Published on: September 13, 2005
Super Mario Bros.
20th Anniversary: Celebrating Nintendo's Industry-Shaping Classic
On September 13, 2005, Nintendo commemorated a major milestone in gaming history: the 20th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.’ original release in Japan.
Developed by Nintendo’s legendary creator Shigeru Miyamoto and released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Mario Bros.
is widely regarded as one of the most influential titles in the video game industry, setting a new standard for platform games and rejuvenating home console gaming worldwide.
Background: A Game That Transformed Nintendo and the Industry
The launch of Super Mario Bros.
in 1985 marked a turning point for Nintendo, cementing the company’s reputation for innovation and creative excellence.
The game’s seamless side-scrolling action, inventive worlds, and memorable soundtrack set it apart from its contemporaries, laying the groundwork for future platformers and inspiring generations of developers.
In the words of Nintendo, the impact of Super Mario Bros.
has been immeasurable, redefining not just what a video game could be, but shaping the expectations of players around the world.
The company has routinely acknowledged the foundational role the title played in its rise to global prominence, with a Nintendo spokesperson once emphasizing that "Super Mario Bros.
created a blueprint for fun and exploration that has continued to delight players for decades."
Milestones and Enduring Legacy
Since its release, Super Mario Bros.
has achieved outstanding commercial success and critical acclaim.
By 2003, the game had sold over 40 million copies worldwide, making it one of the highest-selling video games of all time.
This success firmly established Mario as Nintendo’s flagship character, leading to a celebrated series that has spanned numerous hardware generations including the Nintendo Switch, with titles like Super Mario Odyssey and the continued presence of classic Mario games on the Nintendo eShop platform.
On this 20th anniversary, the global games industry acknowledges the innovation, charm, and technical achievement that Super Mario Bros.
represents.
Its simple yet challenging gameplay, iconic level design, and unforgettable music remain hallmarks of great game development, influencing countless subsequent releases.
Looking Ahead
As Nintendo continues to push the boundaries of gaming through its innovative hardware platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and upcoming releases highlighted in Nintendo Direct presentations, the enduring appeal of Super Mario Bros.
remains undiminished.
The character and the universe first created in 1985 still inspire new titles, collaborations, and fans—cementing Super Mario Bros.
as a timeless classic with a legacy that continues to inspire developers and entertain players around the world.
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