1985 — 1996
Eight platform games across four hardware generations — each one a leap, each one a reinvention of what came before.
Filter by platform to navigate the series.
NES · 1985
The game that reset the industry. 32 stages, 8 worlds, 3 power-ups, and a Goomba in World 1-1 that taught the world how to play.
Super Mushroom
Doubles Mario’s size, allows breaking bricks
Fire Flower
Throws bouncing fireballs at enemies
Super Star
Temporary invincibility - defeat enemies on contact
NES · 1988
The sequel that wasn’t originally a Mario game. Four playable characters, vegetables as weapons, and Wart the frog king.
Debut of: Shy Guys, Birdo, Bob-ombs (series integration), Princess Peach’s float
NES · 1988 (JP) / 1990 (NA)
The greatest NES game. Eight worlds, overworld maps, Tanooki Suit, and a preview in a Hollywood film months before launch.
Super Leaf
Raccoon Mario - run and fly, tail attack
Tanooki Suit
Flight plus stone statue invincibility
Frog Suit
Underwater agility, surface hopping
Hammer Suit
Throw hammers, shell-duck protection
Game Boy · 1989
The portable debut. Gunpei Yokoi’s team takes Mario to Egyptian pyramids, underwater temples, and Chinese pagodas. Debut of Princess Daisy.
Debut of: Princess Daisy, Marine Pop submarine stage, Sky Pop aeroplane stage
SNES · 1990
Yoshi’s debut. 96 exits, Star Road, and the Cape Feather. The SNES launch title and the high-water mark of 2D platforming.
Cape Feather
Sustained flight and spinning attack
Yoshi
Rideable companion - swallow enemies, flutter jump, shell abilities by colour
Game Boy · 1992
6 Golden Coins. Wario’s debut as the dark-mirror villain who stole Mario’s castle. Six themed worlds. Bunny Ears power-up.
Debut of: Wario (who went on to lead his own franchise series)
SNES · 1995
Super FX2 chip powers a hand-drawn crayon aesthetic. Egg-throwing, flutter jump, Yoshi transformations. Baby Mario cries when knocked off.
First appearance of Kamek (Magikoopa) as a recurring villain
Nintendo 64 · 1996
The 3D revolution. 120 Power Stars, 15 worlds, analogue stick movement, and a camera system that defined third-person gaming for 20 years.
Debut of: Charles Martinet’s iconic voice, Lakitu Cam, BLJ glitch (speedrunning staple)