Nintendo dates the original Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System to September 13, 1985. The “33 years ago” framing fits 2018; as of October 8, 2026, the game’s 41st anniversary has passed.
When was the original Super Mario Bros. released?
Nintendo of America’s official timeline lists Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System on September 13, 1985. Nintendo’s Japanese game-history page gives the same date. Nintendo of America’s Super Mario history and Nintendo Co., Ltd.’s Japanese history page both identify the 1985 release.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Super Mario Bros. (Renewed) | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Super Mario Bros. / Duck Hunt (Renewed) | $14.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Super Mario Bros. 3 (Renewed) | $28.54 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Super Mario Bros. - Classic NES Series (Renewed) | $58.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Super Mario Bros. | $14.82 | Buy on Amazon |
Was it released 33 years ago?
That depends on the date from which you count. Thirty-three years after September 13, 1985, was September 13, 2018. The phrase is therefore accurate as a 2018 anniversary headline, but it is not current in 2026: by October 8, 2026, more than 41 years had elapsed since the release.
Why does the date matter to the Super Mario series?
Nintendo describes Super Mario Bros. as the starting point of the Super Mario series. Its Japanese history page says the action game became popular in Japan and around the world and helped drive the Famicom boom; that is Nintendo’s retrospective characterization. Nintendo’s corporate history also records that it began selling Super Mario Bros. software for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985.
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- Two buttons control all the action
- A classic that introduced many players to video games
- Earn power-ups and shoot fireballs at your enemies
- Eight levels of Koopa-stomping fun
On its Japanese history page, Nintendo lists a recommended retail price of ¥4,900. The page does not state the tax treatment or a current currency equivalent, so that figure should be read as a historical Japanese price, not a present-day comparison.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the historical date does—and does not—tell you
The date establishes when Nintendo says the original NES game was released. It does not establish whether an original cartridge is currently available from a particular seller, whether a listing is authentic, or which later re-releases can be played on current hardware. Those questions require current, separate verification.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Two buttons control all the action
- A classic that introduced many players to video games
- Earn power-ups and shoot fireballs at your enemies
- Eight levels of Koopa-stomping fun
Rank #4
- Authentic Super Mario Bros. - Classic NES Series
- Does not come with original case or manuals. Cartridge only
- Cartridge and label are in nice condition
- Fully tested and guaranteed
Rank #3
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Classic action game
- Save the Mushroom Kingdom from Bower's Koopa Kids
- Run, jump, and smash your way to victory
- Lots of hidden treasure and power-ups
Rank #2
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
