Why Did Sakurai Not Add Waluigi to Super Smash Bros.? The Definitive Answer
The burning question that has plagued Super Smash Bros. fans for years: Why, oh why, was Waluigi never promoted from Assist Trophy to a full-fledged playable fighter? The answer, while multi-faceted, boils down to a combination of character origins, design philosophy, perceived mainstream appeal, and, potentially, development resources and priorities. In short, while Masahiro Sakurai clearly recognized Waluigi’s popularity, he didn’t believe the character met the criteria he set for Smash fighters. This isn’t to say Waluigi is inherently undeserving, but rather that other characters took priority in the game’s development.
Sakurai has explicitly stated that one of the main reasons Waluigi couldn’t participate in Smash Bros. is because there is no game in which Waluigi plays the main role. That single line encapsulates a core philosophy behind character selection for the series. Smash Bros. is, at its heart, a celebration of video game history. Its roster is primarily composed of iconic characters who have headlined their own titles and shaped the landscape of gaming. Waluigi, despite his popularity and frequent appearances in spin-off titles, has never had a standalone game to call his own. This fact positions him as a supporting character rather than a main protagonist, a distinction that seemingly mattered greatly to Sakurai.
Beyond this fundamental requirement, other factors likely contributed to Waluigi’s perpetual Assist Trophy status. Sakurai consistently aimed to represent diverse game genres and iconic franchises within the Smash Bros. roster. With limited slots available, each character selection involved careful consideration of how well they filled a particular niche and broadened the game’s appeal. Perhaps Sakurai felt that Waluigi, primarily associated with sports and party games, didn’t bring enough unique gameplay potential to the table compared to other potential contenders. He may have had concerns about creating a moveset that felt sufficiently distinct and interesting, given Waluigi’s established characteristics.
Moreover, there’s the question of mainstream appeal. While Waluigi enjoys a dedicated fanbase, his overall recognition outside of hardcore Nintendo circles might be less pronounced than that of other potential characters with multiple titles under their belt. Sakurai had to balance satisfying fan demand with ensuring that each character resonated with a broad audience, including those less familiar with the intricacies of the Mario universe.
Finally, development realities likely played a role. Creating a fully realized Smash Bros. character is a monumental undertaking, requiring significant resources for character modeling, animation, move set design, balancing, and more. Given these constraints, the development team had to prioritize characters they believed would offer the greatest return on investment in terms of gameplay value and overall appeal. While Waluigi might have been a popular choice, other characters may have presented a stronger case from a developmental perspective.
It’s important to emphasize that Sakurai’s decision not to include Waluigi as a playable fighter wasn’t necessarily a dismissal of the character’s merits. Rather, it was a complex calculation based on a variety of factors, including character origins, design considerations, mainstream appeal, and development priorities. Waluigi remains a beloved figure within the Nintendo universe, and his enduring presence as an Assist Trophy serves as a testament to his popularity. It is always a possibility for the future of Smash titles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Waluigi and his absence from the Super Smash Bros. roster, providing even more insights into this fascinating topic:
What exactly is an Assist Trophy in Smash Bros.?
An Assist Trophy is an item in the Super Smash Bros. series that summons a non-playable character to assist the player in battle. These characters perform various actions, such as attacking opponents or providing support, before disappearing. Waluigi has consistently appeared as an Assist Trophy since Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Is Waluigi owned by Nintendo?
Yes, Nintendo owns the rights to Waluigi. While he was created by Camelot, a company that frequently partners with Nintendo on Mario spin-off games, all characters in those games belong to Nintendo.
Why was Waluigi created in the first place?
Waluigi was created by Fumihide Aoki for Mario Tennis on the Nintendo 64. He was designed as a doubles partner for Wario, as Luigi already had Mario as his counterpart.
Is Waluigi related to Wario, Mario, or Luigi?
While Waluigi and Wario are often portrayed as partners, they are not explicitly stated to be related to Mario and Luigi in the traditional sense. They are simply rivals and foils to the Mario Bros.
Has Waluigi ever been in a main series Mario game?
Waluigi has primarily appeared in Mario spin-off games, such as Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Mario Tennis. He has never been featured as a major character in a mainline Super Mario platformer.
What does Waluigi’s name mean?
Waluigi’s name is a portmanteau of Luigi’s name and the Japanese adjective warui (悪い), meaning “bad.” Therefore, his name essentially translates to “bad Luigi.”
Is Waluigi popular in Japan?
While Waluigi has some fans in Japan, he is significantly more popular in Western countries. His over-the-top personality and meme-worthy characteristics resonate strongly with Western audiences.
What other reasons did Nintendo provide for not adding Waluigi to Mario Kart 7?
Beyond time constraints, Nintendo did not provide specific alternative reasons for Waluigi’s absence from Mario Kart 7. The explanation of deadlines was the primary reason given at the time.
Is Waluigi a god?
The idea of Waluigi being a god is primarily a meme within online communities. It stems from his perceived underrepresentation and the fervent desire of some fans to see him elevated to a higher status. The Games Learning Society might even find the meme interesting to study!
How much did it cost Nintendo to add Sora to Smash?
The cost for Sora to be added to Smash as DLC was $5.99 USD as a standalone, and is part of Fighters’ Pass Volume 2. This would cover the DLC access, licensing and development costs would be above this retail price.
Did Disney want Sora to be in Smash?
While Disney eventually approved Sora’s inclusion in Smash, initially, Tetsuya Nomura was the one who was picky, not Disney.
Is there any chance Waluigi will ever be in Smash?
While nothing is ever certain, the likelihood of Waluigi being added to a future Smash Bros. game as a playable fighter seems slim, given Sakurai’s past decisions and the overall design philosophy of the series. However, fan demand could potentially influence future decisions.
Did Nintendo ever respond directly to fan requests for Waluigi in Smash?
While Nintendo acknowledges Waluigi’s popularity and recognizes the fan requests for his inclusion in Smash, they have never made any specific promises or commitments to add him as a playable fighter.
Does Nintendo hate Waluigi?
Nintendo does not hate Waluigi. They simply view him as a character better suited for spin-off games rather than main series titles or crossover events like Smash Bros.
What would Waluigi’s moveset look like in Smash?
The possibilities for Waluigi’s moveset in Smash are vast and imaginative. Fans have proposed ideas ranging from incorporating his tennis skills and acrobatic maneuvers to utilizing his mischievous personality and penchant for trickery. He could use his tennis racket, purple thorns or even the ability to cheat and manipulate the stage to his advantage.
These FAQs offer a more comprehensive understanding of the Waluigi phenomenon and the reasons behind his absence from the Super Smash Bros. roster.