Super Mario’s Evolution: How Nintendo Drives Innovation in Gaming’s Most Iconic Franchise

Super Mario’s Evolution: How Nintendo Drives Innovation in Gaming’s Most Iconic Franchise Since debuting in the 1980s, Super Mario has become synonymous with imagination and progress in the video game industry.

Launched by Nintendo as a groundbreaking 2D platformer, the Super Mario franchise has continuously redefined player expectations on hardware platforms from the Nintendo Entertainment System to the Nintendo Switch.

With gameplay innovations—ranging from Mario’s first flight in Super Mario Bros.

3 to his gravitational adventures in Super Mario Galaxy, and the transformative mechanics of Cappy in Super Mario Odyssey—each new installment pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in platform gaming.

This relentless drive for evolution was spotlighted recently in a commemorative interview featured in the special Nintendo Museum book celebrating Super Mario’s 40th anniversary.

Key members of the creative team—including Mario’s legendary creator Shigeru Miyamoto, long-standing producer Takashi Tezuka, renowned composer Koji Kondo, and veteran programmer Toshihiko Nakago—shared their perspectives on the enduring legacy and future prospects of Mario.

As highlighted in coverage by VGC, Miyamoto reaffirmed Nintendo’s philosophy, stating that Mario "will continuously adapt by embracing new digital technologies," aiming for the iconic plumber to remain a household name through the centennial celebration of the series. Miyamoto further articulated Nintendo’s commitment to interactivity, even as the company expands Mario’s presence into different media such as the recent animated film.

He emphasized, "Although we venture into visual mediums like movies, our priority is to preserve interactivity and digital innovation.

As long as we retain Mario’s fundamental essence—running and jumping—while introducing fresh elements, the franchise will endure for generations." Highlighting the importance of fresh experiences in game development, Takashi Tezuka explained his ongoing efforts to ensure players remain engaged: "My focus is always on how to make sure players never lose interest, so they continue enjoying Mario’s adventures," he remarked.

Tezuka concluded by assuring fans, "We will go on creating Mario games for many years to come." Currently, the Super Mario franchise continues to thrive on the Nintendo Switch, with recent titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Wonder achieving significant commercial and critical success.

Over 750 million units of Super Mario games have sold globally, illustrating the franchise’s enduring impact and the sustained innovation coming out of Nintendo’s Kyoto headquarters.

As the company explores new frontiers in gaming technology—including features on the eShop, expanded Nintendo Switch Online offerings, and future Nintendo Direct reveals—Mario remains at the forefront of Nintendo’s ongoing mission to blend creativity, interactivity, and fun. Nintendo’s passion for reinvention ensures Super Mario’s legacy is not only preserved but perpetually reinvigorated for each new generation of gamers.

As the series approaches future milestones, the commitment of creators like Miyamoto and Tezuka underscores that the adventure is far from over.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Mario Switch Super Mario Franchise Shigeru Miyamoto Takashi Tezuka Koji Kondo Toshihiko Nakago Nintendo Museum VGC