Happy Mar10 Day 2024!
Happy Mario Day, it's time to celebrate all that is Mario from games, movies, toys and beyond!
A Retro-spective on Mario
Today, on March 10th, or Mar10 Day it's the perfect time to celebrate the evolution of one of the biggest video game figures on the planet. Mario is arguably the most iconic character in gaming, earning a spot in the history books and our hearts since his inception in 1981. The video game icon’s popularity began in earnest, first known as Jumpman, a character who appeared in the original arcade game Donkey Kong.
"The videogame icon’s popularity began in earnest, first known as Jumpman, a character who appeared in the original arcade game Donkey Kong."
He bravely avoided hurled barrels from an irate ape in order to save a pixelated princess in distress. Mario was created by Nintendo’s legendary designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, who originally intended for him to be a complimentary character in other titles, but fate had bigger plans for our mustachioed hero.
He was a smashing success, when he first appeared on the Nintendo Entertainment System (or NES for short) in Super Mario Bros. in July of 83’ the title went on to sell 40 million copies. Mario and Miyamoto popularized the 2D side scroller and their success has been synonymous with that of Nintendo’s for decades. As Nintendo’s mascot he’s appeared in 200+ games over multiple decades and media platforms.
"Mario and Miyamoto popularized the 2D side scroller and their success has been synonymous with that of Nintendo’s for decades."
The Cultural Impact of Mario
For me, Mario represents a lot of amazing things, especially from a cultural standpoint. He’s a Japanese creation, with American-Italian heritage who is loved by the world over. This mustachioed plumber is a combination of Eastern and Western values and speaks a language we can all understand, fun.
"This mustachioed plumber is a combination of Eastern and Western values and speaks a language we can all understand, fun."
As the face of Nintendo, he’s one of the most iconic video game characters of all-time, spawning a television show, a cult-classic 90s film, comics, and a theme park aptly named Super Mario World.
On top of all this Mario had his very own Hollywood animated film come out on April 5th, 2023, to rave reviews and today had its sequel announced for April 3rd, 2026. Here's the full announcement:
My Top Super Mar10 Games on the Nintendo Switch
With all Mario’s star-power it’s no wonder he continues to appear in some of the most critically acclaimed games of the modern era. I love the fact that Mario was around for my childhood, and now I get to share some of these experiences with my 8-year-old son. Here’s what we will be playing on Mario Day:
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
After an over a decade wait, Nintendo finally had Mario return to a 2D adventure in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. The game radiates wonder and joy in every pixel. From its vibrant colors to the whimsical Flower Kingdom, the game invites you into a world that feels both familiar and fresh. The animations are a standout, with Mario’s hat-grabbing dash, critters’ fearful expressions, and even Goombas sporting snot bubbles during their naps. Whether playing solo or with friends, Super Mario Bros. Wonder captures the essence of pure fun and wonder, making it a must-play on the Switch and one of my top picks for Mario games.
Here's my full review of the epic adventure Super Mario Bros. Wonder Review
Super Mario Odyssey
A classic that is near and dear to my heart as it’s the first Mario game my son and I completed together. Super Mario Odyssey is fun, creative, and wraps decades of iconic platformer moments together in one game, while also introducing new mechanics and characters the entire family will enjoy. The game includes a great feature called “assist mode” where one player takes control of Mario and the other, his hat, Cappy. This allows players young and old to team up and experience one of Mario’s greatest adventures together!
Mario Party Superstars
Mario Party Superstars is a fun, Mushroom Kingdom-themed board game party you and all your friends are invited to! The franchise returns with over 100 fan-favorite mini games from the Nintendo 64 and GameCube era. The latest instalment in the franchise is full of fast-paced multiplayer action that everyone from young gamers to seasoned fans will enjoy. If you are looking for a great game to experience with friends and family on the Nintendo Switch, Superstars is a must-play!
Feel free to check out my full review, my family and I really enjoyed the experience!
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
You can’t go wrong with three of Mario’s greatest platforming adventures on Mario Day. One of my all-time favourites is Super Mario 64 the stalwart of the Nintendo 64 platform. Being able to go back and relive the glory days of the N64 with Mario’s star chasing adventures is always at the top my list. I love hopping through paintings and exploring Mario's first foray into the 3D realm.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars was a limited release for the Nintendo Switch, so it might be harder to comeby. Thankfully, some of these iconic adventures can be found via Nintendo Switch Online's virtual console offerings.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart is another classic franchise I’ve been playing since it was introduced on the SNES in 1992. The racing game has grown and evolved over 8 different titles on multiple Nintendo home and handheld platforms, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe synthesizes all these amazing titles into its greatest outing yet. It’s another favourite in my household that always has my son asking, “Dad, let’s play the Mario racing game!” We’ve put dozens of hours into the game, and I highly recommend this classic for some unparalleled family racing fun!
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass
Nintendo announced it will continue to add a selection of tracks and characters to Mario Kart 8! The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Remastered Booster Course Pass features 8 courses over 6 waves totaling 48 tracks adding all this new content into 2023 and beyond.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
In this adventure game, you take on the role of Mario or one of the other memorable characters from the series. Run, jump, and climb your way through colourful levels to earn stars and discover secret areas. You can team up with friends locally or over the internet to finish missions together thanks to multiplayer support.
New Super Mario. U Deluxe
Mario revolutionized the 2D side-scrolling platformer, and with Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe the classic fun lives on! Take on two family-friendly adventures with up to three players as you try to save the Mushroom Kingdom. The game includes New Super Mario Bros. U and a more challenging New Super Luigi U games, with two new playable characters.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
The Mario and Rabbids universe collide in a zany unique role-playing game experience with a cast of new and familiar characters. It’s up to Mario and the Rabbids crew to restore order to the Mushroom Kingdom after a mysterious vortex transports chaos into their realm. Venture out either solo or with a partner and use turn-based strategies to contain the wild Rabbid menace while you explore four worlds filled with puzzles, combat and other Rabbid-based surprises.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
In this follow-up to Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle you can once again team up with Mario and other iconic Nintendo characters to save the day in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope. Join forces with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Rabbid Peach, and their pals on a thrilling mission to crush an evil entity and rescue your Spark companions. Take off on an intergalactic adventure to unlock the mysteries of space, uncovering thrilling quests along the way.
Mario Tennis Aces
Mario and friends serve up a tennis-based adventure the entire family can enjoy!
The game features its own story mode complete with mission and boss battles that will help hone your virtual tennis skills. In my household we love using the Joy-Cons to use "zone shot" slowing down time to in order to slam the ball at the perfect moment. Another great mode for young players is “swing mode” where the Joy-Cons are once again used to simulate a virtual racket much like Wii Sports’ Tennis offering.
Mario Golf: Super Rush
Mario and the gang team up once again to hit the links in fun, zany new ways in Mario Golf: Super Rush. Three decades and 7 golf games later Nintendo has synthesized all that knowledge for tee time on the Nintendo Switch. There’s plenty of whimsical fun and larger than life showdowns. I especially enjoyed playing through the "Golf Adventure" mode, it's a great way to improve your gold skills before hopping online to face pro players.
Mario Strikers: Battle League
Whether you’re looking for some friendly competition, or aiming to take down the toughest opponents online, Mario Strikers Battle League has something for players of all skill levels. Strikers is a ton of fun to play, especially with friends and family, if you have the extra Joy Cons 8-player games are multiplayer mayhem. The experience is a mix of Super Smash Bros. meets arcade soccer, if you’re a fan of sports games or even just a casual gamer looking for something new to try, I highly recommend giving Mario Strikers Battle League a shot.
Happy Mar10 Day!
I hope you enjoyed my Nintendo Switch recommendations for Mario Day, celebrate in style with the world’s favourite plumber! Let me know in the comments below what your favourite Mario title is to celebrate the little plumber's special day.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. Along with being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on twitter, Instagram and join in on the fun!
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