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Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto thinks it’s “rude” when fans question why “a mustachioed old dude like Mario” sells so well, but to be honest, “I’ve had the same thought”
Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto said he finds it “rude” when people question why Mario, whom he described as “a mustachioed old dude”, remains so commercially successful. However, he added that he has also wondered about the character’s enduring appeal, highlighting Mario’s unusual status as one of entertainment’s most recognisable figures.
Miyamoto’s remarks reflect the longevity of a character created in the early 1980s who has remained central to Nintendo’s games, merchandise and film ambitions. Mario’s appeal spans generations despite his simple design and limited backstory, making him a key part of Nintendo’s global brand.
In short
- Miyamoto joked about Mario’s unlikely enduring popularity.
- He said he has questioned it too.
- Mario remains central to Nintendo’s brand.
Explained simply
Mario is a video game character created by Nintendo in the early 1980s who has become one of entertainment's most recognisable figures worldwide. The mustachioed plumber has featured in hundreds of games, films and merchandise over four decades, and remains central to Nintendo's global business.
Shigeru Miyamoto is the acclaimed designer at Nintendo who created Mario and shaped many of the company's most successful franchises. As someone at the heart of Nintendo's creative vision, his perspective on the character's enduring appeal carries particular significance in discussions about what makes certain games and characters culturally durable.
Mario's sustained prominence is unusual in entertainment, where most characters eventually fade from public interest. The character's simple design and minimal backstory make his lasting popularity a subject of curiosity in the gaming industry and beyond, particularly as entertainment companies seek to create their own long-lasting intellectual properties with similar staying power.