Super Mario: 10 Easter Eggs in Games and Films
The enduring popularity of Mario, Luigi, and their Mushroom Kingdom companions is not just due to exciting gameplay and story but also the cleverly concealed Easter eggs that Nintendo and other franchises have thoughtfully placed throughout their media.
In this blog, we'll uncover 10 Easter eggs that you may have missed!
10. The Warp Zone: A Nod to Retro Gaming
In the early days of Super Mario, gamers stumbled upon an iconic Easter egg known as the "Warp Zone." This cleverly hidden secret opened a magical doorway to another part of the Mushroom Kingdom, granting players the ability to skip ahead to more advanced levels. To access the Warp Zone, one had to uncover the concealed locations in the game, such as secret pipes and hidden blocks. This Easter egg was more than just a shortcut; it was a nod to retro gaming itself.
9. Wario's Cameo: A Mischievous Surprise
In Mario, no character is more renowned for causing chaos and mischief than Wario. While primarily known as an antihero, Wario has also made subtle but mischievous appearances as an Easter egg in several Mario games such as Super Mario 64, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, and more. These surprise cameos add a layer of fun and unpredictability to the Mario universe.
8. The Legend of Kirby: A Mushroom Kingdom Mystery
While Kirby primarily reigns over the Dream Land, a far cry from the Mushroom Kingdom, he occasionally finds his way into Mario's adventures as an intriguing Easter egg. One of Kirby's notable cameos is in "Super Smash Bros." Kirby also pops up in "Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga." These appearances not only add a sense of wonder to the Mario games but also create a delightful fusion of two beloved gaming worlds.
7. Link x Mario: A Cross-Dimensional Quest
The world of gaming is no stranger to iconic franchises, and two of the biggest juggernauts are Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda. One of the most notable Link Easter eggs can be found in "Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars." This SNES classic features a hidden character who bears an uncanny resemblance to Link, a green tunic, and all. This character, aptly named "Link," serves as an amusing nod to the Hero of Time.
6. Star Wars in the Mushroom Kingdom: The Subtle Nods
    Image Courtesy: Mauricio Abril
For fans of both Super Mario and Star Wars, the discovery of these subtle nods is akin to finding hidden treasures. In "Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars," characters like "Raini" resemble Princess Leia, complete with a frying pan in lieu of her iconic hairstyle. Another delightful crossover in the same game introduces "Jawful," a nod to the infamous Jawas from Star Wars. Even in "Super Mario Galaxy," players encounter a Star Wars-inspired character named Gearmo, reminiscent of the astromech droid R2-D2.
5. Princess Peach: Uncovering Hidden Narratives
Princess Peach, the perpetual damsel in distress, often hides secret messages within Super Mario games. These concealed messages add depth to the narrative and offer fans a unique insight into her character. In games like "Super Mario 64" and "Super Mario Galaxy," hawkeyed players can spot coded letters from Princess Peach herself. These messages, often found in remote corners of the game worlds, serve as her way of providing guidance and expressing her trust in Mario.
4. Bowser: The Playful Villain
Within the Super Mario games and their adaptations, Bowser, the iconic antagonist, is the source of clever and humorous Easter eggs, revealing a playful side to his character. Notable nods include the "Bowser Dance" in "Super Mario 64," where players can interact with his expressions, a dark origin turned whimsical in the "Koopa Clown Car" featured in the Mario Kart series, and the comical "Bowser's Lament" in "Super Mario RPG," where Bowser displays vulnerability through an amusing scene that pokes fun at his villainous nature.
3. Super Mario Bros. (1993): A Nod to Jurassic Park
In the film adaptation of "Super Mario Bros." (1993), there's a subtle nod to another iconic movie franchise, "Jurassic Park." In one scene, as Mario and Luigi navigate through the dystopian cityscape, a movie poster can be spotted on a dilapidated wall. The poster features a dinosaur that looks remarkably similar to the Tyrannosaurus Rex from "Jurassic Park." This clever reference adds a touch of intertextuality to the film, bridging the gap between two beloved movie worlds.
2. Wreck-It Ralph (2012: Mario’s Familiar Plumbing Sound
In "Wreck-It Ralph" (2012), an animated film that explores the world of video games, there's a delightful Easter egg that Super Mario fans will appreciate. When the characters enter the Game Central Station, an area that connects various arcade games, listen closely, and you'll hear the unmistakable sound of Mario using a Warp Pipe. It's a playful auditory reference that instantly transports viewers to the Mushroom Kingdom, even though Mario himself doesn't make a physical appearance in the film.
1. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023): A Plethora of Easter Eggs
The 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie features a delightful array of Easter eggs, showcasing nods to beloved Nintendo references. From Luigi's ringtone, an homage to the GameCube's iconic start-up sound, to a Brooklyn sequence mirroring the layout of Super Mario Bros.'s Level 1-1, fans will appreciate the attention to detail. The appearance of Pauline, Mario's early love interest, pays tribute to the arcade classic Donkey Kong. The storyline also echoes 2017's Super Mario Odyssey with Bowser's attempt to marry Princess Peach, complete with a white top hat and tux. The audience at the royal wedding includes a medley of iconic Mario villains.
These Easter eggs offer a nostalgic journey for devoted Mario fans.
Discover More of Super Mario's Secret Surprises at Hobbyco
In this exploration of Super Mario's delightful Easter eggs, it's evident that these hidden gems add an extra layer of fun and nostalgia to the iconic franchise. Whether it's the Warp Zones, hidden cameos, playful crossovers, or clever nods to other beloved pop culture icons, Easter eggs have been a staple in games and films.
So, as you embark on your own adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom, don't forget to visit Hobbyco, where you can discover more of the legendary Super Mario franchise. From Mario Kart to LEGO, and more, we’ve got you covered.
