Editing Super Mario Bros. 3

{{italic title}}
{{about|the game for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]|other uses|[[Super Mario Bros. 3 (disambiguation)]]}}
{{game infobox
|image=[[File:Mario3rightbros.png|230px]]
|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|release='''Famicom/NES:'''<br>{{release|Japan|October 23, 1988|USA|February 12, 1990<ref>[https://www.themushroomkingdom.net/games/smb3 Date info for NES from TMK], retrieved June 15, 2020</ref>|Europe|August 29, 1991|Australia|August 29, 1991<ref>[https://www.themushroomkingdom.net/games/smb3 Date info for NES from TMK], retrieved 4-1-2008</ref>}} '''PlayChoice-10:'''<br>{{release|USA|July 15, 1989<ref>Gaming Historian (December 18, 2019). [https://youtu.be/MxT6IwUtLSU?t=1994 The Story of ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' | Gaming Historian]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved July 28, 2020.</ref><ref>"''Five new games now out on Playchoice systems are: Contra, Double Dragon, Super Mario Bros. 2, Punch-Out!! and Gauntlet. And, for the really big news, begin looking for Super Mario Bros. 3 in the spring of 1989.''" - ''Nintendo Power'' Volume 4, page 93.</ref><ref>"''We’re glad you enjoyed Super Mario Bros. 2. We are, in fact, producing Super Mario Bros. 3 for Nintendo’s Play-Choice 10 system late this summer. At this time, there are no immediate plans to release it for use with the NES. But keep your eye on Nintendo Power for updates . . .''" - ''Nintendo Power'' Volume 6, page 6.</ref><ref name=PlayChoice>"''It’s been rumored that Mario and Luigi will be back with a new adventure for the NES and now it’s official. Super Mario Bros. 3, which is already a hit for PlayChoice (Nintendo’s Arcade System), will make its NES debut in 1990. We’ll have more details next issue on exactly when it will be released. In the meantime, you can check it out on PlayChoice.''" - ''Nintendo Power'' Volume 9, page 92.</ref>}}'''Virtual Console (Wii):'''<br>{{release|USA|November 5, 2007|Europe|November 9, 2007|Australia|November 9, 2007|Japan|December 11, 2007|South Korea|May 26, 2008<ref>[https://themushroomkingdom.net/games/smb3-vc Date info for VC from TMK], retrieved 6-30-2008</ref>}}'''Virtual Console (3DS):'''<br>{{release|Japan|January 1, 2013|Europe|December 26, 2013|Australia|December 26, 2013|USA|April 17, 2014|South Korea|April 6, 2016}}'''Virtual Console (Wii U):'''<br>{{release|Japan|December 25, 2013|Europe|December 26, 2013|Australia|December 26, 2013|USA|April 17, 2014}}'''NES Classic Edition/Famicom Mini:'''<br>{{release|Japan|November 10, 2016|Australia|November 10, 2016|USA|November 11, 2016|Europe|November 11, 2016}} '''Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online:'''<br>{{release|USA|September 18, 2018|Japan|September 19, 2018|Europe|September 19, 2018|Australia|September 19, 2018|HK|April 23, 2019|South Korea|April 23, 2019}} '''''Mario, the quick-change artist!:'''''<br>{{release|USA|July 28, 2021|Japan|July 28, 2021|Europe|July 28, 2021|Australia|July 28, 2021}}
|languages={{languages|en_us=y|jp=y}}
|genre=2D [[Genre#Platform games|platformer]], action-adventure
|modes=Single player, multiplayer
|ratings={{ratings|acb=g|cero=a|esrb=e|pegi=3}}
|platforms=[[Family Computer|Famicom]]/[[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], [[Nintendo PlayChoice-10|PlayChoice-10]], [[Virtual Console]] ([[Wii]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Wii U]]), [[Classics#NES Classic Edition|NES Classic Edition]]/[[Classics#Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer|Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online]]
|media={{media|nes=1|wiidl=1|3dsdl=1|wiiudl=1|nesclassic=1|switchdl=1}}
|input={{input|nes=1|wmsideways=1|classic=1|wiigcn=1|3ds=1|wiiu=1|wiiuclassic=1|wiiupro=1|wiiusideways=1|nesclassic=1|joy-con=1|switchpro=1|switchnes=1}}
}}
'''''Super Mario Bros. 3''''' is a 2D action-adventure [[Genre#Platform games|platform game]] for the [[Family Computer|Famicom]] and [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] and is the fourth installment in the ''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' series.<ref name=encyclopedia>Kazuya Sakai (Ambit), kikai, Akinori Sao, Junko Fukuda, Kunio Takayama, and Ko Nakahara ({{wp|Shogakukan}}) (ed.). ''[[Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia|Encyclopedia Super Mario Bros.]]'' Milwaulkie: [[Dark Horse Comics|Dark Horse Books]], 2018. ISBN: 978-4-09-106569-8.</ref> It was released for consoles in Japan on October 23, 1988; in North America on February 12, 1990; and in Europe and Australia on August 29, 1991. Prior to its North American release on the NES, ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' was ported to the [[Nintendo PlayChoice-10]].<ref name=PlayChoice/> Being the first game in the series since ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' not to derive its gameplay from another game, ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' retains the same [[level]]-based platformer mechanics of previous titles. These core mechanics are iterated upon, featuring greatly expanded levels, several new power-ups, new enemies and bosses, a more fleshed-out multiplayer mode, a [[world]] map, and many optional levels and secrets. The game has gone on to become one of the most influential titles for the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise, and several elements introduced in this title have since become franchise mainstays, including landscape-themed worlds, the [[Koopalings]], [[airship]]s, and [[Toad House]]s.

The game features a unique stage play-esque aesthetic, with objects being bolted to the background or suspended by ropes and casting {{wp|drop shadow}}s. Additionally, the ends of most levels feature [[Mario]] traveling "offstage" on a black backdrop to complete them. This led to a [[List of rumors and urban legends#Super Mario Bros. 3 is a stage play|long-standing rumor]] that the game was a stage play put on by the ''Super Mario'' cast, an idea later confirmed by series creator [[Shigeru Miyamoto]].<ref name="Mithyamoto">Nintendo UK (September 10, 2015). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu2DnTd3dEo "Mario Myths with Mr Miyamoto"]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved September 10, 2015.</ref> Some of these aesthetic choices were changed or removed in remakes of the game.

''Super Mario Bros. 3'' has received near-universal critical acclaim since its release, and it is one of the best-selling NES and ''Super Mario'' games of all time.<ref>[https://www.installbaseforum.com/forums/threads/nintendo-software-and-hardware-sales-data-from-1983-to-present.170/ Nintendo software and hardware sales data from 1983 to present]. Retrieved November 19, 2021.</ref> The game has received several rereleases on other platforms, including full remakes for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] compilation game ''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'' and on the [[Game Boy Advance]] as ''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]''. It is also featured on all of [[Nintendo]]'s [[Virtual Console]] services, as well as [[Nintendo Switch Online]].

A cartoon adaptation of the game known as ''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' started airing shortly after release of the game. In the cartoon, [[Bowser|King Koopa]] and the Koopalings attempt to take over both the [[Earth|real world]] and the [[Mushroom Kingdom]]. The series was produced by [[DIC Entertainment]] in association with Nintendo.
==Story==
The following text is taken directly from the instruction booklet.
<blockquote>
The [[Mushroom Kingdom]] has been a peaceful place thanks to the brave deeds of [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]]. The Mushroom Kingdom forms an entrance to the [[Mushroom World]] where all is not well.

[[Bowser]] sent his [[Koopalings|seven children]] to make mischief as they please in the normally peaceful Mushroom World. They stole royal [[magic wand]]s from each country in the Mushroom World and used them to turn their [[kings]] into animals. Mario and Luigi must recover the royal magic wands from Bowser's seven kids to return the kings to their true forms.

"Goodbye and good luck!" said the [[Princess Peach|Princess]] and [[Toad]] as Mario and Luigi set off on their journey deep into the Mushroom World.
</blockquote>

Peace has returned to the [[Mushroom Kingdom]] thanks to the efforts of [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]]; however, [[Bowser]] sent his own seven children ([[Larry Koopa|Larry]], [[Morton Koopa Jr.|Morton]], [[Wendy O. Koopa|Wendy]], [[Iggy Koopa|Iggy]], [[Roy Koopa|Roy]], [[Lemmy Koopa|Lemmy]], and [[Ludwig von Koopa|Ludwig]]) to the other countries of the [[Mushroom World]], which the Mushroom Kingdom forms a gateway to. The [[Koopalings]] stole the royal [[magic wand]]s of the seven [[kings]], using them to transform the kings into various helpless creatures. [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] vow to go and stop the Koopalings' mischief, and change the kings back into their normal form. At the end of each world, Mario and Luigi fight one of the Koopalings, and after the match is over, retrieve the wand from the Koopaling to turn the king back to normal. While the brothers are out in their adventure, Bowser kidnaps [[Princess Peach|Princess Toadstool]] and takes her to [[Bowser's Castle|his lair]] in [[Dark Land]]. The brothers go to Dark Land and fight Bowser. After defeating Bowser, they save the princess and restore peace once again.

==Gameplay==
''Super Mario Bros. 3'' plays similarly to ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', with several additions. The game features a world map where the player can choose which path to take and which level to play. Toad Houses and Spade Panels are also found on the world map. Midway through each world, Mario or Luigi enter a [[fortress]], where they fight [[Boom Boom]]. At the end of each world, they enter the world's [[airship]], where one of the seven [[Koopalings]] is fought. After defeating the Koopaling, Mario or Luigi restores the [[Kings|king]] back to his normal state and moves onto the next world.

The first player controls Mario, while the second player controls his brother, Luigi, with the two players taking turns. New moves include picking up objects and kicking them, as well as [[slide|sliding]] down hills, moves which have carried over in future ''Super Mario'' games. The [[Fire Flower]] returns in this game, where it acts as it does in ''Super Mario Bros.'', allowing Mario or Luigi to transform into their [[Fire Mario|Fire forms]] and shoot [[fireball]]s. Several new power-ups are also introduced, including the [[Super Leaf]], a leaf power-up that transforms Mario or Luigi into their [[Raccoon Mario|Raccoon forms]], allowing them to fly into the sky, and the [[Hammer Suit]], which transforms the brothers into their [[Hammer Mario|Hammer forms]], letting them throw hammers at enemies.

==Controls==
{|class="wikitable"
!Controller
!In a level
!On the [[Map|world map]]
|-
!NES
|
*{{button|nes|Pad}}: Move
*{{button|nes|A}}: Jump / Fly or glide (as Raccoon or Tanooki Mario) / Swim
*{{button|nes|B}}: Dash / Pick up and throw items / Shoot fireballs (as Fire Mario) / Throw hammers (as Hammer Mario)
*{{button|nes|start}}: Pause
|
*{{button|nes|Pad}}: Move Mario around the map
*{{button|nes|A}}: Select level/item
*{{button|nes|B}}: Open/close the item menu
|-
!Horizontal Wii Remote
|
*{{button|wii|Pad}}: Move
*{{button|wii|2}}: Jump / Fly or glide (as Raccoon or Tanooki Mario) / Swim
*{{button|Wii|1}}: Dash / Pick up and throw items / Shoot fireballs (as Fire Mario) / Throw hammers (as Hammer Mario)
*{{button|Wii|+}}: Pause
|
*{{button|Wii|Pad}}: Move Mario around the map
*{{button|Wii|2}}: Select level/item
*{{button|Wii|1}}: Open/close the item menu
|-
!Wii Classic Controller
|
*{{button|wii|Pad}}/{{button|wii|CcstickL}}: Move
*{{button|wii|cca}}/{{button|wii|ccx}}: Jump / Fly or glide (as Raccoon or Tanooki Mario) / Swim
*{{button|Wii|ccb}}/{{button|wii|ccy}}: Dash / Pick up and throw items / Shoot fireballs (as Fire Mario) / Throw hammers (as Hammer Mario)
*{{button|Wii|+}}: Pause
|
*{{button|wii|Pad}}/{{button|wii|CcstickL}}: Move Mario around the map
*{{button|wii|cca}}/{{button|wii|ccx}}: Select level/item
*{{button|Wii|ccb}}/{{button|wii|ccy}}: Open/close the item menu
|-
!GameCube Controller
|
*{{button|gcn|Pad}}/{{button|gcn|stick}}: Move
*{{button|gcn|A}}/{{button|gcn|X}}: Jump / Fly or glide (as Raccoon or Tanooki Mario) / Swim
*{{button|gcn|B}}/{{button|gcn|Y}}: Dash / Pick up and throw items / Shoot fireballs (as Fire Mario) / Throw hammers (as Hammer Mario)
*{{button|gcn|Start}}: Pause
|
*{{button|gcn|Pad}}/{{button|gcn|stick}}: Move Mario around the map
*{{button|gcn|A}}/{{button|gcn|X}}: Select level/item
*{{button|gcn|B}}/{{button|gcn|Y}}: Open/close the item menu
|-
!Nintendo 3DS
|
*{{button|3ds|Pad}}/{{button|3ds|stick}}: Move
*{{button|3ds|A}}: Jump / Fly or glide (as Raccoon or Tanooki Mario) / Swim
*{{button|3ds|B}}: Dash / Pick up and throw items / Shoot fireballs (as Fire Mario) / Throw hammers (as Hammer Mario)
*{{button|3ds|start}}: Pause
|
*{{button|3ds|Pad}}/{{button|3ds|Stick}}: Move Mario around the map
*{{button|3ds|A}}: Select level/item
*{{button|3ds|B}}: Open/close the item menu
|-
!Dual Joy-Con / Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
|
*{{button|switch|Pad}}/{{button|switch|Leftstick}}: Move
*{{button|switch|A}}: Jump / Fly or glide (as Raccoon or Tanooki Mario) / Swim
*{{button|switch|B}}/{{button|switch|X}}: Dash / Pick up and throw items / Shoot fireballs (as Fire Mario) / Throw hammers (as Hammer Mario)
*{{button|switch|plus}}: Pause
|
*{{button|switch|Pad}}/{{button|switch|LeftStick}}: Move Mario around the map
*{{button|switch|A}}: Select level/item
*{{button|switch|B}}/{{button|switch|X}}: Open/close the item menu
|-
!Single Joy-Con
|
*{{button|switch|stick}}: Move
*{{button|switch|jc-right}}: Jump / Fly or glide (as Raccoon or Tanooki Mario) / Swim
*{{button|switch|jc-top}}/{{button|switch|jc-bottom}}: Dash / Pick up and throw items / Shoot fireballs (as Fire Mario) / Throw hammers (as Hammer Mario)
*{{button|switch|PlusMinus}}+{{button|switch|SR}}: Pause
|
*{{button|switch|stick}}: Move Mario around the map
*{{button|switch|jc-right}}: Select level/item
*{{button|switch|jc-top}}/{{button|switch|jc-bottom}}: Open/close the item menu
|}

==Characters==
===Playable characters===
<gallery>
Super Mario SMB3.png|[[Mario]]
Super Luigi SMB3 sprite.png|[[Luigi]]
</gallery>

===Supporting characters===
<gallery>
SMB3Peach.gif|[[Princess Peach|Princess Toadstool]]
ToadSMB3.png|[[Toad (species)|Toads]]
GrassLandKing.png|[[Grass Land]] [[kings|king]]
SMB3-NES-DesertKing.png|[[Desert Land]] king
SMB3-NES-WaterKing.png|[[Water Land]] king
SMB3-NES-GiantKing.png|[[Giant Land]] king
SMB3-NES-SkyKing.png|[[Sky Land]] king
SMB3-NES-IceKing.png|[[Ice Land]] king
SMB3-NES-PipeKing.png|[[Pipe Land]] king
</gallery>

===Enemies===
{|class="wikitable sortable"width=100%
|-
!Image 
!Name
!Description
!First appearance
!Last appearance
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Angry Sun Sprite.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Angry Sun]]
|The Angry Sun is a small Sun with an angry face. It only appears in two levels: one in {{world-link|2|desert|World 2-Desert}}, and the other in [[World 8-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-2]]. To attack Mario, the Angry Sun swoops down in an attempt to hit him before returning to the sky.
|align=center|{{world-link|2|desert|World 2-Desert}}
|align=center|[[World 8-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-2]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Baby Cheep.png]]
|align="center"|[[Baby Cheep]]
|Baby Cheeps are usually found with Big Bertha.
|align=center|[[World 3-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-5]]
|align=center|[[World 7-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-4]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Big Bertha.png]]
|align="center"|[[Big Cheep Cheep|Big Bertha]]
|Big Berthas are giant Cheep-Cheeps who carry babies in their mouths. Occasionally, they stop to open their mouths and let their babies briefly swim out before resuming their movement.
|align=center|[[World 3-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-5]]
|align=center|[[World 7-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-4]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Blooper.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Blooper|Bloober]]
|Bloobers are common underwater foes. They swim diagonally and follow Mario.
|align=center|[[World 3-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-1]]
|align=center|[[World 7-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-4]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 BlooperBaby.png]]
|align="center"|[[Blooper Baby|Bloober baby]]
|Four mini-Bloobers that follow their parents, and are sent in the player's direction by Scattering Bloobers.
|align=center|[[World 3-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-1]]
|align=center|[[World 7-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-4]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 BlooperNanny.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Blooper Nanny|Bloober with kids]]
|These Bloobers have four children following them. The Scattering Bloober type has an additional move: when she begins to glow, her kids will form a circle around her and radiate outward. More babies appear to replace the ones she lost a few seconds later.
|align=center|[[World 3-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-1]]
|align=center|[[World 7-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-4]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:BobOmbSMB3.gif]] [[File:SMB3 BobOmb Keyless.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Bob-omb]]
|Bob-ombs are living bombs. They typically appear walking on the ground. If Mario stomps on one, it will become stationary and capable of being picked up and used as a weapon. However, it will explode in a few seconds, even if Mario is still holding it. Keyless Bob-ombs are launched from certain cannons, and explode on their own after a few seconds.
|align=center|[[World 3-9 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-9]]
|align=center|{{world-link|8|tank3|World 8-Super Tank}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3Boo.png]]
|align="center"|[[Boo|“Boo” Diddly]]
|“Boo” Diddlies are small white ghosts. They are shy, stopping when Mario looks at them. Once Mario looks away, they will resume their chase. 
|align=center|{{world-link|2|fort|World 2-Fortress}}
|align="center"|[[World 8-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-1]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:BoomerangBroSMB3.png]]
|align="center"|[[Boomerang Bro]]ther
|Boomerang Brothers are like Hammer Brothers, except that their weapon of choice is the Boomerang. When they attack, the boomerangs they throw will double back for a second attack from the opposite direction. They appear as map enemies in World 2.
|align=center|[[World 1-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-3]]
|align=center|{{world-link|8|hand|World 8-Hand Traps}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Big Bertha.png]]
|align="center"|[[Big Cheep Cheep|Boss Bass]]
|Boss Basses are giant Cheep-Cheeps that swim on the surface of the water. When Mario gets too close, they lunge out of the water to eat him. Boss Bass can defeat Mario in one gulp, even if he transforms into Statue Mario. In the levels that they appear in, the tide rises and falls, making Mario an easy target.
|align=center|[[World 3-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-3]]
|align=center|[[World 3-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-8]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 GrayBowserStatue.png]]
|align="center"|[[Bowser Statue]]
|Bowser Statues are sculptures of King Bowser himself found in his castle. They are more than just egotistical decoration; many of them are capable of firing lasers downward in a 45 degree angle.
|align=center|{{world-link|8|bowser3|World 8-Bowser's Castle (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|align=center|{{world-link|8|bowser3|World 8-Bowser's Castle (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:BulletBill-SMB3.png]]
|align="center"|[[Bullet Bill]]
|Bullet Bills are large black bullets launched by Turtle Cannons.
|align=center|{{world-link|1|airship3|World 1-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|align=center|[[World 8-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-1]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:BusterBeetleSMB3.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Buster Beetle]]
|Buster Beetles are Buzzy Beetles that can pick up [[White Block]]s and throw them at Mario. However, they can be beaten by any attack, even by fireballs.
|align=center|[[World 5-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-1]]
|align=center|[[World 6-10]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:BuzzyBeetleDL.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Buzzy Beetle]]
|Buzzy Beetles are turtles with fire-resistant shells. Otherwise, they act like green Koopa Troopas when on the ground. Buzzy Beetles can also walk on the ceilings of caves, and will fall from them while spinning in their shells when Mario approaches.
|align=center|[[World 1-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-5]]
|align=center|[[World 4-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-3]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Cannon.png]]
|align="center"|[[Cannon]]
|Cannons usually shoot cannonballs, but some fire Bob-ombs. There are several different types of cannons, including [[quartet-cannon|quartet]], [[diagonal cannon|diagonal]], and [[giant cannon|giant]] varieties.
|align=center|{{world-link|1|airship3|World 1-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|align=center|{{world-link|8|tank3|World 8-Super Tank}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 CannonBall.png]]
|align="center"|[[Cannonball]]
|Cannonballs are heavy metal spheres that are launched from cannons.
|align=center|{{world-link|1|airship3|World 1-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|align=center|{{world-link|8|tank3|World 8-Super Tank}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Ani smb3 chainchomp.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Chain Chomp]]
|Chain Chomps are dog-like ball and chain creatures. They generally lunge towards Mario. They are usually attached to a block, but if 160 seconds go by, they will break free.
|align=center|[[World 2-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 2-5]]
|align=center|[[World 5-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-1]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Cheep Cheep green.png]] [[File:CheepCheepSMB3.png]]
|align="center"|[[Cheep Cheep|Cheep-Cheep]]
|Cheep-Cheeps are fish foes that patrol shallow water. They come in red and green. The red variety jumps from the water in various ways and can swim quite fast while doing so, while the green kind slowly swims back and forth.
|align=center|[[World 3-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-2]]<br>(red)<br>[[World 2-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 2-2]]<br>(green)
|align=center|{{world-link|8|hand|World 8-Hand Traps}}<br>(red)<br>[[World 6-9 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-9]]<br>(green)
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Colossal Koopa Paratroopa.png]]
|align="center"|[[Big Koopa Paratroopa|Colossal Koopa Paratroopa]]
|Colossal Koopa Paratroopas are winged Green Gargantua Koopa Troopas. They only follow the hopping behavior. One stomp will make them lose their wings, reverting them to Green Gargantua Koopa Troopas.
|align=center|[[World 4-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-1]]
|align=center|[[World 4-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-6]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Sidestepper.png]]
|align="center"|[[Sidestepper|Crab]]
|Crabs require two hits in order to flip them upside-down. The first hit only makes them angry and speeds them up. Crabs only appear in Battle Mode.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Dry Bones Sprite.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Dry Bones]]
|Dry Bones is the animated skeleton of a Koopa Troopa, usually found in fortresses. If they are stomped, they collapse into a pile of bones. Moments later, however, the bones will rise back up off the ground and come back to life.
|align=center|{{World-link|1|fort|World 1-Fortress}}
|align=center|{{world-link|8|bowser3|World 8-Bowser's Castle (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Fire Nipper Plant.png]]
|align="center"|[[Fire Nipper Plant|Fiery Walking Piranha]]
|This special Walking Piranha can spit multiple fireballs. Only one is found in the game, in [[World 7-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-8]].
|align=center|[[World 7-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-8]]
|align=center|[[World 7-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-8]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3FighterFly.png]]
|align="center"|[[Fighter Fly]]
|Fighter Flies constantly hop their way across the screen, only briefly vulnerable. Fighter Flies only appear in Battle Mode.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Firebro.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Fire Bro]]ther
|Fire Brothers are the least common type of the Hammer Brother family. Only a few Fire Brothers appear in the entire game; two are found in a secret part of World 2, and another one appears in the first Hand Trap level of World 8. They have red skin and they spit fireballs at Mario.
|align=center|World 2-[[File:FireBro-Map-SMB3.png|link=Fire Bro]]
|align=center|{{world-link|8|hand|World 8-Hand Traps}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Fire Chomp.png]]
|align="center"|[[Flame Chomp|Fire Chomp]]
|Fire Chomps are floating creatures resembling Chain Chomps with four fireballs for a chain. They fly freely and spit fireballs at Mario. When they run out of fireballs, they chase Mario before they explode.
|align=center|[[World 5-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-5]]
|align=center|[[World 6-7 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-7]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 FireballEnemy.png]]
|align="center"|[[Fireball (obstacle)|Fireball]]
|Fireballs only appear in Battle Mode. There are three types: the first travels horizontally in a wavy pattern, the second bounces around diagonally, and the last is shot out of a pipe in a bonus stage. The former two emerges from the sides when enough time has passed. All share the same red sprite.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Fire snake.png]]
|align="center"|[[Fire Snake|Firesnake]]
|The Firesnake is a flame with four fireballs behind it. Firesnakes chase Mario in an effort to hurt him. They hop towards Mario.
|align=center|[[World 2-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 2-1]]
|align=center|[[World 2-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 2-3]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 BigKoopaTroopaGreenL.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Red Giant Koopa Troopa.png]]
|align="center"|[[Big Koopa Troopa|Giant Koopa]]
|Just like the Giant Land variety of Goomba, Koopa Troopas also come in tremendous sizes and come in Green Gargantua Koopa Troopa and Red Giant Koopa Troopa varieties. They have the same vulnerabilities of normal Koopa Troopas, but their larger size makes them a more dangerous opponent to deal with. They each act the same as their smaller counterparts.
|align=center|[[World 4-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-1]]<br>(green)<br>[[World 4-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-1]]<br>(red)
|align=center|[[World 4-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-6]]<br>(green)<br>[[World 4-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-6]]<br>(red)
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Goomba Sprite.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Red Goomba.png]]
|align="center"|[[Goomba]]
|Goombas wander in whatever direction they happen to be going, mindlessly falling off platforms as they go.
|align=center|[[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-1]]
|align=center|[[World 7-9 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-9]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:GrandGoombaSMB3.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Big Goomba|Grand Goomba]]
|Grand Goombas are twice-as-large Goombas found in Giant Land. Other than their large size, they are identical to regular Goombas, and can be removed with one stomp.
|align=center|[[World 4-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-1]]
|align=center|[[World 4-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-6]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:HammerBroSMB3.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Hammer Bro]]ther
|Hammer Brothers are the Koopa Troops's elite forces that attack Mario by throwing hammers in an upward arc. While not very common in traditional stages, they wander around the maps of Worlds 1, 3, 5, and 6. They tend to appear in pairs, which can make it difficult to find an opening to attack.
|align=center|World 1-[[File:HammerBro-Map-SMAS SMB3.png|link=Hammer Bro]]
|align=center|{{world-link|8|hand|World 8-Hand Traps}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Hot Foot.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Hot Foot]]
|Hot Foots are animated candle flames. Their behavior is similar to Boos. If Mario faces one, it will stand still. Once Mario looks away, it will resume walking towards him.
|align=center|{{world-link|4|fort|World 4-Fortress 1}}
|align=center|{{world|8|bowser3|World 8-Bowser's Castle (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 GiantCannonBall.png]]
|align="center"|[[Giant cannonball|Huge bullet]]
|Huge bullets are big metal spheres that are launched from giant cannons at high speeds.
|align=center|{{world-link|8|tank3|World 8-Big Tanks}}
|align=center|{{world-link|8|navy|World 8-Battleships}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Jelectro.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Jelectro]]
|Jelectros are glowing electric jellyfish that remain stationary in the water. They are invincible, their touch is lethal, and they tend to hang out in groups.
|align=center|[[World 3-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-5]]
|align=center|[[World 7-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-4]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 KoopaParatroopaGreenL.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Red Koopa Paratroopa.png]]
|align="center"|[[Koopa Paratroopa]]
|Koopa Paratroopas are winged Koopa Troopas. A stomp removes their wings and turns them into normal Koopa Troopas. However, if Mario hits the block under a Paratroopa, it will tuck into its shell. Other attacks will defeat it completely. Like their wingless cousins, there are two versions of Koopa Paratroopa: green and red shelled Koopas. The green kind tend fly back and forth or hop forwards, while the red ones fly up and down.
|align=center|[[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-1]]<br>(green)<br>[[World 1-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-4]]<br>(red)
|align=center|[[World 8-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-2]]<br>(green)<br>[[World 8-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-1]]<br>(red)
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Green Koopa SMB3.gif]] [[File:Red Koopa SMB3.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Koopa Troopa]]
|Koopa Troopas are found throughout the Mushroom World. One stomp will send it hiding in its shell. The shell can be used to defeat enemies, break empty bricks and hit blocks with items. Other attacks, however, will defeat it completely. Green shelled Koopa Troopas walk in one direction and fall over any edge they encounter. Red shelled Koopa Troopas will turn about if they come to a gap.
|align=center|[[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-1]]<br>(green)<br>[[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-1]]<br>(red)
|align=center|[[World 8-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-1]]<br>(green)<br>[[World 8-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-1]]<br>(red)
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Shoe Goomba.png]]
|align="center"|[[Shoe Goomba|Kuribo's Goomba]]
|Kuribo's Goomba is a Goomba wearing a special shoe; they try to stomp Mario with it. If Mario can bump the Goomba from under a block, then he can use the displaced shoe. Any other attack, however, will destroy the shoe as well.
|align=center|[[World 5-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-3]]
|align=center|[[World 5-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-3]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3LakituSprite.png]]
|align="center"|[[Lakitu]]
|Lakitus are cloud-riding Koopas. They hover back and forth in the air above Mario, tossing a never-ending supply Spiny's Eggs to the ground.
|align=center|[[World 3-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-4]]
|align=center|[[World 7-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-3]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:LavaLotus.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Lava Lotus]]
|Lava Lotuses are large artificial flowers that live underwater. They are capable of generating up to five fireballs (which can go through platforms) and releasing them.
|align=center|[[World 3-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-1]]
|align=center|[[World 7-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-4]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Micro-Goomba.png]]
|align="center"|[[Mini Goomba|Micro-Goomba]]
|Micro-Goombas are small Goombas. They are dropped by brown Para-Goombas. They drag Mario down if touched. Mashing {{button|nes|a}} will get rid of them.
|align=center|[[World 1-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-2]]
|align=center|[[World 8-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-2]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Missile Bill.png]]
|align="center"|[[Bull's-Eye Bill|Missile Bill]]
|Missile Bills are flashing red Bullet Bills that turn around once if it misses Mario.
|align=center|[[World 4-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-5]]
|align=center|[[World 4-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-5]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Muncher SMB3.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Muncher]]
|Munchers are invincible, black Walking Piranha-like flowers. They tend to grow in large clusters. The only way to defeat a Muncher is turn it into a coin with a [[P Switch|Switch Block]] and collect it. Invincible Mario can walk on Munchers. Some of them are frozen in Ice Blocks.
|align=center|[[World 5-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-3]]
|align=center|[[World 7-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-8]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:ParabeetleSMB3.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Para-Beetle]]
|Para-Beetles are winged Buzzy Beetles. However, Mario can hop on their back for a ride, unlike with other winged foes. They only appear in [[World 5-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-6]].
|align=center|[[World 5-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-6]]
|align=center|[[World 5-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-6]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Ani smb3 paragoomba.gif]] [[File:Paragoombared.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Paragoomba|Para-Goomba]]
|Para-Goombas are winged Goombas. They become regular Goombas after just one stomp. Brown Para-Goombas fly around, dropping Mugger Micro-Goombas onto Mario. Red Para-Goombas hop while chasing Mario.
|align=center|[[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-1]]<br>(red)<br>[[World 1-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-2]]<br>(brown)
|align=center|[[World 7-9 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-9]]<br>(red)<br>[[World 8-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-2]]<br>(brown)
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Pile Driver Micro-Goomba.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Pile Driver Micro-Goomba]]
|Pile Driver Micro-Goombas are Micro-Goombas inside dull [[Brick Block|brick]]s. They like to hide near other brick, jumping when Mario gets close.
|align=center|[[World 2-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 2-1]]
|align=center|[[World 5-7 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-7]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Red Big Piranha Plant.png]]
|align="center"|[[Big Piranha Plant|Piranhacus Giganticus]]
|Giant Piranha Plants only reside in Giant Land. They will rise in and out of pipes, regardless of whether Mario is standing next to them or not. Like regular Piranha Plants, they appear in two colors, although this makes no difference in their behavior.
|align=center|[[World 4-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-1]]
|align=center|[[World 4-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-6]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:PiranhaPlantRed.gif]] [[File:PiranhaPlant.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Piranha Plant]]
|Piranha Plants are carnivorous plants that live in pipes or quicksand. However, Piranha Plants will not emerge from their pipe if Mario is touching or standing directly on top of it, unless the pipe is sideways or upside down. Red Piranha Plants have two segments of leaves, while green ones have only one, though the sideways ones are red with one segment.
|align=center|[[World 1-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-5]]<br>(red)<br>[[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-1]]<br>(green)
|align=center|[[World 8-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-1]]<br>(red)<br>[[World 8-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-1]]<br>(green)
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Lava Bubble.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Lava Bubble|Podoboo]]
|Podoboos are large fireballs that leap from lava.
|align=center|{{World-link|1|fort|World 1-Fortress}}
|align=center|{{world-link|8|bowser3|World 8-Bowser's Castle (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:PtooieSMB3.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Ptooie]]
|Ptooies are Piranha Plants that blow [[Spike Ball|spiked ball]]s and usually have legs. Occasionally, Ptooies will blow the spiked ball high into the air, allowing Mario to jump past them.
|align=center|[[World 6-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-1]]
|align=center|[[World 7-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-8]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Burner.png]]
|align="center"|[[Burner|Rocket Engine]]
|Rocket Engines are cylindrical blocks that expel flames found on airships. Tanooki Mario can actually defeat the flame jets by transforming into a statue above them. However, a new flame will appear after a few seconds.
|align="center"|{{world-link|3|airship3|World 3-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|align="center"|{{world-link|8|airforce|World 8-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:RockyWrenchSMB3.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Red Rocky Wrench.png]]
|align="center"|[[Rocky Wrench]]
|Rocky Wrenches are mole-like turtles. Upon sighting Mario, a Rocky Wrench will pop out of its hole in an airship or vehicle, and chuck wrenches at him before descending back into its hole.
|align=center|{{world-link|2|airship3|World 2-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|align=center|{{world-link|8|tank3|World 8-Super Tank}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Rotodisc.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Roto-Disc]]
|Roto-Discs are shining discs that spin around an orb or block. They sometimes appear in pairs known as Duo-Roto-Discs. Mario can only destroy them as Statue Mario.
|align=center|{{World-link|1|fort|World 1-Fortress}}
|align=center|{{world-link|8|bowser3|World 8-Bowser's Castle (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3-SledgeBro sprite.png]]
|align="center"|[[Sledge Bro]]ther
|Sledge Brothers are larger Hammer Brothers. These tubby turtles have green skin and they throw hammers, albeit slower than Hammer Brothers. Sledge Brothers make big jumps, and if Mario is standing when a Sledge Brother lands, he will be stunned. They appear mostly in Giant Land, where they are mostly map enemies. 
|align=center|[[World 4-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-3]]
|align=center|{{world-link|8|hand|World 8-Hand Traps}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SpikeSMB3.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Spike]]
|Spikes are small green turtles which pull spiked balls out of their mouths before throwing them at Mario.
|align=center|[[World 3-7 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-7]]
|align=center|[[World 6-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-8]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SpinySMB3.gif]] [[File:MBSMB3 Spiny.png]]
|align="center"|[[Spiny]]
|Spinies are small turtles with spikes all over their shells; they cannot be stomped. However, if Mario bumps a block under a Spiny, or attacks it with a raccoon tail, it will tuck into its shell, letting Mario pick them up. They can also drop from the ceiling. Spinies also appear in the Battle Mode but with a different sprite and behavior.
|align=center|[[World 4-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-3]]
|align=center|[[World 7-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-5]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Spiny Cheep Cheep.png]]
|align="center"|[[Spiny Cheep Cheep|Spiny Cheep-Cheep]]
|Spiny Cheep-Cheeps swim even faster than red Cheep-Cheeps and can appear from both sides of the screen. They only appear in [[World 7-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-4]].
|align=center|[[World 7-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-4]]
|align=center|[[World 7-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-4]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Spiny Egg.png]] [[File:SMB3 SpinyEgg.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Spiny Egg]]
|Eggs tossed by Lakitu that bounce off of walls and hatch into Spinies upon hitting the ground. The Green variety rolls along the ground after Mario.
|align=center|[[World 4-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-4]]<br>(red)<br>[[World 3-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-4]]<br>(green)
|align=center|[[World 4-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-3]]<br>(red)<br>[[World 3-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-4]]<br>(green)
|-
|align="center"|[[File:StretchSMB3.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Stretch]]
|Stretches are Boos attached to platforms. They are found exclusively in fortresses and are more of an obstacle than a true enemy. As Mario attempts to pass, a Boo will rise from the top and/or bottom of the platform and move along the surface. Stretches are usually found in groups. 
|align=center|{{world-link|3|fort|World 3-Fortress 2}}
|align=center|{{world-link|6|fort|World 6-Fortress 3}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Thwomp sprite.png]]
|align="center"|[[Thwomp]]
|Thwomps are living rectangular rocks. They try to squash Mario under their weight whenever he gets near or under them.
|align=center|{{world-link|2|fort|World 2-Fortress}}
|align=center|{{world-link|8|bowser3|World 8-Bowser's Castle (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:NES SMB3 Tornado.png]]
|align="center"|[[Tornado]]
|This whirlwind only appears in {{world-link|2|desert|World 2-Desert}}, sending Mario backwards. He can pass them by running and jumping through the center.
|align=center|{{world-link|2|desert|World 2-Desert}}
|align=center|{{world-link|2|desert|World 2-Desert}}
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 BillBlaster.png]]
|align="center"|[[Bill Blaster|Turtle Cannon]]
|Turtle Cannons shoot Bullet Bills. They are placed strategically throughout many levels, even on the ground, where Mario cannot duck beneath the bullets flying his way. 
|align=center|{{world-link|1|airship3|World 1-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|align=center|[[World 8-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-1]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Venus Fire Trap Green.png]] [[File:SMB3 Venus Fire Trap Red.png]]
|align="center"|[[Fire Piranha Plant|Venus Fire Trap]]
|Venus Fire Traps are Piranha Plants that spit one or two fireballs at Mario. Like normal Piranha Plants, they reside in pipes or quicksand, and they will not appear if Mario is near or on their pipe unless the pipe is upside down, and appear in two colored varieties depending on their height.
|align=center|[[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-1]]<br>(red)<br>[[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-1]]<br>(green)
|align=center|[[World 8-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-2]]<br>(red)<br>[[World 8-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-1]]<br>(green)
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Nipper Plant.png]]
|align="center"|[[Nipper Plant|Walking Piranha]]
|Walking Piranhas are little, white Piranha Plants. They sit still or patrol an area and leap up at Mario when he tries to pass them.
|align=center|[[World 5-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-1]]
|align=center|[[World 7-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-8]]
|}

===Bosses===
{|class="wikitable"width=100%
|-
!Image 
!Name
!Description
|-
|align="center"style="background:#000000|[[File:Boomboom.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Boom Boom fort normal spikes.png]] [[File:SMB3 Boom Boom fort normal hurt.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Boom Boom]]
|A Koopa miniboss who guards every fort. He attacks by walking, flying or jumping.   
|-
|align="center"style="background:#000000|[[File:SMB3LarryKoopaSprite.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Larry spin.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Larry escape.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Larry Koopa]]
|The boss of Grass Land. He only attacks by shooting magic blasts and jumping.
|-
|align="center"style="background:#000000|[[File:SMB3 Morton walk.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Morton spin.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Morton escape.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Morton Koopa Jr.]]
|The boss of Desert Land. He attacks like Larry.
|-
|align="center"style="background:#000000|[[File:WendySMB3Ani.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Wendy spin.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Wendy escape.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Wendy O. Koopa]]
|The boss of Water Land. She attacks by shooting [[Ring (projectile)|candy ring]]s (up to three) that bounce while jumping high.
|-
|align="center"style="background:#000000|[[File:IggySMB3Ani.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Iggy spin.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Iggy escape.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Iggy Koopa]]
|The boss of Giant Land. He attacks by shooting magic blasts while jumping high.
|-
|align="center"style="background:#000000|[[File:SMB3 Roy Sprite.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Roy spin.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Roy escape.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Roy Koopa]]
|The boss of Sky Land. He shoots magic blasts and can stun Mario by landing on the floor if Mario is grounded. This also goes for his shell attack.
|-
|align="center"style="background:#000000|[[File:LemmySMB3Ani.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Lemmy spin.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Lemmy escape.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Lemmy Koopa]]
|The boss of Ice Land. He simply moves back and forth on his [[magical ball]], while attacking with smaller balls.
|-
|align="center"style="background:#000000|[[File:LudwigSMB3Ani.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Ludwig spin.gif]] [[File:SMB3 Ludwig escape.gif]]
|align="center"|[[Ludwig von Koopa]]
|The boss of Pipe Land. He attacks like Roy.
|-
|align="center"style="background:#000000|[[File:BowserSMB3.png]] 
|align="center"|[[Bowser]]
|The boss of Dark Land. He [[Fire Breath|breathes fire]] and tries to [[Ground Pound]] on Mario, causing the floor to break.
|}

==Power-ups and items==
===Power-ups===
{|class="wikitable"width=100%
!Power-up
!Form
!Description
|-
|align="center"|N/A
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Smallmario.png]] <br> [[Small Mario]]
|Mario's weakest form; he starts each life in this form. If Mario touches an enemy in damaging areas or damaging obstacles while in this form, he loses one life.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Mushroomsmb3.png]] <br> [[Super Mushroom]]
|align="center"|[[File:Super Mario SMB3.png]] <br> [[Super Mario (form)|Super Mario]]
|The form Mario turns into after obtaining a Super Mushroom in Small form. Mario gains the ability to break [[Brick Block|brick]]s in this state. If Mario touches an enemy while in this form, he shrinks back to his Small form.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Fire Flower-SMB3-sprite.png]] <br> [[Fire Flower]]
|align="center"|[[File:Fire Mario SMB3 Sprite.png]] <br> [[Fire Mario]]
|After utilizing a Fire Flower, Mario will turn into Fire Mario, letting him throw [[fireball]]s.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3-NES-SuperLeaf.png]] <br> [[Super Leaf]]
|align="center"|[[File:Raccoon Mario SMB3.png]] <br> [[Raccoon Mario]]
|After using the Super Leaf, Mario will transform into Raccoon Mario. In this state, Mario can tail whip most enemies and blocks, slow his falls, and fly for a short period of time after gaining enough speed.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Tanooki Map SMB3.png]] <br> [[Tanooki Suit]]
|align="center"|[[File:Tanooki Mario SMB3 Sprite.png]] <br> [[Tanooki Mario]]
|After obtaining the Tanooki Suit, Mario transforms into Tanooki Mario. Along with the abilities to glide, fly, and attack with his tail, Mario can briefly [[Statue Mario|turn into a statue]] to avoid or defeat enemies.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:PWing Map SMB3.png]] <br> [[P-Wing]]
|align="center"|[[File:MarioPWingSMB3.gif]] <br> [[P-Wing]]
|The P-Wing not only grants the Raccoon form's abilities, but also allows for indefinite flight for one level and adds a large "P" on Mario's chest (on the map only). In levels, Mario appears as Raccoon Mario, but the [[P-Meter|Power Meter]] will be completely filled until Mario gets damaged or completes the level. After a level is cleared with this form, Mario will revert to normal Raccoon Mario.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Frog Map SMB3.png]] <br> [[Frog Suit]]
|align="center"|[[File:Frog Mario SMB3 Sprite.png]] <br> [[Frog Mario]]
|Mario will turn into Frog Mario after retrieving the Frog Suit. The Frog Suit allows Mario to swim much easier, but impedes his movement on land drastically.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:HammerSuit Map SMB3.png]] <br> [[Hammer Suit]]
|align="center"|[[File:Hammer Mario SMB3 Sprite.png]] <br> [[Hammer Mario]]
|Upon obtaining the Hammer Suit, Mario will turn into Hammer Mario. In this state, Mario can defeat enemies by throwing hammers, and can shield himself from fireballs by using his shell, but cannot slide down hills.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Star.gif]] <br> [[Super Star|Starman]]
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3-InvincibleMarioSprite.gif]] <br> [[Invincible Mario]]
|After getting a Starman, Mario will become invincible, and thus cannot be harmed by any enemies or obstacles; he can also defeat most enemies without jumping on or throwing projectiles at them. This will only last for a short period of time (considerably shorter than in most other ''Super Mario'' games), and Mario will still lose a life if he falls into a pit, a pool of lava, or runs out of time. If Mario is not Small, he will frontflip as he jumps.
|}

===Items===
{|class="wikitable"width=100%
!Item
!Description
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 1-up.png]] <br> [[1-Up Mushroom]]
|Grabbing a 1-Up Mushroom awards an [[extra life]]. {{media link|SMB3 Pure White 1up Mushroom.png|One mushroom}} in [[World 6-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-3]] appears white due to a glitch.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Anchor Map SMB3.png]] <br> [[Anchor]]
|This item is used on the world map to lock an [[airship]] in place.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Mushroom card.png]] [[File:SMB3 Flower card.png]] [[File:SMB3 Star card.png]] <br> [[Card]]
|Players are given a card for touching the [[goal (Super Mario Bros. 3)|goal]]. Collecting three cards award an extra life. If the cards are identical, more extra lives are awarded. Cards can be exchanged or lost in the 2-player Battle Mode.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Coin Sprite.gif]] <br> [[Coin]]
|Collecting 100 coins grant an extra life.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Silver Coin.png]] <br> [[Blue Coin]]
|Blue Coins have the same value as regular coins and appear when a [[P Switch|Switch Block]] is activated in certain areas. They disappear when the effect wears off.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Goomba Shoe.png]] <br> [[Goomba's Shoe]]
|The Goomba's Shoe is obtainable only in [[World 5-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-3]]. This item allows Mario to safely hop across dangerous objects and jump on spiky enemies, such as [[Piranha Plant]]s and [[Spiny|Spinies]]. It is acquired by bumping a [[Shoe Goomba|Kuribo's Goomba]] off a block from below. Since it is not a power-up, it does not overtake any previous powers the player may have had. For example, if Fire Mario mounts a Goomba's Shoe, then loses it, he will still retain his Fire form.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Hammer Map SMB3.png]] <br> [[Hammer]]
|This item is used on the world map to break boulders and reveal secret areas or shortcuts.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Cloud Map SMB3.png]] <br> [[Lakitu's Cloud|Jugem's Cloud]]
|This item is used on the world map to skip a level.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Magic Ball.png]] <br> [[Magic Ball]]
|The Magic Ball appears after [[Boom Boom]] is defeated. It must be touched to complete the level.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Larry's Wand.png]] [[File:Morton's Wand.png]] [[File:Wendy's Wand.png]] [[File:Iggy's Wand.png]] [[File:Roy's Wand.png]] [[File:Lemmy's Wand.png]] [[File:Ludwig's Wand.png]] <br> [[Magic wand]]
|After the defeat of each [[Koopaling]], a magic wand must be collected to complete the level.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Whistle Map SMB3.png]] <br> [[Recorder|Magic Whistle]]
|This item is used on the world map to travel to the [[Warp Zone (Super Mario Bros. 3)|Warp Zone]].
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Music Map SMB3.png]] <br> [[Music Box]]
|This item is used on the world map to put certain enemies to sleep.
|}

==Objects==
===Blocks===
{|class="wikitable"width=100%
!Block
!Description
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Ani smb3qblock.gif]] <br> [[? Block]]
|Produces coins or an item when hit.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Brick Block Sprite.png]] <br> [[Brick Block|Brick]]
|When a brick is hit, it either breaks or produces coins.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Empty Block.png]] <br> [[Empty Block]]
|A block that cannot be broken. When ? Blocks or certain bricks are hit, they turn into Empty Blocks.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Big Block SMB3.png]] <br> [[Mega ? Block]]
|A large variant of a ? Block.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 NES Big Block.png]] <br> [[Mega Block]]
|A large variant of a Brick Block.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Big Empty SMB3.png]] <br> [[Empty Block|Mega Empty Block]]
|A large variant of an Empty Block.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Brick Block Sprite.png]] <br> [[Coin Block]]
|A block that contains up to 10 coins.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Ani smb3qblock.gif]] <br> [[Hidden Block]]
|A ? Block that remains invisible until it is hit.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Ice.png]] [[File:SMB3 Ice Large.png]] <br> [[Ice Block]]
|A block made of ice that can make the player slide when walking over it. They appear in small and large sizes.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Ice Block.png]] [[File:SMB3 Active White Block.gif]] <br> [[White Block]]
|A white Brick made of ice that can be carried and thrown.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 FrozenCoin.png]] <br> [[Frozen Coin]]
|A coin encased in solid ice that can be melted by fire to be collected.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Ani smb3noteblock.gif]] <br> [[Note Block|Jump Block]]
|A block that makes the player jump higher. The player can also time their jump to reach greater heights.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Pink Note Block.png]] <br> [[Super Note Block|Magic Note Block]]
|A block that transports the player to [[Coin Heaven]] when jumped on.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMM-SMB3-CloudPlatform.png]] <br> [[Cloud Block]]
|Clouds that serve as platforms.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Donut Lift.png]] <br> [[Donut Block|Donut Lift]]
|A platform that falls under weight if the player stays there for too long.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Wood Block Sprite.png]] <br> [[Hard Block|Wood Block]]
|A block that cannot be destroyed. Some of these blocks release items if hit from the side.
|}

===Transportation objects===
{|class="wikitable"width=100%
!Transportation
!Description
|-
|align="center"|[[File:WarpPipeSMB3.png]] <br> [[Warp Pipe]]
|Pipes going through the ground that transport the player to new areas.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Warp Door.png]] <br> [[Warp Door]]
|A door found in fortresses and castles that take the player to another portion of the level.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Magic Door Sprite.png]] <br> [[Magic Door]]
|Special doors that appear only in [[World 4-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-6]]. Teleports players to explore different segments of the level in both sizes to find additional bonuses.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Magic Door Sprite.png]] [[File:SMB3 Warp Door.png]] <br> [[P Warp Door]]
|A door that is visible only if a Switch Block is active. Black P Warp Doors are always invisible, but can always be entered, while red P Warp Doors do not appear until a Switch Block is pressed and cannot be entered otherwise.
|}

===Platforms===
{|class="wikitable"width=100%
!Platform
!Description
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3Platform.png]] <br> [[Lift]]
|Platforms that move in any direction.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3Platform.png]] <br> [[Flimsy Lift]]
|Lifts that fall once stepped on.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Cloud Lift.png]] <br> [[Cloud Lift]]
|Clouds that serve as platforms. They only appear in [[World 6-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-2]] and move to the left.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Directional Lift.png]] <br> [[Directional Lift]]
|A lift that changes direction when stepped on.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Rotary Lift.png]] <br> [[Rotary Lift]]
|Platforms that spin. There are three kinds of Rotary Lifts: those that spin for a short time and then stop before they resume spinning shortly afterward, those that spin endlessly, and those that tilt based on where the player is standing on them.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Bolt Lift.png]] <br> [[Bolt Lift]]
|A set of nuts that are screwed onto a very long bolt that serve as platforms. The player must continually jump to avoid falling.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Conveyor Belt.gif]] <br> [[Conveyor Belt|Conveyor belt]]
|Moving platforms that carry the player from one place to another without them having to move at all.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Small Pipe.png]] <br> [[Small pipe]]
|A small variant of a Warp Pipe that serves as a platform, rather than transporting the player.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:MegaPipeSMB3.png]] <br> [[Warp Pipe|Giant pipe]]
|A large variant of a Warp Pipe that serves as a platform, rather than transporting the player.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SMB3 Rail Motor.gif]][[File:SMB3 Rail.png]][[File:SMB3 Rail.png]][[File:SMB3 Rail Motor.gif]] <br> [[Track|Rail]]
|Rails carry lifts along a set track.
|}

===Obstacles===
{|class="wikitable sortable"style="text-align:center;"
|-
!Obstacle
!Description
!First appearance
!Last appearance
|-
|[[File:SMB3 Current.png]]<br>[[Current]]
|Currents that push the player.
|[[World 3-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-5]]
|[[World 6-9 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-9]]
|-
|[[File:SMB3 Bowser Fireball.gif]]<br>[[Fire Breath|Bowser's flames]]<ref>"''Not to make you nervous, but those are flames from Bowser's bad breath coming at you...''" &mdash; ''Nintendo Power Strategy Guide: Super Mario Bros. 3'', page 81.</ref>
|Fireballs from Bowser that are summoned offscreen.
|colspan="2"|{{world-link|8|bowser3|World 8-Bowser's Castle (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|[[File:SMB3 Lava.gif]]<br>[[Lava]]
|Molten rock that can cause the player to instantly lose a life.
|{{world-link|1|fort|World 1-Fortress}}
|{{world-link|8|bowser3|World 8-Bowser's Castle (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|[[File:Desert.gif]]<br>[[Quicksand]]
|Sand that sinks the player.
|[[World 2-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 2-2]]
|[[World 8-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-2]]
|-
|[[File:SMB3 Spike Trap.png]]<br>[[Spike Trap|Spikes]]
|Pointy obstacles that damage the player.
|{{world-link|2|fort|World 2-Fortress}}
|{{world-link|8|fort|World 8-Fortress}}
|-
|[[File:SMB3 Tide.gif]][[File:SMB3 Tide.gif]][[File:SMB3 Tide.gif]]<br>[[Water tide|Tide]]
|Water that rises up and down.
|[[World 3-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-3]]
|[[World 3-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-8]]
|}

===Other objects===
{|class="wikitable"
!Object
!Description
|-
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:center;"|[[File:SMB3 P Switch.gif]]<br>[[P Switch|Switch Block]]
|When a Switch Block is pressed, Brick Blocks temporarily turn into coins, and vice versa. Pressing a Switch Block can also reveal [[Blue Coin]]s, which are hidden otherwise.
|-
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:center;"|[[File:SMB3 Vine Top.png]]<br>[[File:SMB3 Vine.gif]]<br>[[Beanstalk|Vine]]
|Vines grow out of certain blocks after they are hit, giving players access to upper parts of a level.
|-
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:center;"|[[File:Giant Green Shell SMB3 sprite.png]]<br>[[Giant Green Shell]]
|A giant variant of a [[Green Shell]].
|-
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:center;"|[[File:Giant Red Shell SMB3 sprite.png]]<br>[[Giant Red Shell]]
|A giant variant of a [[Red Shell]].
|}

==Worlds==
Unlike ''Super Mario Bros.'' and ''Super Mario Bros. 2'', this game has a world map, a feature that has been carried over into every subsequent title in the series. Like ''Super Mario Bros.'', the game features eight total worlds spread out across eight different maps, each one featuring a different name, theme, and boss; the inclusion of thematic worlds would also be carried over into future titles in the series. In the original NTSC release of this game, most of the worlds were given different names (indicated in parentheses in the table below), which are largely carried over to remakes. According to the Japanese manual, the map designs were deliberately modeled after that of a board game.<ref>Shesez (December 23, 2021). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdOt_uXuS2Q&t=680s Japanese Mario 3 is VERY Different - Region Break]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved December 25, 2021.</ref>
{|class="wikitable"style="text-align:center;"
!World
!Image
!colspan="4"|Levels
!Boss
|-
|rowspan="2"|World 1<br>'''[[Grass Land]]'''
|rowspan="2"|[[File:World1SMB3.png|frameless]]
|[[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-1]]
|[[World 1-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-2]]
|[[World 1-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-3]]
|[[World 1-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-4]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Larry Koopa]]
|-
|{{world-link|1|fort|World 1-Fortress}}
|[[World 1-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-5]]
|[[World 1-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-6]]
|{{world-link|1|airship3|World 1-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"
|rowspan="3"|World 2<br>'''[[Desert Land]]'''<br>(Desert Hill)
|rowspan="3"|[[File:World2SMB3.png|frameless]]
|[[World 2-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 2-1]]
|[[World 2-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 2-2]]
|{{world-link|2|fort|World 2-Fortress}}
|[[World 2-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 2-3]]
|rowspan="3"|[[Morton Koopa Jr.]]
|-style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"
|{{world-link|2|desert|World 2-Desert}}
|[[World 2-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 2-4]]
|[[World 2-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 2-5]]
|{{world-link|2|pyramid|World 2-Pyramid}}
|-style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"
|colspan="4"|{{world-link|2|airship3|World 2-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|rowspan=3|World 3<br>'''[[Water Land]]'''<br>(Ocean Side)
|rowspan=3|[[File:World3SMB3.png|frameless]]
|[[World 3-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-1]]
|[[World 3-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-2]]
|[[World 3-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-3]]
|{{world-link|3|fort|World 3-Fortress 1}}
|rowspan=3|[[Wendy O. Koopa]]
|-
|[[World 3-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-4]]
|[[World 3-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-5]]
|[[World 3-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-6]]
|[[World 3-7 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-7]]
|-
|{{world-link|3|fort|World 3-Fortress 2}}
|[[World 3-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-8]]
|[[World 3-9 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-9]]
|{{world-link|3|airship3|World 3-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"
|rowspan=3|World 4<br>'''[[Giant Land]]'''<br>(Big Island)
|rowspan=3|[[File:World4SMB3.png|frameless]]
|[[World 4-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-1]]
|[[World 4-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-2]]
|[[World 4-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-3]]
|{{world-link|4|fort|World 4-Fortress 1}}
|rowspan=3|[[Iggy Koopa]]
|-style="background:#e9e9e9"
|[[World 4-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-4]]
|[[World 4-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-5]]
|[[World 4-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 4-6]]
|{{world-link|4|fort|World 4-Fortress 2}}
|-style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"
|colspan=4|{{world-link|4|airship3|World 4-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|rowspan=4|World 5<br>'''[[Sky Land]]'''<br>(The Sky)
|rowspan=4|[[File:World5SMB3.png|frameless]]
|[[World 5-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-1]]
|[[World 5-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-2]]
|[[World 5-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-3]]
|{{world-link|5|fort|World 5-Fortress 1}}
|rowspan=4|[[Roy Koopa]]
|-
|{{world-link|5|skytower|World 5-Tower (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|[[World 5-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-4]]
|[[World 5-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-5]]
|[[World 5-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-6]]
|-
|[[World 5-7 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-7]]
|{{world-link|5|skyfort|World 5-Fortress 2}}
|[[World 5-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 5-8]]
|[[World 5-9]]
|-
|colspan=4|{{world-link|5|airship3|World 5-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"
|rowspan=4|World 6<br>'''[[Ice Land]]'''<br>(Iced Land)
|rowspan=4|[[File:Iced Land NES.png|frameless]]
|[[World 6-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-1]]
|[[World 6-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-2]]
|[[World 6-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-3]]
|{{world-link|6|fort|World 6-Fortress 1}}
|rowspan=4|[[Lemmy Koopa]]
|-style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"
|[[World 6-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-4]]
|[[World 6-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-5]]
|[[World 6-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-6]]
|[[World 6-7 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-7]]
|-style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"
|{{world-link|6|fort|World 6-Fortress 2}}
|[[World 6-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-8]]
|[[World 6-9 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 6-9]]
|[[World 6-10]]
|-style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"
|colspan=2|{{world-link|6|fort|World 6-Fortress 3}}
|colspan=2|{{world-link|6|airship3|World 6-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|rowspan=4|World 7<br>'''[[Pipe Land]]'''<br>(Pipe Maze)
|rowspan=4|[[File:World7SMB3.png|frameless]]
|[[World 7-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-1]]
|[[World 7-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-2]]
|[[World 7-3 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-3]]
|[[World 7-4 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-4]]
|rowspan=4|[[Ludwig von Koopa]]
|-
|[[World 7-5 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-5]]
|{{world-link|7|piranhaplant|World 7-Piranha Plant 1}}
|{{world-link|7|fort|World 7-Fortress 1}}
|[[World 7-6 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-6]]
|-
|[[World 7-7 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-7]]
|[[World 7-8 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-8]]
|[[World 7-9 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 7-9]]
|{{world-link|7|fort|World 7-Fortress 2}}
|-
|colspan=2|{{world-link|7|piranhaplant|World 7-Piranha Plant 2}}
|colspan=2|{{world-link|7|airship3|World 7-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"
|rowspan=3|World 8<br>'''[[Dark Land]]'''<br>(Castle of Koopa)
|rowspan=3|[[File:Castle of Koopa NES.png|frameless]]
|{{world-link|8|tank3|World 8-Big Tanks}}
|{{world-link|8|navy|World 8-Battleships}}
|{{world-link|8|hand|World 8-Hand Traps}}
|{{world-link|8|airforce|World 8-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|rowspan=3|[[Bowser]]
|-style="background:#e9e9e9"
|[[World 8-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-1]]
|[[World 8-2 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 8-2]]
|{{world-link|8|fort|World 8-Fortress}}
|{{world-link|8|tank3|World 8-Super Tank}}
|-style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"
|colspan=4|{{world-link|8|bowser3|World 8-Bowser's Castle (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
|-
|rowspan=2|World 9<br>'''[[Warp Zone (Super Mario Bros. 3)|Warp Zone]]'''
|rowspan=2|[[File:SMB3 Warp Zone.png|frameless]]
|[[Grass Land|World 1]]
|[[Desert Land|World 2]]
|[[Water Land|World 3]]
|[[Giant Land|World 4]]
|rowspan=2|None
|-
|[[Sky Land|World 5]]
|[[Ice Land|World 6]]
|[[Pipe Land|World 7]]
|[[Dark Land|World 8]]
|}

==2 Player Game==
{{main|Mario Bros. (Super Mario Bros. 3)}}
{{multiple image
|align=right
|direction=horizontal
|footer=Bonus stages in Battle Mode
|width=180
|image1=SMB3BattleMode-BonusFountain.png
|alt1=Pipe stage
|image2=SMB3BattleMode-BonusBlocks.png
|alt2=Ladders and boxes stage
}}
In 2 Player Game, [[Mario]] (player one) and [[Luigi]] (player two) take turns to complete levels. After one brother completes a level or loses a life, the other brother plays. If one brother interacts with the other brother's icon on the world map, they enter Battle Mode in their Small forms. Whoever wins is immediately given a turn to play in the main game.

Most Battle Mode stages are similar to ''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]]'' In these stages, five enemies will emerge from the top pipes. The objective is to survive while defeating all five enemies with the one getting the most wins. Enemies to defeat are [[Spiny|Spinies]], [[Sidestepper]]s, and [[Fighter Fly|Fighter Flies]], but defeating a [[Fireball (obstacle)|Fireball]] does not count. Players can also indirectly kill each other by forcing the rival to collide with an enemy to gain victory. Players can also steal [[goal (Super Mario Bros. 3)|goal]] [[card]]s from each other by bumping from below, stomping, or using the [[POW Block]]. If a brother gets his third card, then he is instantly awarded extra lives in the main game equal to their combination. However, if a loose card is not grabbed before a round ends, it is lost. Any deaths incurred in the Battle Mode will not affect the player's lives in the main game. 

Every fourth match is a bonus stage of which there are three types. The first bonus stage is to simply grab at least three of the five coins. The second is a stage that has a vertical pipe that shoots out Fireballs and coins. The player that collects at least three coins or survives wins. The final bonus stage has the players climbing ladders to retrieve coins under boxes, some of which are empty. All five coins must be collected with the winner being the one who obtained the most.

''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'' also includes a different [[Battle Game (Super Mario All-Stars)|Battle Game]] in the main menu for ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.

==Development==
[[File:Game designer.png|left|thumb|Game designer [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] working on ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.]]
Development for ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' began shortly after ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]'' was finished in the Spring of 1986. Originally, the game was developed with a bird's-eye view in mind, similar to [[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda (Game)|''The Legend of Zelda'']], where the player would be looking down at the characters from above. With jumping as one of Mario's main moves, this overhead view made it difficult to determine whether Mario was touching the ground or not, so the view was switched to the side-view used in earlier titles. However, relics of the overhead view can still be found in the final game, such as the black-and-white checkerboard seen at the title screen.<ref name=NESClassic>https://www.nintendo.com/nes-classic/super-mario-bros-and-super-mario-bros-3-developer-interview</ref>

When [[Takashi Tezuka]] was designing concepts for the game, he didn't want it to be like ''Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels'' where only the levels and difficulty was changed. Instead, he wanted to rework everything, from giving Mario an improved moveset to overhauling the character sprites. Programmers also had what they called a "Map Room", which was a long, narrow meeting room where they looked at sheet papers and programmed map data all day. There were 20 to 30 people working on ''Super Mario Bros. 3'', compared to ''Super Mario Bros.''{{'}}s seven or eight. However, [[Koji Kondo]] was completely alone on sound design, and he claims it was difficult to come up with music to fit the genre of the game. Additional sounds were possible to use during ''Super Mario Bros. 3''{{'}}s development which weren't able to be used during ''Super Mario Bros.''{{'}}s. The Japanese version of the game was originally planned to release in Spring of 1988, but because of the developers wanting to add so many new features, the game ended up getting pushed back another six months.<ref name=NESClassic />

The hard part of creating a video game with old characters is making the old characters seem fresh and new.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20030612010338/http://nintendope.iodized.net/smb3/smb3article2.php</ref><ref>[https://www.chrismcovell.com/secret/weekly/Stars_of_the_Family_Computer.html]</ref> In many ways, ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' revived the series and brought many new young and old fans back to the adventures of the Mario Bros. The game also appeared in the 1989 movie ''[[List of references in film#The Wizard|The Wizard]]'' as a way to advertise it; this also marked the first time that a ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' game was advertised in a movie.
{{br}}

==Remakes and ports==
''Super Mario Bros. 3'' was later remade and included in ''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'', with updated graphics and sound for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], and with further minor upgrades in the re-issue, ''[[Super Mario All-Stars + Super Mario World]]'', and the game's eventual port to the [[Wii]] as ''[[Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition]]''. A notable addition to the ''All-Stars'' version of ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' was a save feature which allow players to save the progress and continue the world where they left off. Additionally, there's a [[Battle Game (Super Mario All-Stars)|Battle Game]] feature in the title screen that works differently from the ones featured from the maps in the 2-Player Game mode. Other than that, retaining some localization changes and certain [[List of Super Mario Bros. 3 glitches|glitches]] fixed, gameplay was not altered.

The original game is also one of the 30 titles included in the [[Classics#NES Classic Edition|NES Classic Edition]] and [[Classics#Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer|Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer]], and was made available as one of the 20 NES titles with added online play at the [[Nintendo Switch#Nintendo Switch Online|Nintendo Switch Online]] subscription service's launch in September 2018.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service/nes/ Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online]. ''Nintendo''. Retrieved May 8, 2018.</ref> It later received a special version on July 28, 2021, known as ''[[Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online#Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario, the quick-change artist!|Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario, the quick-change artist!]]'', where the player would start on World 8 with 35 lives and the inventory full of every power-up in the game.
===''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3''===
{{main|Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3}}
''Super Mario Bros. 3'' was ported to the [[Game Boy Advance]] handheld system as the fourth and final installation in the ''[[Super Mario Advance (series)|Super Mario Advance]]'' series, ''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]''. It used the same graphics and sounds as the ''Super Mario All-Stars'' version, and also incorporated the use of the [[e-Reader]]: by scanning in [[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 e-Reader cards|certain cards]], players could unlock new items and levels, including content originally from the other classic ''Super Mario'' platformers.

==Reception==
The game has received critical acclaim and is considered to be one of the greatest games of all time. IGN placed it at the number one spot of their top 100 NES games of all time list.<ref>[https://www.ign.com/top-100-nes-games/1.html]</ref>
{|class="wikitable reviews"
!colspan="4"style="font-size:120%;text-align:center;background-color:silver;"|Reviews
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6"
|Release
|Reviewer, Publication
|Score
|Comment
|-
|[[Wii]]
|Lucas M. Thomas, [https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/13/super-mario-bros-3-review IGN]
|9.5/10
|align="left"|"''Super Mario Bros. 3 is still a spectacular adventure today, and the best representation of the [[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]] universe to come from the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]]. Though we would have loved to see a little something extra thrown in for this release, it's difficult to argue against Nintendo's standing policy of just releasing games just as they were when they first arrived. Mario's third adventure still stands well enough on its own to firmly recommend it for download even with its old graphical quirks still in place. The only reasons you shouldn't already be walking to your Wii to launch the Shop and put down your 500 points would be if you're happy with a version of the game you already own, like the 2003 [[Game Boy Advance]] re-release, or if you're holding out hope that the visually enhanced [[Super Mario All-Stars]] edition will someday arrive as a downloadable option as well. But really, even then, it's five bucks. For one of the greatest video games of all time, and absolutely one of Mario's best ever adventures. So how can you resist adding to that already-enormous lifetime sales total?''"
|-
|Wii
|Frank Provo, [https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/super-mario-bros-3-review/1900-6184143/ GameSpot]
|9/10
|align="left"|"''Those who already love Super Mario Bros. 3 and have the desire to play the original NES version again will be pleased with this [[Virtual Console]] release. It's like reconnecting with a best friend that you haven't seen since you were little. Meanwhile, those who haven't yet immersed themselves in its jump-heavy sweetness have been given a golden opportunity to do so. This is 500 [[Virtual Console#Wii Points|Wii points]] ($5) well spent.''"
|-
|Wii
|Nintendo Life Staff, [https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nes/super_mario_bros_3 Nintendo Life]
|10/10
|align="left"|"''SMB3 cannot come any more highly recommended; it is widely regarded, by many, as the best game on the NES. Some would even say it rivals the magnificent [[Super Mario World]] on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]], though the jury is out on that one. You owe it to yourself to try both out and decide for yourself. You won’t be sorry!''"
|-
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|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6"
|colspan=2|Compiler
|colspan=2|Platform / Score
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|colspan=2|GameRankings
|colspan=2|[https://web.archive.org/web/20150112200545/https://www.gamerankings.com/nes/525245-super-mario-bros-3/index.html 97.50%]
|}
{{br}}

==Release==
===Merchandise===
[[File:SMB3 Chocolate Chip Swirl Cookies front box.jpg|thumb]]
Among the merchandise based on the game are a [[Super Mario Bros. 3 (Nelsonic Game Watch)|Nelsonic Game Watch]], and chocolate chip swirl cookies manufactured by Salerno, which features a maze on the box.<ref>@VGArtAndTidbits (February 14, 2020). [https://twitter.com/vgartandtidbits/status/1228007784635097088 ''"Super Mario Bros 3 - Chocolate Chip Swirl Cookies box (1990)."''] ''Twitter''. Retrieved October 5, 2020.</ref>

===id Software's attempted PC port===
PC developer {{wp|Id Software|id Software}} sent to [[Nintendo]] a demo of a PC port of the game,<ref name="John Romero">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080128162421/http://rome.ro/games_ddici.php Dangerous Dave in "Copyright Infringement"] (Retrieved July 5, 2013)</ref> with the intent being to gain authorization to make an official port. The demo reached the Nintendo of Japan management (including [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]), who were impressed by the port's quality. However, Nintendo declined to greenlight an official PC version of the game as the company had no plan to release its products outside their own platform.<ref name="John Romero"/>

The pitch followed a [[tech demo]] named ''Dangerous Dave in "Copyright Infringement"'', which was a playable recreation of [[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 1-1]] with [[Mario]]'s sprite being replaced with that of the titular character. ''Dangerous Dave'' was notable for featuring smooth scrolling,<ref>"It looked just like the console version - smooth scrolling and everything." Kushner, David. ''Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture'', page 52. Retrieved April 16, 2015. Print.</ref> something unheard for PC games of the time.<ref name="John Romero"/><ref>CuteFloor (January 12, 2008). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj4HJkeQSg0 Dangerous Dave In Copyright Infringement · Unreleased Prototype]. YouTube. Retrieved July 5, 2013.</ref> With a distribution deal with {{wp|Scott Miller (entrepreneur)|Scott Miller}} of {{wp|3D Realms|Apogee Software, Ltd.}}, ''"Copyright Infringement"'' id developers {{wp|John Romero}} and {{wp|John D. Carmack|John Carmack}} along with {{wp|Tom Hall}} (who originally had the idea){{ref needed}} later used the engine they had developed to create the ''{{wp|Commander Keen}}'' series, a series of {{wp|shareware}} platform games for {{wp|MS-DOS}}.<ref>"Scott was more than ready to make a deal. The gamers said they would use this new technology to create a title specifically for Apogee to release as shareware." Kushner, David. ''Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture'', page 52. Retrieved April 16, 2015. Print.</ref>

On December 14, 2015, John Romero uploaded gameplay footage of the port on the video-sharing website Vimeo.<ref>Romero, John. [https://vimeo.com/148909578 ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' Demo (199)]. ''Vimeo''. Retrieved December 14, 2015.</ref>

==Media==
{{main-media}}
{{media table
|file1=Overworld 1 Super Mario Bros 3.oga
|title1=Super Mario Bros. 3
|description1=Ground Theme 
|length1=0:29
|file2=Overworld Theme 2 Super Mario Bros 3.oga
|title2=Super Mario Bros. 3
|description2=Athletic Theme 
|length2=0:30
|file3=SMB3 W1-1.ogv
|title3=Super Mario Bros. 3
|description3=Gameplay of World 1-1.
}}

==References to other games==
*''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]]'' - The Battle Mode is very similar to the multiplayer in this game.
*''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' - [[Buzzy Beetle]]s reuse their sprites from this game but with [[Buzzy Beetle#Super Mario Bros. 3 / Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3|a few differences]]. When Princess Toadstool is saved from Bowser (in English versions except ''Super Mario Advance 4''), she says "Thank you. But our princess is in another castle!...Just kidding! Ha ha ha! Bye bye." This is a reference to the [[Toad (species)|mushroom retainers']] line "Thank you Mario! But our princess is in another castle!" from this game. Several sound effects from this game are reused. An arrangement of the [[Underground Theme]] from this game is used for the underground levels. Also, the [[Music Box]] plays an arrangement of the [[Ground Theme (Super Mario Bros.)|Ground Theme]] from this game.
*''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]'' - The skidding sound effect returns.
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' - Princess Toadstool's appearance is almost identical to how she appeared in this game, though it more closely resembles her appearance from the [[List of Super Mario Bros. 2 pre-release and unused content#Prototype cartridge|prototype version]] as there is no white coloring in her eyes. Bob-ombs, as well as desert, sky and ice-themed levels/worlds also return.
*[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]] - The "[[Recorder|Magic Whistle]]" item is the [[zeldawiki:Recorder|Recorder]] from [[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda (Game)|''The Legend of Zelda'']]; it summons a whirlwind to warp the player character to another location and plays the same tune when used, which has become a reoccurring melody in the original series.
*''[[nwiki:The Mysterious Murasame Castle|The Mysterious Murasame Castle]]'' - The [[Raccoon Mario]] transformation sound effect originated from this game.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx0Ij2BTZSY&t=2m2s</ref>

==References in later media==
*''[[Super Mario World]]'' - The [[Koopalings]] return in this game. The [[Sunken Ghost Ship]] was once an airship in ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
*''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]'' - The music for Water Land was recreated as the background music for the [[zeldawiki:Fairy Fountain|Fairy Fountain]]/[[zeldawiki:Great Fairy Fountain|Great Fairy Fountain]]s, including the music that plays on the file select screen, which would be used in many ''Zelda'' games throughout the subsequent generations of that franchise's history.
*''[[Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins]]'' - Water Land's music can be heard in the background of the music for stage 3 of [[Tree Zone]], as well as in [[Mario Zone]].
*''[[metroidwiki:Super Metroid|Super Metroid]]'' - The sound effect for when Crocomire fully dies is taken from the Dry Bones in  ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.<ref>https://youtu.be/ONxKm8uApSc?t=74</ref>
*''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'' - The music heard in [[Grate Guy's Casino]] is a rendition of the music that plays during the [[minigame]]s of ''Super Mario Bros. 3'', the theme heard during the battle with Bowser is a cover of that from ''Super Mario Bros. 3'', the music for [[Bowser's Castle#Bowser's Keep|Bowser's Keep]] also contains part of the same theme, and the music heard from [[Mario Bros.' House|Mario's Pad]] as well as the Flower Garden cutscene is a cover of [[Grass Land]]'s theme from ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
*''[[Super Mario 64]]'' - Many levels in [[Giant Land]] resemble [[Tiny-Huge Island]] in ''Super Mario 64'' and [[Super Mario 64 DS|its DS remake]]. Changing sizes by using doors also resembles using pipes to go from tiny to huge in Tiny-Huge Island.
*''[[Mario Party]]'' - The music heard in [[Ghost Guess]] and [[Pedal Power]] appears to be a cover of the music for [[Ice Land]]. A few other songs from  ''Super Mario Bros. 3'', namely versions of Giant Land and Dark Land in this game.
*''[[Mario Party 2]]'' - The jingle that plays when a single player wins in a minigame is a version of the jingle that plays when the player clears a level.
*''[[Paper Mario]]'' - The jingle that plays when Mario rescues a Star Spirit is a cover of the theme that plays when Mario recovers a king's [[magic wand]], which also plays when Mario wins the [[Star Rod (Paper Mario)|Star Rod]] back from Bowser. An arrangement of the fortress theme plays in the [[Koopa Bros. Fortress]]. The theme of the [[Koopa Bros.]] is an arrangement of the theme for the Hammer Bros. battles. Also, the music that plays when Mario levels up is an arrangement of Grass Land's music from  ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
*''[[Super Mario Bros. Deluxe]]'' - The opening for the game features a letter from Princess Peach in a similar manner to ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
*''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'' - One of the other songs played on [[Melody Pianissima|Melody]]'s piano is a version of the ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' athletic theme.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' - The Ground and Grass Land themes are heard in a new version named after ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. Bowser's down special move, [[Bowser Bomb (move)|Bowser Bomb]], is based on the ground pound he uses in  ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. Raccoon Mario, Boo and Thwomp also appear as trophies.
*''[[Super Mario Fushigi no Janjan Land]]'' - Several sprites from ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' are reused in this game.
*''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' - The theme for Ice Land plays when Jolene calls Mario. In addition, Peach also provides vital clues to Mario via (e-)mail, and her last message ends up being intercepted by the main villain (Grodus, in this game's case), similar to in  ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
*''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker|The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker]]'' - Like before, the musical themes for the Fairy Fountain/Great Fairy Fountains are derived from Water Land's theme. In addition, another version played with the Fairy Queen, with its melody most closely resembling the original Water Land theme.
*''[[Tetris DS]]'' - Levels 4, 5, and 6 in Marathon mode uses ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' gameplay on the top screen, along with the [[Raccoon Mario|Raccoon]], [[Frog Mario|Frog]] and [[Tanooki Mario]] sprites on the touch screen. Also, a cover of the Ground theme plays.
*''[[Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix]]'' - Music from ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' is part of a song in this game.
*''[[WarioWare: Twisted!]]'' - The [[Super Mario Bros. 3 (power-up microgame)|Super Mario Bros. 3]] microgame, along with the [[Super Mario Bros. 3 (lift microgame)|Super Mario Bros. 3-Lift]] microgame, are based on ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
*''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'' - The [[Rec Room (Super Mario 64 DS)|Rec Room]] theme is a cover of Grass Land's theme. The [[Wanted!]], [[Connect the Characters]], and [[Mario's Slides]] minigames uses the minigame music.
*''[[Mario Party Advance]]'' - The music played after Mario beats a Boom Boom/Koopaling is heard after the player completes a quest. Also, in the minigame [[Drop 'Em]], the background has a similar design to the levels from ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
*''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' - The track [[DS Airship Fortress|Airship Fortress]] is based on the airship levels from  ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. Another track, [[Desert Hills]], is based on Desert Land from  ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. A few of the Mission Mode arenas are based on the Fortress levels in  ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. The background of [[Shroom Ridge]] is based on Giant Land from  ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
*''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'' - Many concepts started in  ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' are features in this game, such as Toad Houses. Most of the worlds have similar themes. Plus, the [[fortress]] theme is a cover. The "[[Fortress Boss]]" theme returns as an arrangement. A new version of Toad House's music was as the theme for [[Bob-omb Reverse]], a minigame in this game. Bowser's theme from  ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' also has a version in this game.
*''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii)|Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'' - A new version of the Ground theme from  ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' is available as a track that can be heard in the music gallery in the [[Wii]] version of the game.
*''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' - Arrangements of the airship and athletic themes appear in this game.
*''[[Super Paper Mario]]'' - The theme that plays when [[Big Blooper (Super Paper Mario)|Big Blooper]] appears is a cover of the underwater theme from ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' - The "Super Mario Bros. 3" theme from ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' is re-used in this game. The music that plays during Peach's [[Final Smash]], [[Peach Blossom]], is a sped-up remix of the music that plays in [[Coin Heaven]]s and the second portion of [[Sky Land]], as well as the [[Warp Zone (Super Mario Bros. 3)|Warp Zone]]. The airship theme is redone and can be heard on the stage [[Luigi's Mansion (stage)|Luigi's Mansion]]. Also, a medley of the boss theme of  ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' (alongside the ''Super Mario World'' Castle theme) can be heard on the Luigi's Mansion stage. Raccoon Mario, Boo, Thwomp, and Ludwig von Koopa appear in the form of stickers. Also, Boo, Chain Chomp, and Dry Bones appear as trophies and stickers.
*''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' - A license plate which reads "SMB3" can be found on one of the trucks on [[Moonview Highway]].
*''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games'' - In the Wii [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii)|version]], a version of the athletic theme is available as a track that can be played during events. In the [[Nintendo DS]] [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo DS)|version]], an arrangement of the athletic theme is used as the first part of the Mario & Sonic Medley in [[Ultimate Figure Skating]].
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' - The [[Penguin Suit]] is based on the [[Frog Suit]] from ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. The [[Koopalings]]' battle theme is covered twice and once again played when fighting against them. The airship theme is a cover and can be heard on airship levels. The map model of the [[Tower]]s are based on the fortress map sprites of ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. The Enemy Courses are similar to the levels when fighting against a Hammer Bro, Fire Bro, Boomerang Bro, or Sledge Bro, and even use a cover of the song. Also, players can store reserve power-ups like in ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
*Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console NES games: The sound effect when selecting an NES game is the coin sound effect startup sound for  ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. 
*''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'' - [[Supermassive Galaxy]] is similar to [[Giant Land]].
*''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'' - In the underwater theme in [[Harmony Hustle]], a recreated part of the ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' underwater theme can be heard.
*''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii)|Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'' - The athletic theme in ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' is available in the Wii version of this game as one of the optional music tracks that can be heard.
*''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'' - Many ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' elements, like Boom Boom, Tanooki Mario, [[Note Block]]s, and Super Leaves appear in this game. The Airships and Boom Boom battles return, and the arrangements of the Airship and athletic themes from ''Super Mario Galaxy'' play in certain stages.
*''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' - The Super Leaf appears as an item.
*''[[Fortune Street]]'' - A new version of [[Pipe Land]]'s theme is used as the stocks menu music. Also, the [[Toad's House]] theme is used as the music for auctions. A version of the "3 Matching Cards" fanfare plays whenever a line is made in Round The Blocks on a Mario board or when the Super Mario tour is completed in Tour mode, as well as a version of the "World Clear" fanfare playing when a line of lucky 7's is made in Round The Blocks on a Mario board.
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' - Some levels in this game contain the same colorful blocks as ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. Also, Super Leaves, Raccoon Mario, and the [[P-Meter|Power Meter]] returns. The loading chime sometimes plays a small part of the ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' Ground theme. The theme for Toad Houses was reused as that of Toad Houses in this game. World 1-1 and 1-5 are remade as part of the [[Gold Classics Pack]].
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' - The [[P-Acorn]] sounds and acts like the [[P-Wing]]. Also, the first part of the [[Soda Jungle]] is based on [[Giant Land]].
*''[[Mario Tennis Open]]'' - A costume and racket of Tanooki Mario can be unlocked in this game.
*''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]'' - Goomba's Shoes (known as the Super Boot), a version of Raccoon Mario with only the tail, and Frog Suits return as [[stickers]] in this game. The music that plays when riding the ski lift in [[Whiteout Valley]] is a version of the athletic theme from ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. Also, the Kings' theme is recreated for the afterward to a [[Royal Sticker]] boss battle in this game. When the host [[Snifit]] explains the rules to [[Snifit or Whiffit]], a new version of the Spade Panel music plays.
*''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'' - Part of the boss theme is arranged as part of the music in [[Mario's Figure Skating Spectacular]] in this game.
*''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' - A version of the death jingle in ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' is referenced in this game. Spikes and Super Leaves also return.
*''[[NES Remix 2]]'' / ''[[Ultimate NES Remix]]'' - ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' is one of the games that are remixed.
*''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]'' - The music for [[Sky Island]] is a cover of the ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' athletic theme. Golf clubs, a golf ball, and a clothing combo appear based on the Super Leaf. There are also golf clubs, a golf ball, and a costume available based on Tanooki Mario.
*''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' / ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' - Tanooki Mario is a playable character in the downloadable content pack [[The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8|''The Legend of Zelda'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']], but is available from the start in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''. [[Rocky Wrench|Rocky Wrenches]] in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' resemble their appearance in ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'' - Music was used in this game as a medley of the athletic, stage clear theme, [[Giant Land]]'s theme, Hammer Bros. battle theme, and the player miss theme. The Super Leaf is also a usable item, turning fighters into the Raccoon form and allowing them to glide for a while. The Koopalings appear as playable characters as alternate costumes for [[Bowser Jr.]]
*''[[Mario Party 10]]'' - Toad's [[amiibo]] Party theme is a version of the theme for Toad Houses from this game. After a Bowser Party is finished, the results music is the lullaby that makes the Hammer, Boomerang, Fire, and Sledge Bros. fall asleep.
*''[[Super Mario Maker]]''/''[[Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS]]'' - ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' is one of the game styles for these games. The Course World menu music and 100 Mario Challenge map music are both cover versions of the Grass Land map theme. The [[Enemy Course (theme)|Enemy Course]] theme plays when the Bowser emblem sound effect is activated in the ''Super Mario Bros.'' style, and the Fortress Boss theme plays when it is activated in the ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' style.
*''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]'' - The 8-bit Recorder and Hammer return in the ''Super Mario Bros. 3''-themed course in [[Green Energy Plant]] and can be squeezed into realistic [[Battle Card (Paper Mario: Color Splash)#Thing Cards|Thing Card]]s; when the Recorder is used, the original notes are played by the flute itself, and it has the same effect of summoning a whirlwind, while three other flutes play the "Coin Heaven" theme in the background. Additionally, to board an airship carrying a giant bucket of paint, Mario hangs on the [[Anchor]] as he does in ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. Raccoon and Frog Mario also appear as usable card effects. Larry also, like in the Japanese manual for the game, states before fighting Mario, that he is doing his actions specifically to avoid upsetting Bowser. In addition, similar to in ''Super Mario Bros. 3'', after completing a level, Peach will supply Mario with advice via [[Holo-Peach]]es, although before the final level, her final message ends up intercepted by the main villain (Black Bowser in this case), although in this case, this resulted in her color being drained rather than being kidnapped.
*''[[Super Mario Run]]'' - The background music for Remix 10 features a version of the Ground theme from ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. One of the minigames available heavily resembles the Battle Mode stage where coins and fireballs spew out of a vertical pipe.
*''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'' - The music that plays in the slot rooms and the picture-matching mini-game areas is a version of the minigame theme from ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. A scene of Mario fighting Bowser, accompanied by the final boss theme from ''Super Mario Bros. 3'', plays when Mario captures Bowser.
*''[[WarioWare Gold]]'' - The Super Mario Bros. 3-Lift microgame from ''WarioWare: Twisted!'' reappears, referred to as simply "Super Mario Bros. 3".
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' - New arrangements of the Ground Theme (which features the level clear theme and Grass Land's theme), Fortress Boss theme (featuring Ice Land and Dark Land's themes), and Bowser battle theme (also featuring Dark Land's theme) are available as tracks.
*''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'' - ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' returns as a course style. The Enemy Course theme plays when the "Boss Music" sound effect is activated in the ''Super Mario Bros.'' style, the Fortress Boss theme plays when it is activated in the ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' style, and the Bowser battle theme plays when the "Final Boss" sound effect is activated in the ''Super Mario Bros.'' and ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' style.
*''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' - The Brooklyn couple's house features a framed piece of artwork resembling the green triangular texture patterns used for hills in ''Super Mario Bros. 3''. [[Music Box]]es, [[P Switch]]es, [[P-Wing]]s, [[Lakitu's Cloud]]s, [[anchor]]s, [[treasure chest]]s as they appear in ''Super Mario Bros. 3''{{'}}s [[Toad House]]s, and a [[hammer]] can be seen in the antique store. On the back wall of the store is a picture of Princess Peach as she appears in the [[letter]]s. When Mario runs from some Toad Guards in [[Peach's Castle]], the sound he makes when skidding across the hallway is identical to the [[P-Meter]] sound effect. This sound effect and the drum sample are also used in the track "Press Start". The Ground Theme, Athletic Theme, Toad House/P Switch music, [[Spade Panel]] minigame music, [[Airship Theme]], and [[Hammer Bro]] mini-boss music are also arranged in the film's score. The [[Tanooki Mario|Tanooki Suit]] also appears. The sign above the vertical [[lift]] Mario and Toad use resembles the world maps. The [[Koopa Troop]]'s territory is the [[Dark Land|Dark Lands]]. The voxel map Peach uses makes the "world map start" sound effect when the Mushroom Kingdom forms.
*''[[Super Mario Bros. Wonder]]'' - The minigame music is reused for the Wonder Effect in [[Taily's Toxic Pond]], and the Hammer Bro music is reused for the Break Time! level [[Trottin' Piranha Plants (level)|Trottin' Piranha Plants]].
*''[[WarioWare: Move It!]]'' - A [[Super Mario Bros. 3 (WarioWare: Move It!)|microgame]] based on ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' appears in this game, in which the player controls a flying [[Raccoon Mario]].

==Version differences==
{{see also|tcrf:{{FULLPAGENAME}}}}
There are four versions of ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' released for [[Family Computer]] and [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]: the original Japanese version, the North American PRG0 and PRG1 versions (NES cartridges will display <code>NES-UM-USA</code> and <code>NES-UM-USA-1</code> next to the [[Official Nintendo Seal|Nintendo Seal of Quality]] respectively), and the PAL version. During the two year release gap between the Japanese version and the worldwide release of ''Super Mario Bros. 3'', many changes were made while localizing the game for the international market. Many of the gameplay and level design changes for the international release were kept in the future remakes, while other changes were reverted to make the game closer to the original Japanese version.
===Gameplay changes===
*In the Japanese version, getting hit while powered-up causes the player to automatically shrink to Small Mario like in ''Super Mario Bros.'' In the international versions, powered-up Mario is reverted to Super Mario when hit, then shrinks to Small Mario when hit again. This also applies for the Goomba's Shoe. In the Japanese version, the shoe is red as it flies offscreen, and the player is also reverted to Small Mario; the shoe retains its green color as it is removed for the international versions, and the player keeps any power-ups they had before entering the shoe. Despite these changes, the short demo that plays on the title screen still shows Mario being reduced to Small Mario when being hit by a shell when he is Raccoon Mario. This oversight was not fixed for either ''All-Stars'' or ''Advance 4''.
*In Toad Houses, the player can move while Toad is speaking in the Japanese version. In the international versions, the player must wait until the message is completely displayed.
*The timing for the credits sequence was altered for the international versions.
*After the credits end in the international versions, the player can press any button to return to the title screen and start another game in which the inventory is filled with 28 P-Wings. In the Japanese version, the player cannot do this as the game remains on the ending screen indefinitely and must be restarted. This is one of the few international gameplay changes not retained in the later remakes.

===Level design changes===
*In the second room of {{world|1|fortress}} in the international versions, the door to Boom Boom is at the very end of the room, with the spikes above the door slightly above the rest. Comparatively in the Japanese version, the room is two blocks wider to the right, and the door is one block to the left of the gap in ceiling spikes.
*The castle interiors when entering and finishing an airship stage were redesigned for the international versions. Mario is standing in the center of the room rather than on the very left, a third pillar next to the very left one was removed, the column on the right is in front of the stairs rather than behind, the throne and stairs are colored golden rather than being blue like the background wall, the stairs are made slightly longer, and the shadow shading was put on the right of each pillar rather than on the left.
*In {{world|8|[[File:Navy.gif|Navy]]}}, a block was removed off the end of the final ship, allowing players to more easily jump onto the ship should they swim under the fleet.
*The end of World 5-1 was moved to the end of the main area of the level rather than having a Warp Pipe that takes the player to the end of the stage. A Buster Beetle at that part was also removed for the international versions. This was likely done to remove a glitch allowing the [[treasure chest|treasure box]] that appears in the secret area in this level to appear at the end of the level.

===Graphical changes===
*When the player is hit as Tanooki, Hammer, or Frog Mario, the costume comes off and a sound effect plays in the Japanese version. In the international versions, the costume disappears in a puff of smoke.
*In the Japanese version, when entering a stage, it wipes in to black, then wipes out the stage. In the international versions, it wipes in, then the stage fades in slightly more quickly.

===Textual changes===
*In the PRG1 version, the names of each world as shown in-game minus Grass Land were further altered; Desert Hill became Desert Land, Ocean Side became Water Land, Big Island became Giant Land, The Sky became Sky Land, Iced Land became simply Ice Land, Pipe Maze became Pipe Land, and Castle of Koopa became Dark Land. This actually makes it closer to how they were originally written in the instruction manuals, including the Japanese one. The [[Super Mario All-Stars|Super Nintendo]] and [[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3|Game Boy Advance]] ports, however, reverted back to the original pre-revision names.
*In the PRG0 version, Toad says "Miss twice and your out!" in the [[N-Mark Spade Panel]]s. The US PRG1 version changes Toad's line to "You can only miss twice!" to get rid of the typo in the PRG0 version.
*Princess Peach mentions in her letter received in World 2 "Kuribo's shoe" in the PRG0 version and "Goomba's shoe" in PRG1 version.

===PAL version changes===
*The PAL version is based on the US PRG1 version, featuring most of its changes. It was optimized for PAL NES to have its gameplay and music match the Japanese and US versions. Some of the music sounds different as the result, such as the Airship music, where the percussion in the first part isn't cut off.
*Bowser's letter is inexplicably signed as "Koopa Troopa" instead of "King of the Koopa" from the US versions.

==Staff==
{{main|List of Super Mario Bros. 3 staff}}
===Directors===
*[[Shigeru Miyamoto]]
*[[Takashi Tezuka]]

===Game Designers===
*Shigeru Miyamoto
*Takashi Tezuka

===Main Programmer===
*Toshihiko Nakago

===Sound Composer===
*[[Koji Kondo]]

===Producer===
*Shigeru Miyamoto

==Pre-release and unused content==
{{main|List of Super Mario Bros. 3 pre-release and unused content}}
One of the early ideas was a power-up to turn Mario into a {{wp|Centaur}} (half-man, half-horse), although this was rejected before being implemented into the game. (Tilden 1990, 21)

Additionally, [[Cheep Cheep|Cheep-Cheep]]s and [[Para-Beetle]]s respectively have unused tan and green variations, which would have moved faster than their ordinary counterparts.

==Glitches==
{{main|List of Super Mario Bros. 3 glitches}}

==Gallery==
{{main-gallery}}
<gallery>
RaccoonMario Demonstration SMB3.png|[[Raccoon Mario]]
SMB3 - Luigi Peach and Toad.png|[[Princess Peach|Princess Toadstool]], [[Toad (species)|Toad]], and [[Luigi]]
Paragoomba SMB3 art.png|[[Paragoomba|Para-Goomba]]
Bowser SMB3 artwork.jpg|[[Bowser]]
Boom Boom SMB3 artwork.jpg|[[Boom Boom]]
SMB3 NES - Group art.png|Main cast
</gallery>

==Quotes==
{{See also|List of Super Mario Bros. 3 quotes}}
*"''The Tanooki Suit turns into a statue! Even though I knew it wouldn't make sense to some non-Japanese players...I was so excited about it that I left it in.''" - [[Shigeru Miyamoto]], [[Super Mario History|Super Mario History 1985-2010 booklet]]
*"''We were helped by many people when developing this game. But even with a larger team, I was still the worst gamer of the bunch.''" - [[Takashi Tezuka]], Super Mario History 1985-2010 booklet
*"''This time around, I added a lot of percussion and was able to create tracks that sounded like there were three or more sounds playing at once, resulting in much richer-sounding music.''" - [[Koji Kondo]], Super Mario History 1985-2010 booklet

==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=スーパーマリオブラザーズ3
|JapR=Sūpā Mario Burazāzu Surī
|JapM=Super Mario Bros. 3
|Kor=슈퍼 마리오 브라더스 3
|KorR=Syupeo Malio Beuladeoseu 3
|KorM=Super Mario Bros. 3
|ChiS=超级马力欧兄弟3<ref>[https://www.ique.com/3ds/arej/movie/index.html Video from official simplified Chinese website for ''Super Mario 3D Land'']. Retrieved April 2, 2020.</ref>
|ChiSR=Chāojí Mǎlì'ōu Xiōngdì 3
|ChiSM=Super Mario Brothers 3
|ChiT=超級瑪利歐兄弟3<ref>[https://www.nintendo.com.hk/hardware/switch/onlineservice/fc/ Nintendo Switch Online Hong Kong Official Website]. Retrieved May 21, 2020.</ref> <ref>From the official translated name in ''Super Mario Maker 2''</ref>
|ChiTR=Chāojí Mǎlì'ōu Xiōngdì 3
|ChiTM=Super Mario Brothers 3
}}
===''Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario, the quick-change artist!''===
{{foreign names
|Jap=スーパーマリオブラザーズ3 マリオ八変化バージョン
|JapR=Sūpā Mario Burazāzu Surī Mario Hachihenge Bājon
|JapM=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario Eight Transformations Version
|Fre=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario, l'as du déguisement !
|FreM=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario, king of disguising!
|Ger=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario, der Kostümwechselmeister!
|GerM=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario, the costume-changing master!
|Spa=Super Mario Bros. 3: ¡Mario tiene transformaciones a montones!
|SpaM=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario has lots of transformations!
|Ita=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario il transformista!
|ItaM=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario the transformist!
|Dut=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario, de omkleedkunstenaar!
|DutM=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario, the change artist!
|Por=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario, o mestre das transformações!
|PorM=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario, the master of transformations!
|Rus=Super Mario Bros. 3: Многоликий Марио
|RusR=Super Mario Bros. 3: Mnogolikiy Mario
|RusM=Super Mario Bros. 3: Many-Faced Mario
}}

==Trivia==
*''Super Mario Bros. 3'' is [[Takashi Tezuka]]'s favorite game in the series,<ref>GameXplain (June 23, 2015). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd1IOOiuoZ8 ''Super Mario Maker'' Developer Interview - Takashi Tezuka & Yosuke Oshino]. YouTube. Retrieved September 16, 2015</ref> as he feels that it is his first masterpiece.
*According to the ''[[Guinness World Records|Guinness Book of World Records]] 2008'', ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' was the world's best-selling video game, a title which at the time belonged to ''Super Mario Bros.'' based off known data.
**Also, the image used in the book was of ''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'', the remake, which made the same mistake on the back of its box.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
{{NIWA|SmashWiki=Music (SSBM)#Super Mario Bros. 3|StrategyWiki=1}}
*[https://www.nintendo.com/jp/famicom/software/smb3/index.html Official Japanese webpage]
*[https://archive.org/details/smb3dq Program Details for ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' - Time Attack]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20020625195515/http://nintendope.iodized.net/smb3/info.html Nintendo Power Special: The making of ''Super Mario Bros. 3'']
*[http://www.superluigibros.com/super-mario-bros-3-full-guide-nintendo-power-13 Nintendo Power Special: ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' Strategy Guide'']
*[https://www.themushroomkingdom.net/smb3_lost.shtml The Mushroom Kingdom - pre-release and unused content from ''Super Mario Bros. 3'']
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manuals/ja/pdf/CLV-P-HAACJ.pdf Japanese Famicom manual]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manuals/en/pdf/CLV-P-NAACE.pdf North American manual]
{{SMB3}}
{{Super Mario games}}
{{NES}}
{{Virtual Console}}
{{NSO}}
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