It’s-a time to celebrate! Every year on March 10 (MAR10), fans around the world celebrate Mario Day, a playful nod to the way “MAR10” looks like “Mario.” Since his debut in 1981, Mario has become one of the most recognizable characters in video game history, jumping from arcades to consoles to pop culture icon status. 2026 marks the 45th anniversary of the introduction of the character. Created by Nintendo, Mario has powered generations of games filled with adventure, creativity, and just the right amount of friendly competition. 

To mark the occasion, we’re bringing the fun to the Creative Technologies Lab with interactive game simulators so you can jump, race, and power-up your way through Mario games right here in the University Library. We'll be exploring the history of one of gaming's most iconic characters through games both new and old. Whether you grew up with classic side-scrollers or prefer high-speed kart chaos, this is your chance to celebrate one of gaming’s most legendary heroes.