September 13th, 2025 was the 40th anniversary of Nintendo's plumber hero, Super Mario. Yes, 40 years after his debut in 1985 in the Super Mario Bros. game on the classic Nintendo Entertainment System. Since his debut, Mario has been the main icon to the Nintendo brand along with his brother, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong (Mario was a character in the Donkey Kong arcade game in 198) and, of course, his archenemy, the king of the Koopas, Bowser himself.

Throughout the years, Mario has been bringing joy to Nintendo fans through his videogames and merchandise.  Over time, Nintendo has invented new game systems and new Mario games to play. I first enjoyed Super Mario when my mother brought some Mario birthday supplies for my childhood birthday. And I first got my Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1995 while I was living in Park Slope.

On September 13th, Nintendo announced some new Super Mario games, as well as a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The movie is coming on April 3, 2026. It’s called The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and will be based on the Super Mario Galaxy game from 2007.

One more terrific event I should mention: On September 14th, 2025, the Seattle Mariners hosted “Super Mario Day” at T-Mobile Park to celebrate the 40th anniversary. On that day, the Mariners gave away hats with Mario on them and, just as great, the Mariners won their game.

Here’s hoping that the new Mario games and the upcoming movie will be great also.