List of video games featuring Mario

Main series and characteristic elements

Core Mario platformers typically center on precise jumping, level design that rewards exploration, and a suite of power-ups that change player abilities. Familiar mechanics include small/large transformations, invulnerability, flight or temporary abilities granted by items, and level-based progression leading to boss encounters. The main platforming lineage grew from simple arcade action to expansive 2D side-scrollers and later to 3D open spaces that emphasized camera control and three-dimensional movement.

Spin-offs and related series

Beyond the main platform games, Mario stars in many spin-offs. Racing games and kart racers brought multiplayer competition to the forefront, while party and sports titles emphasized casual local play. Narrative-focused spin-offs include role-playing and adventure series that place Mario in story-driven contexts. Some franchises that grew from Mario’s world — including the Donkey Kong, Yoshi and Wario series — began as extensions of characters introduced alongside him. Mario’s status as a mascot also led to numerous cameos in other developers’ projects and crossovers.

Platforms and notable examples

• Arcade origins and early home console platformers that established the character.
• Handheld titles that offered portable takes on classic mechanics and new experiments.
• Home console releases that advanced graphics and introduced 3D movement and open-world elements.
• Party, kart, sports and RPG spin-offs that expanded the brand and reached diverse audiences.

History and cultural impact

From his first arcade outings to contemporary releases, Mario has been central to Nintendo’s identity and to video games’ mainstream acceptance. Designers used Mario games to introduce and iterate on level design, camera systems and item-based progression. The franchise’s accessibility and variety helped broaden gaming’s audience and influenced generations of developers.

Distinctions and examples of appearance types

Mario appears as a protagonist, a playable character in ensemble casts, a supporting figure in spin-offs, and a cameo in other media. His series demonstrates how a single character can anchor many gameplay styles while maintaining a recognizable brand identity. For readers seeking lists of specific titles, curated chronologies and platform-by-platform catalogs are widely available in dedicated game databases and archives (further reading).