Mario: The Iconic Nintendo Hero ??

Mario is a legendary fictional character and the mascot of the Mario video game franchise, created by renowned game designer Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo. Since his debut, Mario has become one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in gaming history.

Key Facts:

• First Appearance: Mario first appeared as "Jumpman" in Donkey Kong (1981).
• Role: A short, pudgy Italian plumber residing in the Mushroom Kingdom.
• Mission: Mario's adventures typically revolve around rescuing Princess Peach from the evil Koopa King, Bowser.
• Sidekick: His younger brother Luigi often joins him on his quests.

The Mario Franchise:

• Games: Mario has starred in over 200 video games. The Mario series is the best-selling video game franchise ever, with over 210 million units sold worldwide.
• Genres:
  • Platform Games: The core Super Mario series.
  • Racing: The Mario Kart series.
  • Sports: Titles like Mario Tennis and Mario Golf.
  • RPGs: Classics such as Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario.
  • Educational: Games like Mario Is Missing!, Mario’s Time Machine, and Mario Teaches Typing.

Beyond Gaming:

The Mario franchise has expanded into various media, including:

• Television: Animated shows featuring Mario and friends.
• Film: Multiple adaptations, including the popular Super Mario Bros. Movie.
• Comics and Merchandising: A wide range of products celebrating Mario's legacy.

Voice Acting:

Since 1990, Mario has been brought to life by the voice of Charles Martinet, who has helped define the character’s iconic personality.

Mario's enduring popularity and versatile adventures have made him a cornerstone of video game culture and a timeless symbol of fun and adventure. ?