Nintendo Mario Playing Cards
Special cartoon playing cards designed to accompany Nintendo's Mario series of computer games.
Nintendo Mario Playing Cards
Special cartoon playing cards designed to accompany Nintendo's popular Mario series of computer games, including the offbeat character Wario as the Joker. Whilst Mario is probably the most famous character in video game history, Wario was designed as an antagonist to Mario. Princess Peach, created by Shigeru Miyamoto, is the princess of the fictional Mushroom Kingdom. Luigi is taller and thinner than his brother Mario. The non-standard suit symbols are Mushrooms, Banana Peels (offensive weapons in some games), Super Stars (granting invincibility) and Turtle shells (Koopa Troopas). The backs feature a colourful image of Mario snoozing on a tropical beach under a parasol held by Princess Peach.
Above: Nintendo's Mario-Wario Playing Cards, c.2008. 52 cards + 2 Jokers in matching box, imported and distributed by Henbrandt Limited, London. All artwork ©2008 Nintendo Co., Ltd.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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