Super Mario, the hyperactive little plumber who has become one of the best-known characters in video game history, celebrates his 30th birthday today and Japanese giant Nintendo is marking the event with the release of a creative new format. With his blue overalls, red cap and fulsome moustache, Mario is instantly recognisable, a rare quality in the games market, matched only by a handful of characters such as Lara Croft, Sonic the Hedgehog and Pac-Man.