Mario Character Guide: Inside Nintendo's 1993 Style Guide for Its Iconic Mascot
Entry information
Published on: March 03, 2015
Description
Nintendo's beloved mascot, Mario, is recognized globally thanks not only to his memorable adventures but also the strict visual and character guidelines maintained by the company.
A recently surfaced official style guide from 1993 reveals just how meticulous Nintendo has been in ensuring consistency across all appearances of Mario—whether in Nintendo Switch games, animated series, comic books, or collectible merchandise.
As the cornerstone of Nintendo's vast portfolio since his debut in "Donkey Kong" (1981) and rise to stardom with "Super Mario Bros." (1985), Mario has become synonymous with imaginative platforming and innovation.
Ensuring this pop culture icon remains instantly recognizable, Nintendo developed comprehensive style guides to provide clear directions to game developers, licensees, and merchandise manufacturers worldwide.
The 1993 Nintendo style guide, which has recently been making the rounds online, is an impressive testament to the company's dedication to branding.
The guide is filled with detailed illustrations and precise technical references, such as specifying the exact color for Mario's overalls—Pantone 293.
It also documents the relative heights of Mushroom Kingdom characters, notably using the tip of Peach's crown as a reference point, reinforcing Princess Peach's unique role in the game's universe.
A key feature of the guide is its focus on Mario’s personality.
Nintendo describes Mario as someone who "accepts everyone at face value," emphasizing his optimistic and trustworthy nature—a trait that helps explain his enduring appeal to diverse audiences across decades and platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo eShop.
According to the guide, this character background is mandated for use in "any public performance" of Mario, ensuring portrayals remain true to his core identity whether in first-party Nintendo titles or licensed appearances in crossover games and media events.
By setting these standards, Nintendo preserves the timeless charm and approachable nature that have defined Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom through every generation of gamers.
This consistent approach has contributed to the franchise's phenomenal success, with Mario games selling over 700 million units worldwide across various Nintendo hardware systems.
From the early days of the NES to the high-definition worlds of the Nintendo Switch, strict character guidelines like those unveiled in the 1993 document have played a crucial role in maintaining Mario’s status as a pop culture icon and industry standard in character design.
For those interested, the elaborately illustrated style guide offers a unique look behind-the-scenes at how Nintendo has meticulously shaped the adventures and personality of the world’s favorite plumber.
It stands as a critical resource not just for the company's own teams, but also for anyone entrusted with carrying on Mario’s legacy in new games, promotional events, and merchandise.
