Hey there! If you’ve ever jumped on a red-hatted plumber’s head, stomped on Goombas, or collected shiny golden coins, then you probably know who Super Mario is. He’s not just any video game character—he’s an icon! And let me tell you, as a kid growing up in the '90s, Super Mario was everything! But how did Mario go from being a simple plumber to one of the most famous characters in gaming? Let’s take a fun trip down memory lane and look at Mario’s journey through history, his highs and lows, and how we 90s kids fell in love with him.

The Birth of Mario: From Donkey Kong to Superstar

Okay, so before Mario had his own games, he actually showed up in another game! In 1981, there was this arcade game called Donkey Kong, where a character named “Jumpman” had to save a damsel in distress. That Jumpman was Mario! Even though he wasn’t called Mario yet, he was already showing off his jumping skills and bravery.

In 1985, everything changed. Nintendo released a game called Super Mario Bros. on the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This was a huge deal because it wasn’t just about jumping and dodging barrels anymore—it was a full-on adventure! You controlled Mario (now with a name!) as he traveled through the Mushroom Kingdom, saving Princess Peach from the evil Bowser. With its colorful graphics, catchy music, and crazy power-ups like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower, Super Mario Bros. became a massive hit. Kids loved it, and so did adults. Suddenly, Mario wasn’t just a video game character—he was a superstar.

The 90s: Mario’s Golden Age

Now, let’s talk about the 90s. If you were a kid back then, there’s a good chance that Mario was a huge part of your life. In the early ‘90s, Mario was everywhere—from the Super Mario World game on the Super Nintendo (SNES) to the Super Mario Bros. 3 game, which was one of the most epic games ever. Mario didn’t just have awesome levels; he also had fun new moves like the Super Leaf that turned him into Raccoon Mario. Who wouldn’t love flying and swimming through levels, dodging Koopa Troopas and collecting stars?

And then came Super Mario 64 in 1996 for the Nintendo 64. This game was like nothing anyone had ever seen before. It was one of the first video games to use 3D graphics, and the game world was HUGE. Mario could now run, jump, and explore in a whole new way—no longer confined to 2D screens, he was now in full 3D worlds, running through castles, swimming in pools, and collecting Power Stars. It was groundbreaking. We 90s kids would spend hours trying to beat the levels, defeat Bowser, and open new doors to explore. And let’s not forget about the music. The Super Mario 64 soundtrack is still stuck in my head!

What made Mario so special in the 90s? Well, for one, he was fun. The games were challenging, but not impossible. They had just the right balance of excitement, adventure, and humor. Plus, he was everywhere—on TV, in toys, even in cartoons! The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! was a Saturday morning favorite, and Mario was in the movie too (even if the 1993 Super Mario Bros. Movie wasn’t exactly a hit with critics, it was still part of our childhood!).

The Growth and the Loss

For a long time, Mario just kept getting bigger and bigger. He was the face of Nintendo, and each new game brought something special. The Nintendo GameCube, Wii, DS, and 3DS all had Mario games that kept us hooked, whether it was Super Mario Sunshine or Super Mario Galaxy. The Mario Kart series was another big hit, with kids like me battling it out on the race tracks using shells and banana peels.

But even though Mario was on top for a long time, there were some bumps along the way. In the early 2000s, as gaming started to evolve and other companies like Sony and Microsoft introduced new consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox, Nintendo had to keep up with changing technology and gaming trends. Some of the newer Mario games, like Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy, got great reviews, but by the mid-2000s, Nintendo started facing more competition than ever before.

Also, there was the issue of people’s gaming habits changing. As mobile gaming exploded with smartphones, many kids started playing simple, easy-to-access games instead of sitting down with a full-on console. And let’s face it, some of the more modern Mario games didn’t always match the magic of the 90s ones. But the thing about Mario is, he never disappeared completely—he just kept evolving.

Mario’s Comeback: The Power of Nostalgia

Even though the newer Mario games had a bit of a rough patch, Mario was never really gone. In fact, in recent years, Mario’s popularity has made a huge comeback, especially with the release of the Super Mario Odyssey for the Nintendo Switch. Super Mario Odyssey took the classic Mario formula and added fresh ideas, like Mario’s new friend, Cappy, who lets him possess enemies and objects! It was a fun twist on the old-school Mario games, but still had that charm we loved as kids.

Plus, Nintendo’s Super Mario Maker series allowed fans to create and share their own Mario levels, sparking a whole new generation of Mario fans while also giving 90s kids like me a chance to relive the magic.

Conclusion: Mario’s Legacy Lives On

Super Mario is more than just a video game character. He’s a part of gaming history and a symbol of childhood for many of us, especially those of us who grew up in the 90s. From Super Mario Bros. to Super Mario Odyssey, Mario’s story is one of growth, reinvention, and staying true to what made him lovable in the first place. Even though gaming has changed a lot over the years, Mario still has a special place in our hearts.

So, if you were a 90s kid like me, you probably have a lot of fond memories of jumping on Goombas, racing on Mario Kart tracks, and spending hours in front of the TV with a controller in your hands. And if you’re a kid today, you’re still in for a lot of fun with Mario’s many adventures. Mario may have started as a simple plumber, but today, he’s a legend. And he’s never going away!