If you were in Manhattan yesterday afternoon near Rockefeller Plaza, you may have noticed a line spanning blocks and dotted with numerous red and green flat caps. Hundreds of fans gathered at the Nintendo World Store to celebrate the silver birthday of gaming's most recognizable and beloved character.

Mario technically turned 25 in September, but that didn't dull the enthusiasm of attendees who filled the newly-renovated monument to all things Nintendo with a raucous chant of "Mario! Mario! Mario!" Thanks to a recorded confessional booth, fathers who played the original "Super Mario Bros." in 1985 and their children -- who may have just started gaming with last year's 2-D throwback "New Super Mario Bros. Wii" -- could share warm and fuzzy Mario memories together.

The promise of free cake (hey, it always worked for Princess Peach) and the chance to make difficult jumps in vintage Mario games with the added pressure of judgmental onlookers was enough for most. However, a couple noteworthy appearances by the closest thing to celebrities in the video game industry made the long wait in the bluster of Midtown worthwhile.

Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime was there to toast Mario. The real shock, however, came when he introduced Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto. The crowd erupted (unsurprisingly), and the humble industry icon thanked fans for the warm welcome, noting how important their support was in keeping Mario alive and well. Here's to another 25 years.

Check out our photo gallery of the event for Mario cosplaying, the impressive multi-tiered cake and the store's envious display of Nintendo minutia.

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Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto watches a fan play Super Mario Bros. at Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Nintendo Store in NYC.

Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Mario and his cake at Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Nintendo Store in NYC.

Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto cuts the cake at Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Nintendo Store in NYC.

Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Nintendo of America Creator Reggie Fils-Aime and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto enjoy the Mario cake at Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Nintendo Store in NYC.

Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Nintendo of America Creator Reggie Fils-Aime autographs a fan's costume at Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Nintendo Store in NYC.

Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Costumed fans get interviewed at Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Nintendo Store in NYC.

Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Mario poses for pictures with fans at Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Nintendo Store in NYC.

Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Fans pose for pictures at Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Nintendo Store in NYC.

Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Fans explore the revamped Nintendo Store at Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration in NYC.

Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Old school systems on display in Nintendo Store at Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration in NYC.

Mario's 25th Anniversary Celebration