The Arcade Era & Birth of a Mascot (1981–1984)

Key Content

1981 1983
Donkey Kong: The debut of "Jumpman," created by Shigeru Miyamoto after Nintendo failed to secure the rights to Popeye. The Name Change: How Jumpman became Mario, named after Nintendo of America's landlord, Mario Segale.
Design Evolution: Why Mario has a mustache, cap, and overalls—to make him look human despite early graphical restrictions. Mario Bros. (1983): The introduction of Luigi, the pipe-system, and the shift from carpenter to plumber.

first version of mario