For decades, Nintendo has brought joy and technological innovation to millions of people through the Super Mario series and a wide range of video games and beloved characters. Mario and his peers have taken on the roles of heroes in sports games, racing titles, and platforming experiences in all shapes and sizes.
Over the years, new characters have been added to Mario’s roster, and existing characters have gained additional depth and complexity over time. Some characters, who may not be considered main characters, have become favorites among players, gaining popularity independent of Nintendo and the heroic plumber himself.
Now is our chance to explore some of the standout characters of Super Mario that have emerged in the Mushroom Kingdom.
Princess Rosalina
Here’s a fact you might be hearing for the first time: Princess Rosalina’s right eye cannot be seen except through technical glitches. She hasn’t made a clear appearance in any game before. Born into a royal family with a brother, this princess in the beloved game Super Mario Galaxy controls the stars instead of a part of or a neighboring land to the Mushroom Kingdom.
Rosalina was a mysterious and kind-hearted character who appeared as the internet flourished in the late 2000s and early 2010s. She gained great popularity and became an instant favorite among audiences. When it comes to stealing the limelight and players’ hearts, Rosalina is a formidable opponent, witnessed by the stars in the night sky.
Bowser Jr.
A troublemaker, it’s interesting to note that Bowser Jr. doesn’t have a mother. In fact, Bowser Jr. is actually Bowser himself, the chaotic and cunning son of the great King Koopa. Bowser Jr. is keen on cementing his public image as soon as he arrives on the scene, like flying in a spinning carousel car and assisting his father in scheming against the Mushroom Kingdom. This little turtle’s size gives him an air of arrogance and a larger-than-life personality.
Although Bowser Jr., like most examples of mischievous boys, has a weakness that drives his evil behavior, he ultimately wants a mother to complete his family with him and his father. This is why he is eager to help Bowser in kidnapping Princess Peach on many occasions. He may have a misguided approach to things, but his pranks and antics make Bowser Jr. a lovable child character to those who get to know him.
Princess Daisy
The adventurous princess of Sarasaland, it’s interesting that Daisy can be played in almost all Mario sports games. You can also unlock Daisy’s iconic dress in Bayonetta 2.
She is an active and open-minded princess who challenges traditional royal norms. Princess Daisy is often more active and engaged than her peers, willing to play a game of soccer or participate in the Olympic games with Sonic the Hedgehog. This more engaging and athletic character prevented Daisy from being seen as just a carbon copy of Princess Peach, giving her and Luigi a dynamic as opposites to Peach and Mario.
From her humble beginnings as a new damsel in distress in Super Mario Land, to standing alongside Sonic, Ken, Solid Snake, and Sora in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Daisy has gained great popularity and become a favorite among players.
Toad
A loyal and quirky servant, it’s interesting to note that Toad doesn’t wear a hat as everyone thinks, but the mushroom is actually part of his head. Toad, the faithful companion in the world of Super Mario, has evolved beyond his humble origins.
Toad first appeared as a loyal assistant to Princess Peach in the game Super Mario Bros., quickly becoming an iconic character with his distinctive mushroom-shaped head and unwavering loyalty. The Super Mario Bros. movie expanded Toad’s role, portraying him as a street artist, adding depth to his character.
Toad shows his versatility in gameplay, taking the lead role in Captain Toad, a cozy puzzle game on the Nintendo Switch. Away from traditional roles, this game allows players to explore captivating diorama-like levels and reveal the true character of Toad.
Whether in movies or his own adventures, Toad constantly evolves from a mere assistant to a character capable of captivating audiences in diverse narratives.
Princess Peach
Princess Peach has always been known by this name in Japan, but outside Japan she was known as Princess Toadstool. Princess Peach is the most famous and beloved princess in the Super Mario series, with her roots going back to the 1980s when she first appeared as Princess Toadstool. Over the years, her character has evolved, becoming synonymous with the Mushroom Kingdom.
In 1996, her name was changed to Peach, transforming from a traditional damsel in distress to a dynamic and multi-faceted heroine. The recent Super Mario Bros. movie delved into her origins, adding depth to her story and generating interest in her untold narrative. And now, in the latest game, Princess Peach: Showtime!, Peach takes the spotlight, reinforcing her status as a beloved and enduring character in the gaming world.
