Steve Bagley from Staffordshire remembers Super Mario Bros being released in 1985, when he was five years old.
The NHS worker even runs a website dedicated to the iconic video game character, called Mario Museum.
But it was September 1985 with the launch of Super Mario Bros – featuring his brother Luigi – when the little plumber’s legacy in the video games industry was officially cemented, said Mr Bagley.
“I’m playing Mario Kart at the moment with my son,” said the fan, who describes playing the games as a big part of the hobby, along with engaging with like-minded collectors on social media.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros, Mr Bagley has been counting down 40 Mario game formats over 40 days on his social media and is showcasing his collection online on Saturday.
“Mario has cost me countless thousands of dollars.”.
Two days ago. .
West Midlands: Lee Bottomley.
According to one superfan, Mario’s genius and the video game’s enduring appeal lie in its simplicity.
Staffordshire native Steve Bagley recalls the 1985 release of Super Mario Bros. when he was just five years old.
After forty years, he has spent “many, many thousands” on what he considers to be one of the world’s most extensive collections of Mario-related games, which includes nearly five hundred titles.
The NHS employee even manages Mario Museum, a website devoted to the well-known video game character. “Mario has undoubtedly endured over time. To endure that long and be stronger now than he has ever been, something truly unique is required,” Mr. Bagley remarked.
Known as Jumpman, the character made his debut in the Donkey Kong arcade game in 1981.
But the little plumber’s reputation in the video game industry was formally established in September 1985 with the release of Super Mario Bros., which featured his brother Luigi, according to Mr. Bagley.
He said it was “wonderful” to see his own child enjoying the character as much as he did as a boy, and that his parents had purchased his first console, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), so he could play the game on it.
In addition to interacting with other collectors who share similar interests on social media, the fan stated, “I’m playing Mario Kart right now with my son.”.
Mr. Bagley stated that there are regional differences in the games and exclusives to various parts of the world. He believes that the more obscure titles from the 1980s, which are “really rare, even in Japan,” are the most intriguing components in his “quite valuable and varied” collection.
In addition, he has the signature of Mario’s creator, vintage playing cards from the time Nintendo was a playing card manufacturer, and every game console from the years.
He stated, “It’s going from strength to strength, and I think it has a big part to play in social history; it’s more than just nostalgia.”.
On his social media accounts, Mr. Bagley has been counting down 40 Mario game formats over the course of 40 days in honor of Super Mario Bros.’ 40th anniversary. On Saturday, he will showcase his collection online.
“It’s the first time I’ve unveiled the full collection in over 30 years, so that should be really exciting for Nintendo fans,” he stated.
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