Mario and Co are traveling through a desert, dying of thirst. Thanks to a booby-trap, they wind up in the palace of Sultan Pasbah, who tries to force Princess into his harem, while the guys are sent to the dungeon. Through total fate, the Marios discover a magic lamp. However, it contains a grouchy genie who apparently offers no help in getting Princess back from the sultan, or from Koopa, who just showed up to purchase her.