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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Video Games

Mario (franchise)

Mario is a Japanese video game and media franchise created by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mario is a Japanese video game and media franchise created by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo. It began with video games and has expanded into television, comics, films, and themed attractions. The franchise centres on Mario, Nintendo’s iconic mascot and one of gaming’s most recognizable characters.

Overview

Mario is a long-running Nintendo franchise centred on the character Mario. It is one of the company’s most important properties and has spread across many entertainment formats.

History

The franchise began with the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, where Mario first appeared. Over time, the series developed into the Super Mario platform games and broader Mario media.

Main character

Mario is depicted as an Italian plumber who lives in the Mushroom Kingdom with his brother Luigi. He is the main character of the franchise and Nintendo’s most recognizable mascot.

Media and adaptations

Beyond games, the franchise includes television productions, comic books, films released in 1993 and 2023, a planned 2026 sequel film, and a theme park area.

Key facts

  • The franchise was created by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo.
  • It began with video games and expanded into television, comics, films, and a theme park area.
  • Mario first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong.
  • Mario is the franchise’s titular character and Nintendo’s mascot.
  • The franchise has grown into one of the best-known in video game history.
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Canadian context

The franchise is widely consumed in Canada through Nintendo game releases, console ownership, and film adaptations, making it a familiar part of Canadian pop culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mario?
Mario is a fictional video game character created by Shigeru Miyamoto and the main protagonist of Nintendo’s Mario franchise.
What is the Mario franchise?
The Mario franchise is a Japanese video game and media series created by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo, beginning with games and later expanding into other media.
Who created Mario?
Mario was created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto.
How many Mario games are there?
The sources provided say Mario has appeared in more than 200 games, but they do not give an exact current total.
What is the best Mario game?
There is no single authoritative answer; “best” is subjective and depends on criteria such as sales, reviews, or fan preference. The provided sources do not identify one official best game.
Who voices Mario?
Charles Martinet voiced Mario from 1991 to 2023, and Kevin Afghani has voiced him since 2023 in video games.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario
    Supports: Mario’s identity, creator, role as Nintendo mascot, first appearance, and voice actors.
  2. Super Mario Wiki — https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario
    Supports: Mario as the main character and titular protagonist, and his current/latest portrayals.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_(franchise)
    Supports: Definition of the Mario franchise and its expansion into other media.
  4. nippon.com — https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h02742/
    Supports: Mario’s debut in Donkey Kong in 1981 and historical context.