13 September 1985

Super Mario Bros. is released in Japan for the NES, which starts the Super Mario series of platforming games.

Super Mario Bros. is a legendary and iconic video game franchise created by Shigeru Miyamoto and developed by Nintendo. It is one of the most influential and successful video game series in the history of the medium. The franchise centers around the adventures of Mario, a plumber who must rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser, also known as King Koopa, the primary antagonist.

Debut: The first Super Mario Bros. game was released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was a critical and commercial success and played a significant role in revitalizing the video game industry after the North American video game crash of 1983.

Gameplay: Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling platform game where players control Mario as he navigates various levels, avoiding obstacles, defeating enemies by jumping on them, and collecting power-ups such as Super Mushrooms and Fire Flowers. These power-ups grant Mario special abilities and extra lives.

Characters: Mario is the franchise’s titular character, known for his red cap, mustache, and blue overalls. He is often joined by his younger brother, Luigi, who is a playable character in many games. Princess Peach, Toad, and Yoshi are also recurring characters in the series.

Worlds and Themes: The games are set in the fictional Mushroom Kingdom, and each installment typically features Mario traversing different worlds or regions with unique themes such as grassy plains, underground caves, underwater levels, and fiery castles.

Evolution: Over the years, the series has evolved significantly, with numerous sequels and spin-off titles. It has been released on various Nintendo consoles and handheld systems, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, and Game Boy, among others.

Impact: Super Mario Bros. has had a profound impact on the video game industry, setting standards for platforming gameplay, level design, and character design. It introduced many gaming conventions, including power-ups, warp zones, and the idea of saving the princess. Mario himself has become one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in gaming history.

Cultural Influence: The franchise has transcended the realm of video games, with Mario appearing in animated series, movies, merchandise, and even theme park attractions like Super Nintendo World.

Notable Titles: Some of the most notable titles in the Super Mario Bros. series include “Super Mario Bros. 3,” “Super Mario World,” “Super Mario 64,” “Super Mario Galaxy,” and “Super Mario Odyssey,” among many others.