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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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How It Works • Games & Tech

Super Mario World

Super Mario World is a 1990 platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Super Mario World is a 1990 platform game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It introduced Yoshi and expanded the series with secret exits and a world map.

What it is

Super Mario World is a side-scrolling platformer developed by Nintendo EAD. It was the first Super Mario title for the SNES, following Mario and Luigi through Dinosaur Land to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser and the Koopalings. The game features a connected world map with multiple paths and hidden exits.

Key features

The game introduced Yoshi as a rideable companion who can swallow enemies and gain abilities from Koopa shells. It also includes the Star Road warp network and the challenging Special Zone, accessible through secret exits. Players can find 96 total exits by exploring all hidden routes.

Why it matters

Super Mario World is remembered for its deep secrets, speedrunning legacy, and influence on later Mario games. It cemented Yoshi as a recurring franchise character and remains a classic among Canadian gamers, released in Canada as part of Nintendo’s North American SNES launch lineup.

In short

  • First Super Mario game on the SNES.
  • Introduced Yoshi as a major character.
  • Features hidden exits and a 96-exit completion goal.
  • Includes Star Road warp network and Special Zone.
Canadian angle

Super Mario World was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in Canada as part of Nintendo’s North American launch-era software lineup, and it remains a widely recognized classic among Canadian gamers.

Quick questions

What are the secrets in Super Mario World?
The game includes hidden exits, warp routes, bonus areas, and Switch Palaces. Examples include alternate paths in Ghost Houses and routes leading to Star Road and the Special Zone.
Who or what is Yoshi in Super Mario World?
Yoshi is Mario’s rideable dinosaur companion. He can eat enemies, swallow shells, and unlock shortcuts or tricks in some stages.
What is Star Road in Super Mario World?
Star Road is a hidden warp network made up of secret connected nodes on the world map. It is accessed through specific secret exits and can lead to other concealed areas.

Sources

  1. StrategyWiki — https://strategywiki.org/wiki/Super_Mario_World/Walkthrough
    Supports: General walkthrough structure, worlds, secret areas, and game progression.
  2. Video Chums — https://videochums.com/top10/super-mario-world-secrets
    Supports: Examples of secrets, secret exits, Star Road, and Special World access.
  3. IGN — https://www.ign.com/wikis/super-mario-world/SNES_Cheats
    Supports: Secret exits, Star Road, Special Zone access, and gameplay tricks.
  4. Game Rant — https://gamerant.com/super-mario-world-hidden-areas/
    Supports: Hidden areas, secret exits, Top Secret Area, and Star Road references.
  5. TheGamer — https://www.thegamer.com/hidden-secrets-you-still-havent-found-in-super-mario-world/
    Supports: Hidden secrets, Yoshi-related tricks, and secret mechanics.
  6. TheGamer — https://www.thegamer.com/super-mario-world-nintendo-secrets-tricks-super-fans-know/
    Supports: Special World-related tricks and secret mechanics.
  7. Scribd — https://www.scribd.com/document/892628628/Super-Mario-World
    Supports: References to 96 exits, Yoshi use, secret exits, and level routes.