GameTimeline

Release & story order

Mario timeline

Super Mario platformers from the 1985 NES original through Super Mario Bros Wonder (2023)—US release dates, a suggested episode order where Nintendo gives hints (Yoshi's Island prequel, Galaxy 2 sequel), and FAQ for extended fan chronologies, New Donk City before SMB, New Super Mario, and Kart/RPG spin-offs. Theatrical films (1993, Illumination 2023/2026) live on Mario movie watch order.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When Nintendo shipped each main Super Mario platformer in the US—NES (1985) through Switch (2023). Mario Kart, Party, sports, and level editors are optional, not numbered platformer entries here.

  • Newcomers → Super Mario Odyssey or Super Mario Bros Wonder—modern polish on Switch
  • 2D fans → Super Mario Bros Wonder, then New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe or NES/SNES classics via Nintendo Switch Online
  • 3D arc → Super Mario 64 → Sunshine → Galaxy → Galaxy 2 → 3D Land → 3D World → Odyssey
  • Lore historians → Release tab 1985–2023, then read extended chronology FAQ for Yoshi's New Island and pre-SMB games—not on main entries
  • Full historian → Release tab includes Game Boy Land chapters and one Super Mario RPG spin-off entry
  • Mario Party marathon → see Party & sports FAQ for numbered US release order—not on platformer entries
Story order tips

Nintendo does not publish a strict Mario chronology—most platformers are standalone rescue-the-Princess episodes. story-order titles here follow loose hints only: Yoshi's Island as baby-Mario prequel, classic 2D block, then 3D eras ending with Odyssey and Wonder. Galaxy 2 is a direct sequel to Galaxy; everything else is optional lore order.

  • Suggested lore path: Yoshi's Island → Super Mario Bros trilogy era → Super Mario World → 64 → Sunshine → Galaxy → Galaxy 2
  • Hardcore chronologies add Yoshi's New Island, Touch & Go, and Yoshi's Island DS before adult Mario—FAQ extended path
  • Before SMB: fan timelines place Mario Bros (arcade) and Donkey Kong-era New Donk City jobs—not on story-order titles here
  • Handheld 3D Land and console 3D World are separate episodes—not strict sequels to Sunshine
  • All four New Super Mario Bros games are standalone—no story link between DS, Wii, 3DS, and Wii U entries
  • US SMB2 is Mario's dream; Japanese Lost Levels (SMB2 JP) is the direct sequel to SMB1 in strict 2D lore

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Super Mario Bros.

    Super Mario Bros.

    NESPlatformerMainline2D

    Super Mario Bros. — Mario and Luigi save the Mushroom Kingdom—Bowser's first platformer siege. World 1-1 invents the modern platformer lesson in seconds—pipes, coins, and Bowser’s siege.

    Overview
    Defined the side-scrolling platformer—power-ups, secret pipes, and world structure on NES. Power-up ladder and secret exits teach exploration without an RPG map.
    In-game setting
    World 1-1 became gaming's template; bundled with NES worldwide.
    Should you play it?
    Franchise foundation via NSO/collections. Racing spin-offs: Mario Kart; RPG comedy: Mario & Luigi.
    Release date
    US NES launch October 18, 1985. Japan Famicom September 1985.
  2. Super Mario Bros. 2

    Super Mario Bros. 2

    NESPlatformerMainline2D

    Super Mario Bros. 2 — US version—Subcon dream adventure with four playable heroes. US SMB2 is the Doki Doki Panic reskin—vegetables, vertical stages, four heroes.

    Overview
    Western SMB2 is a reskin of Doki Doki Panic—pick-up-and-throw vegetables, vertical stages.
    In-game setting
    Not a direct sequel to SMB1 in Japan; Lost Levels (1986) is the true SMB2 there—see FAQ.
    Should you play it?
    Release order second numbered Mario platformer in the West. Western Release #2; Japan’s true sequel is The Lost Levels (FAQ). Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional.
    Release date
    US NES launch October 9, 1988.
  3. Super Mario Land

    Super Mario Land

    Game BoyPlatformerMainlineHandheld

    Super Mario Land — First portable Mario—Sarasaland and Princess Daisy. Sarasaland handheld debut—Daisy, not Peach, and shorter Game Boy stages.

    Overview
    Gunpei Yokoi handheld chapter—shorter stages tuned for Game Boy. Power-up fantasy and precise jump craft remain Mario’s design language across 2D and 3D.
    In-game setting
    Standalone adventure; Daisy debuts—not the Mushroom Kingdom Princess.
    Should you play it?
    Handheld side series—see Super Mario Land 2 next in release order. Side portable lane; continue into Land 2 for Wario’s birth. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional.
    Release date
    US Game Boy launch pack-in August 1989.
  4. Super Mario Bros. 3

    Super Mario Bros. 3

    NESPlatformerMainline2D

    Super Mario Bros. 3 — World map, Tanooki Suit, and airship fortresses. World map, suits, and airships push 8-bit Mario to its theatrical peak.

    Overview
    Overworld map and suit power-ups pushed NES to its peak before 16-bit. Overworld inventory and Koopaling castles redefine structure before SNES.
    In-game setting
    Seven kings transformed; Bowser's kids guard each world.
    Should you play it?
    Peak 8-bit Mario—often bundled in All-Stars and Switch Online. Peak NES Mario—All-Stars / NSO still the easy replay. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional.
    Release date
    US NES launch February 12, 1990.
  5. Super Mario World

    Super Mario World

    SNESPlatformerMainline2D

    Super Mario World — Dinosaur Land showcase—Yoshi, Cape flight, and multiple exits on SNES launch energy.

    Overview
    SNES launch showcase—large levels, multiple exits, and riding Yoshi.
    In-game setting
    Follows SMB3 in many fan chronologies; introduces Yoshi species.
    Should you play it?
    Essential 16-bit chapter—Switch Online and Super Nintendo Classic. Yoshi’s debut here feeds the baby prequel on Story via Yoshi's Island. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US SNES launch August 13, 1991.
  6. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

    Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

    Game BoyPlatformerMainlineHandheld

    Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins — Mario Zone hub vs Wario—rival debut that spins into Wario Land FAQ branches.

    Overview
    Non-linear hub map on Game Boy—Wario as final boss. Power-up fantasy and precise jump craft remain Mario’s design language across 2D and 3D.
    In-game setting
    Direct sequel to Super Mario Land; Wario spin-offs branch from here.
    Should you play it?
    Optional for platformer canon—Wario Land is a separate FAQ branch. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US Game Boy launch November 2, 1992.
  7. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

    Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

    SNESPlatformerMainlinePrequel

    Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island — Baby Mario on Yoshi's back—origin story before the bros grow up. Baby Mario on Yoshi’s back—pastel prequel before grown-up Mushroom Kingdom sieges.

    Overview
    Hand-drawn pastel aesthetic and Yoshi as protagonist carrying Mario.
    In-game setting
    Story prequel—Yoshi's New Island and Yoshi's Island DS extend baby lore in FAQ extended path. Baby lore extends in Yoshi spin-offs (FAQ), not required here.
    Should you play it?
    First story-order titles on suggested lore order—not a SMB sequel despite the title. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone.
    Release date
    US SNES launch October 4, 1995.
  8. Super Mario 64

    Super Mario 64

    N64PlatformerMainline3D

    Super Mario 64 — Peach's castle hub—120 stars and 3D platforming blueprint.

    Overview
    Defined 3D platforming—analog movement, camera, and hub worlds. Camera negotiation and mission stars become the 3D template for a decade.
    In-game setting
    Standalone episode—no required link to 2D games beyond character roster.
    Should you play it?
    Start of the 3D Mario line—remastered on DS and Switch collections. 3D line opener—DS remake and collections exist; Story treats it as a castle episode. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional.
    Release date
    US N64 launch September 26, 1996.
  9. Super Mario RPG

    Super Mario RPG

    SNESRPGSpin-off

    Super Mario RPG is Square’s turn-based Mushroom Kingdom comedy with Geno and Smithy—spin-off, not platformer Story.

    Overview
    First Mario RPG—action commands in battles; separate from platformer canon. Series craft here still shapes how fans describe later entries.
    In-game setting
    Remake Super Mario RPG (2023) on Switch—same story, new visuals. Use adjacent entries if you need cast or setting continuity.
    Should you play it?
    Off primary Story; prefer the 2023 Switch remake. Paper path: Paper Mario. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US SNES launch November 17, 1996.
  10. Super Mario Sunshine

    Super Mario Sunshine

    GameCubePlatformerMainline3D

    Super Mario Sunshine — Isle Delfino vacation gone wrong—FLUDD water pack and Shadow Mario.

    Overview
    Sun-soaked open hubs with graffiti cleanup mechanics on GameCube. Power-up fantasy and precise jump craft remain Mario’s design language across 2D and 3D.
    In-game setting
    Direct 3D follow-up feel after 64—standalone island episode.
    Should you play it?
    Often paired with 64 and Galaxy on "3D Mario" lists. Pair with 64 and Galaxy on 3D lists; standalone island episode on Story. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional.
    Release date
    US GameCube launch August 26, 2002.
  11. New Super Mario Bros.

    New Super Mario Bros.

    Nintendo DSPlatformerMainline2D

    New Super Mario Bros. — 2D revival—Mega Mushroom and modern physics on dual screens.

    Overview
    Returned to side-scrolling after 3D era—spawned the New Super sub-series. Power-up fantasy and precise jump craft remain Mario’s design language across 2D and 3D.
    In-game setting
    Standalone episode—no story connection to other New Super entries.
    Should you play it?
    First of four unrelated New Super games—see FAQ. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone.
    Release date
    US DS launch May 15, 2006.
  12. Super Mario Galaxy

    Super Mario Galaxy

    WiiPlatformerMainline3D

    Super Mario Galaxy — Gravity planetoids and Rosalina’s Star Festival—Wii-era 3D poetry.

    Overview
    Spherical worlds and motion-friendly star collection on Wii.
    In-game setting
    Galaxy 2 is a direct sequel—only clear two-game story chain in 3D Mario.
    Should you play it?
    Essential 3D chapter—Switch remaster Super Mario Galaxy + Galaxy 2 (2024). Essential 3D chapter; 2025 collection pairs it with Galaxy 2. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone.
    Release date
    US Wii launch November 12, 2007.
  13. New Super Mario Bros. Wii

    New Super Mario Bros. Wii

    WiiPlatformerMainline2D

    New Super Mario Bros. Wii — Four-player couch co-op 2D—Propeller and Penguin suits.

    Overview
    Simultaneous multiplayer in classic sidescrolling on Wii. Power-up fantasy and precise jump craft remain Mario’s design language across 2D and 3D.
    In-game setting
    Standalone—same brand as NSMB DS but no shared plot.
    Should you play it?
    Switch port New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe bundles the Wii U sequel. Standalone New Super night—plot does not continue into U. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone.
    Release date
    US Wii launch November 15, 2009.
  14. Super Mario Galaxy 2

    Super Mario Galaxy 2

    WiiPlatformerMainline3D

    Super Mario Galaxy 2 — Direct Galaxy sequel—Yoshi returns to planet hops with denser level ideas.

    Overview
    More focused hub structure than Galaxy 1—rare numbered Mario sequel. Power-up fantasy and precise jump craft remain Mario’s design language across 2D and 3D.
    In-game setting
    Play after Super Mario Galaxy on Story order.
    Should you play it?
    Included in 2024 Switch remaster bundle with Galaxy 1. Play after Galaxy; skip other 3D detours if you only want this pair. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US Wii launch May 23, 2010.
  15. Super Mario 3D Land

    Super Mario 3D Land

    Nintendo 3DSPlatformerMainline3D

    Super Mario 3D Land — Hybrid 2.5D on 3DS—Tanooki return and timed runs. 3DS end-to-end linear 3D—tail suit and seamless stages without a hub castle.

    Overview
    Blends sidescrolling clarity with depth on handheld. Power-up fantasy and precise jump craft remain Mario’s design language across 2D and 3D.
    In-game setting
    Standalone episode—parallel to console 3D World, not a sequel.
    Should you play it?
    Handheld 3D Mario before Odyssey's open sandbox. Handheld 3D bridge toward 3D World’s co-op toys. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional.
    Release date
    US 3DS launch November 13, 2011.
  16. New Super Mario Bros. 2

    New Super Mario Bros. 2

    Nintendo 3DSPlatformerMainline2D

    New Super Mario Bros. 2 — Coin rush focus—another standalone 2D episode. Coin-rush 3DS New Super—Gold Flower spectacle over story ambition.

    Overview
    Gold Flower and one-million-coin challenge on 3DS. Power-up fantasy and precise jump craft remain Mario’s design language across 2D and 3D.
    In-game setting
    No narrative tie to other New Super games. Kart, RPG, and Paper branches live on satellite timelines when linked.
    Should you play it?
    Optional 2D chapter—Wonder supersedes for modern 2D fans. Optional 2D; not a sequel narrative to DS/Wii entries. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional.
    Release date
    US 3DS launch August 19, 2012.
  17. New Super Mario Bros. U

    New Super Mario Bros. U

    Wii UPlatformerMainline2D

    New Super Mario Bros. U — Wii U launch 2D—Flying Squirrel suit and asymmetric Luigi gameplay in DLC. Wii U / Deluxe 2D—Nabbit, Boost Mode leftovers, and Switch Deluxe convenience.

    Overview
    HD sidescrolling with GamePad boost mode at Wii U launch. Power-up fantasy and precise jump craft remain Mario’s design language across 2D and 3D.
    In-game setting
    New Super Luigi U DLC shipped 2013 as harder remix—same story frame.
    Should you play it?
    Buy as New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe on Switch. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional.
    Release date
    US Wii U launch November 18, 2012.
  18. Super Mario 3D World

    Super Mario 3D World

    Wii UPlatformerMainline3D

    Super Mario 3D World — Console 3D with four-player co-op—Cat Mario and Champion's Road. Cat suits and four-player 3D courses—arcade clarity over hub exploration.

    Overview
    Fixed-camera 3D levels designed for multiplayer on Wii U. Series craft here still shapes how fans describe later entries.
    In-game setting
    Bowser’s Fury is a 2021 sandbox add-on in the same purchase on Switch.
    Should you play it?
    Switch bundle Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (2021). Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US Wii U launch November 22, 2013.
  19. Super Mario Odyssey

    Super Mario Odyssey

    Nintendo SwitchPlatformerMainline3D

    Super Mario Odyssey turns hat possession into a kingdom-hopping Switch sandbox—Cappy, the Odyssey airship, and 2D-to-3D fluency at launch scale.

    Overview
    Open kingdoms with moons instead of stars—Switch showcase launch window title. Capture mechanic reframes Mario’s body as a toolkit, not just a jumper.
    In-game setting
    Standalone episode—no required link to Galaxy or 3D World plots.
    Should you play it?
    Best modern 3D entry—New Donk City FAQ ties aside. Kart nights live on Mario Kart. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US Switch launch October 27, 2017.
  20. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

    Super Mario Bros. Wonder

    Nintendo SwitchPlatformerMainline2D

    Super Mario Bros. Wonder — Flower Kingdom—Wonder Effects transform sidescrolling. Wonder flowers rewrite 2D rules mid-stage—Elephant Mario and badge experiments.

    Overview
    First new side-scrolling Mario since New Super—Elephant Mario and shifting levels. Transformation spectacle plus online ghosts modernize side-scrolling surprise.
    In-game setting
    Latest mainline platformer entry as of June 2026.
    Should you play it?
    Current 2D Mario endpoint—pairs with Odyssey for full modern duo. Standalone from New Super brand. Mainline platformers are mostly standalone episodes—Bowling for lore continuity is optional.
    Release date
    US Switch launch October 20, 2023.

FAQ

Release vs suggested story order, no official Mario chronology, extended Yoshi and pre-SMB lore, SMB2 vs Lost Levels, New Super standalone episodes, Mario Party and sports play order (optional—no separate timeline pages), and what we leave off (Maker, mobile runners).

Release order

Release order is when each Super Mario platformer launched in the US (1985–2023)—including Game Boy Land chapters and the Super Mario RPG spin-off entry. Story order is our suggested episode sequence using loose Nintendo hints: Yoshi's Island prequel, classic 2D block, 3D adventures, and Galaxy → Galaxy 2 as the only strict sequel pair. Most Mario games are standalone rescues—Story order is editorial, not official canon.

Modern first → Super Mario Odyssey (3D sandbox) or Super Mario Bros Wonder (2D). Classic curious → Super Mario Bros via Switch Online, then Super Mario World or Super Mario 64. Full saga → Release tab from 1985—expect standalone episodes, not one continuous plot. Skip Super Mario Land unless you want handheld history.

Story & canon

No—unlike The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo does not publish a locked Mario chronology. Characters recur and Galaxy 2 follows Galaxy, but most platformers reset Peach-and-Bowser plots. Our Story tab groups games by era and fan consensus (Yoshi's Island first, Galaxy pair together). Community timelines that include every spin-off exist but are debated and not official—see extended chronology FAQ.

Hardcore fan timelines often expand the baby era: Yoshi's Island → Yoshi Touch & Go → Yoshi's New Island → Yoshi's Island DS → Yoshi's Story, then adult Mario. None of that beyond Yoshi's Island is on our story-order titles—Nintendo never confirmed one locked order. Paper Mario, Mario & Luigi, Luigi's Mansion, and Kart each have their own sub-chains in those fan lists. Use our Story tab for platformer episodes; use this FAQ if you want the wider lore rabbit hole without treating any fan order as gospel.

Not on separate must-play titles on this timeline here. Fan chronologies and Super Mario Odyssey's New Donk City place an earlier arc: Donkey Kong (Pauline, carpenter Mario) → Donkey Kong Jr. → jobs in New Donk City (Wrecking Crew, Mario Bros arcade plumbers in the sewers) → then Mario and Luigi reach the Mushroom Kingdom for Super Mario Bros. Super Mario Maker course "Did Somebody Call a Plumber?" hints the pipe transition. Donkey Kong and Mario Bros are separate series entries—play for history, not required for our platformer Story order.

No—New Super Mario Bros (DS), New Super Mario Bros Wii, New Super Mario Bros 2 (3DS), and New Super Mario Bros U are separate sidescrolling episodes. Play in release order for history or pick one on Switch (U Deluxe or Wonder). None are required for 3D Mario story-order titles.

Remasters & collections

Other timelines

This page — Super Mario platformers: 2D classics, 3D adventures, New Super line, and suggested lore order (not official Nintendo canon). Best for playing mainline Mario games.

Mario movie watch order — theatrical films: 1993 live-action, Illumination 2023, and Galaxy 2026. Best for cinema binge paths separate from game Story years.

Mario Kart — every home and handheld Kart from Super Mario Kart through Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Best for racing—no story order needed.

Paper Mario — partner-based RPGs and the Sticker Star reboot branch. Best for story-driven Mario RPGs.

Mario & Luigi — bros RPG saga from Superstar Saga through Brothership. Best for action-command turn-based comedy RPGs.

Luigi's Mansion — Luigi's ghost-hunting trilogy. Best for action-adventure spin-offs.

Mario Party and sports — no separate timeline pages; US release order and why are in the Party & sports FAQ below.

Party & sports

No fiction links the Party games—play any entry standalone. For US home-console numbered releases, chronological order is: Mario Party (N64, 1999) → 2 (2000) → 3 (2001) → 4 (GameCube, 2002) → 5 (2003) → 6 (2004) → 7 (2005) → 8 (Wii, 2007) → 9 (2012) → 10 (Wii U, 2015) → Super Mario Party (Switch, 2018) → Mario Party Superstars (2021) → Super Mario Party Jamboree (2024). Handheld side entries—Island Tour (3DS), Star Rush (3DS), Top 100 (3DS)—slot between Wii U and Switch eras if you want every cartridge; still no plot order. Newcomers: Super Mario Party, Superstars, or Jamboree on Switch.

Treat each sport as its own mini-series—no cross-sport story. Golf: Mario Golf (N64, 1999) → Toadstool Tour (GameCube, 2003) → World Tour (3DS, 2014) → Super Rush (Switch, 2021). Tennis: Mario Tennis (N64, 2000) → Power Tour (GBA, 2004) → Ultra Smash (Wii U, 2015) → Aces (Switch, 2018). Soccer: Super Mario Strikers (GameCube, 2005) → Charged (Wii, 2007) → Battle League (Switch, 2022). Baseball: Mario Superstar Baseball (GameCube, 2005) → Super Mario Sluggers (Wii, 2008). Pick the sport you care about; release order within that sport is enough. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is a Sega crossover—optional, not part of Mario sports canon here.

Optional & spin-offs

Not on main platformer entries. Super Mario RPG has one release-order titles (1996 SNES, 2023 Switch remake). Dedicated timelines: Mario Kart games in order, Paper Mario timeline, Mario & Luigi games in order, and Luigi's Mansion timeline. Mario Party and sports use the Party & sports FAQ on this page—no story order and no separate URLs.

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.