Staffordshire Collector Celebrates Super Mario's 40th Anniversary with Vast Collection
To mark Super Mario's 40th anniversary, a Staffordshire fan unveils one of the world's most comprehensive Mario collections, featuring rare games, consoles, and memorabilia.
From Arcade Debut to Global Icon
Mario first appeared as Jumpman in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong. However, it was the 1985 launch of Super Mario Bros on the Nintendo Entertainment System that cemented the plumber's place in video game history.
A Collection 40 Years in the Making
NHS worker Steve Bagley has spent thousands of pounds assembling what he believes is one of the world's most extensive Mario collections. His archive includes nearly 500 game titles, all Nintendo consoles, rare 1980s releases—even antique Nintendo playing cards—and the autograph of Mario's creator.
Passing the Torch
Bagley fondly recalls his parents gifting him an NES console to play Super Mario Bros. Today, he shares the experience with his son, enjoying titles like Mario Kart together. He also connects with fellow enthusiasts online and runs his own site, Mario Museum.
More Than Nostalgia
"Mario has stood the test of time," Bagley says. "It's about social history as much as gaming." To mark the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros, he's been showcasing 40 game formats in 40 days and will for the first time publicly unveil his full collection this weekend.
Mario's ongoing appeal underscores video gaming's cultural impact, proving that a simple plumber can become a global icon four decades on.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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