What Was the First Super Mario Game?
The first appearance of Mario, Nintendo's beloved mascot, wasn't in a game called "Super Mario" at all. The character we now know as Mario made his debut in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, where he was originally named "Jumpman."
The Birth of a Legend: Donkey Kong (1981)
Created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, Donkey Kong was a revolutionary arcade game that introduced several key elements that would become staples of the Super Mario series:
- Platforming gameplay: Jumping between platforms and climbing ladders
- Obstacle avoidance: Dodging barrels and other hazards
- Rescue mission: Saving Pauline (the original damsel in distress before Princess Peach)
- Character design: Mario's iconic overalls, mustache, and cap were born from technical limitations
Fun Fact: Mario was originally called "Jumpman" because of his jumping ability. The name "Mario" came later, reportedly inspired by Mario Segale, the landlord of Nintendo's American warehouse.
From Jumpman to Mario: The Evolution Begins
After Donkey Kong's success, Mario appeared in several other games before getting his own series:
- Donkey Kong Jr. (1982): Mario appeared as the antagonist
- Mario Bros. (1983): The first game to feature Mario's name in the title and introduce Luigi
- Super Mario Bros. (1985): The game that truly launched the Super Mario franchise
Why Donkey Kong is Considered the First Mario Game
While technically not a "Super Mario" game, Donkey Kong is universally recognized as Mario's first appearance because:
- It introduced the character design that would become Mario
- It established core gameplay mechanics that would define the series
- It was created by the same team that would develop the Super Mario series
- Nintendo officially considers it Mario's first appearance in their canon
The Legacy of Mario's First Game
Donkey Kong's success paved the way for Nintendo's dominance in the video game industry. The game:
- Saved Nintendo's struggling American arcade division
- Established Shigeru Miyamoto as a legendary game designer
- Created a template for character-driven platform games
- Launched one of the most recognizable characters in pop culture
Did You Know? The original Donkey Kong arcade machine is now a collector's item, with rare cabinets selling for over $15,000 at auction.