Nationality: Japan
Inducted: 2025
Notable Record(s):
- Best-selling video game character
An ICON because...
A 16x16 pixelated powerhouse, Mario Mario first appeared in the 1981 Nintendo hit Donkey Kong.
He was designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, the mastermind behind other record-breaking titles like The Legend of Zelda, who initially aimed to create a recurring but secondary character for the Donkey Kong franchise. However, with his unique design (did you know that Mario's legendary overalls were devised to make his arms more visible?) and larger-than-life charisma, the tiny plumber single-handedly changed the world of video games forever.
Debuting as "Mr Video" and "Jumpman", he was later named after American businessman and real estate developer (and Nintendo's landlord!) Mario Segale. Thus, the eldest Mario twin was finally presented as "Mario" in 1982 (Donkey Kong Jr.).
As of February 2025, Mario isn't only the megastar of Mushroom Kingdom: he's the face of Nintendo and the protagonist of the world-renowned Mario franchise, spanning several video games (he appears in 255 titles, making the plumber the most ubiquitous gaming character ever) and even movies.
He also has a dedicated annual celebration: MAR10 Day, falling - predictably - on March 10.
