We often wonder – when Jumpman first appeared in 1981, bounding his 8-bit self over barrels on a ceaseless quest to reach Donkey Kong, did anyone think: “that’s an icon right there”? Well, if anyone did, they certainly deserve a pat on the back. A year after Donkey Kong’s debut, Jumpman became Mario. The rest is gaming history.
As Nintendo’s digital ambassador, Mario is easily one of the most recognisable mascots of all time – both within the gaming community, and popular culture more widely. From Donkey Kong to Super Mario World, Mario 64 to Mario Odyssey, the moustachioed plumber has spent his life at the forefront of the gaming world. With a little help from his ever-faithful entourage of Luigi, Peach, Toad, and Yoshi, and ever-persistent nemesis Bowser, Mario has become the bestselling gaming franchise of all time.
This success isn’t just because of Mario’s icon status, but because he continues to feature in brilliant games - Mario Kart 8, for example, is one of the best games available for Switch and still regularly makes an appearance in the top ten gaming chart, despite being released way back in 2014.
If you’re amongst the millions of dedicated Mario fans, or know someone who is, here are our picks of the best Super Mario merchandise available.
The best Super Mario merchandise
Best action figure
Having Mario gobble up a fire flower for the first time was thrilling. Truth is, it still is. Earn yourself an extra hit point and treat someone to this four-inch dynamo.
Best Mario Kart wheel
If you're as serious about Mario Kart as we are, then you'll see why we recommend this excellent Switch accessory. Fully compatible and officially licensed, this racing wheel and pedal set will help you navigate every shortcut, nail every shell throw, and perfect every drift as you climb your way to Star Cup domination.
www.lego.com
Double-jump at the chance to bring Mario to life with this collectable set from LEGO. Integrating the LEGO blocky design with an LCD screen and in-built speakers, the Danish brick builders have managed to give Mario reactive facial expressions and iconic sound effects. The set will interact with a tablet app to provide a real-time score and includes figures of Bowser Jr. and Goomba.
Best Mario Switch case
The Nintendo Switch grants you access to some of the greatest outing of Mario's career, so why not give it the protection it deserves. This Switch case is a lovely item, emblazoned with various Mario characters and capers.
Best Mario themed light
A light-up tribute to the legendary question mark box - it'll even make the sound when it's turned on. Unfortunately, it won't spit out coins, no matter how hard you hit it.
Best toy for big kids
What better way to settle Mario Kart rivalries? Here, Mario's go-kart boasts all of the in-game moves, including drifting, spins, and wheelies. You'll have to provide the banana skins, though.
Best model set for retro fans
Grabbing the top of the flagpole in Super Mario is a true, retro-gamer rush. This model set will take you back to Acorn Plains, letting you relive those cherished moments forevermore. Includes the quintessential green pipe, Goomba, and Bob-omb.
Celebration of a classic gaming icon
Everyone's favourite life-boosting fungi celebrated as a funky push-down light. The perfect addition to any Nintendo collection. Bonus fact: game developer Shigeru Miyamoto chose mushrooms as Mario's food of choice because of their relationship to magic kingdoms in folklore.
Best Mario plush
It's a-him, Mario! But plush, dumpy, and collectable. This is a staple for any Nintendo fan - after all, no one is really a Nintendork unless they love the extras.
Now you've picked up some Super Mario memorabilia, why not head over to our rundown of the best Nintendo Switch games to see where the icons games rank?