Nintendo R&D4. (1988). Super Mario Bros. 3 [Video game]. Nintendo. NES.

Super Mario Bros. 3 is a 2D side-scrolling platformer developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Released in 1988 in Japan and later in other regions, it is the fourth installment in the Super Mario series. The game follows Mario and Luigi as they embark on a quest to save the rulers of seven kingdoms from Bowser and his children, the Koopalings, who have transformed the kings into various creatures using magic wands. The ultimate goal is to rescue Princess Toadstool (Princess Peach) from Bowser.

The gameplay retains the core mechanics of previous Mario games, such as running, jumping, and defeating enemies by stomping on them or using power-ups. However, Super Mario Bros. 3 introduces several new elements that have become staples in the series. Notably, it features an overworld map that allows players to navigate through different worlds, each with its own theme and set of levels. This map provides a non-linear progression, giving players the choice to take different paths to reach the end of each world.

The game introduces new power-ups, including the Super Leaf, which grants Mario raccoon-like abilities, allowing him to fly and tail-whip enemies. The Tanooki Suit offers similar abilities with the added feature of temporarily transforming into a statue to avoid enemies. Additionally, the Frog Suit enhances swimming capabilities, and the Hammer Suit lets Mario throw hammers to defeat enemies.

Each of the eight worlds in the game has a distinct theme, such as desert, water, giant land, and sky. Players encounter a variety of enemies and obstacles unique to each world. The game also includes mini-games and bonus stages that offer opportunities to earn extra lives and power-ups.

Super Mario Bros. 3 received critical acclaim for its challenging gameplay, innovative design, and replay value. It is regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time and has sold over 17 million copies worldwide, making it the third-best-selling NES game. The game's success led to various remakes and re-releases on multiple platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (as part of Super Mario All-Stars), Game Boy Advance (Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3), and the Virtual Console service on Wii, 3DS, and Wii U. It was also included in the NES Classic Edition and made available on the Nintendo Switch Online service.