The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Video Game›Paper Mario
Entertainment • Video Game

Paper Mario

Paper Mario is a role-playing video game series in the Mario franchise developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo.

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

Paper Mario is a role-playing video game series in the Mario franchise developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. The series uses a paper-themed art style and mixes role-playing, adventure, and puzzle elements. It began with Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64 in 2000, and the latest release is a 2024 remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch.

History

The series began with Paper Mario, originally developed as a sequel concept to Super Mario RPG. It was released on Nintendo 64 and later re-released on several virtual console and classic services.

Gameplay

Paper Mario games mix turn-based role-playing combat with platforming, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Many entries also feature partner characters with special abilities that help progress through the game.

Visual style

The series is known for its arts-and-crafts presentation, where characters and many environmental elements appear as paper cutouts. This style is central to the identity of the franchise.

Series entries

The series expanded beyond the original game into multiple sequels and spin-offs. Sources describe six mainline games and one crossover or spin-off entry, with the latest listed release being the 2024 remake of The Thousand-Year Door.

Key facts

  • The series is part of the Mario franchise and developed by Intelligent Systems.
  • It combines role-playing, adventure, and puzzle elements with a paper-craft visual style.
  • The first game was released for Nintendo 64 in 2000 (Japan) and 2001 internationally.
  • There are six mainline games and one spin-off.
  • The most recent release is a 2024 remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch.
🍁
Canadian context

Paper Mario has been released in Canada as part of Nintendo's North American market, and its Nintendo console releases made it familiar to Canadian players across multiple generations.

Frequently asked questions

What is Paper Mario?
Paper Mario is a Nintendo video game series that blends role-playing, adventure, and puzzle gameplay with a paper-themed visual style.
Who develops Paper Mario?
The series is developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo.
What was the first Paper Mario game?
The first game was Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64, released in Japan in 2000 and internationally in 2001.
What genre is Paper Mario?
It is mainly a role-playing game series, with action-adventure and puzzle elements.
How many Paper Mario games are there?
The provided sources describe six mainline games and one spin-off or crossover title.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_Mario
    Supports: Series overview, developer, publisher, genre blend, first release, and latest remake mention.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_Mario_(video_game)
    Supports: Original game's release date, platform, setting, and re-releases.
  3. Mario Wiki — https://www.mariowiki.com/Paper_Mario_(series)
    Supports: Series description, gameplay structure, and series entry count.
  4. Mario Wiki — https://www.mariowiki.com/Paper_Mario
    Supports: Original game details, story premise, and art style description.