Almost 30 years later, and we still have so much to learn about him.

1. According to the instruction guide included with Super Mario Bros., the koopas turned the inhabitants of the mushroom kingdom into blocks when they invaded, meaning Mario is contributing to the death of thousands in the game. gamesradar.com Via didyouknowgaming.com

2. The mushrooms from the Mario Bros. games are based on a real mushroom with psychedelic effects that make it feel as though you are growing in size when consumed. commons.wikimedia.org fantendo.wikia.com

3. If you let a Chain Chomp tug on its chain 49 times in Super Mario Bros. 3, it will break free. Tap to play or pause GIF Tap to play or pause GIF giphy.com Via didyouknowgaming.com

4. Luigi's name comes from a pun on the Japanese word "Ruiji" which means "similar." drdavidbrinner.tumblr.com Via didyouknowgaming.com

5. Instead of Donkey Kong, Kamek the Magikoopa was originally going to be included in Mario Kart 64. bowonbirdo.tumblr.com Via didyouknowgaming.com

6. In Super Mario World, Yoshi was originally going to be a koopa, and his saddle was originally a shell. Tap to play or pause GIF Tap to play or pause GIF giphy.com Via didyouknowgaming.com

7. Sonic the Hedgehog was inspired by its creator playing Super Mario Bros. over and over again, trying to get through the first level as quickly as possible. Tap to play or pause GIF Tap to play or pause GIF giphy.com Via didyouknowgaming.com

8. Prior to the release of the Super Nintendo, Mario wore red overalls and a blue shirt. Since then, he's worn a red shirt and blue overalls. gamefaqs.com nintendo.wikia.com

9. Before "Mario," the character's name was "Jumpman." Before that, he was called "Mr. Video." Before that, he was known as "Ossan," which translates to "middle-aged guy." Tap to play or pause GIF Tap to play or pause GIF caseysweb.com Via didyouknowgaming.com

10. The game Croc: Legend of the Gobbos started its life as a prototype for a game starring Yoshi. freewebs.com agk.wikia.com

11. Bullet Bill and Torpedo Ted are thought to be a reference to Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Tap to play or pause GIF Tap to play or pause GIF giphy.com / brotherbrain.com Via didyouknowgaming.com

12. Wario's name is actually based on the Japanese word for "bad," which is "warui," and is a shortened version of "Warui Mario." The same goes for Waluigi, which is an Americanized version of "Waruigi." socoder.net Via didyouknowgaming.com

13. Nintendo actually owns the rights to Super Hornio Brothers and Super Hornio Brothers 2, which are porn parodies of the Mario Bros. games. funnyjunk.com funnyjunk.com

14. In Super Mario 64, Boo's fast, high-pitched laugh is actually just Bowser's laugh sped up. joystickdivision.com fanpop.com

15. Donkey Kong was originally a Popeye game, but Nintendo lost the rights, and replaced Popeye with Mario, Olive Oyl with Princess Peach, and Bluto with Donkey Kong, who was created for the game. animationmagazine.net wreckitralph.wikia.com

16. There is an island in Super Mario Bros. 3 that is shaped like Japan, with a castle near where Kyoto would be located, which is where Nintendo is headquartered. backofthecerealbox.com backofthecerealbox.com

17. The Chain Chomp is said to be based on a neighborhood dog chained to a post that terrorized Shigeru Miyamoto as a child. Tap to play or pause GIF Tap to play or pause GIF giphy.com Via didyouknowgaming.com

18. One study found that playing play Super Mario 64 helped with spatial orientation, memory formation, strategic planning, and fine motor skills. Tap to play or pause GIF Tap to play or pause GIF giphy.com Via didyouknowgaming.com