How many units has the Mario franchise sold? This question is often on the lips of gamers and industry analysts alike, as the Mario series has been a cornerstone of the video game industry for decades. With its iconic character, engaging gameplay, and endless appeal, the Mario franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, selling millions of units worldwide.
The Mario franchise, which began with the release of Super Mario Bros. in 1985, has grown to become one of the most successful video game series of all time. Over the years, the series has expanded to include a variety of games across multiple platforms, from the classic NES to the modern-day Nintendo Switch. This diverse portfolio has helped the franchise achieve remarkable sales figures.
In its earliest days, the Mario series was a driving force behind the success of the NES, helping to establish Nintendo as a leading player in the video game industry. Super Mario Bros. alone sold over 40 million units, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time. Since then, the franchise has continued to break sales records with each new iteration.
One of the most significant milestones for the Mario franchise was the release of Super Mario 64 in 1996. This groundbreaking game introduced 3D gameplay to the series and sold over 11 million units worldwide. The success of Super Mario 64 paved the way for the Mario series to explore new genres, such as racing with Mario Kart and sports with Mario Tennis.
As the years have passed, the Mario franchise has continued to evolve, with each new game introducing new characters, levels, and gameplay mechanics. Some of the most popular Mario games include Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Odyssey, which sold over 20 million, 20 million, and 20 million units, respectively.
The latest addition to the Mario franchise, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, released in 2021, has already sold over 10 million units. This success can be attributed to the series’ enduring appeal and the innovation brought to the table by Nintendo’s developers.
In conclusion, the Mario franchise has sold an estimated hundreds of millions of units since its inception. With its iconic character, engaging gameplay, and continuous innovation, the Mario series is poised to continue its dominance in the video game industry for years to come. The question of how many units has the Mario franchise sold is not just a matter of curiosity but a testament to the power of a timeless brand.
