Mario

Mario Mario

Basic Information
Creator(s)	Shigeru Miyamoto
Type	Main character
Franchise	Mario
Series	Super Mario, Mario Kart, Paper Mario, Mario Party, Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, Dr. Mario
Status	Alive
Biographical Information
Gender	Male
Height	Short
Home	Mario Bros. House
Nationality	Italian
Species	Human
Weight	Middleweight
Voice Talent
Charles Martinet (1991 - 2023) Chris Pratt (The Super Mario Bros. Movie) Kevin Afghani (2023 - Present)
Featured in...
Donkey Kong Mario Bros. Super Mario Bros. Super Mario Bros. 2 Super Mario Bros. 3

Mario is Nintendo's mascot and the main protagonist of the long-running Mario franchise. He first appears as the main protagonist of the Donkey Kong game of the same name, Mario would then become the main antagonist of Donkey Kong Jr.. Mario would ultimately be defined as a protagonist when he received his own franchise with the release of Mario Bros. for the Game & Watch. Since then, Mario has starred in many different genres from puzzle to racing, and he has expanded into other mediums outside the realm of gaming, such as movies and cartoons.

Mario's role is often rescuing Princess Peach (originally Princess Toadstool) from his arch-nemesis Bowser. Mario is often assisted by his brother Luigi on his journey. Some of Mario's other enemies include Donkey Kong and Wario, although Mario has teamed up with his enemies on some occasions.

Mario was created by Shigeru Miyamoto. Originally voiced by Charles Martinet since Super Mario 64, Kevin Afghani has been the current voice of Mario ever since Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

Origin[]

Mario was the replacement of Popeye during the development of the Donkey Kong arcade game. He replaced said character, like Pauline with Olive Oyl and Donkey Kong with Bruno, because Nintendo could not secure the Popeye license. Mario was nicknamed Jumpman, though "Mario" is derived from former Nintendo of America landlord Mario Segale, an Italian-American who bore physical similarities to Mario.

Abilities[]

Mario jumping NSMB — Jumping high is one of Mario's most commonly used abilities

Mario's most notable ability is jumping, whether to access places or as an offensive move named stomping, first used in Super Mario Bros. Stomping crushes and therefore defeats certain weaker enemies, especially Goombas. Stomping usually inflict damage to larger enemies and sometimes also causes secondary effects. In some games such as Super Mario World, stomping can enable Mario to knock Koopa Troopas out of their shells, which then become usable as weapons.

Mario's jumping abilities have been elaborated on over the course of his appearances. Super Mario World introduces the Spin Jump, which gives Mario the ability to break Rotating Blocks below him. The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong introduces the ability for Mario to perform consecutive jumps to jump higher, including from handstands, as well as the ability to do backflips. In Super Mario 64, Mario gains new jumping abilities, such as a Side Somersault, a Ground Pound, and the Wall Jump, which propels Mario upwards by kicking off walls.

Mario has superhuman strength, having the ability to pick up or throw very large enemies, as well as stun them. He possesses great physical durability, being able to withstand great impacts, such as falling from great distances and blows from strong goes. This durability extends to extreme environments, including freezing cold, scorching heat, and even outer space. Mario has a firm grip and can usually hold on to poles and blocks for as long as he desires.

Power-ups[]

Mario can obtain special powers through using a variety of power-up items.

The first power-up that Mario had ever been able to use is the Hammer, in the Donkey Kong arcade game. It could be used to destroy barrels in front of him on 25m or enemies such as Fires.

Super Mario series[]

Fire Mario NSMB2 artwork — Fire Mario, one of Mario's most recurring power-ups, has the ability to shoot fireballs

In the mainline Super Mario series, especially the 2D sidescrolling games, the base power-up item is the Super Mushroom, which changes Mario from Small Mario to Super Mario, although the latter is represented as his default size in most games outside of the mainline series. Mario's power-ups are typically obtained from ? Blocks, though they have sometimes been hidden in other types of Blocks, such as Brick Blocks.

After receiving a Super Mushroom, Mario can be upgraded again by another power-up item, which depend on the game. The most common second-tier power-up item is the Fire Flower, which changes Mario to Fire Mario, who can shoot fireballs.

Many entries of the Super Mario series have introduced a power-up item that gives Mario the ability of flight. Three such items were added in Super Mario Bros. 3: the Super Leaf, which changes Mario to Raccoon Mario; the Tanooki Suit, which changes Mario to Tanooki Mario, who can also become an inanimate statue temporarily; and the P-Wing, which turns him to Raccoon Mario but with a full P-Meter for the entire level, allowing for endless flight. Super Mario World introduces the Cape Feather, which changes Mario to Cape Mario, who can move up and down in the air in a wave-like pattern. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins adds the Carrot, which changes Mario into Bunny Mario, who can hover in the air using rabbit ears attached to his cap. Super Mario 64 adds the Wing Cap, which changes Mario to Wing Mario, who can fly around temporarily. New Super Mario Bros. Wii introduces the Propeller Mushroom, which gives Mario the ability to launch into the air and twirl back down slowly, as Propeller Mario.

Super Mario Bros. 3 also introduces the Frog Suit, which gives Mario a faster swimming ability as Frog Mario, and Hammer Mario, which gives Mario a black Hammer Bro and gives him the ability to throw hammers, as Hammer Mario.

Mario can collect a Super Star or 1-Up Mushroom, regardless of whether he is Small or Super. The Super Star gives Mario temporary invincibility, as Invincible Mario. Meanwhile, a 1-Up Mushroom gives Mario an extra life.

Mario size comparison NSMB artwork — Mega Mario (right), a form that turns Mario gigantic

New Super Mario Bros. is the first game of the Super Mario series to add the Mega Mushroom, which changes Mario into his gigantic Mega Mario form, and the Mini Mushroom, which does the opposite and changes Mario into a very small form. The game is the first to feature the Blue Shell item, which changes Mario into Shell Mario, who can spin around in a blue Koopa Shell and destroy Brick Blocks this way, through a method named the shell dash.

Besides the Propeller Mushroom, New Super Mario Bros. Wii also introduces the ability for Mario to use Penguin Suit to become Penguin Mario, a form that works like the Ice Flower, except Mario can also belly-slide on ice and, like Frog Mario, swim faster underwater.

Several power-up items were added in Super Mario Galaxy for Mario to use. The Bee Mushroom changes Mario into Bee Mario and gives him the ability to fly temporarily. The Boo Mushroom changes Mario into Boo Mario, allowing him to float and pass through walls. The Spring Mushroom changes Mario into Spring Mario, which encases him in a spring and gives him the ability to jump higher.

Luigi and other playable characters nearly always use the same power-up items as Mario. There have been a few exceptions, like how Mario cannot use the Super Crown, which turns Toadette into Peachette in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.

Donkey Kong series[]

Donkey Kong[]

Mario was nicknamed Jumpman in Donkey Kong. His goal is to rescue his girlfriend, Pauline, who had been kidnapped by Donkey Kong and brought high above the building. Mario has the career of being a carpenter. Mario has to make his way through four different stages: 25m, 50m, 75m, and 100m. A lot of 25m involves Mario having to jump over barrels and use a hammer to destroy them along the way.

In the ending, after Mario removes all of the bolts in 100m, he and Pauline are reunited.

Donkey Kong Jr.[]

Mario has the unusual role of being the main antagonist in Donkey Kong Jr., where the plot involves the character of the same name going through a few stages to save his father, Donkey Kong.

Mario Bros. series[]

Mario Bros.[]

Mario appears in Mario Bros., which is the first time he is portrayed as a plumber. It is the first major appearance of his brother Luigi (who actually debuted in an unrelated but identically titled Game & Watch game, Mario Bros.). Mario and Luigi have no sprite differences from one another, other than Luigi being a green palette swap.

Just as Mario can be played by only player 1, only the second player can control Luigi, which would be common in many Mario platforming games throughout the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System eras, before Luigi had more of his own identity established from Mario over time.

Mario Clash[]

Mario is the playable character of Mario Clash. During gameplay, Mario goes up the Clash Tower, using Koopa Shells to defeat enemies along the way.

Super Mario series[]

Super Mario Bros.[]

Super Mario Bros Stage One — Mario in World 1-1, the first level of *Super Mario Bros.*

Mario is the starring character and playable character in Super Mario Bros., though much like the arcade game Mario Bros., Luigi can be controlled by a second player.

The events of the game occur when Mario heard about Bowser who cast dark magic transforming the Mushroom Retainers into inanimate objects. Princess Toadstool can undo the spell, but Koopa King held her captive in his castle.

For his journey, Mario has to travel through four levels in each of the eight worlds. His default form is Small Mario, both when starting the game or after losing an extra life. The available power-up items include the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, Starman, and 1-Up Mushroom. The power-up mechanic is the exact same for Luigi.

Mario finally confronts Bowser at the end of World 8-4, and he is reunited with Peach after defeating Bowser.

Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japan)[]

The Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2 for the Family Computer Disk System follows the same plot as Super Mario Bros. and retains a lot of the same graphics, including Mario's sprites. Unlike before, the player can choose to play as either Mario, as part of the "Mario Game" option on the title screen, or Luigi, as part of the "Luigi Game" option on the title screen, although at the cost of no two-player support.

Mario does not receive any additional power-ups that are not in Super Mario Bros. The game does introduce a fake power-up item named the Poison Mushroom, which shrinks Mario or Luigi to his Small form or defeats him if he is already Small Mario.

Mario also returns in the Super Mario All-Stars remaster of the game, titled Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels.

Super Mario Bros. 2 (Western)[]

World 1-1 SMB2 — Mario in World 1-1, also the title used for the first level in *Super Mario Bros. 2*

In Super Mario Bros. 2, Mario is joined by not only Luigi, but also Peach (named "Toadstool" in earlier releases) and Toad. The four go on a journey to free Subcon and its citizens from the tyranny of Wart and his army, the 8-bits.

Unlike before, Mario is represented in his Super form by default, but he can become Small Mario if he takes damage. There are Mushrooms in Subspace, which grant Mario or another playable character an extra hit point. Mario cannot spawn power-up items from blocks, unlike before. There are not many power-ups in general, though a Starman can appear from the bottom of the screen if Mario collects five cherries. Luigi, the Princess, and Toad all use power-up items in the same manner as Mario.

In the ending, however, the entire game is revealed to be a dream from Mario. In the scene, Mario briefly opens his eyes and closes them again seconds later, then the cast roll is shown.

Super Mario Land duology[]

Super Mario Land[]

Super Mario Land follows the basic plot of Mario having to rescue a damsel-in-distress from a villain. Specifically, Mario has to journey through the four worlds of Sarasaland to rescue Princess Daisy from Tatanga. At the end of World 4-3, Mario defeats Tatanga and finally reunites with Daisy.

Both the Super Mushroom and Star return as power-up items, and therefore Mario's Super and Invincible forms. However, the Fire Flower had been replaced by the Superball Flower, which changes Mario to his Superball form.

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins[]

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins follows directly after the events of Super Mario Land, unlike most entires of the Super Mario series, which has no continuity otherwise. While Mario was off rescuing Daisy, his rival Wario took over Mario Land and renamed it "Wario Land," and similarly for Mario's Castle, which he renamed Wario's Castle. Mario is unable to access his castle unless he collects the six Golden Coins, which have to be put on the gate outside of his castle.

The Superball Flower and thus Superball Mario do not return in favor of the Fire Flower and its corresponding form, Fire Mario. The game still gives Mario another form, Bunny Mario, obtained from the carrot power-up.

Eventually, Mario re-enters his castle and engages in a final boss fight against Wario, whom he manages to defeat.

Despite being the antagonist, Wario would become the main protagonist by the next installment, Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, also the first game of his spinoff franchise.

Super Mario Bros. 3[]

World 1-1 SMB3 — Mario in the World 1-1 of *Super Mario Bros. 3*

In Super Mario Bros. 3, Mario once again stars as a playable character, along with Luigi as an optional second player. This time, the Mario brothers go on an adventure to free the Mushroom World from Bowser and the Koopalings as they attempt to conquer it. Mario also has to fight Boom Boom at the end of every fortress level. Peach is also kidnapped at one point, and the last destination of Mario and Luigi's journey is Dark Land, where Peach is held captive by Bowser.

Like in Super Mario Bros., Luigi serves only as a palette swap of Mario. The two of them can utilize the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, Starman, and 1-Up Mushroom as power-up items, like in Super Mario Bros., in addition to the Raccoon Leaf, the Tanooki Suit, the Hammer Suit, and the Frog Suit.

Mario is also playable in the Mario Bros. mode, which is a remake of the Mario Bros. title. In the Super Mario All-Stars remake, the mode was replaced by the Battle Game.

Super Mario World[]

In Super Mario World, Mario makes his leap from 8-bit to 16-bit for the first time. He goes on a vacation to Dinosaur Land with Luigi and Peach. As has been recurring by this point, Peach has been kidnapped, so Mario and Luigi (once again the second player) go on an adventure to rescue her.

The game is the first time that Mario meets his dinosaur companion, Yoshi, after freeing him from a Yoshi Egg stuck in certain ? Blocks. Mario fights each Koopaling in a castle at the end of a world. After a Koopaling is defeated, a cutscene is shown of Mario taking a Yoshi Egg out of the castle before destroying the castle in some comical manner.

The usual Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Starman power-up items all return for Mario and Luigi to use. However, there are fewer power-up items for them, since none of those that first appear in Super Mario Bros. 3 make a reappearance. The game does introduce one power-up item and resulting form, the Cape Feather to Cape Mario.

Luigi is again just a palette swap of Mario, though his sprites are distinct in the Super Mario All-Stars + Super Mario World re-release and the Game Boy Advance remake Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2. Nevertheless, Mario and Luigi still have the same role.

Super Mario 64[]

MarioSM64 — Artwork of Mario used for *Super Mario 64*

Mario made his debut in a three-dimensional game in Super Mario 64. The plot begins with him being invited to the Mushroom Castle by Princess Peach to have a cake she made for him. However, by the time Mario arrives, Bowser has invaded the castle and imprisoned the princess and her servants within it through the use of Power Stars.

Mario can access courses through the use of paintings. He can only access Bob-omb Battlefield at first, but more rooms become accessible to Mario as he continues recovering more Power Stars. There are 120 Power Stars for Mario to collect in total.

Mario fights Bowser on three occasions, each in a stage that that constitutes of an obstacle course and lastly an arena where Bowser is fought. When Mario defeats Bowser at Bowser in the Dark World and later Bowser in the Fire Sea, by swinging Bowser around by the tail and throwing him into a Floating Mine once, Mario earns a key that unlocks the basement floor and upper floor, respectively. In the third battle and final boss fight overall, at Bowser in the Sky, Bowser can be defeated through the same means as before, except he has to hit a Floating Mine three times. After Bowser is defeated, the Jumbo Star is revealed, and Mario is able to rescue Peach from the stain-glassed window of her in front of the castle.

Super Mario Sunshine[]

Mario and FLUDD Sunshine artwork — Mario and his water tank, FLUDD, as depicted for *Super Mario Sunshine*

The story of Super Mario Sunshine opens with Mario taking the Toad Express with Toadsworth, and Princess Peach on a vacation to Isle Delfino. They land at the Delfino Airstrip, where their vacation plans are almost immediately interrupted by a multi-colored Polluted Piranha Plant occupying the airstrip. Mario meets a living water tank-like device named FLUDD, which Mario uses throughout his journey, first by defeating the Polluted Piranha Plant.

As the others congratulate Mario for defeating the Polluted Piranha Plant, the Isle Delfino Police arrive to arrest him. Mario is taken to court because they believe that he is reason for the entire island being covered in goop and all of the Shine Sprites missing. The real culprit is a doppelganger of Mario named Shadow Mario (whom only Peach saw at the airstrip earlier). The Pianta judge declares Mario guilty for vandalizing Isle Delfino and forces Mario to clean the island, which he is not allowed to leave otherwise.

The main collectible item is Shine Sprites, of which Mario has to collect 120 of, just like Power Stars in Super Mario 64. After Mario has obtained some Shine Sprites, Peach is kidnapped by Shadow Mario and taken over to Pinna Park. There, after Mario destroys Mecha-Bowser in the first mission, Mecha-Bowser Appears!, Shadow Mario appears from the machine and reveals his true identity, Bowser Jr., who accuses Mario of trying to steal Peach, whom he believes is his mother. Bowser Jr. then takes Peach and retreats to Corona Mountain, where Mario later engages in a final boss fight against both Bowser and Bowser Jr.

Once Mario has collected all of the Shine Sprites, he and the others are finally allowed to start their vacation.

Super Mario 64 DS[]

The plot of Super Mario 64 DS is different than the original game, as Mario, Luigi, and Wario have all been kidnapped. As a result, Yoshi is the only playable character at first. Yoshi can rescue Mario by defeating Goomboss at the end of Goomboss Battle, which earns him the Mario Key, and then using that key to unlock the "M" switching room within the princess's room. From hereon, the plot is mostly the same, with Mario joining the adventure recover the Power Stars, of which there are now 150 to obtain.

Mario in particular has to rescue Luigi by defeating Big Boo at the end of Big Boo Battle within Big Boo's Haunt, earning him the Luigi Key for the "L" switching room.

New Super Mario Bros.[]

Mario flagpole NSMB — Mario at the end of the first level, World 1-1, in *New Super Mario Bros.*

Mario went to 2.5D in New Super Mario Bros. Similar to the Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2, the player can choose whether to play as Mario or Luigi from the beginning, although this time Luigi can be selected by holding down the L and R buttons on the title screen and pressing the A button.

During the opening cutscene, Mario and Peach are walking together casually near Peach's Castle. A few seconds in, lightning suddenly strikes Peach’s Castle. As Mario runs closer to investigate, Bowser Jr. sneaks behind Peach and kidnaps her. Since Peach lets out a small shout, Mario notices quickly and rushes back to chase after Bowser Jr. During the chase, Mario is shrunk to into Small Mario offscreen before running back onscreen. He is unable to rescue Peach immediately and begins another journey to rescue her. The opening cutscene shows the exact same events if Luigi is chosen as the playable character.

Mario ventures through eight worlds pursuing Bowser Jr. as he tries to rescue. He last fights Bowser and Bowser Jr. together at the end of World 8. After defeating both bosses, Mario manages to rescue Peach, who rewards him with a kiss on the cheek.

Super Mario Galaxy[]

Mario is again both the starring and playable character of Super Mario Galaxy. He is invited to the centennial Star Festival, which becomes suddenly interrupted when Bowser invades the Mushroom Kingdom and rips Peach's Castle from its foundations and lifts it into outer space. Mario is catapulted across the cosmos by Kamek.

Later, Mario awakens on a small planet over at the Gateway Galaxy, where he meets star-like creatures called Lumas and their guardian, Rosalina. Mario is told by Rosalina that the Power Stars have been stolen by Bowser. Mario is assisted by the Apricot Luma, who gives him the ability to perform the Spin maneuver. Mario sets off on an intergalactic adventure across the universe to reclaim the Power Stars, like in Super Mario 64, and rescue Peach.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii[]

In New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Mario is the only character whom the first player can play as, while in multiplayer, players 2 through 4 can choose to play as either Luigi, Blue Toad, or Yellow Toad.

In the opening cutscene, Mario, Luigi, Blue Toad, and Yellow Toad have attended Princess Peach's birthday. A big cake with the Koopalings and Bowser Jr. hiding inside suddenly enters the scene, and they trap Peach inside the cake and run off with her. The four playable characters run out of Peach's Castle and go on an journey to rescue Peach. Mario and the other three journey across eight worlds, with the first seven each having a Koopaling to battle in its tower and later its castle. Mario, Luigi, Blue Toad, and Yellow Toad eventually confront Bowser at the end of World 8, defeating him and rescuing the princess.

In the ending cutscene, Mario and Peach are offered by Luigi to ride a hot-air balloon. By the time the two get in, Luigi stumbles over as the hot-air balloon takes off.

Mario and the other playable characters can use the usual power-ups like Super Mushrooms and Fire Flower but also new ones, such as a Propeller Mushroom and Penguin Suit. It is also the first game of the Super Mario series where Mario uses an Ice Flower.

Super Mario Galaxy 2[]

In Super Mario Galaxy 2, Mario returns with a role similar to the first Super Mario Galaxy and also has to recover Power Stars, as well as much more Green Stars than before. The game opens with Mario being invited to Peach's Castle by Peach. Mario discovers a lost Luma along the way, the Co-Star Luma, who assists him and gives him the Spin ability, not the Apricot Luma like in the predecessor. By the time Mario arrives, he sees a gigantic Bowser with Peach in hand. He gives chase using a Launch Star and instantly transitions over to Sky Station Galaxy.

After collecting the Power Star of Sky Station Galaxy's first mission, Peewee Piranha's Temper Tantrum, Mario is met by Lubba and some Lumas on a small planetoid, which they transform into a mobile plants in the likeness of Mario's head, Starship Mario. Using the ship, Mario travels to various galaxies and gathers the Power Stars necessary to power the ship.

After multiple battles against both Bowser and Bowser Jr., Mario eventually arrives at Bowser's lair at the center of the universe, where he defeats him and rescues the princess.

Super Mario 3D Land[]

In Super Mario 3D Land, Mario has to rescue Peach from Bowser, as usual. With the game taking inspiration from Super Mario Bros. 3, Mario uses power-ups such as the Super Leaf, this time to become Tanooki Mario, and fights Boom Boom several times along the way.

New Super Mario Bros. 2[]

In New Super Mario Bros. 2, Mario and Luigi have to save Peach from Bowser and the Koopalings. Additionally, there are several coins for them to collect across all the levels.

New Super Mario Bros. U[]

In New Super Mario Bros. U, Mario returns once more to go on a journey to defeat Bowser and the Koopalings, as well as rescue Princess Peach. He is absent from the game's expansion, New Super Luigi U, where Nabbit takes over his role instead.

Super Mario 3D World[]

In Super Mario 3D World, Mario is joined by the other three playable characters of Super Mario Bros. 2—Luigi, Peach, and Toad—to rescue the Sprixie Princesses from Bowser. Like in Super Mario Bros. 2, Mario's running speed and jump height are average compared to the other three characters.

Super Mario Odyssey[]

Mario is the protagonist of Super Mario Odyssey. His usual cap is replaced by a character named Cappy, who takes on the appearance of Mario's Cap. Mario can throw Cappy as a long-range weapon and capture various enemies to gain their abilities.

Yoshi's Island series[]

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island[]

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island explores the early years of Mario's life, back when he was a baby, so his adult counterpart does not appear. Similarly, both the infant forms of Luigi and Bowser appear instead.

Other appearances[]

Spinoff appearances[]

Mario appears in several spinoff games, typically defined as an all-around character with average stats:

Mario franchise

Wrecking Crew series as the main protagonist and a playable character.
Mario Kart series as a playable character.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars as the starring character.

Yoshi franchise

Yoshi puzzle series as a playable character.

Non-Mario guest appearances[]

Mario has made key guest appearances in the following non-Mario games:

NBA Street V3 as a playable character.
SSX on Tour as a playable character.

Mentions and cameos[]

Mario is alluded to throughout various media, including television shows such as Robot Chicken.

The Legend of Zelda series, where Mario's likeness is present in several installments.

Trivia[]

A reference to Jumpman appears in the Paper Mario series. Jumpman is the name of a badge which increases Mario's jump attack damage by 1. Another reference in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is in the Glitz Pit, when a spectator shouts, "Jumpman! I mean, who?" A minigame in Mario Party 7 is titled Jump, Man. And in Super Mario Odyssey, when Mario goes to the Jump Rope Challenge minigame, the person running it says "Jump, man!".
Shigeru Miyamoto has stated in an interview that Mario does not have a last name at all.
Mario Day is celebrated on March 10 (written as "MAR10").