The Mario franchise is a popular series of video games created by Nintendo, featuring the iconic character Mario, a plumber who embarks on adventures to rescue Princess Peach from the villain Bowser. The franchise began with the release of Super Mario Bros. in 1985, which revolutionized platform gaming and introduced players to the vibrant world of the Mushroom Kingdom. Over the years, the Mario franchise has expanded to include various spin-off games, such as Mario Kart and Mario Party, as well as merchandise, animated shows, and even a feature film. With its engaging gameplay and memorable characters, the franchise has become a beloved part of gaming culture worldwide.