Top 10 Best Nintendo Characters of All Time

Nintendo characters have a way of moving into your brain and refusing to leave, and honestly, some of them have been paying rent there since childhood. You know the faces, the music, the catchphrases, the little victory dances, and the moments that made you grip the controller a bit too hard. From platforming mascots to sword-swinging heroes, space-faring bounty hunters, and round pink chaos machines, these characters helped define what video game personality could be.

Part of the fun is that best can mean a dozen different things. You might care about design, backstory, gameplay, attitude, nostalgia, or how many times a character made you yell at the screen and then immediately keep playing anyway. Nintendo's biggest names have crossed generations, consoles, and genres without losing what made them special in the first place.

So this list is your chance to back the characters you think deserve the top spots. Vote for the Nintendo icons that made your favorite games better, stuck with you after the credits rolled, or simply made you smile the second they appeared on screen.

The Top Ten

Link (The Legend of Zelda)

Link refers to several different incarnations of the same protagonist in Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda series. Each incarnation of Link is typically chosen by the gods to protect the land of Hyrule from evil forces, often wielding the Master Sword and bearing the Triforce of Courage. His main goal is... read more

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 (Super Mario)

Mario, originally named Jumpman, is the main character of the Super Mario Bros. franchise and was created by Nintendo of Japan's game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Mario appears in nearly every game in the series, including many spin-off titles, with a few exceptions such as New Super Luigi U, the Luigi's... 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!
Kirby (Kirby)

Kirby is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Kirby series of video games, owned by Nintendo and developed by HAL Laboratory. His first appearance was in Kirby's Dream Land, released in 1992 for the Game Boy. The pink, spherical hero is known for his ability to inhale enemies and copy their... read more

Yeah, Kirby is awesome. Period. He is my favorite character in the series. Look at him. The design is simple but effective. Plus, how can he be so adorable, pink, and badass at the same time? The feats he has pulled off are beyond impressive, yet he's still absolutely cute when doing so. Don't know, but I love it! He deserves to be #1!

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.
Yoshi (Super Mario/Yoshi)

Yoshi, once romanized as Yossy, is a fictional anthropomorphic dinosaur featured in video games published by Nintendo. He often appears as a sidekick and helper to Mario, playing key roles in many of Nintendo's most popular titles. Yoshi is especially well known for his appearances in the Yoshi's Island... read more

Yeah, Yoshi is awesome as well. He is my favorite character in the Mario series. Similar to Kirby, his design really works. This dino is beyond cute, but he can kick some ass if he has to. He has some impressive feats under his belt, so don't count him out despite his cuteness. Kirby isn't #1. Yoshi should be. He deserves it!

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.
Samus Aran (Metroid)

Samus Aran is the protagonist of the science fiction action-adventure video game series Metroid, developed by Nintendo. She is a galactic bounty hunter who typically wears the Power Suit, a piece of advanced armor that provides her with enhanced abilities and access to a variety of weapons. Samus made... read more

Nintendo really dropped the ball on the Metroid series. It's a shame to see a character with so much potential not shine brighter.
The games were fun, but the lack of dialogue doesn't give you a chance to really connect with Samus. Regardless, when I think of a Nintendo character, Samus is always the first one that comes to my mind.

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 (Super Mario)

Luigi is a major character in video games and related media produced by Nintendo. He was originally introduced as a green-colored palette swap of Mario and is portrayed as Mario's younger, taller fraternal twin brother.
Created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, Luigi appears in many... read more

I would vote for Mario because he is my favorite, but Luigi deserves my vote more because Luigi does not get credit or thanks.
Luigi faced his fears just to save Mario from King Boo in the first Luigi's Mansion game, and Mario barely thanked him. Luigi faced his fears again to save Mario, Princess Peach, and the Toads from King Boo again in Luigi's Mansion 3.
Peach finally thanked him for saving everyone after over 30 years, but Mario barely thanked Luigi again. That is why Luigi deserves my vote on this list.

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.
Donkey Kong (Donkey Kong)

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. The game marked the debut of both Donkey Kong and Mario (originally... read more

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.
Fox McCloud (Star Fox)

Fox McCloud is an anthropomorphic fox and the main character in the Star Fox video game series. He made his debut in Star Fox for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993. Fox is the son of James McCloud, who was presumed lost during a mission.... 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.
Bowser (Super Mario)

Bowser is the main antagonist of the Mario Bros. franchise. From kidnapping Princess Peach to disrupting games in the Mario Party spinoff series, this king of the Koopas has become a recurring enemy in the series. He first appeared in the 1985 video game Super Mario Bros., in which he kidnapped Princess... 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.
Pikachu (Pokémon)

Pikachu (Japanese: ピカチュウ) is a species of Pokémon that appears in video games, animated television shows and movies, trading card games, and comic books licensed by The Pokémon Company. It is the mascot of the Pokémon franchise and is widely considered the most iconic Pokémon. Pikachu is well known for... read more

I'm a little surprised that Pikachu is a bit low on the list. It's probably from being "overused," but I can't find myself hating Pikachu because of that. He can appear anywhere. I absolutely love him, and he is the Pokémon mascot for a reason. His design is excellent and really exudes cuteness. To make it better, underneath his cute exterior, he is an absolute badass on top of it, especially in the anime. The quintessential Pokémon! Pikachu deserves higher than where he is now!

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!

The Newcomers

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Edelgard von Hresvelg (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

One of the best characters in video games. She is amazing, so charismatic, and a very interesting character.
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Shadow Dedede (Kirby)

The all powerful dedede but evil.

The Contenders

Princess Zelda (The Legend of Zelda)

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 is typically portrayed as a member of the Hyrule royal family and often possesses magical abilities or wisdom. Zelda plays a central... read more

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.
Pit (Kid Icarus)

Pit is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Kid Icarus video game series developed by Nintendo. He made his first appearance in Kid Icarus for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, followed by Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters for the Game Boy in 1991. Pit also appears as a playable... read more

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.
Meta Knight (Kirby)

Meta Knight is a fictional character from the Kirby series of video games created by Nintendo and HAL Laboratory. He is often portrayed as one of Kirby's rivals, although he sometimes allies with Kirby to battle common enemies.... 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.
Captain Falcon (F-Zero)

Douglas Jay Falcon, known commonly as Captain Falcon, is a playable character in the racing video game series F-Zero. He first appeared in the original F-Zero game released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990. Captain Falcon is also a prominent fighter in the Super Smash Bros. series... read more

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.
Toad (Super Mario)

Toad, known in Japan as Kinopio, is a major character in the Mario Bros. franchise. He assists Princess Peach in the Mushroom Kingdom and first appeared in Super Mario Bros. (1985). Toad is a recurring character in many Mario games, including New Super Mario Bros., Super Mario 3D World, Captain Toad... 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.
Wario (Super Mario/Wario)

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 often side with whoever offers him the greatest reward. Although typically portrayed as selfish and mischievous, Wario has become a central figure in his... read more

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 (Super Mario)

Princess Peach is a major character in the Mario Bros. franchise. She is the lead female character in the series. She is usually the character who needs to be rescued in most Mario games, but she has also appeared as a playable character in main-series Mario games, including Super Mario 3D World, Super... 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.
Ness (EarthBound)

Ness is a male video game character who made his first appearance in the 1995 Super Nintendo Entertainment System game EarthBound, known in Japan as Mother 2. He is the main protagonist of the game and uses psychic abilities in battle. Ness later became a recurring playable character in the Super Smash... read more

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!
Jigglypuff (Pokémon)

Jigglypuff, known in Japan as Purin, is a round, pink character recognized for its ability to sing lullabies that put others to sleep. Jigglypuff has appeared in various games, anime episodes, and Super Smash Bros. titles.

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.
Waluigi (Super Mario)

Waluigi is a tall, self-centered, and rough-around-the-edges character who is often portrayed as Luigi's rival. He frequently causes chaos in various Mario spinoff games, usually paired with Wario. While he acts antagonistically, Waluigi is not truly evil and often shows loyalty and affection, especially... 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.
Lucas (Mother 3)

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 (Pokémon)

Mewtwo is a Psychic-type Legendary Pokémon. Designed by Ken Sugimori, it first appeared in Pokémon Red and Blue in 1996.
Created by Dr. Fuji through gene splicing to clone Mew, Mewtwo is known in game lore as one of the most powerful Pokémon. In later games, it can undergo Mega Evolution into... 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?
Falco Lombardi (Star Fox)

Falco Lombardi is an anthropomorphic bird character from Nintendo's Star Fox video game series. He was created by Shigeru Miyamoto and designed by Takaya Imamura. Falco is portrayed as the wingman and close friend of the main character, Fox McCloud, throughout most of the series.

Best Star Fox pilot, and my favorite character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl!

I wouldn't say "forgotten," but it's definitely a forgotten game series.

Sometimes the most tolerable one out of the lot.
King Boo (Super Mario)

In the Super Mario series, King Boo is the leader of the Boos and serves as a recurring antagonist. He is a ghostly figure depicted as a large white Boo wearing a crown, resembling the one worn by Princess Peach. King Boo often allies with King Bowser in attempts to thwart Mario and his friends.... 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 (Game & Watch)

Mr. Game & Watch is a 2D silhouette character created by Nintendo. He represents an amalgamation of characters from the Game & Watch handheld consoles. The character was introduced in the Super Smash Bros. series and serves as a tribute to Nintendo's early handheld games.

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?!