Did Mario or Luigi Come First? Unraveling the Mystery of the Mario Bros.
The question of who came first, Mario or Luigi, is a surprisingly common one among fans of the iconic Nintendo franchise. While both characters are almost inseparable in our minds, their origins and order of appearance in video games are distinct. So, to answer directly: Mario came first. While they are fraternal twins, Mario was created and debuted before Luigi. It’s essential to distinguish between their character creation and their debut as player-controlled characters within games. Let’s delve into their respective histories to clarify this further.
Mario’s First Appearance
Mario made his debut as the player character in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong. In this classic platformer, Mario, initially known as “Jumpman,” had to rescue Pauline from the titular giant ape. This appearance marked the beginning of one of the most celebrated careers in video game history and solidified Mario as a pivotal character in gaming. This is important to note as Mario has been known to be a carpenter before becoming a plumber. This also means that Donkey Kong was the first game featuring Mario.
Luigi’s Introduction to the World
Luigi’s first appearance occurred two years later, in the 1983 arcade game Mario Bros. In this game, designed as a two-player experience, Luigi is the character controlled by the second player. This role as the second player became a recurring theme for Luigi. While their partnership was born at the same time, Mario had been previously created as a sole character before.
The Twin Dynamic
While we know Mario was born first, it’s important to understand their relationship as twins. Mario and Luigi are fraternal twins, meaning they were born from separate eggs but at the same time, with Luigi being slightly younger due to a comical stork mishap in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. Despite this very minor age difference, their birthday is shared. Although they are twins, Luigi is taller and thinner than Mario, which makes it easier for players to distinguish them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mario and Luigi
To provide further clarification and insight into these iconic characters, here are 15 frequently asked questions about Mario and Luigi:
1. How Much Older is Mario Than Luigi?
While they are twins, Mario is slightly older than Luigi. Their age difference is minuscule, with Luigi’s delivery being delayed due to a comical stork mishap in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. Ultimately, they were born on the same day and are considered the same age.
2. What is Mario’s Full Name?
Mario’s full name is Mario Mario. This was confirmed by Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, at a festival celebrating 30 years of Mario in 2015.
3. What is Luigi’s Full Name?
By extension, and also confirmed indirectly, Luigi’s full name is Luigi Mario. Since their last name is ‘Mario’, this makes sense for both characters.
4. Is Super Mario Older Than Luigi?
Yes, as confirmed by Shigeru Miyamoto in 2016, Mario is the elder twin. This age difference, though slight, has been consistent throughout the series’ lore.
5. When Did Luigi First Appear?
Luigi’s first appearance was in the 1983 arcade game Mario Bros, where he was the second player character. He is now a main character in the franchise.
6. What Was Mario and Luigi’s Original Job?
Mario and Luigi are plumbers, not janitors. This common misconception arose from early press coverage of the games. This was corrected by the publication that made the error in the first place.
7. When Did Mario and Luigi Begin Their Adventures Together?
Their adventuring started when they debuted in the 1983 arcade game Mario Bros. However, Mario was a character first created prior to Luigi’s creation.
8. Who is Luigi’s Girlfriend?
Princess Daisy is Luigi’s girlfriend. She is the princess of Sarasaland and a prominent female character in the Mario series. Their relationship has been hinted at and shown in various games.
9. Who is Mario’s Girlfriend?
Princess Peach Toadstool is Mario’s girlfriend. She is the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom and the love interest of Mario.
10. Is Luigi Taller Than Mario?
Yes, Luigi is taller and thinner than Mario. This visual difference, initially a palette swap, has evolved to become a staple of his character design.
11. What is the Age of Princess Peach?
Peach is around 23 years old in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. This age is consistent with hints from previous games, although her exact canonical age is never directly stated.
12. Who is Luigi’s Evil Rival?
Waluigi is the self-proclaimed rival of Luigi. Created for Mario Tennis, he is depicted as a cunning and mischievous character who seeks to outdo Luigi.
13. Is There an Evil Version of Luigi?
Waluigi can be considered an “evil version” of Luigi. His name is a portmanteau of Luigi’s name and the Japanese word “warui,” meaning “bad.”
14. What is Luigi’s True Age?
Being the younger twin, Luigi is presumed to be around 24 years old. This age aligns with Mario’s age, considering they are twins and born on the same day.
15. What is Yoshi’s Full Name?
Yoshi’s full name is T. Yoshisaur Munchakoopas. He is a loyal friend and sidekick to Mario and has been in countless games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Mario and Luigi are a beloved pair, Mario was created and appeared first as a standalone character in Donkey Kong before Luigi. Luigi was introduced later as a second player character, cementing their unique dynamic. Their differences, alongside their similarities, are what make the Mario franchise so beloved and enduring. Whether you prefer Mario’s bravery or Luigi’s timid charm, both characters have cemented their place in video game history.