20 Surprising Mario Facts Even Fans Don't Know

720 mots | Temps de lecture : 3 minute(s)

Think you know everything about the most famous plumber in video games? Think again! Here are 20 unusual and little-known anecdotes about Mario, his origins, his development secrets, and his unexpected appearances. Even the most devoted fans might be surprised!

1. Mario almost called himself "Jumpman" forever

In Donkey Kong (1981), Mario was originally named " Jumpman ." The name "Mario" is a tribute to Mario Segale , owner of Nintendo of America's warehouses.

2. He is not originally a plumber

In Donkey Kong , Mario was a carpenter , as the action took place on a construction site. He only took on the role of plumber in Mario Bros. (1983), with the introduction of pipes.

3. The mustache was born from a technical constraint

Mario's iconic mustache comes from the fact that it was difficult to represent a mouth on 8-bit graphics.

4. Mario has appeared in over 200 games

Platform, sports, education, puzzles… He even guest-stars in NBA Street V3 and SSX On Tour (GameCube versions).

5. The “M” on his cap is not from 1981

The famous " M " only appears clearly from Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988 in Japan).

6. Mario is officially 1.55m tall

According to a Nintendo guide, Mario is 1.55m tall: a hero much smaller than we imagine on screen!

7. Yoshi was planned for Super Mario Bros.

Miyamoto wanted Mario to ride a dinosaur as early as 1985, but the NES wouldn't allow it. Yoshi would have to wait until Super Mario World .

8. Mario kills Donkey Kong… in a manga

In a Japanese manga adaptation, Mario defeats Donkey Kong. This event was never depicted in the games.

9. Bushes and clouds share the same sprite

In Super Mario Bros. NES, bushes and clouds are identical; only the color changes.

10. There is a forgotten “Queen Peach”

In old Japanese books, a certain " Madame Peach " (adult version) is mentioned, never repeated again.

11. The sound of the jump is almost unchanged since 1985

Mario's jump sound effect is one of the most recognizable in video games, barely touched in 40 years.

12. The cat costume was planned for Galaxy

A cat costume designed for Super Mario Galaxy was abandoned due to gravity. It will return in 3D World .

13. A Mario × Zelda crossover almost happened

In the 90s, a joint Mario-Link project was studied, later inspiring Super Smash Bros.

14. Mario has already been an antagonist

In Donkey Kong Jr. (1982), Mario imprisons Donkey Kong: a rare instance where he plays the villain.

15. The 1993 film is a cult UFO

The feature film Super Mario Bros. (1993) offers a dystopian version that is now a cult classic among some fans.

16. Toad Town is the capital of the Mushroom Kingdom

Toad Town (Toadville) serves as the capital city in several Mario RPGs.

17. Mario, football coach?

In Mario Strikers and Battle League , Mario plays a more serious -style captain.

18. Places named Mario in real life

“Mario” restaurants, parks and signs exist in Japan and the USA, taking advantage of the popularity of the first name.

19. Super Mario Bros. almost never made it outside of Japan

Nintendo doubted Western success; the performance of the NES changed everything.

20. His full name is indeed Mario Mario

Confirmed by the 1993 film and then by Miyamoto : Mario is called "Mario Mario", his brother "Luigi Mario".

Conclusion

An absolute symbol of the video game industry for over 40 years, Mario continues to amaze . Behind his overalls and mustache lie secrets , failed projects, and unexpected moments. And it's not over yet: with each generation, Mario writes a new chapter in his legend.