LogFAQs > #891587590

I'd say Mario's sprite is more iconic and well-known, but I don't know if that means it's more popular. People make variations of the MM sprite for their websites and YouTube channels. It's also appeared predominantly in eight games spanning more than 20 years. The MM sprite is so good because it was highly detailed from the start and fits into the 8-bit games' art style so well, even as it became more detailed over the years. The SMB sprite served its purpose, but they obviously needed to evolve it for later games.