I started out playing flash games, like super mario 63. Later, my cousin played mario party 8 with my brother and I. We got a Wii next Christmas, and my friend Finn gave me his DS last year. I want a Wii U, but we're saving up for a trip next year, so I don't want to put more financial pressure on them.
Vs SMB (the arcade version).
We never had a game console before that, and didn't get one till over a year later. Then, of course, I played the NES version of SMB (but still preferred the arcade version I was more familiar with), and then, being really into the game, got my brother the new Mario platformers coming out (and the first Super Mario Kart) up to the first Allstars.
I honestly have no idea. It's probably the Mario toys and Super Smash Bros. that first got me into it, but as far as I can remember, I was always in the Mario series. I'm a Mario acolyte.
I remember when i was little, my sis gave me her gameboy with super mario world advance. because she just got a ds. but a year later, it dissapeared. what do you know, my sister stole it and hid it from me for about 6 years.