Nintendo has confirmed that Mario is no longer a plumber - and insisted he hasn't been a pipe expert for a long time.

Super Mario

Super Mario

The video game giant has changed the online profile for the iconic character - who first appeared as a character known as Jumpman in 1981's 'Donkey Kong', and saw a career change when he was joined by Luigi in 'Mario Bros.' two years later.

With his trademark overalls, one certainty and constant in gaming for the last three decades has been that Mario is a plumber - but it seems it is not been the case for quite some time.

Kotuka.com has translated his Japanese profile, which reads: "All around sporty, whether it's tennis or baseball, soccer or car racing, he [Mario] does everything cool. As a matter of fact, he also seems to have worked as a plumber a long time ago..."

However, video game designer Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto has previously suggested that the character's surroundings dictate his profession at the time.

In 1981, 'Donkey Kong' was set on a construction site, so Mario was there as a carpenter.

He added: "With (1983's) Mario Bros., we brought in Luigi and a lot of the game was played underground so we made him to fit that setting and, we decided he could be a plumber. The scenario dictates his role."

Over the years, Mario is appeared as a medical professional ('Dr. Mario'), archaeologist ('Mario's Picross'), toy-making company president ('Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis'), and even a star in various sports, including the 'Mario Kart' and athletic games in the franchise.