One of my favorite video game theories to emerge over the past few years is that Super Mario Bros. 3, with its hanging blocks and curtains, was actually just a stage performance. Turns out, according to Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, the theory is true.


If you’re not familiar with the theory, or by some chance you haven’t seen this image, which has been floating around the web for years now, check this out:




It was always a compelling theory, but it also always seemed more like over-analysis than something Miyamoto and crew had actually had in mind when they designed Super Mario Bros. 3.

But! Today on the Nintendo UK Twitter, Miyamoto addressed a handful of Mario myths, including the question, “Was Super Mario Bros. 3 all just a performance?” His response: YES.

Also, Miyamoto is apparently Bowser Jr.’s mother. Nightmare fuel!

You can reach the author of this post at jason@kotaku.com or on Twitter at @jasonschreier.