bros. 3 is released in Japan. The game is even more successful than its predecessor and is considered one of the greatest video games of all time.
- 1990: Super Mario World is released in Japan. The game is the first Mario game to feature a map screen.
- 1996: Super Mario 64 is released in Japan. The game is the first 3D Mario game and is a critical and commercial success.
- 2002: Super Mario Sunshine is released in Japan. The game is the first Mario game to feature a water-based setting.
- 2007: Super Mario Galaxy is released in Japan. The game is the first Mario game to feature a spherical world.
- 2010: Super Mario Galaxy 2 is released in Japan. The game is a sequel to Super Mario Galaxy and is equally well-received.
- 2013: Super Mario 3D World is released in Japan. The game is the first Mario game to feature multiplayer co-op.
- 2017: Super Mario Odyssey is released in Japan. The game is the first Mario game to feature an open world.
The Mario franchise has continued to evolve over the years, but one thing has remained constant: Mario’s popularity. The plumber has become one of the most recognizable characters in the world, and his games continue to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
