Mario Day

Mario Day History

Mario Day celebrates the protagonist of the popular video game series, Mario. The occasion, epitomizing nostalgia for many fans, recognizes not just the iconic Italian plumber but also the broader impact of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and subsequent franchise on the American gaming culture.

The holiday takes its name from the clever play on the calendar date; “MAR10” or March 10th, when stylized, appears similar to the character’s name, Mario. The observance does not have roots in any known historic or traditional events but has been adopted by video game enthusiasts and promulgated by the Nintendo Company, the creators of the character. Emerging from the primordial gaming culture, Mario Day adopted an annual cadence in 2016 with major gaming communities and Nintendo joining in the celebration.

On Mario Day, practitioners engage in various activities such as holding Mario-themed events, participating in online gaming marathons, wearing Mario-themed clothing, or simply reminiscing on the games that defined a generation. The Internet is flooded with tributes in the form of fan art, memes, and forum discussions. Retailers, too, jump on the bandwagon, offering discounts on Mario-themed merchandise. This joyous festivity takes place every year on March 10th.

Top 8 Facts for Mario Day in 2026

• The Super Mario franchise is celebrating its milestone 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades since the original release of Super Mario Bros. in 1985.
• Nintendo will host a dedicated Nintendo Direct on March 9 to premiere the final trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie before its theatrical debut in April.
• Rare Virtual Boy titles including Mario Clash and Mario's Tennis are being added to the Nintendo Switch Online library, marking the first time these 3D-styled classics have been officially re-released on modern hardware.
• A mechanical LEGO Super Mario World – Mario & Yoshi set has been released, featuring a hand-cranked mechanism that allows the 16-bit pixelated figures to simulate running and tongue-flicking movements.
• This year's festivities include the first-ever discount for a next-generation title with the Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition receiving a price reduction at major retailers.
• The voice cast for the upcoming cinematic sequel has expanded to include Brie Larson in the role of Rosalina, the protector of the Comet Observatory.
• A nationwide collaboration with Lunchables allows fans to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2 console bundle along with the new Mario Kart World game.
• Subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can now access the original Game Boy Advance version of Mario vs. Donkey Kong, coinciding with the recent launch of its high-definition remake.

In the News and Trending for Mario Day

Top things to do for Mario Day

• Browse the official Mario Nintendo site to explore all things Mario.
• Play Mario games. You can play classics like Super Mario Bros. or more recent additions like Paper Mario: The Origami King.
• Watch the 1993 Super Mario Bros movie. It is the first feature length live-action film based on a video game.