When people ask, "How long does it take to beat Super Mario Bros?" , they often expect a simple number—maybe a few hours or even minutes. But the answer is far more fascinating when you view it through the lens of gaming evolution , player behavior , and the enduring legacy of this classic Nintendo masterpiece. This post dives deeper than just game time—we’re uncovering what that time truly means in the context of 8-bit history and modern speedrunning culture. 🏁 From 1985 to Today: The Shifting Timeline of Super Mario Bros ⏳ When Super Mario Bros was released in 1985 for the NES, it became a cultural phenomenon, revolutionizing how people perceived video games. According to Nintendo , the game’s intuitive controls, vibrant graphics, and rewarding level design were engineered to keep the average player engaged for roughly 7 to 10 hours . That’s how long a typical first-time player would need—back when strategy guides were rare and trial and error ruled the day. Howeve...