How Old is Mario?

Mario, the beloved Italian plumber created by Shigeru Miyamoto, is one of the most recognizable and enduring characters in the world of video games. From his debut in the 1980s to his status as the mascot of Nintendo, Mario has been a constant presence in the lives of gamers for decades. But have you ever wondered, “How old is Mario?”

In this article, we’ll not only answer that question but also take a look at Mario’s origins, his evolution over the years, and the incredible impact he has had on the gaming industry. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Super Mario series or a casual gamer, this deep dive will shed light on how Mario became the timeless icon he is today.

How Old is Mario?

Mario first appeared in the video game world on September 13, 1985, when Super Mario Bros. was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This means that Mario is officially 39 years old as of 2025, having made his debut more than three decades ago.

However, Mario’s age is often considered in a more nuanced way. He is a character who has existed across multiple games, eras, and consoles, but his age remains somewhat ambiguous. Let’s break it down:

1. Mario’s First Appearance: Donkey Kong (1981)

While Mario is most famous for his role in Super Mario Bros., his journey began earlier in 1981 with the arcade game Donkey Kong. In this game, Mario was initially known as Jumpman and had to rescue Lady, later renamed Pauline, from the giant ape, Donkey Kong.

In Donkey Kong, Mario’s age wasn’t explicitly stated, but it marked the first appearance of the character that would go on to become a video game legend. Since this was Mario’s introduction, some people consider 1981 to be the “birth” of the character, which would make Mario 44 years old as of 2025.

2. Super Mario Bros. – The Big Break (1985)

In 1985, Mario received his big break in Super Mario Bros., the game that would launch him into the stratosphere of video game stardom. In this game, Mario is introduced as the heroic plumber who embarks on a mission to rescue Princess Peach from the evil Bowser.

Super Mario Bros. was a revolutionary game for its time, featuring side-scrolling levels, power-ups, and memorable enemies. This game was a massive commercial and critical success and solidified Mario as the face of Nintendo. His official age, based on this debut game, would likely be around 24-30 years old in terms of the character’s design and appearance.

3. The Evolution of Mario’s Age: How Old is Mario in the Games?

Over the years, Mario has appeared in numerous titles across multiple consoles, and his age has remained somewhat ambiguous. However, certain games offer hints about Mario’s age:

• In Super Mario 64 (1996), Mario appears as a young adult with a slightly more mature and refined design. This could suggest that by this time, Mario is in his mid-30s.
• By the time Mario appeared in Super Mario Odyssey (2017), Mario’s design was clearly more mature, but he still retained a youthful vigor. This suggests that, in-universe, Mario may be in his 40s or early 50s, given his continuing energy and enthusiasm.

Interestingly, Mario’s age doesn’t drastically change over time, as his character seems to remain ageless, able to jump through pipes, fight Bowser, and save Princess Peach regardless of the years that go by.

4. The Age of Mario as Defined by Nintendo

While Nintendo has never officially declared Mario’s specific age, the company has provided some indirect clues. In various interviews and promotional material, Mario is referred to as a “man of action” with a youthful heart. This suggests that his age, while not specified, is meant to remain flexible. As of 2025, most fans accept that Mario is somewhere between 30 and 50 years old in terms of his character’s appearance and abilities.

Nintendo also occasionally pokes fun at Mario’s age, like when he was referred to as a “plumber for over 35 years” in promotional material in the early 2020s, which hints at the character’s long career as a plumber and adventurer.

The Evolution of Mario Over the Years

Mario’s character has evolved significantly since his debut in 1981. Let’s take a look at some of the key moments in Mario’s development as both a character and a gaming icon.

1. The Classic Mario Games (1980s-1990s)

After his debut in Donkey Kong, Mario went on to appear in several iconic games, including:

• Super Mario Bros. (1985)
• Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)
• Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990)
• Super Mario World (1991)

These games cemented Mario’s role as a global gaming icon, with his signature red hat, mustache, and jumpsuit becoming instantly recognizable. The Super Mario franchise helped redefine platforming games and made Nintendo the dominant player in the gaming industry.

2. The 3D Revolution: Super Mario 64 and Beyond (1996-2000s)

The Nintendo 64 saw the release of Super Mario 64, a groundbreaking 3D platformer that revolutionized the genre. Mario’s movement and interaction with the world were now more dynamic than ever, allowing for a fresh take on his adventures.

• Super Mario Sunshine (2002) followed, introducing new mechanics like the FLUDD water jetpack.
• Super Mario Galaxy (2007) brought Mario to outer space, with new gravity mechanics and imaginative level designs.

3. Modern Mario: Super Mario Odyssey and More (2010s-Present)

In the 2010s, Mario continued to evolve with new entries like Super Mario Odyssey (2017), which returned to a more open-world exploration style reminiscent of Super Mario 64. This game introduced new power-ups and gameplay elements, and Mario’s design continued to reflect his classic charm with updated visuals.

4. Mario’s Role in Nintendo’s Expanding Universe

Beyond platforming, Mario also stars in other genres. He has appeared in kart racing games like Mario Kart, sports games such as Mario Tennis and Mario Golf, and party games like Mario Party. In addition, Mario has starred in crossover titles like Super Smash Bros., fighting against other Nintendo characters.

Conclusion: How Old is Mario?

So, how old is Mario? As of 2025, Mario is 39 years old based on his debut in Super Mario Bros. in 1985. If we include his earlier appearance as Jumpman in Donkey Kong (1981), Mario could be considered 44 years old. While his age remains somewhat ambiguous in the games, Mario continues to be the energetic, heroic figure we’ve all come to know and love, always ready to rescue Princess Peach, battle Bowser, and go on new adventures—no matter how many years pass.

Whether Mario is in his 30s, 40s, or beyond, one thing is certain: his timeless appeal and place in video game history are ageless.

Mario’s Milestones at a Glance:

• First Appearance: Donkey Kong (1981) — 44 years old in 2025
• Super Mario Bros. Debut: (1985) — 39 years old in 2025
• Most Recent Major Release: Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Let us know in the comments: What’s your favorite Mario game, and how do you think he’ll evolve in the future?