Mario’s 40th anniversary, referring to the original Super Mario Bros. video game, was September 13, 2025. Nintendo released the game in Japan on September 13, 1985. The 40th anniversary was celebrated in 2025 with special announcements, games, and activities. In the United States, the game’s release history includes a separate North American launch date.
Key Takeaways
- Mario’s 40th anniversary refers primarily to the original Super Mario Bros. game.
- The game’s Japanese release date was September 13, 1985.
- Its 40th anniversary fell on September 13, 2025.
- Nintendo announced special games, entertainment projects, and museum activities for the milestone.
- MAR10 Day, celebrated on March 10, is a separate annual celebration of Mario.
When Is Mario’s 40th Anniversary?
Mario’s 40th anniversary was on September 13, 2025, marking 40 years since the original Super Mario Bros. game launched in Japan in 1985. Nintendo officially recognized the milestone and announced anniversary-related activities and new entertainment projects.
Nintendo Official Site
If you are searching for “when is Mario’s 40th anniversary,” the important distinction is that the anniversary has already happened. The current year is 2026, so the original game is now more than 40 years old.
The celebration focused on the game that helped make Mario one of the most recognizable characters in video game history. It also gave Nintendo an opportunity to look back at the franchise’s history and share new projects with fans.
For readers who want to celebrate the milestone, September 13 is the key date associated with the original Japanese release.
Why Is September 13, 1985, Important?
September 13, 1985, is important because it marks the Japanese release of Super Mario Bros., the classic platform game developed for Nintendo’s Family Computer system, commonly known as the Famicom. Nintendo’s official history identifies this as the game’s original Japanese release date.
Nintendo
The game introduced players to a colorful world filled with platforms, pipes, coins, power-ups, and enemies. Players controlled Mario as he traveled through different levels and attempted to rescue Princess Toadstool, now widely known as Princess Peach, from the villain Bowser.
The simple controls and creative level design helped establish a lasting formula for the series. Players could run, jump, collect items, and discover hidden areas as they moved through the Mushroom Kingdom.
Over time, Mario appeared in many other games, including racing, sports, role-playing, and 3D platform adventures. However, the 40th anniversary specifically celebrated the original Super Mario Bros. release, not the launch of every Mario game or the first appearance of the character in any game.
When Was Super Mario Bros. Released in the USA?
The release date depends on which market and historical reference you are using.
Nintendo’s official U.S. Mario history timeline lists October 18, 1985, as the release date for Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Other game-history references list November 17, 1985, as the North American release date.
History
These dates should not be confused with the Japanese anniversary date.
| Milestone | Date |
| Original Japanese release | September 13, 1985 |
| 40th anniversary in Japan | September 13, 2025 |
| Date listed on Nintendo’s U.S. history timeline | October 18, 1985 |
| North American release date listed by Nintendo Life | November 17, 1985 |
If you are writing about the official 40th anniversary campaign, September 13, 2025, is the clearest date to use because Nintendo explicitly connected the celebration to the original Japanese launch.
If your article focuses on the American release, explain which source’s release date you are following instead of presenting the different dates as interchangeable.
How Did Nintendo Celebrate Mario’s 40th Anniversary?
Nintendo marked the 40th anniversary with announcements involving games, entertainment, and special activities. The company’s September 2025 Nintendo Direct introduced several projects connected to the milestone.
Nintendo Official Site
Special Games and Announcements
Nintendo announced the return of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Nintendo Switch, with both games scheduled to launch on October 2, 2025.
The presentation also revealed the title of the next animated film in the franchise: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Nintendo announced an April 3, 2026, release date for the film in the United States and other markets worldwide beginning that day.
Nintendo Official Site
These announcements connected the franchise’s history with new experiences for longtime fans and younger players.
The anniversary was not limited to one event on September 13. Nintendo’s plans included projects and activities extending beyond the exact anniversary date.
Nintendo Museum Activities
Nintendo also organized special anniversary activities at its museum in Kyoto, Japan.
These included a limited-edition anniversary design for museum play tickets, a display celebrating the series’ history, and a special lighting installation. The museum’s published information stated that the anniversary promotions ended on September 7, 2026.
Nintendo
These activities gave visitors a chance to explore the game’s legacy in a physical setting rather than only through new releases.
For fans, the anniversary offered several ways to reconnect with the franchise, whether by replaying classic games, following Nintendo’s announcements, or visiting the museum during the special promotion period.
Is Mario’s Anniversary the Same as MAR10 Day?
No. Mario’s 40th anniversary and MAR10 Day are related to the same character, but they celebrate different things.
MAR10 Day takes place every year on March 10. The date resembles the word “MARIO” when written as “MAR10,” making it a fun occasion for Nintendo fans.
The 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., by contrast, marked 40 years since the original game launched in Japan on September 13, 1985.
Here is the difference:
| Event | Date | What It Celebrates |
| MAR10 Day | March 10 each year | Mario and the broader franchise |
| Super Mario Bros. 40th anniversary | September 13, 2025 | 40 years since the original Japanese game release |
| Original game’s 41st anniversary | September 13, 2026 | 41 years since the Japanese release |
Nintendo has used MAR10 Day for themed activities and announcements, while the 40th anniversary was tied to a specific milestone in the history of Super Mario Bros.
MAR10 Day events
How Old Is Mario’s Franchise in 2026?
As of October 15, 2026, the original Japanese release of Super Mario Bros. is approximately 41 years old. Its 41st anniversary fell on September 13, 2026.
That does not mean every Mario game or the character’s entire history began on that date. Mario appeared in earlier games, and the broader franchise grew through many releases over several decades.
The distinction matters when writing about Mario’s history. The 40th anniversary celebrated the 1985 release of Super Mario Bros., while Mario’s earlier appearances and the later games have their own historical milestones.
Nintendo’s official timeline documents the development of the franchise through releases such as Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, Super Mario 64, and Super Mario Odyssey.
History
For fans, the anniversary represents more than a number. It recognizes the lasting influence of a game that introduced generations of players to Mario’s adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Mario’s 40th anniversary?
Mario’s 40th anniversary, referring to the original Super Mario Bros. game, was September 13, 2025. Nintendo chose this milestone because the game first launched in Japan on September 13, 1985.
2. Was Mario’s 40th anniversary in 2025?
Yes. The 40th anniversary took place in 2025. The original Japanese release was in 1985, so adding 40 years gives September 13, 2025. Nintendo announced anniversary-related activities and projects that year.
3. When did the original Super Mario Bros. come out?
The original Super Mario Bros. was released in Japan on September 13, 1985. Release dates in other markets differ, so the Japanese launch date is the most appropriate reference when discussing the official 40th anniversary.
4. Is Mario’s 40th anniversary the same as MAR10 Day?
No. MAR10 Day happens every March 10 and celebrates Mario more broadly. The 40th anniversary took place on September 13, 2025, and specifically marked 40 years since the original Super Mario Bros. game launched in Japan.
5. How old is Super Mario Bros. in 2026?
As of October 2026, the original Japanese release of Super Mario Bros. is approximately 41 years old. Its 41st anniversary was September 13, 2026.
6. Who created Mario?
Mario was created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. The character became a central part of Nintendo’s games and later appeared in platformers, racing games, sports games, and other entertainment projects.
Final Answer
Mario’s 40th anniversary was September 13, 2025, marking 40 years since the original Super Mario Bros.
The game was released in Japan in 1985. Nintendo celebrated the milestone with new game announcements and special activities.
As of October 2026, the original Japanese release is 41 years old. Remember that MAR10 Day on March 10 is a separate annual celebration of Mario.
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