Please support Game Informer. Print magazine subscriptions are less than $2 per issue
Mario's Appearances In Non-Mario Games
We've seen the iconic plumber appear in many of the best games of all time, but he hasn't always been content to stay confined to his own starring vehicles. From the NES to the Wii, his unmistakable face has shown up in some unlikely places. Here's a look at the times Mario popped up in unexpected cameo roles.
Pilotwings 64 (Nintendo 64)
In this Nintendo 64 launch title, we saw the head of Nintendo's mascot carved into Mount Rushmore.
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out (NES)
Mario served as the referee for all bouts, in both the original and Tyson-less versions.
SSX On Tour (Gamecube)
Mario was playable on the Gamecube version of the game. Something tells us we won't be seeing him in the newly-announced, significantly more serious-looking SSX: Deadly Descent.
Pinball (NES)
In bonus rounds Mario ran back and forth in an attempt to keep the ball in play. Pauline from Donkey Kong also made an appearance.
The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past (SNES)
In Kakariko Village, Mario's face can be seen on the wall. I mistakenly saw this as a smiley face until I was corrected during our Super Replay of the game.
Kirby's Super Star (SNES)
Both Mario and Luigi appear in the crowd (twice?) during Kirby's Megaton Punch Championship.
Stunt Race FX (SNES)
This racer featured Mario on the sides of some courses.
NBA Street vol. 3 (Gamecube)
Mario, Luigi, and Peach were selectable players in the Gamecube version of the game. Seeing Mario juke and dunk on the likes of Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony was one of the weirdest sights we'd seen in a sports game.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64)
Early in the game, Mario and other characters are visible if you go into first-person mode and glimpse into the castle's windows.
Tennis (NES)
His color scheme is a little off, but the rest is unmistakably Mario as he refereed this NES Tennis title.
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (Gamecube)
If you can get a spare second to look around while you're fighting Gray Fox, you can spot Mario and Yoshi hanging out on top of some computer terminals.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Nintendo 64)
In a game filled with masks, the Happy Mask salesman has one on his back that's the most recognizable of all.
I’d like to ask you to support Game Informer’s continued coverage of games with a subscription. For less than two dollars per issue, we mail you a full year of 10 print magazines, each with cover stories and preview features filled with exclusive details about the most exciting upcoming games. We profile and interview game creators. We look back on the rich history of gaming, and we celebrate what’s next.
Here on the website, we offer much of our content for free, including game reviews, daily news, videos, event coverage, and more – all with minimal ads.
We do so with a small editorial team, alongside contributing paid writers from around the world – over 65 individuals from 9 countries around the world, just in the last couple of years.
It’s not possible without support.
In a time when game makers and games coverage have faced hard struggles and layoffs, the future of this 30+ year magazine and community is at risk. Our new standalone magazine subscription is the number one way you can keep us alive – and we believe you’ll get a pretty fantastic gaming magazine in your mailbox every few weeks for your trouble.
Thank you.
