Super Mario Series Sales Ranking TOP 20 | An In-Depth Analysis of the Best-Selling Mario Games in the World

The Super Mario series has been a beloved game franchise worldwide since the release of 'Super Mario Bros.' in 1985. It has sold over 500 million copies, recognized by Guinness World Records. In this article, we will detail the sales ranking of the Super Mario series' TOP 20, analyzing the success factors of each title as well as sales trends by platform and era. If you want to know about the popular titles in the Mario series or are interested in trends in the gaming market, please read until the end.

[Related Articles]: History of Super Mario | A Comprehensive Explanation of All Series and Their Evolution from Birth to Present

Super Mario Series Sales Ranking TOP 20

We will introduce the all-time sales ranking of the Super Mario series TOP 20, along with global cumulative sales figures. This information is compiled based on Nintendo's official data and various market research data reflecting the latest sales information.

• Detailed analysis of TOP 5 titles
• Explanation of titles ranked 6th to 10th
• Overview of titles ranked 11th to 20th

Rank	Title Name	Release Year	Platform	Global Cumulative Sales
1st	Mario Kart 8 Deluxe	2017	Nintendo Switch	62.27 million
2nd	Super Mario Brothers	1985	Family Computer	40.24 million
3rd	Mario Kart Wii	2008	Wii	37.41 million
4th	Wii Sports Resort (Mario not featured)	2009	Wii	33.43 million
5th	New Super Mario Brothers	2006	Nintendo DS	30.99 million
6th	New Super Mario Brothers Wii	2009	Wii	30.54 million
7th	Super Mario World	1990	Super Famicom	20.61 million
8th	Super Mario Odyssey	2017	Nintendo Switch	28.12 million
9th	Super Mario Brothers 3	1988	Family Computer	18.28 million
10th	Mario Kart DS	2005	Nintendo DS	23.73 million
11th	Super Mario 64	1996	NINTENDO64	11.91 million copies
12th	Mario Kart 7	2011	Nintendo 3DS	18.93 million copies
13th	Super Mario Galaxy	2007	Wii	12.82 million copies
14th	Super Mario Land	1989	Game Boy	18.14 million copies
15th	New Super Mario Bros. 2	2012	Nintendo 3DS	13.44 million copies
16th	Super Mario 3D Land	2011	Nintendo 3DS	12.99 million copies
17th	Super Mario Galaxy 2	2010	Wii	7.57 million copies
18th	Mario Party DS	2007	Nintendo DS	9.42 million copies
19th	Super Mario Maker 2	2019	Nintendo Switch	7.89 million copies
20th	Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury	2021	Nintendo Switch	12.02 million copies

From this ranking, the overwhelming popularity of the Mario Kart series and the role of Mario titles as killer software on each of Nintendo's hardware is clearly visible.

[Related Articles]:List of Super Mario Series Game Titles

Detailed Analysis of TOP 5 Titles

1st: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (62.27 million copies)
Released shortly after the launch of the Nintendo Switch, "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" was often purchased simultaneously with the console and appeared as a complete version of the Wii U edition. With enhanced online battles, an added 200cc mode, and significant improvements to battle mode, it has been highly regarded as the best masterpiece of the series. The Switch's handheld and tabletop modes work well with racing games, making it easy to enjoy competitions with family and friends, which also boosted sales.

Thanks to continuous updates and DLC releases, sales continue to grow even after more than 6 years since its release.

2nd Place: Super Mario Bros. (40.24 million copies)
The original 'Super Mario Bros.', released in 1985 for the Famicom, is a legendary title that brought revolution to the gaming industry. It established the foundation of side-scrolling action games, captivating players around the world with its intuitive controls, intricate level design, and plenty of hidden elements. In North America, it was also bundled with the Famicom console, which contributed to the proliferation of game consoles.

3rd Place: Mario Kart Wii (37.41 million copies)
Released in 2008, 'Mario Kart Wii' features intuitive controls using the Wii remote and the wheel-shaped attachment, the 'Wii Wheel'. It introduced many innovations to the series, including online multiplayer capabilities, simultaneous racing for 12 players, and the addition of motorcycles. Combined with the explosive popularity of the Wii console, it gained widespread support among families across various age groups.

4th Place: New Super Mario Bros. (30.99 million copies)
Released for the Nintendo DS in 2006, 'New Super Mario Bros.' attracted great attention as a revival of 2D Mario. As the first new installment of traditional 2D action Mario in 14 years, its game design, which balanced nostalgia and novelty, received high praise. The compatibility of the DS's portability made it popular as it could be easily played during commutes.

5th Place: New Super Mario Bros. Wii (30.54 million copies)
Following the success of the DS version, this title was released for the Wii in 2009 and achieved groundbreaking maximum simultaneous play for 4 players. The multiplayer experience that intricately blended cooperative and competitive gameplay brought new fun to gaming with family and friends. The high adoption rate of the Wii and its appeal to families led to its massive hit status.

Title Explanations for 6th to 10th Place

Titles ranked 6th to 10th include the classic 'Super Mario World' (20.61 million copies) from the Super Famicom era and the 3D Mario milestone 'Super Mario Odyssey' (28.12 million copies).

'Super Mario World' was released in 1990 as a launch title for the Super Famicom and is also known for being the first appearance of Yoshi. The evolution of gameplay, with features like Cape Mario and a vast map with 96 exits, received high accolades.

'Super Mario Odyssey' debuted in 2017 as a culmination of sandbox-style 3D action. Its innovative new system for throwing hats to 'capture' enemies and objects captivated many players with the joy of adventuring across diverse stages worldwide. It received a high rating of 97 on Metacritic and became a representative title from the early Switch era. Related Articles:

A Thorough Explanation of the Hat Action "Capture" in Super Mario Odyssey

Moreover, the classic title from the Famicom era, 'Super Mario Bros. 3' (18.28 million copies), was released in 1988 but still holds high popularity today, being celebrated as the epitome of action games. 'Mario Kart DS' (23.73 million copies), implemented online competitive features as the first Mario Kart for portable devices, paving the way for a new era.

Overview of Titles Ranked 11th to 20th

Ranked from 11th to 20th are masterpieces representing each hardware. 'Super Mario 64' (11.91 million copies) is a historic title that laid the groundwork for 3D action games, and its high degree of freedom in gameplay utilizing the analog stick greatly influenced subsequent titles. 【Related article】: A Thorough Explanation of the Innovations in Super Mario 64

'Super Mario Galaxy' (12.82 million copies) and its sequel 'Super Mario Galaxy 2' (7.57 million copies) received high acclaim for their creative game design manipulating gravity. In particular, the former received the highest score of 97 on Metacritic. 【Related article】: A Thorough Explanation of the Gravity System in Super Mario Galaxy

In titles for portable devices, 'Mario Kart 7' (18.93 million copies), 'Super Mario Land' (18.14 million copies), 'New Super Mario Bros. 2' (13.44 million copies), and 'Super Mario 3D Land' (12.99 million copies) have recorded hits exceeding 10 million copies, demonstrating the strength of the Mario series in the portable market.

Additionally, 'Super Mario Maker 2' (7.89 million copies), known for its user-generated content, and the upgraded port of the Wii U version, 'Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury' (12.02 million copies), are steadily increasing sales in the Switch market. 【Related article】: The History of Super Mario Maker

Sales Ranking Analysis by Hardware

The sales of the Super Mario series vary significantly by platform. By analyzing sales trends by hardware, we can reveal the relationship between Nintendo's hardware strategy and the Mario series.

• Sales of Mario titles for Nintendo Switch
• Sales comparison of all-time home consoles
• Sales performance on handheld consoles

Sales of Mario titles for Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch is one of the most successful platforms for the Mario series. "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" has surpassed 60 million copies sold, marking the highest sales in the series history. "Super Mario Odyssey" also exceeded 28 million copies, achieving the best sales record for a 3D Mario game.

The reason for Switch's success lies in its hybrid design, which combines the characteristics of both home and handheld consoles. The flexibility to play leisurely on the home TV or casually on the go has been well accepted by a wide range of users. Additionally, with the enhancement of online multiplayer features and integration with Nintendo Switch Online services, an environment has been created that allows for prolonged gameplay.

Sales comparison of all-time home consoles

Among home consoles, the Wii has sold the most Mario titles, with over a million copies each. "Mario Kart Wii" (37.41 million copies) and "New Super Mario Bros. Wii" (30.54 million copies) both achieved astonishing sales figures exceeding 30 million copies.

The Wii's success is attributed to intuitive controls using the Wii Remote and a marketing strategy that attracted family audiences. The global sales of the Wii console reached 101.63 million units, and the high penetration rate of the hardware boosted software sales.

On the other hand, during the NINTENDO64 and GameCube eras, the limited number of units sold meant that the sales of titles like "Super Mario 64" and "Super Mario Sunshine" were relatively modest. However, these titles have been recognized for their technological innovations and high completion quality, positioning them as important works that laid the foundation for 3D Mario.

Sales performance on handheld consoles

In the handheld console market, the Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS recorded significant sales for the Mario series. The "New Super Mario Bros." for DS sold 30.99 million copies, while "Mario Kart DS" sold 23.73 million copies, greatly contributing to the penetration of the DS console.

The Nintendo DS sold 154.02 million units worldwide, achieving the highest record for portable game consoles in history. This overwhelming popularity strongly supported the sales of Mario titles. Game designs leveraging the touchscreen and features like street pass further enhanced the appeal of Mario titles.

On the Nintendo 3DS, titles like 'Mario Kart 7' (18.93 million copies) and 'Super Mario 3D Land' (12.99 million copies) became hits, each exceeding 10 million copies, driving the 3DS market. The stage design utilizing 3D viewing capabilities provided a new gaming experience.

Sales Trends by Era and Market Analysis

When examining the sales trends of the Super Mario series by era, the changes in the gaming market and Nintendo's strategic shifts become clear.

• Mario Boom of the 1980s and 1990s
• Diversification and Hardware Development of the 2000s
• Global Expansion After the 2010s

Mario Boom of the 1980s and 1990s

The release of 'Super Mario Brothers' in 1985 marked a turning point for the gaming industry. At that time in America, the gaming market was undergoing a collapse known as the 'Atari Shock,' but Nintendo revived the market with high-quality software and strict quality control. Mario became the face of Nintendo, creating a social phenomenon worldwide.

From the late 1980s to the 1990s, sequels like 'Super Mario Brothers 3' (18.28 million copies) and 'Super Mario World' (20.61 million copies) became hits one after another. During this era, Mario transcended being just a game character and became the subject of a comprehensive media mix encompassing anime, movies, and merchandise.

In 1996, 'Super Mario 64' opened a new era for 3D action games, greatly expanding the possibilities of game design. It established elements such as 360-degree movement using analog sticks and innovations in camera work, which are still inherited by modern games.

Diversification and Hardware Development of the 2000s

The 2000s were a time when the Mario series diversified. Spin-off series such as 'Mario Kart' and 'Mario Party' became established, and titles outside the main series began to record significant sales.

'New Super Mario Brothers' in 2006 marked the revival of 2D Mario, achieving a massive hit with 30.99 million copies sold.

The ease of access and familiarity, different from 3D Mario, has garnered support from a wide audience. This success established the strategy of developing both 2D and 3D Mario.

During the Wii era, titles such as the 'Super Mario Galaxy' series, which utilized motion controls, and 'New Super Mario Bros. Wii', which allowed four-player simultaneous play, proposed new ways to play. The success in attracting family audiences further expanded the customer base of the Mario series.

Global Expansion Since the 2010s

Since the 2010s, the Mario series has further strengthened its presence in the global market. Thanks to the success of the Nintendo Switch, 'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe' has surpassed 60 million copies, continuously setting new records for the series.

Additionally, the distribution of the mobile game 'Super Mario Run' (2016) has allowed for expansion into the smartphone market. The download count has exceeded 200 million, successfully developing a new player base. The movie 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' (2023) has surpassed a worldwide box office gross of $1.3 billion, reaffirming the value of the Mario IP.

With the enhancement of online competitive features on Nintendo Switch, an environment has been established for players around the world to compete, and Mario titles have begun to gain attention in the eSports scene. Continuous updates and DLC distributions have established a culture of enjoying a title for a long time, leading to the long-selling nature of the software.

Sales Comparison by Series

The Super Mario series has many spin-off titles in addition to the main series. By comparing the sales of each series, their popularity and market positioning become clear.

• Sales Performance of the Main Series
• Sales of the Mario Kart Series
• Sales of Sports and Party Games

Sales Performance of the Main Series

The main series of Super Mario can be broadly classified into 2D Mario and 3D Mario. 2D Mario, led by 'Super Mario Bros.' (40.24 million copies), has seen the 'New Super Mario Bros.' series achieving hits around the 30 million mark. The ease of access and familiarity have been factors supporting a wide range of age groups.

3D Mario has led the way in technological innovation and the evolution of game design since "Super Mario 64." "Super Mario Odyssey" (28.12 million copies) has achieved the highest sales as a 3D Mario game and is highly regarded as the perfect example of sandbox action. The "Super Mario Galaxy" series has also gained passionate fans through its innovative game design.

The main series often serves as a killer title for Nintendo hardware, acting as a decisive factor in hardware purchases, and there is a reciprocal relationship between hardware proliferation and software sales. 【Related Article】: A Thorough Comparison of 2D Mario and 3D Mario

Sales of the Mario Kart Series

The Mario Kart series is the most commercially successful spin-off within the Super Mario series. Titles such as "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" (62.27 million copies), "Mario Kart Wii" (37.41 million copies), and "Mario Kart DS" (23.73 million copies) have recorded hits exceeding 20 million copies.

The success of Mario Kart can be attributed to its game balance that allows enjoyment from beginners to advanced players, a wide variety of characters and courses, and a robust online competitive experience. Due to the element of reversals using items, anyone has a chance to win even with a skill gap, enhancing its appeal as a party game.

The series' cumulative sales have exceeded 200 million copies, boasting world-class popularity in the racing game genre. Ongoing updates and DLC distribution have made it increasingly common for a single title to continue selling well over a long period.

Sales of Sports and Party Games

Mario titles in the sports and party game category, such as Mario Party, Mario Tennis, and Mario Golf, have also recorded stable sales. "Mario Party DS" (9.42 million copies) achieved great success as a party game for handheld devices.

These titles are characterized by game designs centered around multiplayer and are supported by demographics that frequently gather with family and friends to play. The abundance of mini-games, the diversity of characters, and easily accessible rules enhance their allure as party games.

Titles like "Super Mario Party" and "Mario Tennis Aces" for the Nintendo Switch offer multiplayer experiences that leverage the unique features of the Switch and continue to grow in sales.

Factors for the Sales Success of the Mario Series

The reason the Super Mario series has been loved worldwide for nearly 40 years is not merely due to brand power. The universality of game design and the strategic collaboration with hardware have supported its ongoing success.

• Universal Appeal of Game Design
• Synergistic Effects with Hardware

Universal Appeal of Game Design

The greatest strength of the Mario series lies in its game design that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or nationality. With intuitive controls, clear game objectives, and a well-balanced difficulty level, even beginners can start playing right away, while also offering plenty of depth for those who want to dive deeper.

The design philosophy of "Easy to learn, hard to master" serves as the key to attracting a wide range of players. It combines simplicity enjoyable for children with challenging elements for advanced players, making it a game that the entire family can enjoy.

Moreover, the friendly character design, colorful and bright visuals, and memorable music are also crucial factors that contribute to the appeal of the Mario series. The universal design is what allows it to be loved across the globe, transcending language barriers.

Synergistic Effects with Hardware

The Mario series is crafted to make the most of Nintendo hardware features. Each new hardware's unique functions and characteristics are experienced through Mario games, often serving as a key reason to purchase the hardware, leading to behaviors like "buying Nintendo hardware to play Mario" seen worldwide.

With motion controls on the Wii, a touch screen on the DS, 3D on the 3DS, and hybrid design on the Switch, the game design utilizes the characteristics of each hardware effectively. This strategy has created a positive cycle where hardware proliferation promotes software sales and vice versa.

Additionally, Nintendo rigorously maintains quality control, ensuring that titles in the Mario series consistently maintain a high level of completion. By continuously earning user trust, each new release garners high expectations and attention, securing stable sales.

Conclusion: The Timeless Popularity of the Super Mario Series as Seen Through Sales

Analyzing the sales rankings of the Super Mario series clarifies the reasons why it continues to be loved across generations. Due to its universal game design, strategic collaboration with hardware, and ongoing innovation, the Mario series has captivated players worldwide for nearly 40 years. While "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" has achieved a record sales figure of over 60 million copies, the original "Super Mario Bros." is also celebrated as a historic hit with more than 40 million copies sold. As new hardware and technology emerge, the Mario series will continue to evolve and set new records.