Super Mario: 10 Unknown Facts about the Iconic Video Game Character
Super Mario is one of the most beloved video game characters in history. The mustached plumber has been entertaining gamers since 1985 and has become a pop culture icon. While many fans know the basics about Mario, there are still some interesting facts about the character that are not as well-known. Here are ten unknown facts about Super Mario:
- Mario was originally named “Jumpman.”
When Mario first appeared in the arcade game Donkey Kong in 1981, he was known as “Jumpman.” The name “Mario” was later given to the character as a tribute to Mario Segale, the landlord of the warehouse where Nintendo of America was located.
- Mario was a carpenter before he became a plumber.
In Donkey Kong, Mario was depicted as a carpenter trying to rescue his girlfriend Pauline from the clutches of the titular gorilla. It wasn’t until the 1983 game Mario Bros. that he was established as a plumber.
- Mario’s iconic look was inspired by technical limitations.
The reason Mario has a mustache and wears a hat and overalls is because of the technical limitations of the arcade hardware used in the early 1980s. The mustache made it easier to distinguish his nose, while the hat and overalls were added to give him a more distinct look.
- Mario’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, was inspired by his childhood.
Many of the characters and elements in the Mario franchise were inspired by Miyamoto’s childhood experiences. For example, the idea for the game’s underground levels came from exploring the caves near his home.
- Mario has appeared in over 200 video games.
Since his debut in Donkey Kong, Mario has appeared in over 200 video games, making him one of the most prolific characters in gaming history.
- Mario was the first video game character to have a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
In 1995, Mario became the first video game character to have a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Mario has a medical degree.
In the 1990 game Dr. Mario, Mario is depicted as a physician trying to cure his patients of viruses. According to the game’s backstory, Mario earned his medical degree from Yale.
- Mario was originally designed to be able to shoot guns.
In the early stages of development for Donkey Kong, Miyamoto designed Mario to be able to shoot guns. However, the idea was scrapped due to concerns about the game’s violence.
- Mario has his own theme park.
In 2021, Super Nintendo World, a theme park dedicated to the Mario franchise, opened at Universal Studios Japan. The park features attractions based on Mario and other Nintendo characters.
- Mario’s voice actor is also the voice of Luigi.
Charles Martinet, who has been voicing Mario since 1995, also provides the voice for Luigi, Mario’s younger brother and sidekick.
Conclusion:
Super Mario has been a beloved character for over three decades, and while many fans know the basics about him, there are still some interesting facts that are not as well-known. From his origins as Jumpman to his medical degree and beyond, these ten facts show just how much depth there is to the mustached plumber.
