Super Mario – History, Film & Collectibles
Forty years since the first game, and a film that passed a billion dollars in 2026. Here is the history, the characters, and what is worth buying in Super Mario products.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Illumination and Nintendo's second film arrived on 1 April 2026 – and became the first film of the year to pass a billion dollars.
- More than $1.3 billion worldwide.
- The highest-grossing film of 2026, by a margin of over $100 million.
- Based on the 2007 game Super Mario Galaxy.
Chris Pratt (Mario), Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach), Charlie Day (Luigi) and Jack Black (Bowser) return, joined by Donald Glover as Yoshi and Brie Larson as Rosalina.
The first film, in 2023, took $1.36 billion – among the most successful video game adaptations ever made.
Forty years since 1985
Super Mario Bros. was released in 1985 and defined what a platform game is. Its fundamentals – running, jumping, mushrooms, pipes – are so basic that even someone who has never played recognises them.
Why this matters commercially: Mario has the widest age range of any gaming franchise. Five-year-olds and fifty-year-olds both know him – and the latter have both the money and the nostalgia.
Super Mario Day falls on 10 March – because "MAR10" reads as "Mario".
The characters
Red cap, blue dungarees, moustache. One of the most recognisable designs on the planet.
The taller brother in green – with a devoted following of his own.
In pink – among the most popular characters on products aimed at girls.
The shelled villain. The films turned him into a much-loved character.
The green dinosaur – the second best-selling plush after Mario.
The mushroom and the princess of space, both prominent in the new film.
What to choose
- Nintendo Switch games: the mainline titles – among the most popular family games there are.
- Plush: Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Toad, in several sizes.
- Figures: from play figures to collector statues.
- LEGO Super Mario: interactive sets combining building and play.
- amiibo: figures that unlock content inside the games.
- Apparel & school gear: among the most requested designs at primary level.
What amiibo are
They are figures that work both as a toy and as a console accessory. You tap the figure on the Switch controller and the game unlocks something – an item, an outfit, a character.
Before you buy: each amiibo works with specific games, not all of them. And it stands perfectly well as a figure even if it is never used on a console.
Gift guide
A Mario or Yoshi plush – no small parts.
A Switch game or an amiibo – check which games they own first.
Collector figures, LEGO, mugs – the nostalgia does the work.
Keyrings, mugs, socks, small plush.
Frequently asked questions
- How successful was The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
- It passed $1.3 billion worldwide and was the first film of 2026 to reach a billion. It was released on 1 April 2026.
- What are amiibo?
- Figures that unlock content in Nintendo games when tapped on the controller. Each amiibo works with specific games – but it also stands on its own as a figure.
- When is Super Mario Day?
- On 10 March – because "MAR10" reads as "Mario". It is the day Nintendo usually announces offers and news.
- What age is it for?
- Mario is one of the few franchises that works at every age. The plush suit babies, the games from around 5, and the collectibles are bought by adults.
- Where can I find Super Mario products in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
