Nintendo Developers Reflect on Super Mario's Legacy and Future in 40th Anniversary Museum Book

In celebration of the Super Mario Bros 40th anniversary, Nintendo has published an official Museum book that reunites the original development team for an in-depth discussion on the enduring legacy and future of the iconic Super Mario series.

Since its debut in 1985, Super Mario Bros has become one of Nintendo’s most influential franchises, shaping the platformer genre and reaching global audiences across generations and hardware platforms—including the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and 3DS.

As the gaming industry commemorates four decades of Mario’s adventures, the creators have offered thoughtful insights into the factors contributing to the series’ long-lasting appeal and how Mario may continue to influence the industry in the years ahead. One of the central topics in the new Nintendo Museum publication is the potential for the Mario franchise to remain popular even as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2085.

Developers agreed that the longevity of Super Mario heavily relies on adaptability.

“Maintaining Mario’s relevance for another 60 years will require us to continually integrate evolving technologies and innovative gameplay concepts,” one team member explained.

The developers acknowledged that the gaming landscape is constantly shifting, and that Super Mario must transform accordingly to avoid stagnation and keep longtime fans and new players alike engaged. Discussing the philosophy behind Super Mario’s design, the team stressed the importance of fun and replayability.

"It would be remarkable for Mario to endure for a full century, considering that player interests can change unexpectedly.

If a game stops being enjoyable, players inevitably lose interest.

We’re always focused on designing experiences that remain engaging, ensuring Mario games are endlessly entertaining," said a veteran team member. Reflecting on the evolution of the franchise, another developer noted, "Each era introduces new types of fun.

Mario’s abilities and gameplay have progressed significantly since the series’ inception.

Our aim is to keep offering experiences that are enjoyable by gradually refreshing gameplay mechanics and actions." Emphasizing the social aspect of gaming, a team member added, "It brings me great happiness to imagine generations of families and friends sharing the joy of Mario together.

We remain committed to developing Mario titles well into the future, and we invite fans to look forward to what’s next." Shigeru Miyamoto, the visionary behind Super Mario Bros and one of Nintendo’s most celebrated creators, highlighted the continual evolution of the series through digital advancements.

"Super Mario will always grow alongside cutting-edge digital technology.

While we're expanding into visual media such as movies, our priority is to keep Mario’s core interactive.

As long as we preserve what defines Mario — the thrill of running and jumping — and embrace new innovations, Mario's future remains bright," Miyamoto said.

He also noted Nintendo's willingness to embrace experimental technologies.

"Nintendo is known for taking on unique challenges.

If a new technology is compelling, we strive to incorporate it, making the Mario series even more enjoyable—much like rolling a snowball to make a snowman.

We hope fans will continue to accompany us on this journey." The Super Mario franchise has sold over 400 million units worldwide as of 2024, solidifying its place as one of the highest-grossing and most influential video game series globally.

With commemorative events, new releases on Nintendo Switch, and collaborations constantly revitalizing the brand, the Super Mario series shows no sign of slowing down.

As Nintendo honors 40 years of innovation and entertainment, both the past and future of Mario remain a central part of the gaming landscape.

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