Earlier this month, “Super Mario Bros. – The Movie,” produced by Universal and Illumination.
Since its release, the film has won over many fans of the Nintendo game franchise for its ability to incorporate game elements into the adaptation.
The solid references to titles in the “Super Mario” series made the film a love letter to fans. In this context, we present twelve references to the games present in the film, providing fans with a nostalgic journey through the “Super Mario” universe.
Therefore, below, you will find some of the numerous references to the games present in the new Universal film. Check out! 
Image: Nintendo/Universal
12 game references found in the movie
1. Power-ups
One of the twelve references to the games that we find in “Super Mario Bros. – The Film” is the presence of power-upswhich are items that grant the player special abilities, such as invincibility or increased speed.
In the film, the protagonists Mario and Luigi appear in an advertisement wearing yellow capes while lying down. For those who played “Super Mario World” on the Super Nintendo, this scene is a clear reference to the power-ups gifts in the game.
2. ‘Wrecking Crew’
Secondly, there is another reference to the games present in the film, which is the name of the former head of the plumbers, Spike. This name is directly linked to the game released in the 1980s, called “Wrecking Crew”. The choice of this name for the character in the film can be seen as a tribute to the classic Nintendo game.
3. Pizzeria and car wash
Within the film, we can see the brothers passing by on a street where there is a pizzeria called Punch Out, a reference to the game released in 1984. In addition, the film shows, on that same street, a sign that reminds players of “ Duck Hunt” (1984).
But, as if that weren’t enough, a lava car was also found in the city, making a great reference to “Balloon Fight” (1984).
4. ‘Kid Icarus’
Now, fourthly, we find a reference to “Kid Icarus” (1987). The scene happens when Mario’s service turns out to be a failure, and he gets upset, so he starts playing the game.
5. Pauline
First appearing in “Donkey Kong”, Pauline is now the mayor of the town Mario is in. Thus, she appears when she needs to report that a leak happened in the neighborhood.
6. ‘Luigi’s Mation’
Sixth, we have the moment when Mario and Luigi end up falling through a magic pipe. However, Luigi stops in an obscure forest, a classic reference to “Luigi’s Mansion” (2001).
7. Koopa Clown Cars
During a scene in the film, Luigi and other characters are taken captive to a dark and gloomy location, and are watched over by a fleet of vehicles known as Koopa Clown Cars.
This is a reference to the universe of the game “Super Mario”, in which the villain Bowser and his henchmen often use these cars to chase Mario and his friends.
8. Toads
Another awesome reference is when Mario arrives at the Mushroom Kingdom. There, we see the plumber walking along with Toad.
But suddenly we can see that other Toads appear by gathering coins and placing them in three boxes, a reference linked to bonus minigames present in several Mario games.
9. Mobile touch
In one of the moments when Luigi’s cell phone rings, it is possible to notice that his phone ring is the opening of the Nintendo GameCube.
10. Nave Arwing
In the scene where we see the character’s room, there is an Arwing ship placed on top of the television. For those who’ve had the opportunity to play “Star Fox”, it was nostalgic.
11. Toadette
And a subtle reference to the games in the “Mario” series is the presence of a poster that shows a band of Toads in the background of one of the scenes of the film.
But even though Toadette didn’t physically appear in the movie, her presence can be noticed in the poster image, which probably pleased fans of the character.
12. Transparent tunnel
Finally, when someone is transported to Princess Peach’s castle, they pass through a transparent pipe. Thus, it makes a clear reference to “Super Mario 3D World” (2013).
