The world’s most recognizable plumber is celebrating a milestone this weekend as the iconic Super Mario Bros. video game franchise turns 40. On September 13, 1985, Nintendo released the seminal platformer in Japan, forever changing the landscape of interactive entertainment. Four decades on, Mario remains an unstoppable force, holding an impressive collection of records that cement his status as a cultural icon.
The Super Mario franchise holds the Guinness World Records title for the best-selling video game franchise of all time, with more than 825 million units sold globally across all its games as of 2024. This monumental figure includes games from the core platformer series as well as spin-offs like Mario Kart, Mario Party, and sports titles. This dominance is a testament to the franchise’s ability to consistently innovate while maintaining its core appeal.
The game that started it all, Super Mario Bros., is a record-holder in its own right. It is the best-selling platform video game of all time, with more than 40.24 million copies sold on its original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console. The game’s simple yet brilliant design, featuring side-scrolling action and a memorable soundtrack, set the template for countless games that followed.
Mario’s spin-offs have also achieved massive success. The best-selling racing game of all time is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which has sold over 60 million units, making it the best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, the Nintendo Switch is home to the fastest-selling Nintendo console of all time, a feat often attributed to the enduring popularity of Mario and his games.
Beyond the sales charts, Mario holds the record for the most games in a single video game series, appearing in over 200 titles. From his first appearance in Donkey Kong as “Jumpman” to his latest adventures, Mario’s cheerful “Wahoo!” and iconic red cap have transcended gaming to become a symbol of joy and adventure recognized by generations. The release of the Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, which became a global box office sensation, further solidified Mario’s place in popular culture, proving that after 40 years, his appeal is stronger than ever.
