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

Super Mario

Super Mario is a platform game series developed and published by Nintendo and starring Mario, the company’s mascot.

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

Super Mario is a platform game series developed and published by Nintendo, starring the company's mascot Mario. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, it is the flagship series of the broader Mario franchise and began with Super Mario Bros. in 1985. The series is primarily set in the Mushroom Kingdom and centers on jumping, running, and rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser.

Overview

Super Mario is Nintendo’s long-running platform game series and one of the best-known franchises in video game history. It began with Super Mario Bros. for the NES in 1985 and became the foundation of the larger Mario brand.

Gameplay

Super Mario games typically task the player with traversing themed levels, defeating enemies, and collecting power-ups. The core design emphasizes jumping across platforms and moving through stages in the Mushroom Kingdom.

Characters and setting

Mario is the central protagonist, often joined by Luigi and other recurring characters such as Princess Peach and Bowser. The fictional Mushroom Kingdom is the series’ most common setting.

Official reference books

Nintendo released Super Mario Encyclopedia: The Official Guide to the First 30 Years as an official guide covering seventeen Super Mario games and more than 30 years of series history. It includes material on enemies, items, worlds, and gameplay concepts.

Key facts

  • At least one Super Mario game has been released for every major Nintendo video game console.
  • The series uses side-scrolling and 3D platforming gameplay built around running, jumping, power-ups, and enemy avoidance.
  • Mario is often accompanied by Luigi and other recurring characters from the Mario cast.
  • The series commonly centers on Mario and Luigi rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser.
  • Nintendo has published official reference material covering the first 30 years of the franchise, including 17 main series games up to Super Mario 3D World.
🍁
Canadian context

Super Mario is widely available in Canada through Nintendo platforms and has been a major part of Canadian gaming culture for decades.

Frequently asked questions

What is Super Mario?
Super Mario is a Nintendo platform game series starring Mario and centered on running, jumping, and rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser.
Who created Super Mario?
The series was created by Japanese game designer Shigeru Miyamoto.
When did Super Mario begin?
The series began with Super Mario Bros., released for the NES in 1985.
What is the setting of Super Mario?
The games are set primarily in the fictional Mushroom Kingdom.
Is Super Mario Nintendo-exclusive?
Most entries are on Nintendo platforms, but a limited number of Super Mario games have also appeared on non-Nintendo platforms.

References

  1. Nintendo — https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/super-mario-encyclopedia-the-official-guide-to-the-first-30-years-125067/
    Supports: Official guide covering seventeen Super Mario games and more than 30 years of franchise history.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario
    Supports: Series description, creator, first release, gameplay, setting, and platform availability.
  3. MarioWiki — https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros._Encyclopedia
    Supports: Alternative title and scope of the encyclopedia volume covering the first 30 years of the series.