Free standard delivery over £50 · 30-day returns · UK stock

0

My Wish List

We’ll hold your wish list for 30 days in this browser.

No items saved yet.
View Wish List
0

My Basket

£0.00

Your basket is empty.
View Basket Checkout

Franchise Guide

Super Mario

The world's most recognisable video game character. Since 1985, Mario has starred in over 200 games across every Nintendo platform — from the original Donkey Kong to Super Mario Odyssey. No franchise has shaped gaming more profoundly.

Shop Mario Deals All Mario Games
1981First appearance
800M+Games sold
200+Titles released
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Games in Stock (1)

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

40 Years of Mario

Mario first appeared as "Jumpman" in Donkey Kong (1981), before getting his own game in Mario Bros. (1983). Super Mario Bros. (1985) saved the North American video game industry after the 1983 crash, selling over 40 million copies on the NES alone.

From the 2D side-scrolling origins to the 3D revolution of Super Mario 64, the kart-racing spin-off of Mario Kart, and the party game phenomenon of Mario Party — the Mario franchise has defined every era of Nintendo hardware.

Browse All Games

The Mario Franchise — Era by Era

Over four decades, Mario has reinvented himself on every platform. Here's how the franchise evolved:

NES Era (1985–1992)

Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2 & 3. The games that defined 2D platforming and sold the NES worldwide.

SNES Era (1990–1996)

Super Mario World (bundled with SNES), Super Mario Kart, Yoshi's Island. The peak of 2D Mario.

N64 Era (1996–2002)

Super Mario 64 invented 3D platforming. Mario Kart 64 and Mario Party launched two beloved spin-off series.

GameCube / GBA (2001–2006)

Super Mario Sunshine, Mario Kart: Double Dash, Super Mario Advance series. Experimentation and refinement.

Wii / DS Era (2006–2012)

New Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2. Galaxy is widely considered the greatest 3D platformer ever made.

Switch Era (2017–)

Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. The franchise at its commercial peak.

Frequently Asked Questions — Super Mario

What is the best Mario game for beginners?

Super Mario Bros. (NES) or Super Mario World (SNES) are the classic starting points. For modern platforms, Super Mario Odyssey (Switch) is accessible and spectacular. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is perfect for multiplayer beginners.

What's the difference between Mario Kart versions?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) is the definitive version with 96 tracks (with DLC). Mario Kart Wii had the best motion controls. Mario Kart 64 is the classic multiplayer choice. Each version has its own character roster and track selection.

Are SNES Mario games worth collecting?

Yes — Super Mario World, Yoshi's Island, and Super Mario Kart are all highly sought-after. Complete-in-box copies command a premium. Loose cartridges are more affordable and play identically.