Super Mario turns 30 in big celebration

Nintendo will celebrated the 30th anniversary of Super Mario, one of the best-known characters in video game history, at an event in Tokyo on Sunday evening where artists will play his theme music to fans dressed up as the hyperactive plumber.

Super Mario series creator Shigeru Miyamoto and video game music composer Koji Kondo are due to join as guests, while fans, many of whom are expected to appear in Mario's blue overalls, red cap and mustache, will hear a live performance of the familiar Mario music.

Since Mario first hit the screens under his own name in September 1985, Nintendo has sold more than 310 million units featuring the plucky plumber's adventures fighting off Goombas and Koopa Troopas as he races to save Princess Peach.