Company: Zaini
Release date: 1998-1999
Size: +/- 3cm
Main distribution: Europe
These are little Nintendo figures that came in surprise chocolate eggs from Zaini.
2 series were made (the first one got extended with 2 more figures) of 10 figures, totalling 20 figures; simply called Super Mario Collection and Super Mario New Collection.
Super Mario Collection
Release: 1998
Initially the series had 8 figures, and the leaflet had drawn artwork, but later got released with 2 more figures, adding a racer Mario and a frisbee Mario, totalling 10 figures.
I got 4/10.
Mario Golf
Mario is wearing a visor and swinging a golf club. He is wearing blue overalls, with a red shirt and red visor. The pose is based on the artwork of the cover of the Japan exclusive Famicom Disk System Family Computer Golf Japan Course. The leaflet and figure are recoloured to the newer blue overalls.
Branding is on his back and simply reads NINTENDO©.
Mario Frisbee
Mario is getting ready to throw a frisbee, with his left hand extended forward and his right hand holding the frisbee behind him. He is wearing blue overalls, with a red shirt and red hat. Branding is on his back and simply reads NINTENDO©, with a CE on the back of the frisbee.
Koopa Paratroopa
Koopa Paratroopa is standing quite neutral, with his hands held in front of his belly. He has a green shell. Branding is on the back of his head and simply reads CE NINTENDO©. The pose does not match the artwork they used to portray Koopa Paratroopa. I find it more closely resembling the following from Super Mario Bros Print World.
Mine is possibly a re-release, as he’s wearing shoes and looks more on-point than the initial promotional images.
Mario Tennis
Mario is wearing a visor and holding a tennis racket. He is wearing blue overalls, with a red shirt and red visor. The pose is based on the artwork on the leaflet.
Branding is on his back and simply reads NINTENDO©.
Super Mario New Collection
Release: 1999
The new collection has 10 new figures.
I got 2/10.
Mario Motorcycle
Mario is riding a green motorcycle, laying low with his head on the handlebars. He is wearing blue overalls, with a red shirt and red hat. The figure is possibly based on this artwork (there’s a pin of this artwork of Mario on a green bike too).
Branding is on his left back and simply reads NINTENDO©, with a CE on his left hip.
Dr. Mario
Mario is wearing green scrubs, and has a yellow stethoscope around his neck, as well as a head mirror on his head. He seems to be wearing his regular outfit underneath, as you can see his blue trousers, brown shoes and red hat too. He looks to be in a hurry and is carrying an orange doctor’s bag. The figure is possibly based on this artwork of Dr. Mario, but with a hat and unique colourscheme.
Branding is on his left back and simply reads NINTENDO© CE.
I recall getting a Mario Chocolate Egg as a young teen, and getting the Koopa Paratroopa out of it. It’s my childhood figure, and despite some images, I find him quite good looking. I played with him a lot, hence the paint rubbing on the wings.
The others I found here and there, some on markets, or in charity shops, in collector shops and in lots online. Sometimes my mom found one and would give me a “mini Mario”.
I never realised there were 20 different ones though. I quite like these sometimes derpy figures. They’re very 90’s; I love 90’s Nintendo. They’re small; I love tiny things. And it’s of Mario doing some unique things, not the usual gamey stuff. I found some of the poses in colouring books, vintage pins and Super Mario Bros. Print World, like Mario skateboarding and footballing, or the weird Bomb-omb, and I love 3D renditions of 2D art. Despite that I wouldn’t actively hunt for these, but they’re always nice when you do find them. Sadly, due to rarity and because not a lot of people know of these, they often get labelled as rare vintage and made expensive. Considering it’s a derpy chocolate egg toy, I find them often overpriced.
I have 2 doubles actually; Mario Golf and Mario Motorcycle. If you like to trade, let me know.
If you like vintage Mario / Nintendo things, you’ll like these.
If you’re more into accurate, modern Mario / Nintendo stuff, you’ll want to give these a miss.
Got any more details / information you think I should add? Or did I get something wrong? Do you own these figures? Do you agree or disagree with my findings? Let me know in the comments below!