How Old is Mario? The Ultimate Guide to Mario’s Age

Mario, the iconic mustachioed plumber, has been a household name since his first appearance in the video game industry over three decades ago. He has starred in countless titles across multiple platforms, from the classic 8-bit Super Mario Bros. to the open-world adventure of Super Mario Odyssey on the Nintendo Switch. Despite his enduring popularity, one question about this beloved character remains a mystery: how old is he? This simple yet elusive question has sparked numerous debates and fan theories over the years. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the evolution of Mario’s age throughout his various games, examine what the creators have said about this topic, and delve into the controversy surrounding his canonical age. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the truth behind the age of one of the world’s most beloved video game characters.

Introduction

Mario is undoubtedly one of the most iconic video game characters in history. Created by Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario has been a fan favorite since his debut in 1985’s Super Mario Bros. The character’s popularity has not waned in the years since, with numerous games featuring the mustached plumber being released on various consoles, from the Nintendo Entertainment System to the Nintendo Switch.

But what makes Mario so special? To understand the significance of this character, we need to look at the history of the video game industry. In the early 1980s, video games were a relatively new form of entertainment, and many people doubted their staying power. However, Nintendo’s release of the NES and its hit game Super Mario Bros. changed everything. Suddenly, video games became a mainstream form of entertainment that could be enjoyed by anyone.

Super Mario Bros. was a critical and commercial success, leading to the creation of numerous sequels and spin-offs. The character’s popularity also inspired other game developers to create their own iconic characters, such as Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog.

At the heart of Mario’s enduring appeal is his ability to adapt to changing gaming trends. From side-scrolling platformers to open-world adventures, Mario has remained relevant over the years by embracing new technologies and gameplay mechanics. This adaptability has allowed him to remain a beloved character for decades, inspiring generations of gamers.

In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at Mario’s age throughout the years, explore the controversy surrounding his canon, and examine what the creators have said about his identity.

The Evolution of Mario’s Age Throughout the Years

Mario’s Age in Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. was released in 1985, making it over 35 years old as of 2021. This game marked the debut of Mario as a playable character and cemented his place in video game history. But how old was Mario supposed to be in this classic game?

In reality, the age of Mario is never explicitly stated in any of the games. However, based on various clues and analyses, we can estimate that Mario was likely in his mid-20s during the events of Super Mario Bros.

One clue comes from the fact that Mario was already established as a skilled plumber at the beginning of the game. It’s unlikely that someone would become an expert plumber at a very young age, so it’s reasonable to assume that Mario had been working in the field for several years. Additionally, Mario’s sprite design in the game suggests that he is a mature adult, with a mustache and a stocky build.

Another factor to consider is the era in which Super Mario Bros. was released. In the mid-1980s, video game characters were typically depicted as older and more experienced than they are today. This was especially true for action and adventure games like Super Mario Bros., where the hero was expected to be a rugged, seasoned veteran.

Finally, the 8-bit graphics of Super Mario Bros. make it difficult to accurately depict characters’ ages. Due to the limited pixel resolution, characters often looked much older or younger than they were intended to be.

Overall, while there isn’t a definitive answer to Mario’s age in Super Mario Bros., we can safely assume that he was a mature adult in his mid-20s. Regardless of his age, Mario remains a timeless character beloved by fans of all ages.

Mario’s Age in Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy was released in 2007 for the Wii console and marked a significant shift in the way players experienced the world of Mario. One of the most notable changes was the transition from 2D to fully-realized 3D gaming.

But what about Mario’s age? How did it change in this new adventure? In Super Mario Galaxy, Mario is still referred to as a “plumber from Brooklyn” but his exact age is not explicitly stated like it was in some previous games.

Instead, players can deduce that Mario is likely in his late 20s or early 30s based on his physical appearance and actions. He is still nimble and agile, able to perform impressive acrobatics and jumps with ease. However, he also has a bit of a paunch and some wrinkles around his eyes, suggesting that he’s not quite as spry as he used to be.

Perhaps more importantly, the plot of Super Mario Galaxy revolves around saving Princess Peach from Bowser yet again, indicating that Mario is still in his prime as a hero and adventurer. Overall, Super Mario Galaxy manages to strike a balance between honoring Mario’s past while also introducing exciting new gameplay mechanics and a stunning visual presentation.

In conclusion, although Mario’s age was not explicitly mentioned in Super Mario Galaxy, players can infer that he is likely in his late 20s or early 30s based on his physical characteristics and actions. Despite any signs of aging, Mario is still a hero at heart, ready to save the day and continue his legacy as one of the most iconic video game characters of all time.

Mario’s Age in Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is the latest installment in the Super Mario franchise, released in 2017 for Nintendo Switch. This game marks a departure from the linear level design of previous Super Mario games, instead offering an open-world environment for players to explore.

But what about Mario’s age in this new adventure? Well, it’s a bit of a mystery. Unlike some other Super Mario games, there is no explicit mention of Mario’s age in Super Mario Odyssey. However, we can make some educated guesses based on clues from the game’s story and characters.

Firstly, we know that Mario is a seasoned adventurer, having saved Princess Peach countless times from Bowser’s clutches. In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario sets out on a globe-trotting journey to rescue Peach once again, this time with the help of his new companion, a sentient hat named Cappy.

Given Mario’s experience and expertise, it’s safe to assume that he’s not a young man anymore. However, he still has plenty of energy and agility, as evidenced by his acrobatic abilities in the game.

It’s worth noting that Super Mario Odyssey is not a direct continuation of the previous Super Mario games. Instead, it takes place in a new universe with its own rules and lore. Therefore, it’s possible that Mario’s age in this game differs from his age in previous games.

Ultimately, though, Mario’s age is just a number. Whether he’s in his 20s, 30s, or beyond, he remains one of the most beloved and iconic video game characters of all time. And in Super Mario Odyssey, he proves that age is no barrier to adventure, excitement, and fun.

What do the Creators Say?

Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, has been notoriously tight-lipped about revealing too much information about the age of his beloved character. However, in various interviews over the years, he has dropped some hints that shed light on this elusive topic.

According to Miyamoto, he has never given a definitive answer to Mario’s age because it is not crucial to the character or the games. Instead, he suggests that fans should focus on the fun and joy that the games bring, rather than getting bogged down in details that don’t matter.

In one interview, Miyamoto revealed that he sees Mario as being perpetually in his mid-20s, which would mean that he has not aged since his debut in 1985. This theory is supported by the fact that Mario has remained relatively unchanged over the years, with only minor tweaks to his appearance and abilities.

Another interesting tidbit from Miyamoto is that he originally intended for Mario to be a carpenter, not a plumber. In the early days of game development, the team was looking for a job that would give Mario an excuse to climb ladders and navigate platforms. The idea of a carpenter quickly fell by the wayside when they realized that pipes could provide even more interesting gameplay opportunities.

While Miyamoto’s comments may not provide a definitive answer to Mario’s age, they do offer valuable insights into the creative process behind one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. It’s clear that for the creators, what matters most is the fun and excitement that their games bring, rather than the minutiae of character details.

The Controversy Surrounding Mario’s Age

The age of Mario has been a topic of debate among fans and critics for many years. While the official canon states that Mario is in his mid-20s, there have been various fan theories and adaptations that challenge this notion.

One of the major sources of controversy is the canonicity of various Mario games. Certain titles, such as Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario, are considered spin-offs and therefore not part of the official timeline. This has led fans to question whether or not Mario’s age in these games should be taken into consideration when determining his overall age.

Another source of debate is the numerous fan theories that propose alternative ages for Mario. Some fans believe that Mario could be much older than his official age, citing his longevity and durability as evidence. Others suggest that he may be younger, pointing to his childlike demeanor and lack of maturity in certain games.

Manga adaptations have also added fuel to the fire by portraying Mario at different ages. In one adaptation, Mario is shown as a teenager attending high school, while in another, he is depicted as an adult with a full-time job. These conflicting portrayals only add to the confusion surrounding Mario’s age.

Despite all the controversy, it’s safe to say that Mario’s age is ultimately up to interpretation. The character has become so iconic and beloved over the years that his age is almost irrelevant. Regardless of how old he may be, Mario will always remain a timeless and unforgettable character in the world of video games.

Conclusion

Throughout the years, Mario has become much more than just a video game character. He has evolved into a pop culture icon and an integral part of our lives. His legacy is undeniable, and his popularity continues to grow with each passing year.

What makes Mario such a timeless character is his ability to adapt to changing times and evolving technology. From the simplistic 8-bit graphics of Super Mario Bros. to the open-world gaming experience of Super Mario Odyssey, Mario has continued to resonate with audiences of all ages.

But it’s not just his adaptability that makes him stand out. Mario’s enduring appeal can also be attributed to his relatability and charm. He’s a hero who doesn’t take himself too seriously, and his infectious optimism and energy have made him a beloved figure in the world of entertainment.

From countless merchandise and spin-offs to feature films and theme parks, it’s clear that Mario’s legacy will continue for generations to come. He has truly cemented himself as one of the most iconic and recognizable characters in pop culture history. And we can’t wait to see what adventures he’ll embark on next.
After taking a deep dive into the age of everyone’s favorite plumber, Mario, it’s clear that his age has evolved over time with each new game release. From his debut in 1985’s Super Mario Bros. to his latest adventure in 2017’s Super Mario Odyssey, we’ve seen Mario grow and mature along with the video game industry. While there may be controversy surrounding his exact age due to canonicity and fan theories, one thing remains certain: Mario has secured his place as a timeless pop culture icon. Through his charm, bravery, and undeniably catchy theme music, he has captured the hearts of generations and will continue to do so for years to come. As we look back on his history, we’re reminded of the power of video games to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime. So the next time you pick up a controller to embark on a new Mario adventure, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of this beloved character and the impact he’s had on our lives.