What came first Mario Bros or Donkey Kong?

What Came First: Mario Bros or Donkey Kong?

The question of which iconic video game came first, Mario Bros or Donkey Kong, has been a topic of debate among gamers and retro gaming enthusiasts for decades. In this article, we will delve into the history of both games and uncover the answer to this age-old question.

The Origins of Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong, created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi, was released in 1981 by Nintendo. The game was initially intended to be a Popeye game, but due to licensing issues, Nintendo was forced to create their own characters. Donkey Kong was born, and it became an instant hit.

The Birth of Mario Bros

Mario Bros, also created by Shigeru Miyamoto, was released in 1983 by Nintendo. The game was initially titled "Mario Bros." and was released in arcades worldwide. The game’s success led to the creation of a series of sequels and spin-offs, cementing Mario’s place as one of the most iconic characters in gaming history.

A Brief History of Mario and Donkey Kong

• Donkey Kong (1981): Donkey Kong was released in July 1981 and became a massive hit, thanks to its unique gameplay mechanics and charming characters.
• Mario Bros (1983): Mario Bros was released in July 1983 and became an instant hit, thanks to its addictive gameplay and iconic characters.

The Connection Between Mario and Donkey Kong

Mario, the iconic plumber, was initially created as the protagonist of Donkey Kong. Jumpman, as he was known, was tasked with rescuing a damsel in distress named Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. This early game laid the foundation for the Mario franchise, which would go on to become one of the most successful and beloved gaming franchises of all time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Donkey Kong was released in 1981, while Mario Bros was released in 1983. While Mario was initially created as the protagonist of Donkey Kong, the Mario franchise went on to become a standalone phenomenon, cementing Mario’s place as one of the most iconic characters in gaming history.

Key Takeaways:

• Donkey Kong was released in 1981 and became a massive hit.
• Mario Bros was released in 1983 and became an instant hit.
• Mario was initially created as the protagonist of Donkey Kong.
• The Mario franchise went on to become one of the most successful and beloved gaming franchises of all time.

Table: Timeline of Donkey Kong and Mario Bros

Additional Resources:

• "The Ultimate History of Video Games" by Steven L. Kent
• "Super Mario Bros." by David Sheff
• "Donkey Kong" by Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi

Final Thoughts:

The debate between Mario Bros and Donkey Kong will likely continue to rage on among gamers and retro gaming enthusiasts. However, by examining the historical records and timelines, it is clear that Donkey Kong was released first, followed by Mario Bros. Despite this, both games have left an indelible mark on the world of gaming, and their legacy continues to inspire and entertain gamers of all ages.