When did the first Mario come out? This question often piques the interest of gamers and enthusiasts who are fascinated by the history of one of the most iconic video game characters. The answer to this question takes us back to the early 1980s, a time when video games were just beginning to gain widespread popularity.
Mario, known in Japan as “Jumpman,” first made his appearance in the arcade game “Donkey Kong” in 1981. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi, this game was a huge success and introduced the world to the character that would later become a global phenomenon. The original Donkey Kong game featured a simple yet engaging gameplay mechanic, where the player controlled Jumpman, who had to climb up a building while avoiding obstacles and defeating the antagonist, Donkey Kong.
After the success of Donkey Kong, Nintendo decided to give Jumpman his own game, which would be titled “Mario Bros.” in the United States. This game, released in 1983, was the first to feature the character with the iconic mustache and red cap that we now associate with Mario. In Mario Bros., the player controlled Mario and his brother Luigi as they navigated through a series of levels filled with enemies and obstacles, with the goal of rescuing their captured brother from the clutches of the Koopa King, Bowser.
It wasn’t until 1985 that Mario would receive his first solo game, “Super Mario Bros.” for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This game was a groundbreaking title that revolutionized the platformer genre and solidified Mario’s status as a gaming icon. Super Mario Bros. introduced the world to the classic 2D side-scrolling gameplay that has become synonymous with the Mario series, as well as the iconic “Mario Bros.” theme song, which has become a cultural touchstone.
Since then, Mario has starred in countless games across various platforms, becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the history of video games. The original Mario has evolved over the years, with numerous iterations and spin-offs that have expanded the Mario universe and introduced new fans to the character. As we look back at the question of when the first Mario came out, it’s clear that his impact on the gaming industry has been immense, and his legacy continues to thrive to this day.
