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Everything about Super Mario

Julia8 JANUARY 2026
Mario leaps with joy. He wears a red cap and shirt with blue overalls, set against a solid red background.

Mario has been incredibly popular for decades and continues to be loved generation after generation. Discover everything about his origins, iconic looks and the best Mario games for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Read more about racing games, party games, 3D and 2D adventures.

Where does Mario come from?

Screenshot from Super Mario Bros game showing Mario jumping in world 1-1 with clouds and a pipe on a blue background.

Mario is one of the best-known video game characters in the world. He was created in 1981 by Shigeru Miyamoto and first appeared as “Jumpman” in the game Donkey Kong. Shortly afterwards, he got his own name and became the main character in his own adventures.

But how old is Mario? In the games he is about 25 years old, but as a character he has existed for more than 40 years. Mario is an Italian plumber who protects the Mushroom Kingdom from Bowser and often has to rescue Princess Peach. He wears a red cap, blue overalls and has a distinctive moustache.

His famous catchphrases, such as “It’s-a-me, Mario!” and “Let’s go!”, make him instantly recognisable. Over the years he has grown into an icon in various types of games. Whether he is jumping, racing or partying, Mario remains a beloved hero for young and old.

Mario games

Mario plays the leading role in many different Nintendo games. From lightning-fast races to fun party games and adventurous platform games. Whether you love speed, like solving puzzles or enjoy adventures, there is always a Mario game that suits you.

On the Nintendo Switch you can play these popular games both alone and with friends. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Mario Kart World are perfect examples of lightning-fast racing games. You race around colourful circuits and use power-ups to secure victory. In Super Mario Party you can enjoy all kinds of mini games together with friends. This game is ideal for fun moments.

For adventurers there are various platform games in which Mario jumps and runs through vibrant worlds. In Super Mario Odyssey you explore gigantic environments and fight Bowser. Super Mario 3D World offers a similar experience, but with co-operative multiplayer so you can play together with friends. In addition, there are also RPGs such as Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi, where you solve puzzles and work strategically to defeat enemies.

Mario in a black and blue go-kart with yellow accents drives on a green track. A yellow light is on the left, jungle background.

Mario racing games

Step into your kart and race across colourful tracks full of obstacles and power-ups. Mario Kart World and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are popular racing games and offer exciting races against friends or online players. Choose your favourite character, dodge banana peels and use items such as red shells to claim victory. In addition to the classic races there is a Battle Mode, where you pop balloons and collect coins. In Mario Kart World for the Nintendo Switch 2 you drive in an open world for the first time, but you also discover the most insane race tracks. Both games therefore offer plenty of racing fun for a long time.

Mario party games

In the Mario Party games you experience festive challenges with fun mini games. In Super Mario Party, Mario Party Jamboree and Mario Party Superstars you throw the dice, explore colourful game boards and challenge your friends to exciting games. Every turn is different and the goal is to collect stars while you defeat your opponents in hilarious and often chaotic mini games. Whether you are working together in co-operative games or trying to beat each other in competitive challenges, there is always something to laugh about. The Mario Party games are ideal for cosy game nights with family and friends.

A tiered, grassy landscape features pink flowers and yellow structures. Characters stand on platforms with white fences.

Mario 3D games

In the Mario 3D games you explore large-scale worlds full of adventure and discovery. In Super Mario 3D World and Super Mario Odyssey, you navigate colourful environments, jump over obstacles and search for hidden secrets. Mario 3D All-Stars offers the classic 3D Mario games in one collection, while Super Mario RPG provides a unique mix of adventure and role-playing. These games take you on epic journeys with iconic gameplay and surprising twists. Whether you play solo or together with friends, the Mario 3D games remain challenging and offer hours of gaming fun with endless discoveries.

Mario characters celebrate a course clear near a blue and white striped balloon house in a vibrant, animated landscape.

Mario 2D-games

The Mario 2D games offer classic platform action with a modern twist. In Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. Wonder you jump through colourful worlds and defeat enemies in traditional Mario style. Paper Mario brings a unique role-playing element, in which you explore the world and solve puzzles with a paper version of Mario. In Mario & Luigi: Brothership you play as the iconic duo, working together to defeat enemies and overcome challenges. These games combine the nostalgia of the classic Mario games with refreshed graphics, exciting gameplay and new adventures. They offer endless fun for both new and long-time Mario fans.

The Mario universe

A group of Nintendo characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, and Donkey Kong, stand against a red backdrop.

Mario is not the only hero in his world. In many games you can also play as his friends such as Luigi, Donkey Kong, Peach, Toad, Wario and Yoshi. Each of these characters has their own unique skills and traits. In games such as Super Mario 3D World and Mario Kart you can play together with friends as one of these icons and enjoy their adventures. These games not only offer fun for Mario fans, but also for everyone who enjoys playing with friends. The Mario universe is a huge place full of action and fun for everyone.

Mario in LEGO: view the range

Did you know that you can now experience the world of Mario in LEGO form too? MediaMarkt has an extensive range of LEGO Super Mario sets that allow you to create your own adventures. Rebuild Mario, his friends and iconic levels with LEGO bricks and experience a new way of playing. The sets contain interactive elements that work with Mario’s sounds and reactions. Discover the full LEGO Super Mario range at MediaMarkt and let your imagination run wild.

Mario film: The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Characters race in karts under "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" logo; a rainbow arc is visible behind them.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie brings the iconic Mario universe to the big screen. In the film, Mario embarks on an epic adventure to rescue his brother Luigi, who has been captured by the evil Bowser. Together with friends such as Peach, Toad and Donkey Kong, Mario goes into battle. The film is a colourful and exciting adventure that will appeal to both new and long-time Mario fans. Experience the magic of Mario in a brand-new dimension with this film that brings the Mario universe to life.

Frequently asked questions

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