IT’S A-QUIZ: Super Mario Bros. Video Game Trivia

Originally published April 5, 2023. This article covers the origin story and power set of the Marvel character Jubilee.

Ever since his arcade game debut in the ’80s, Mario has been a smash hit! There’s no better way to prove how much you’ve leveled up your video game knowledge over the years than with this Mario trivia quiz — especially before you go see The Super Mario Galaxy Movie!

Do you think you know the story of this classic video game character? Let’s find out. WAhoo!

(Answers at the bottom of the article!)

Mario Bros. History!

How well do you know the high-jumping, block-smashing video game hero/plumber named Mario? Since his debut in 1981, Mario has enjoyed many decades of successful Nintendo games, iconic guest appearances, and even a foray into film! Shigeru Miyamoto’s ever popular pipe-traveling hero has a long history of smashing adventures.

Back in 1981, Mario first appeared on screen but not in his own title — actually Mario’s debut was in Donkey Kong (1981) and he was known simply as Jumpman! Over the years, his backstory was developed as a plumber who was destined to save Princess Toadstool, AKA Princess Peach.

Two years later, in 1983, Mario and his brother Luigi got their own solo video game, called Mario Bros. For two seasons, Mario would even appear in a CBS Saturday morning cartoon with other popular video game characters. Of course, his biggest success was in 1985 on the NES with Super Mario Bros., which introduced the series’ signature theme song and Mario’s archenemy, Bowser.

Mario in the ’90s

In 1991, Mario’s newest game at the time, Super Mario World, arrived on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. This video game was also the debut of fan-favorite Mario character Yoshi! At this point, Mario had been featured in multiple animated TV shows (as well as some outlandish live-action sequences) plus a manga that is still publishing today!

For fans of incomprehensibly strange live-action adaptations, you can also check out the Mario Bros. movie from 1993, starring Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo, Samantha Mathis, and Dennis Hopper. While the feature film is nearly unrecognizable when compared to the video game franchise, it does have a cult following and is a fun romp through ’90s nostalgia.

After some titles for the Gameboy and the introduction of Wario, an evil doppelgänger version of Mario, the Nintendo 64 arrived in 1996. Mario’s video game for this new gaming console would be his jump into 64-bit graphics, AKA the world of 3D, with Super Mario 64!

New Millennium, New Mario!

Of course, over time as video game consoles and graphics evolved, so too would Mario. His first title on the Nintendo Gamecube, the beloved Super Mario Sunshine (2002), would score with countless fans who traveled with Mario to a tropical land in need of saving. Nintendo’s Wii would continue to innovate Mario titles with Super Mario Galaxy, expanding the Mushroom Kingdom’s reach into outer space!

Mario’s adventures would continue as handheld gaming devices advanced and new consoles were released. In addition to his own solo titles, Mario’s whole cast of friends and enemies would also take part in wildly successful titles such as Mario Kart, Mario Party, and of course, the Super Smash Bros. franchise! It’s-a Mario marathon that just keeps going!

What’s your favorite Mario game? Keep the conversation going with other video game fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!

Whether you collect Shine Sprites, coins, or Power Moons, don’t miss out on bringing home these Nintendo collectibles.

Quiz Answers: Jumpman, Donkey Kong, Bowser, Luigi, Princess Peach, Mark Hamill, Green, Piranha Suit, Rainbow Road