Mario has been no stranger to the pop culture landscape. Beginning with the Super Mario Bros. game for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985, Nintendo’s hero has been ubiquitous with video games. Forty years worth of children, including me, have grown up being surrounded by Mario, and it’s looking like that isn’t going to change anytime soon. In honor of March 10, or “MAR10” Day, I want to recount some of the best experiences I’ve had with the character and his games.

My first exposure to Mario was when I was at the impressionable age of five years old. We had gotten a Wii that Christmas, and out of all the games we had, the first one I played was New Super Mario Bros Wii with my brother. This game gave my family and I countless hours of chaotic fun, and beating it for the first time was an experience I will never forget. Next came Mario Kart Wii, and this game was even more influential than the first. Cousins of all ages would join in the race, raving and ranting over their victories and losses. It was a bonding experience, and an enjoyable one at that.

Going forward a few years, a little game called Super Mario Maker would be announced. I didn’t know it at the time, but this game would change my life forever. At long last, I was finally able to create my own Super Mario levels. The days leading up to its release were filled with pure anticipation. I had preordered the game from Toys “R” Us, the first time I had ever done so with a video game. The moment it finally came out was pure bliss. My mother came home from work with the game in her hand and I couldn’t have run faster to insert the disc into my Wii U. This game sparked my creativity like no other, trying my best to create fun levels that my friends could play. I credit it for starting my fascination with game design and creation, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

All in all, Mario has been a cornerstone of my life. From my youth to today, the character has always been there to provide a fun, enjoyable experience that could be shared with others. There are so many more Mario experiences on the horizon, and I know I’ll be there for every single one. Happy Mario Day, and here’s to four more decades of fun!