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March 10th marks National Mario Day, a celebration of the beloved, wearable video game character that has been around for over 40 years.
Although Mario Day started in 2016, the character Mario was first introduced in Donkey Kong arcade game in 1981. Video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto created Mario after he was unable to secure the licensing rights to Popeye. The character was originally called Jumpman before the name change, but according to other reports, he was also called “Ossan” (a Japanese word for “middle-aged guy”).
The Mario known and loved by millions today was named after Mario Segale, a Seattle real estate developer who rented a warehouse to Nintendo in the 80s.
Mario became the protagonist of his own video game when Super Mario Bros. released in 1985. Its success Super Mario Bros. expanded Mario's reach into other gaming genres such as puzzle games such as Dr. Mario and role-playing games such as Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi.
Nintendo Switch – OLED Model with Neon Red & Neon Blue Joy-Con
Since his debut, Mario has appeared in over 200 video games. Outside of the gaming realm, Mario has grown into a moving cultural icon, with Mario-inspired clothing, shoes, books, bags, towels, LEGO, bedding, dolls, phone cases, jewelry, Halloween merchandise, and other merchandise for the fans.
It's in movies too. Mario first hit the silver screen in the 1993 comedy Super Mario Bros. Recent years Super Mario Bros. Movie became one of the highest-grossing films of 2023 with $1.63 billion at the box office. The movie Super Mario Bros The sequel will be released on April 3, 2026, Nintendo announced on Sunday (March 10).
Now that you're hooked on Mario, it's time to shop! See below for our collection of Nintendo Switch video games to buy in celebration of Mario Day.
Amazon
Amazon
Get on the street! Battle your friends or take on them in a “revised battle mode” for new and returning combat classes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. According to the manufacturer, the courses included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – The Booster Course Pass appears in the online course selection for competitions worldwide and regionally.
Amazon
Connect with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Rabbid Peach, Rabbid Luigi Play Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope and create your 'dream team' with three heroes from an 'eclectic roster'.
Amazon
Super Mario 3D All-Stars lets you play three classic games from Mario's 3D adventures.
Amazon
Amazon
For the less experienced and professionals, New Super Mario Bros. U. Deluxe lets you transform into Mario, Luigi and friends in single player or multiplayer mode. Click here to purchase the digital version.
Walmart
With more than 144 million sales Mario Kart Live is an obvious fan favorite. Up to four players can compete Mario Kart: Live Home Circus version.
Amazon
Amazon
Super Mario Kart 3 rumored to be coming to Nintendo Switch sometime this year. While you wait, pick up a copy of it Super Mario Maker 2.
Amazon
Amazon
Golf as Mario, Peach, Yoshi and more. face your Mushroom Kingdom classmates and level up your character Mario Golf: Super Rush.
A colorful adventure! Choose your player to run, jump and run across the fields Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury.
Amazon
Time to get the party started! Mario Party Superstars features character-specific dice blocks with dozens of exciting mini-games.
Amazon
Amazon
Go for the gold! Skateboard, surf and race to the top Mario & Sonic at the Olympics.
