Mario 35th Anniversary Collectibles

Celebrating Mario’s legacy with collectibles

2020 marks the 35th anniversary of Mario, the most iconic character in retro gaming. From the Famicom days to today’s classic gaming systems, Mario has been at the heart of vintage game consoles and gaming culture. Nintendo is celebrating in a big way, releasing a wide lineup of retro collectibles, limited edition consoles, and commemorative games that instantly caught the attention of collectors.
This anniversary is not just about nostalgia. For fans of rare gaming consoles and authentic retro gaming, 2020 is shaping up to be a landmark year. Condition grading matters more than ever: brand new and sealed (S-grade) items are already skyrocketing in value, mint, complete-in-box (A-grade) pieces remain highly sought after.

Toys, figures, and plushes: a celebration in collectibles

Nintendo’s celebration brings a wide range of physical collectibles. Anniversary-themed toys, plushes, and figures highlight Mario’s cultural legacy.

Anniversary figures: Limited-run figures of Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser packaged in commemorative boxes.
Plushes: 35th anniversary plush lines echoing 1980s Japanese character goods, immediately snapped up by nostalgic fans.
Collectibles: Pins, badges, and controller covers created specifically for the anniversary year.

Collectors see these products as more than toys. They are pieces of Japanese retro collectibles, bridging Mario’s early days with today’s culture. S-grade sealed packaging quickly became rare, while even opened A-grade plushes have been climbing in value.

The Game & Watch comeback

One of the biggest surprises of the 35th anniversary is the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. handheld. Modeled after Nintendo’s first portable devices, this anniversary edition includes the original Super Mario Bros., The Lost Levels, and a Mario-themed clock.
For collectors, the Game & Watch anniversary handheld is already an essential. Sealed retro consoles in S-grade condition are commanding premiums, while A-grade mint editions are being kept as display pieces. Even B-grade units are sought after as affordable nostalgia. The Game & Watch ties Mario’s 1980s roots directly to modern collectible culture.

Nintendo’s software releases are just as important to collectors as hardware. For the anniversary, three major titles define the celebration:

Super Mario 3D All-Stars
A compilation of Super Mario 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy. Nintendo announced it as a limited-time release, immediately positioning it as a future collectible. S-grade sealed copies are already trading well above retail, while A-grade complete-in-box copies remain hot collector items.
Super Mario Bros. 35
A unique online battle game available only during the anniversary year. Its removal from circulation makes it one of the rarest modern Mario titles — not collectible in physical form, but historic for its scarcity.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
A re-release with expanded content. Collectors prize sealed boxed editions as part of the anniversary set, especially in Japan, where packaging variations make for Japan-only consoles and software bundles.
These games transformed a software celebration into a collectible milestone, showing how even digital launches can influence the retro video game console market.

Commemorative consoles and accessories

Nintendo’s hardware lineup for Mario’s 35th is also geared toward collectors. Special edition hardware includes:

Mario-red Nintendo Switch bundles with matching Joy-Cons and themed carrying cases.
Limited edition controllers designed with anniversary artwork.
Accessory packs featuring stands, skins, and commemorative packaging.
For collectors of retro handhelds and collector’s edition consoles, these are not just peripherals. They are graded items, with sealed editions gaining value. Even B-grade consoles with minor wear are being bought up by nostalgic fans who want a tangible piece of the celebration.

RetroPixl’s spotlight for collectors

At RetroPixl, anniversaries are more than celebrations — they are moments to connect collectors with history. We’re curating:

Mario anniversary collectibles like plushes, figures, and toys.
Sealed retro consoles and commemorative hardware tied to the anniversary.
Japan-only consoles and software bundles that are increasingly hard to find.
Our mission is to ensure that fans of authentic retro gaming have access to the items that define this cultural moment.

Impact today

Mario’s 35th anniversary shows how collectibles go beyond nostalgia. They prove that retro video games and their related merchandise are cultural artifacts with real-world value. The surge in demand for rare consoles from Japan, limited-run software, and commemorative toys highlights the strength of the market.
For collectors, this anniversary is more than a milestone. It is a reminder that Mario’s influence continues to shape both retro gaming Japan and the global collectibles market.