Every year, on March 10, we join and celebrate the name of Mario. While there are indeed many famous Marios in the world, only one was able to deny Bowser the Mushroom Kingdom and save Princess Peach from the unsavoury fellow.

That’s right, on March 10, it’s none other than Super Mario‘s day of celebration! Now, if you didn’t know already, Mario first appeared in 1981, as creator Shigeru Miyamoto first created the Italian plumber as a foil to Donkey Kong. During the design stages for Mario, at first, he was a carpenter. Seeing that the first game included many underground sections, Mario’s profession quickly became that of a plumber.  Also, originally Nintendo called this character Jumpman for some time, then he was known as Mr. Video but eventually, was named after Nintendo of America’s landlord, Mario Segale.

The first appearance of Mario his brother happened in 1983. Mario Bros features Mario and Luigi as they investigate New York’s sewers, where strange monsters appear. It wasn’t until 1985 that the iconic Super Mario Bros. came to life. Touted as one of the most influential video games of all time, Super Mario Bros. laid the groundwork for the industry we’ve come to know today. It has sold over 40 million copies to this day.

Over the years, we’ve seen the plumber and his friends engage in some zany adventures. We’ve seen Mario take on Tennis, pick up a sweet ride in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, take a trip across the world in Super Mario Odyssey, reinvigorate classic 2D games with New Super Mario Bros. Deluxe, and throw one heck of a Super Mario Party. We’ve even seen him deal with a nasty Rabbids infection take over the Mushroom Kingdom. Playing as Mario, we’ve rebuilt the Mushroom Kingdom time and time again, we’ve had a resurgence of Wii U titles finally find a forever home on the Nintendo Switch, seen Mario become a wildly successful LEGO star, stopped the Origami King, and celebrated the 35th anniversary of the series with a limited-time collection of all-time classic games in one package.

What allows Mario the ability to transcend gameplay genres is the fact he was created with everyone in mind. Featuring a simple and classic design, the Italian plumber is here to make the lives of those he touches, so much better. Unless you’re Bowser or the Koopalings, then watch your head!

Mario means a lot to many people in the world. Growing up with the iconic mascot for Nintendo, I’ve been lucky to experience the phenomenon over decades of gaming.  For me, Mario means video games. What I mean is I grew up playing Nintendo games from a young age and these helped shape who I am today. By welcoming the wacky, endearing, and heartful world of Super Mario into my home, I’ve become better for it and always try to do the right thing. I’ve been lucky enough to work in the video games industry and I partially owe that decision to Nintendo. I’ve even been lucky enough to meet the man of the hour himself over the last few years!

Mario’s latest adventure takes him and many familiar faces to a new world: the big screen. In 2023, Nintendo and Illumination are finally pulling back the curtain on The Super Mario Bros. Movie. With an all-star cast and incredible animation, we see the Mario Bros. make their way to the Mushroom Kingdom in their first major adventure in cinema.

Also in collaboration with Universal, Nintendo officially launched the immersive Super Nintendo World in Japan and Hollywood. Being able to explore Princess Peach’s Castle while navigating the Mushroom Kingdom feels like a dream many lifelong fans have had for years. The attraction also adds Bowser’s Castle and several other areas in the works for 2024 and beyond.

Those who attend can also pick up a Power-Up Band to use across the park to earn coins, complete challenges, and compete in a Mario Kart attraction. You can grab a bite at Toadstool’s Cafe and indulge in themed menu items!

If you’re looking for an alternative way to enjoy the Mario series, Lego has been hard at work delivering some detailed and exciting playsets.

Ice Mario Suit and Frozen World Expansion Set

While Ice levels in Mario games aren’t my favourite, the Ice Mario Suit and Frozen World Expansion Set might be the way I can skate despite my distaste for the slippery slopes of any Ice level.

You can connect your Starter Course figures including Mario, Luigi, or Peach, and connect to the Ice Mario suit for unique reactions. There’s even a skateable trigger that plays sounds from Lego Mario!

Ice Suit Mario and Frozen World Expansion Sets are available now for $34.99.

Peach’s Castle Expansion Set

What’s the Mushroom Kingdom without Peach’s Castle? Lego has recreated the iconic building as part of its offerings. The castle is highly detailed and you can see the Peach stained-glass window, Bob-omb painting, and more as Easter Eggs from previous Mario games.

Did you know you could spin the wall in the throne room to reveal Bowser’s hidden in the wall?

Peach’s Castle Expansion Set is available now for $169.99

Creativity Toolbox Maker Set

Fans of Super Mario Maker 2 might want to pay attention as Lego understands how much fun it is to make different level types. Seeing the Creativity Toolbox Maker Set and all its components make for some highly creative level builds.

With buildable trees, flowers, pyramids, and more, you’ll have the necessary tools to build your own levels for Lego Mario at home. Whether you want red, yellow, or green fruit or want to play as Wendy, Blue Yoshi, or a Goomba, there is literally something for everyone in this set.

Creativity Toolbox Maker Set is available now for $79.99.

The Mighty Bowser

Lego’s The Might Bowser is the ultimate brick model, one that I’ve been wanting to grab for ages as it is a highly detailed and colourful rendition of Mario’s frenemy.

Bowser’s head can move and there are even buttons under the shell to make his head move around. Given that Bowser is grumpy, it would make sense his jaw snaps when you open and close Bowser’s mouth.

Lastly, if you’re like me, you’ll be putting the completed model on a shelf. Thankfully, The Mighty Bowser is posable so you can make him look intimidating from any shelf in your house.

The Mighty Bowser is available now for $349.99.