Happy Anniversary, Mario!

And to the rest of the Super Mario Bros. gang as well! 25 years ago today, Japan released Super Mario Bros. for the Famicom, otherwise known as Nintendo Entertainment System here in the US. Since then, Super Mario Bros. has sold over 40 million copies.  Over the past 25 years, Mario has been pummeling koopas and goombas, raced go-karts, played tennis, and entered the arena with Donkey Kong and Pikachu. Not bad considering he also attended medical school! He makes us all look like underachievers.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary, Nintendo is hosting a raffle for merchandise from now until January 10, 2011. Products like tote bags, t-shirts and playing cards are placed on draw to anyone that purchases an eligible Mario title and registers at Club Nintendo.

After all, he is more than just that dude who’s been wearing the same overalls for more than two decades.[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzkkgK_zQHI[/youtube]