Mario’s Enduring Legacy: Nintendo’s Vision for the Iconic Plumber to Thrive Past 100 Years

As the Super Mario Bros. series celebrates its 40th anniversary, two of Nintendo’s most influential developers are looking far ahead, envisioning the iconic plumber’s longevity well into his second century. Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Super Mario World director Takashi Tezuka recently shared their thoughts on how their beloved mascot can continue to charm players for decades to come, as detailed in a new Nintendo Museum book.

The book, which commemorates Mario’s 40th anniversary, features Miyamoto, Tezuka, and other developers discussing the possibility of Mario remaining a cultural icon even in 2085. Tezuka, known for his work on Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, mused, “One might think it would be a miracle if Mario was still here after 100 years, since we make things while not knowing when our players may get bored with them.” He added that “different times bring different kinds of fun,” acknowledging how Mario’s in-game abilities have drastically evolved since the NES era.

Miyamoto echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the crucial role of evolution for Mario. “It’s a given that Super Mario will constantly evolve by incorporating new digital technology,” stated Miyamoto, who directed the original Super Mario Bros. “Now we’re working in visual fields like movies, but I want to make sure we keep it interactive and digital. As long as we don’t forget Mario’s prime point–running and jumping–as we add new things, I think Mario will be with us for a long time to come.”

While no brand-new Mario game marks the character’s 40th anniversary, Nintendo did release remasters of the critically acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 earlier this month. Miyamoto himself took the stage at the September Nintendo Direct to celebrate his creation.

Looking to the horizon, fans can anticipate ‘The Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie’ premiering in theaters on April 3. Next year is also set to bring new adventures with the planned release of ‘Mario Tennis Fever’ for the Switch 2, alongside a ‘Switch 2 Edition’ of ‘Super Mario Bros. Wonder’.