As one of the oldest and most influential companies in the gaming industry, Nintendo has created a legacy that spans over decades. Along with their beloved consoles and innovative games, Nintendo is also known for creating some of the most iconic characters in video game history. Let’s take a look at some of these enduring characters and how they have shaped the world of gaming.
The Start Of Nintendo’s Creations
Founded in 1889, Nintendo originally started as a playing card company in Japan. It wasn’t until the 1970s that they ventured into the world of video games with their first arcade game, “Computer Othello.” In 1981, they released their first home console, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and introduced some of their most iconic characters to the world.
7 Iconic Nintendo Characters
From Mario to Link to Pikachu, Nintendo has created some of the most iconic characters in video game history. Learn about their legacy and how they’ve shaped the world of gaming.
1) Mario: The Plumber Who Saved The Princess
It’s impossible to talk about Nintendo’s iconic characters without mentioning the mustachioed plumber, Mario. First introduced in the arcade game Donkey Kong in 1981, Mario has become synonymous with Nintendo and is often considered the company’s mascot. With his red cap, blue overalls, and big personality, Mario has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with his adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom.
2) Link: The Hero of Hyrule
Another iconic character from Nintendo is Link, the hero of The Legend of Zelda series. With his green tunic and signature weapons like the Master Sword and Hylian Shield, Link embarks on epic quests to save Princess Zelda and the land of Hyrule from evil forces. Link’s bravery, determination, and iconic catchphrase, “HYAH!” have made him a beloved character in the gaming world.
3) Pikachu: The Electric Mouse
While Pokémon may have been created by Game Freak and not Nintendo directly, it’s undeniable that Pikachu has become one of the most recognizable characters in Nintendo’s franchise. With his adorable design, lightning bolt tail, and ability to say only his name, Pikachu has captured the hearts of fans since its debut in the Pokémon games and anime series.
4) Samus Aran: The Badass Bounty Hunter
One of the first female protagonists in video game history, Samus Aran is a bounty hunter and the main character of the Metroid series. With her powerful armor and devastating weaponry, Samus fights against space pirates and other foes to protect the galaxy. Her unique backstory and strong character have made her an enduring figure in the gaming world.
5) Donkey Kong: The Original Nintendo Villain Turned Hero
Before Mario became a plumber, he was simply known as “Jumpman” in the arcade game Donkey Kong. The titular character of the game, Donkey Kong, was initially portrayed as a villain who kidnapped Mario’s girlfriend. However, over time, Donkey Kong became an iconic character in his own right and eventually turned into a hero in games like Donkey Kong Country.
6) Kirby: The Cute But Mighty Pink Ball
One of Nintendo’s cutest and most iconic characters is Kirby, the pink puffball with an insatiable appetite. With his ability to suck up enemies and copy their abilities, Kirby has starred in various games since his debut in 1992. His adorable design and fun gameplay have made him a favorite among gamers of all ages.
7) Bowser: The King of Koopas
Last but certainly not least, we have Bowser, the main antagonist in the Super Mario series. With his spiked shell and fire-breathing abilities, Bowser is a formidable foe for Mario and his friends. While he may be known as a villain, his impressive size and strength have also made him a fan-favorite character in the Nintendo universe.
Honorable Mentions: Iconic Nintendo Characters
While these characters may not have made it to the top seven, they are still beloved by fans:
- Yoshi: Mario’s trusty sidekick
- Princess Peach: The iconic damsel-in-distress-turned-playable-character
- Fox McCloud: The leader of the Star Fox team
- Captain Falcon: The high-speed racer and fighter from F-Zero
- Tom Nook: The friendly but business-savvy tanuki from Animal Crossing.
So whether you prefer to hop on goombas with Mario or collect rupees with Link, Nintendo’s iconic characters have left an enduring mark on the gaming world and will continue to do so for years to come.
Keep playing and exploring the rich worlds and stories that Nintendo has created with these beloved characters. The legacy of Nintendo continues, and we can’t wait to see what iconic characters they introduce next. Happy gaming! HYAH!
Which character is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!