The Faces of Nintendo: A Legacy of Iconic Characters.

"Explore the stories, fun facts, and timeless charm of Nintendo’s most beloved characters."

Yoshi: The Adorable Sidekick

Yoshi is Nintendo’s lovable dinosaur and a symbol of loyalty and kindness. First introduced in Super Mario World (1990), Yoshi has been a fan favorite ever since, thanks to his flutter jump, egg-throwing abilities, and cheerful personality. Over the years, Yoshi has grown from Mario’s trusty sidekick into a star in his own right, starring in his own series of colorful and whimsical adventures.

Fun Facts:

  • Yoshi’s original name during development was “Yossy.”
  • He can eat nearly anything with his long tongue—even enemies much bigger than himself!
  • Yoshi comes in a variety of colors, with each color having unique abilities in some games (Super Mario World, for example).

Highlight Game:

Yoshi’s Island (1995): In this classic, Yoshi protects Baby Mario as they journey across a beautifully hand-drawn world. The game’s visuals, gameplay mechanics, and iconic soundtrack cemented Yoshi as a Nintendo legend.

Luigi: The Ultimate Underdog

Luigi is Mario’s younger brother, and while he started as a Player 2 option in Super Mario Bros. (1983), he’s become so much more. Known for his taller, lankier build and slightly timid personality, Luigi has carved out a niche as an underdog hero. From exploring haunted mansions to holding his own in the Mushroom Kingdom, Luigi has proved he’s a true Nintendo icon.

Fun Facts:

  • Luigi’s jump is higher than Mario’s in many games, reflecting his unique abilities.
  • He’s the star of the Luigi’s Mansion series, where he braves ghosts and ghouls to save the day.
  • Nintendo once declared 2013 the “Year of Luigi” to celebrate his contributions to gaming.

Highlight Game:

Luigi’s Mansion (2001): In this spooky yet charming adventure, Luigi braves a haunted mansion armed with the Poltergust 3000, a ghost-sucking vacuum cleaner. This game highlighted Luigi’s courage and introduced his humorous, relatable personality to the world.

Bowser: King of the Koopas

Bowser is Nintendo’s iconic villain and the ultimate rival to Mario. Since his debut in Super Mario Bros. (1985), Bowser has become synonymous with fiery determination, castle kidnappings, and unforgettable battles. As the leader of the Koopa Troop, Bowser is the mastermind behind countless schemes to capture Princess Peach—but his motives have evolved over the years, showing depth and humor in modern games.

Fun Facts:

  • Bowser’s name in Japan is “Koopa,” inspired by a Korean dish called gukbap.
  • Bowser has been a playable character in several games, including Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros..
  • In Super Mario RPG, Bowser hilariously teams up with Mario to save the Mushroom Kingdom.

Highlight Game:

Super Mario Odyssey (2017): Bowser attempts to force Peach into marriage, donning a suave white tuxedo. This game highlights his over-the-top personality and proves he’s more than just a villain—he’s a showman.

Wario: The Lovable Anti-Hero

Wario brings a chaotic and mischievous energy to the Nintendo universe. First introduced as the main antagonist in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992), Wario quickly became a fan favorite for his humor, greed, and unpredictable antics. Unlike Mario, Wario isn’t driven by heroism—he’s all about wealth, garlic, and doing things his way.

Fun Facts:

  • Wario’s name is a play on the Japanese word “warui,” which means “bad” or “evil,” symbolizing his anti-Mario persona.
  • Wario’s games, like WarioWare, are known for their quirky, fast-paced microgames that showcase his offbeat style.
  • Despite his greed, Wario occasionally shows a soft side, especially when he’s adventuring with his friend Waluigi.

Highlight Game:

WarioWare: Smooth Moves (2007): This quirky and hilarious game lets players dive into Wario’s chaotic world through a series of bizarre and addictive microgames. It’s Wario at his most creative and eccentric!