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.

Updated June 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 FAQ-only, not numbered platformer rows 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 rows
  • Full historian → Release tab includes Game Boy Land chapters and one Super Mario RPG spin-off row
Story order tips

Nintendo does not publish a strict Mario chronology—most platformers are standalone rescue-the-Princess episodes. Story rows 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 rows 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

    Mario and Luigi save the Mushroom Kingdom—Bowser's first platformer siege.

    Overview
    Defined the side-scrolling platformer—power-ups, secret pipes, and world structure on NES.
    In-game setting
    World 1-1 became gaming's template; bundled with NES worldwide.
    Should you play it?
    Franchise foundation—still playable via Switch Online and collections.
    Release date
    US NES launch October 18, 1985. Japan Famicom September 1985.
  2. Super Mario Bros. 2

    Super Mario Bros. 2

    NESPlatformerMainline2D

    US version—Subcon dream adventure with four playable 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.
    Release date
    US NES launch October 9, 1988.
  3. Super Mario Land

    Super Mario Land

    Game BoyPlatformerMainlineHandheld

    First portable Mario—Sarasaland and Princess Daisy.

    Overview
    Gunpei Yokoi handheld chapter—shorter stages tuned for Game Boy.
    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.
    Release date
    US Game Boy launch pack-in August 1989.
  4. Super Mario Bros. 3

    Super Mario Bros. 3

    NESPlatformerMainline2D

    World map, Tanooki Suit, and airship fortresses.

    Overview
    Overworld map and suit power-ups pushed NES to its peak before 16-bit.
    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.
    Release date
    US NES launch February 12, 1990.
  5. Super Mario World

    Super Mario World

    SNESPlatformerMainline2D

    Dinosaur Land—Yoshi's debut and Cape Feather flight.

    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.
    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

    Mario's castle vs Wario—introduces Mario's rival.

    Overview
    Non-linear hub map on Game Boy—Wario as final boss.
    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.
    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

    Baby Mario on Yoshi's back—origin story before the bros grow up.

    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.
    Should you play it?
    First Story row on suggested lore order—not a SMB sequel despite the title.
    Release date
    US SNES launch October 4, 1995.
  8. Super Mario 64

    Super Mario 64

    N64PlatformerMainline3D

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

    Overview
    Defined 3D platforming—analog movement, camera, and hub worlds.
    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.
    Release date
    US N64 launch September 26, 1996.
  9. Super Mario RPG

    Super Mario RPG

    SNESRPGSpin-off

    Square collaboration—turn-based Mushroom Kingdom with Geno and Smithy.

    Overview
    First Mario RPG—action commands in battles; separate from platformer canon.
    In-game setting
    Remake Super Mario RPG (2023) on Switch—same story, new visuals.
    Should you play it?
    Spin-off row—not on primary Story platformer order; Paper Mario branches separately.
    Release date
    US SNES launch November 17, 1996.
  10. Super Mario Sunshine

    Super Mario Sunshine

    GameCubePlatformerMainline3D

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

    Overview
    Sun-soaked open hubs with graffiti cleanup mechanics on GameCube.
    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.
    Release date
    US GameCube launch August 26, 2002.
  11. New Super Mario Bros.

    New Super Mario Bros.

    Nintendo DSPlatformerMainline2D

    2D revival—Mega Mushroom and modern physics on dual screens.

    Overview
    Returned to side-scrolling after 3D era—spawned the New Super sub-series.
    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.
    Release date
    US DS launch May 15, 2006.
  12. Super Mario Galaxy

    Super Mario Galaxy

    WiiPlatformerMainline3D

    Gravity planet-hopping—Rosalina and the Star Festival.

    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).
    Release date
    US Wii launch November 12, 2007.
  13. New Super Mario Bros. Wii

    New Super Mario Bros. Wii

    WiiPlatformerMainline2D

    Four-player couch co-op 2D—Propeller and Penguin suits.

    Overview
    Simultaneous multiplayer in classic sidescrolling on Wii.
    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.
    Release date
    US Wii launch November 15, 2009.
  14. Super Mario Galaxy 2

    Super Mario Galaxy 2

    WiiPlatformerMainline3D

    Direct Galaxy sequel—Yoshi planets and Starship Mario.

    Overview
    More focused hub structure than Galaxy 1—rare numbered Mario sequel.
    In-game setting
    Play after Super Mario Galaxy on Story order.
    Should you play it?
    Included in 2024 Switch remaster bundle with Galaxy 1.
    Release date
    US Wii launch May 23, 2010.
  15. Super Mario 3D Land

    Super Mario 3D Land

    Nintendo 3DSPlatformerMainline3D

    Hybrid 2.5D on 3DS—Tanooki return and timed runs.

    Overview
    Blends sidescrolling clarity with depth on handheld.
    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.
    Release date
    US 3DS launch November 13, 2011.
  16. New Super Mario Bros. 2

    New Super Mario Bros. 2

    Nintendo 3DSPlatformerMainline2D

    Coin rush focus—another standalone 2D episode.

    Overview
    Gold Flower and one-million-coin challenge on 3DS.
    In-game setting
    No narrative tie to other New Super games.
    Should you play it?
    Optional 2D chapter—Wonder supersedes for modern 2D fans.
    Release date
    US 3DS launch August 19, 2012.
  17. New Super Mario Bros. U

    New Super Mario Bros. U

    Wii UPlatformerMainline2D

    Wii U launch 2D—Flying Squirrel suit and asymmetric Luigi gameplay in DLC.

    Overview
    HD sidescrolling with GamePad boost mode at Wii U launch.
    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.
    Release date
    US Wii U launch November 18, 2012.
  18. Super Mario 3D World

    Super Mario 3D World

    Wii UPlatformerMainline3D

    Console 3D with four-player co-op—Cat Mario and Champion's Road.

    Overview
    Fixed-camera 3D levels designed for multiplayer on Wii U.
    In-game setting
    Bowser's Fury expansion added 2021 on Switch port—short open episode.
    Should you play it?
    Switch bundle Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (2021).
    Release date
    US Wii U launch November 22, 2013.
  19. Super Mario Odyssey

    Super Mario Odyssey

    Nintendo SwitchPlatformerMainline3D

    Globe-trotting sandbox—Cappy possession and the Odyssey airship.

    Overview
    Open kingdoms with moons instead of stars—Switch showcase launch window title.
    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 ties to Mario's pre-Mushroom Kingdom history in FAQ.
    Release date
    US Switch launch October 27, 2017.
  20. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

    Super Mario Bros. Wonder

    Nintendo SwitchPlatformerMainline2D

    Flower Kingdom—Wonder Effects transform sidescrolling.

    Overview
    First new side-scrolling Mario since New Super—Elephant Mario and shifting levels.
    In-game setting
    Latest mainline platformer row as of June 2026.
    Should you play it?
    Current 2D Mario endpoint—pairs with Odyssey for full modern duo.
    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, and what we leave off (Party, sports, Maker).

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 row. 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 rows—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 Release or Story rows 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 rows.

Remasters & collections

Optional & spin-offs

Not on main platformer rows. Super Mario RPG has one Release row (1996 SNES, 2023 Switch remake). Paper Mario, Mario & Luigi, Luigi's Mansion, Mario Kart, and Mario Party are separate sub-series—same characters, different genres and continuities. Kart and Party have no story order worth forcing. See also the Pokémon timeline and Zelda timeline for Nintendo series with stronger canon rules.

More timelines

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