The real-life story behind the Super Mario name leaves many gamers astonished

Nintendo enthusiasts were recently astonished by the revelation behind the origins of Mario's name. This iconic character, known for his mustache and plumbing expertise, has become a beloved figure in the gaming world, making appearances in numerous Nintendo classics such as the Super Mario series and the addictive Mario Kart, SSP reports.

Created by the legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario first emerged in 1981 with the release of Donkey Kong. Interestingly, he wasn't always known as Mario. Initially, he was introduced as "Mr. Video" and later as "Jumpman." It was during the development of Donkey Kong that a twist in the game prompted a name change, leading to the birth of Mario as we know him today.

The fascinating story behind Mario's name involves an American businessman and property tycoon named Mario Segale. In 1981, Nintendo was renting one of Segale's units in Tukwila, Washington State. However, they fell behind on their rent payments. Rather than evicting them, Segale decided to give Nintendo some extra time to settle their debts. Grateful for Segale's generosity, Nintendo decided to pay homage to their landlord by naming their iconic character after him. This heartfelt gesture was confirmed by Miyamoto in 2015.

Even Segale himself found humor in this tale. During an interview with The Seattle Times in 1993, he playfully remarked, "You might say I'm still waiting for my royalty checks." Sadly, Segale passed away in 2018 at the age of 84, leaving behind a unique legacy associated with the iconic video game character.

Reactions to this story have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing their surprise and admiration for the tale. One user commented, "Super Mario Bros on Nintendo kicked it all off. What a way to make a name for himself with generosity." Another reflected, "Imagine an iconic character being named after you, jeez." Many appreciated the concept of second chances and how they can pave the way for legends, while others simply found joy in this heartwarming story.

The tale of Mario's name not only adds an additional layer of appreciation for the character, but it also shows how genuine acts of goodwill can leave an enduring impact in unexpected ways.