Top 10 Best Nintendo Characters of All Time
When it comes to iconic characters, Nintendo has given us some of the most memorable and beloved figures in gaming history. From legendary heroes to mischievous sidekicks, the Nintendo universe is filled with personalities that have shaped the gaming world for decades. Everyone has their personal favorites, but what makes certain characters stand out among the rest?Maybe it's their unforgettable adventures, their unique abilities, or that nostalgic feeling they bring whenever you boot up a classic game. These characters have battled enemies, saved kingdoms, and eaten a whole lot of power-ups along the way. But one thing's for sure - they've earned a special place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
Link refers to several different incarnations of the same protagonist of Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda series. Okay, so Link is better than Mario in several ways. One is that, unlike Mario or any of the other Nintendo characters, Link actually ages throughout the gaming franchise.
Well, not exactly aging, but there are different versions of Link at various ages, each with their own set of games. You can't honestly say you enjoy seeing the same middle-aged plumber for almost 30 years. Also, who would you prefer playing as?
A sort of elf soldier with a pure motive, journeying through various dungeons and forests, or a plumber who, for some reason, not only saves a princess through the same platform but also goes go-kart racing, plays several crazy sports, and does all sorts of other wild stuff with annoying characters? Speaking of characters, those in The Legend of Zelda series are actually fun to interact with throughout the games, unlike the Mario cast.
Mario's characters? Birdo - I don't even know what that is. Then you have characters with racial stereotypes and annoying ones like Waluigi and Wario, who are just stupid.
Mario, originally named Jumpman, is the main character of the Super Mario Bros. franchise, created by the creative director and video game designer at Nintendo of Japan, Shigeru Miyamoto. Mario has appeared in almost every Mario game, including games in spin-off series as a playable character, with... read more Mario deserves it. Even if he's overrated, he is an Italian developed by Japanese, speaks English, and looks like a Mexican. That's a lot of world heritage. He has been in games since 1981 and has had amazing titles like Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, Super Mario Land, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Sunshine. Wow.
In addition to that, he's a fighter, golfer, partyer, doctor, and construction worker. Also, Mario was Nintendo's first recognizable video game character and is the most famous, popular, and well-known video game character of all time. Mario's main color is red, which is better than green. Link's games are harder and more unique, but Mario stops at nothing to save Peach. He traversed the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Mario Bros., went through 15 worlds like volcanoes, the sky, deserts, mountains, and even a snowy land to save her. He went across the entire galaxy and several different planets to save Peach and the galaxy. He's the best! Nothing else needs to be said!
Yoshi, once romanized as Yossy, is a fictional anthropomorphic dinosaur who appears in video games published by Nintendo. Often appearing as a sidekick and helper to Mario, Yoshi is most known for his appearances in the Yoshi's Island and the Super Mario franchises. Yoshi is my personal favorite when it comes to Nintendo characters. Even though he is often overshadowed by Mario in many Mario games, could he not clearly beat Mario in a fight? Think about it: have you ever seen Yoshi die in NSMBW, NSMBU, or for that matter, any game with Mario and Luigi as the main protagonists?
Sure, Yoshi can fall, taking him out of the level, or go into lava, or run off Mario's back when Mario would normally get hit by an enemy while riding him. However, you never hear him falling to his death like you hear Mario. Plus, the fact that he can fly, and when he falls into lava, he doesn't seem like he's in pain at all, unlike Mario who reacts painfully if he even touches lava once.
It seems like Yoshi is simply tired of being Mario's insignificant helper, only to get forgotten. He just wants to go into the lava or fall to get away from Mario, all while not even taking a single scratch. Also, did I mention that his boots allow him to stand on spikes without getting hurt? They appear to be made of rubber as well. So, if Pikachu ever gets into a fight with him, all Yoshi has to do is kick him a few times and stand on him. Pikachu's electricity will be rendered useless.
Yoshi can also eat up opponents and projectiles like fireballs. If nothing else, he can simply beat opponents senseless by pounding them with his huge nose. Even though many Nintendo fans don't realize it, Yoshi is way more powerful than he looks.
Kirby is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Kirby series of video games owned by Nintendo and HAL Laboratory. His first game was created in 1992, and the pink puffball has made his way into the hearts of fans of all ages. Kirby is a boss. Point. Blank. Period. Not only is he one of the cutest Nintendo characters of all time, but he is also one of the most powerful. An example of this is in Super Smash Bros. I'm pretty sure that he gives off the impression of a vulnerable pink blob, but do not let this fool you. Once you get the hang of this character, he could easily defeat any character in the game.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love Mario's ambition and determination in platformers and Link's complex gameplay that makes you think, and his kickass weapons, but Kirby has all those things in his games. You can find complex puzzles, fight great bosses, and get the enemies' abilities once you defeat them.
Samus Aran is the protagonist of the science fiction action-adventure game series Metroid by Nintendo. A galactic bounty hunter, Samus is usually equipped with her Power Suit, giving her access to weapons she uses to battle her enemies. Samus is incredibly iconic as the only original female main character that early in gaming history. Also, she is pretty awesome with her upgrades, missiles, and guns. She is also smoking hot. She deserves #5.
Samus is too awesome. What's with 6th place? I place her 1st. Her character isn't very well developed until Super Metroid, but since then, she became a force to be reckoned with. Besides, I think she's the only character who dealt with the deaths of close people and the aftermath of those deaths (i.e., the Baby Metroid).
Luigi, originally a palette swap of Mario named Green Mario, is a major character featured in video games and related media released by Nintendo. Created by prominent game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, Luigi is portrayed as the slightly younger, taller fraternal twin brother of Nintendo's unofficial mascot... read more Luigi is awesome. Yeah, Mario is good, but Luigi can get the job done for certain. He gets sent on secret missions to collect stars and barely gets any credit. He deserves much more credit. I like his ice flower powers. I find he gets the job done no problem. Luigi for the win.
Mario is WAY TOO OVERRATED. The WHOLE game is named after Mario. And some people see Luigi as a backup Mario-clone who's just there to cower in the corner. Sure, Luigi is a coward, but he's done much more brave things than Mario, such as defeating over 100 ghosts in "Luigi's Haunted Mansion", or whatever it's called. However, Luigi DESERVES the #1 spot over anyone else.
Donkey Kong is an arcade game released by Nintendo in 1981. It is an early example of the platform game genre, as the gameplay focuses on maneuvering the main character across a series of platforms while dodging and jumping over obstacles. You can't find gorillas fighting on YouTube? I've got a bright solution for you! Watch the famous gorilla Donkey Kong! He smashes drums, crocodiles, tikis, smart chickens (Feather Fiend has such a great boss theme too), and even the freaking moon! He even has a boxing game and is featured in another boxing game. Best fighting gorilla.
Donkey Kong is just awesome. His games are challenging and fun, so fun that I actually convinced a guy who didn't want Tropical Freeze, and now he does want it! He definitely deserves to be in the top 3 and deserves more games.
Bowser is the main antagonist of the Mario Bros. Franchise. From kidnapping Princess Peach to simply destroying a fun game between Mario and Friends in the Mario Party spinoff series, this king of the Koopas has set up a certain hatred towards himself amongst the large cast of Mario Characters. He first... read more King Bowser Koopa is one of my favorite villains across various media. He reminds me somewhat of Dr. Doofenshmirtz from "Phineas and Ferb," particularly in how he is an amazing father. In the ending scene of "Super Mario Sunshine," we see Bowser owning up to lying about Peach being Jr's mother.
People often say, "Bowser is heartless," but does Junior seem scared of his dad? No! Bowser, a single father, challenges many stereotypes. I fully support the theory that Bowser kidnaps Peach not just for power, but also to provide his son with a mother figure.
Of course, I'm just talking about Bowser as a dad. As a villain, he's iconic. When you think of a "video game villain," Bowser is one of the names that comes to mind, and deservedly so. No matter what, Bowser will always be one of my top villains.
Fox McCLoud is an anthropomorphic fox who first appeared in Star Fox for the Super NES in 1993, the son of James McCloud who perished during a mission and the leader of the new Star Fox team along with Peppy Hare former member of the original Star Fox team, Falco Lombardi and Slippy Toad as they the... read more Ever since I witnessed Fox in action on the N64 when I was little, he has been my hero. It is very odd, given that I love "castle-related" games and, for the most part, hate "space" games. I have waited for a new Star Fox game ever since Star Fox Command for the DS. However, they do not seem forthcoming with another adventure any time soon. Should Nintendo disband this EPIC franchise, I will never buy from Nintendo again.
Fox is awesome. He deserves more credit, and I wish he would be a DLC character in Mario Kart in the future, like Link and the Animal Crossing characters (and later the Inkling kids from Splatoon) did in Mario Kart 8/Deluxe.
Pikachu (Japanese: ピカチュウ) are a species of Pokémon, fictional creatures that appear in an assortment of video games, animated television shows and movies, trading card games, and comic books licensed by The Pokémon Company, a Japanese corporation. A mascot of the Pokemon franchise, it's... read more I honestly am surprised he is only 10th place.
It's hard to admit, but currently Pokémon is the most-bought Nintendo title, more than Mario and Zelda, for example.
Pikachu needs to be way higher. I'd give him #3 for being the mascot for Pokemon and being one of the most popular characters of all time. There is not anyone who does not know Pikachu. He is incredibly cute, powerful, and ultra-iconic. Again, he deserves higher. Pika Pika!
I was going to vote for Mario, but Pikachu should be in the top 5. He is cute and famous, and the mascot for one of Nintendo's biggest franchises! He deserves more love! Please vote for Pikachu!
The Newcomers
One of the best characters in video games. She is amazing, so charismatic, and a very interesting character.
The best personality of any character here.
Princess Zelda is a fictional character in Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda video game series, created by Shigeru Miyamoto and introduced in its original entry in 1986. She's actually HELPFUL in final battles! She doesn't just sit and watch like your average princess. On top of that, she's not only a princess but also:
SPOILERS AHEAD!
A pirate and a ninja. Unlike Peach, she doesn't just sit there and take it from Ganondorf, oh no she doesn't. She shoots him with arrows and helps Link defeat him. Yeah. Also, she's actually smart. I mean, she's the holder of the Triforce of Wisdom, for goodness sake. She's not your typical helpless, airheaded little princess.
Zelda is really strong, and you don't want to mess with her. Unlike Peach, Zelda is tricky and has fire, arrows, mind powers, love spells, teleport, light powers, and can turn into her alter ego, Sheik, (a ninja that is sneaky). Don't tell me Peach is stronger than that. The only reason she won the death battle was by cheating, using that mega strike power that Mario also has, with which he could've defeated Sonic.
Meta Knight is a fictional character from the Kirby series of video games owned by Nintendo and HAL Laboratory. He is one of Kirby's rivals, but occasionally teams up with the pink puffball to defeat a common enemy. Meta Knight is known for his powerful slashing attacks and flight in the Super Smash... read more Meta Knight is the best. The best aspect about him is that you never know if he is good or bad. In Kirby Superstar Ultra, Meta Knight tries to rule Dreamland with the Halberd. Also, in Meta Knightmare Ultra, he saves Dreamland! He flies the coolest ship ever, which can destroy Dyna Blade, Kirby's Warp Star, Star Fox's ship, and any other ship that is thrown at it.
In Super Smash Bros Brawl, he is also a good guy and is so mysterious that you just have to love him. No one knows why he has the mask, except to hide his face, and no one knows how he messed up his face. Meta Knight is the most dark and mysterious villain/hero of all Nintendo, possibly ever, and flies the coolest ship in the universe. Bang.
Toad, known in Japan as Kinopio, is a major character in the Mario Bros. franchise. He assists Princess Peach in the Mushroom Kingdom and will do whatever it takes to help her. He first appeared in the classic game, Super Mario Bros. after being kidnapped by Bowser and his minions. Since then he has... read more An adorable and cute mushroom citizen who helps heroes. He is amazingly nice, as you can see. So helpful, full of friends who await him to help them too. Not because he's little, he's weak, no. He's strong and clearly loyal to his friends. I think this is the one who could be the winner. That is my opinion, thank you.
Toad is so adorable, and Princess Peach treats him more maturely than Toadette. Toad is also brave in SSBB for Wii. Peach uses him as an attack, and he's safe! There are a million duplicates of them, and they try to help Mario, Peach, and Pauline. Toads are the second-best Nintendo characters, under Kirby.
Douglas Jay Falcon, known commonly as Captain Falcon, is a playable character in the racing video game series F-Zero. If you don't vote for him, Chuck Norris will come to your house and roundhouse kick you in the shin. Falcon Kick! Show me your moves!
When I was younger and played Super Smash for the N64, every time he said Falcon Punch, it sounded like he said welcome punch. By the way, this guy is pretty cool and probably almost as strong as DK.
He may not be the most iconic, but by God, he is a lovable character.
Wario is a character in Nintendo's Mario series who was originally designed as an antagonist to Mario. His motives are driven by greed and he will take the side of whoever will give him the most pay. Although he may seem like just a mean man with no heart, he does have a very tragic past. Rosalina is very popular because of the backstory she has. But Wario is hated because he's fat. But he also has a backstory. Wario is amazing and is overshadowed by bland characters like Yoshi. Yoshi is just a cute dinosaur with amazing abilities. Wario is a developed badass.
Number 21? He should be in the Top Ten. This guy is one of Nintendo's best antiheroes and is very underappreciated. Love his hilarious personality and his tragic origin story.
You have to love Wario. He's so weird, zany, gross, and crazy that he makes a really funny character.
Princess Peach is a major character in the Mario Bros. Franchise. She is the lead female of the The Mario franchise. She is usually the character who needs saved in most Mario Games, but also has appeared as a playable character in the Main-Series Mario Games, including Super Mario 3D World, Super Mario... read more Princess Peach is the best Nintendo character ever. She should replace Mario as Nintendo's mascot. She can do anything Mario can do and better in her game, Super Princess Peach. Plus, she is one of the best fighters in Super Smash Bros. Very beautiful, lovely voice and proves girly girls can kick butt! Princess Peach is better than Mario.
Princess Peach is the best character ever. She can do anything. Besides her being the best, I love her long flowing blond hair and her long pink dress that she always wears. That is why Princess Peach is the best.
Jigglypuff, known in Japan as Purin, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Ever since I got juggled in SSBB, I stuck with her. Why do people hate her so much? She's cute, like Shy Guy, she's puffy, like Kirby, and pink, my favorite color. The only time I don't like her is in the anime, where she draws on everyone's face when they sleep.
Thank God Igglybuff and Wigglytuff are not in Smash. Jigglypuff deserves to be in Smash and deserves the spot it has.
It doesn't matter what your age is. Everyone knows Jigglypuff, and that shows what an icon she is.
Pit is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Kid Icarus series, first appearing in Kid Icarus for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986 and later appearing in Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters for the Game Boy in 1991. Pit is a very astonishing character with very unique qualities and deserves this spot and maybe more. Not only is he a good Smash character with a simple backstory, but he is also relatable. He cannot fly, making him different from other angels.
He is made fun of by his peers and goddess (Palutena) all the time. But he decides to be happy and save the world anyway. And I've seen him paired with all Nintendo girls. So that's why he should be here.
Extra note: Pit V or with Link against 2 people, who's with me?
I was going to go for Samus, but Pit is here. He constantly fights gods, the forces of the underworld, and of nature, all for the sake of humans. Yeah, the people who constantly fight and pollute and stuff. Plus, he has a huge arsenal, and he is hilarious. And finally, this man has only had 3 games! What the heck, Nintendo, give Pit some love.
Once a poor kid who had witnessed tragedy firsthand, this boy with amazing abilities easily becomes one of the most badass characters of his development company.
How is Lanky Kong above a 13-year-old kid who has PTSD? A kid whose family is dead? A kid who saw his twin commit suicide? Being the way he committed suicide? This list...
He had a terrible life, and all you people should feel bad for him!
Mewtwo is a psychic-type Legendary Pokémon from Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise. Designed by Ken Sugimori, it made its first appearance in the games Pokémon Red and Blue. It was created by Dr. Fuji using gene splicing in an attempt to clone Mew. In the Pokémon games, it's infamously... read more Mewtwo is tragic, heart-warming, and lovable. He has every right to be the way he is. However, sometimes, you need to let go of the past and focus on the present. The present's a gift. Unwrap it, hold it, take your share, Mewtwo. You're the best!
Come on. Mewtwo is the classic legendary Pokémon and definitely deserves to be in Smash. What else do I have to say?
Waluigi is a lanky self-centered, brusque young lad as he is considered evil and the main rival of Luigi. Waluigi is shown causing local havoc in most games he appears in alongside his partner Wario. Waluigi is not instinctively evil or the antagonist (not counting DDR), as a matter of fact, he shows... read more Waluigi is something most Nintendo characters aren't: sexy. Waluigi is more than a mere character, but a representation of Nintendo's shift from family-friendly games to more mature material. His character also experiences deep emotional trauma from feeling like he isn't unique. Being a copy of a copy makes him feel worthless when in reality, it is what makes him stand out.
This is dumb, obviously Waluigi should be number one. A tragic character born from thinking he was not special due to his mortifying upbringing, but really he was incredibly unique in his own way. Sure, Mario's drug addiction with mushrooms was a good character point, but Mario just doesn't have the same history and development that Waluigi has. Waluigi, to you my friend, Waluigi to you.
Bowser Jr., or sometimes simply Jr., is a video game character who appears in Nintendo's Mario franchise as the secondary antagonist. He is the youngest son of the series' primary antagonist, Bowser. Bowser Jr. is a character full of depth and backstory. He is incredibly lovable, and even though some people think he's a brat, he's probably just dealing with the loss of his mom. Overall, he's my favorite Nintendo character of all time. He doesn't get a lot of love. Please vote for Bowser Jr.
He's powerful with his Super Clown Car. He's a very strong character. I just think he's really cool, and he's my favorite character in the whole world. I mean, I would be very depressed if they never came. If Bowser Junior were just like Nintendo or just to get rid of him, and Nintendo, if you read this, put him in the next Mario movie. I'll even do the voice audition.
Ness is just the kind of guy I would feel safe around. Every victory makes him stronger, and in the original games, he has some deadly moves like paralysis. Most of his moves in SSB are actually Paula's or Poo's, so shouldn't they be added to this list too instead of these non-Nintendo characters?
I have always been a big fan of the MOTHER series. It helped me to go through a very tough time in my life. I absolutely love Ness. He is also my main in all three SSB games.
He's just cute and awesome! He's strong and adorable! The way he says "Okay." kills me! I understand why anyone would feel safe around him! He's just sweet!
In the Super Mario series, King Boo is the leader of all the Boos and a major antagonist. He is an ally of King Bowser. He is depicted as a large white Boo with a crown similar to that of Princess Peach... read more Bruh, King Boo looks beast and is one of the best villains in Mario! I think he deserves a spot in the top 10.
He's epic! Boos are my favorite Nintendo thing!
His laugh is actually a sped-up Bowser laugh!
Mr. Game & Watch is a 2D generic stick figure-styled silhouette character, created by Nintendo and an amalgamation of the Game & Watch handheld consoles. Alright, first let's talk about how this guy is a classic from the 80s. This guy is a beast! He deserves to be higher, and he is just so unique and fun to play as in Smash. Now, let's talk about the fact he didn't get remakes. Well, maybe some people think he does, but I think he doesn't need a remake. He's just a classic, a cool 2D man, and I really don't think he needs one after the treatment in Smash.
How on the old Game and Watch system is he not in the top 5?! I mean, he is the bomb. He is better than Mario, equal to Link and Kirby, and better than Donkey Kong and the other contenders. 15th?! Seriously, people?!