Top 10 Nintendo Characters

Top 10 Nintendo Characters

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No one does mascots better than the these guys. Welcome to Watchmojo.com, and today we're counting down our picks for the top10 Nintendo characters. For this list, we're looking at those Nintendo characters that have received both strong critical attention and a loyal fan base throughout the years, insuring their legacy as the greatest that Nintendo has to offer.

#10: Yoshi "Super Mario." series (1985-)

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Making his first debut in "Super Mario World" in 1990, Yoshi was not an original member of the Mario franchise, but now it's hard to picture Mario without his little green dinosaur. A ferocious creature, Yoshi is forever loyal to Mario, gobbling up and stomping on any foe that gets in his way, making him a force to be reckoned with. He's also very cute and makes funny noises, so he's perfect for kids. Simply put, Mario is at his best when he’s got Yoshi by his side. Or under his butt.

#9: Fox McCloud "Star Fox" series (1993-)

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Leader of the Star Fox team, Fox made his first appearance in 1993's "Star Fox," and has since gained quite a following. Fox holds many different heroic traits, including his trademark confidence and wit, not to mention his strong talent as a pilot, shown when he gets behind the stick of his beloved Arwing. Fox is badass and heroic enough, but he also has a sensitive side, shown through his shyness towards his crush Krystal. Awesome, cocky, and surprisingly human, Fox has all the combinations to be a great Nintendo character and hero.

#8: Luigi "Mario" series (1983-)

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Originally only the sidekick and palette swap of brother and twin Mario in the original 1983 "Mario Bros.", Luigi has since made quite a name for himself by being able to jump just a bit higher than his red clad friend. He has appeared in the "Super Smash Bros." series, complete with some amazing moves, and his own series of games, including the critically acclaimed "Luigi's Mansion" series. Luigi is always good-natured, even if his manners on the road are less than courteous. Everyone that knows Mario knows his famous green brother.

#7: Kirby "Kirby" series (1992-)

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This little round, pink creature is one of Nintendo's most popular characters, and for good reason. Making his appearance in 1992's "Kirby's Dreamland," this little guy may look cute on the outside, but he is one fierce character. Able to swallow other characters and copy their attributes, Kirby becomes a force to be reckoned with, especially in the "Smash Bros." series. Kirby is cute and innocent, so he's perfect for children, but he's also brave when confronted with danger, making him a true Nintendo hero.

#6: Bowser "Mario” series (1983-)

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The main antagonist of the Mario series ever since 1985's "Super Mario Bros.", Bowser is always there to cause problems and kidnap Peach. Portrayed as a violent and menacing turtle-like monster, Bowser's antagonistic presence is always felt in a Mario game, be it his tough final boss battles, or his menacing looking map in "Mario Kart." Bowser has since established a legacy perhaps the most recognizable villain in gaming, proving Bowser's importance to the Nintendo name.

#5: Pikachu "Pokemon" series (1998-)

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Pikachu has become the face of Pokemon name, and is arguably the most popular of them all. First appearing in 1996's "Pokemon Red" and "Blue," Pikachu was so popular he even got his own “Yellow” edition of the game some time later. He fights with his strong electric powers, making him a formidable foe when he throws down in the "Smash Bros." series. While he is powerful, he is also adorable, complete with a high-pitched squeak that all the kids love. Pikachu has become a pop culture phenomena and one of Nintendo's finest.

#4: Donkey Kong "Donkey Kong" series (1981-)

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Donkey Kong first appeared in the 1981 arcade game "Donkey Kong," being the main antagonist to Mario, then known simply as Jumpman. Since then, he has grown his own loyal following. Donkey Kong is a powerful character, able to smash his adversaries with his giant fists, and as such, remains one of the strongest characters in the Nintendo canon. Often times being seen as the grandfather of video games, gaming would not be where it is today without Donkey Kong on the classic arcade.

#3: Samus Aran "Metroid" series (1987-)

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Armed with the Chozo made Varia suit and energy-based weapons, Samus' adventures are always filled with monstrous aliens and terrifying encounters. Samus' influence on video games is huge and unquestionable. The moment when it is revealed Samus is a woman will go down in video gaming history, as a female action star of a video game was unheard of in 1986, paving way for numerous predecessors, including Lara Croft. Samus is both a true action star and an influential figure in gaming history, and another success for Nintendo. We just don’t talk about Other M.

#2: Link "The Legend of Zelda" series (1987-)

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Often being mistaken as the titular Zelda, this green-clad warrior is actually called Link, and he's one of Nintendo's finest characters. Complete with his trademark Hylian Shield and Master Sword, Link is almost always on a quest to save Princess Zelda, and it's always a mesmerizing heroic adventure. Link is one of the bravest heroes in video gaming, especially considering his young age. Star of arguably the greatest video game of all time, "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," Link is one of Nintendo's best characters and arguably their most heroic. Before we take a look at our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Zelda "The Legend of Zelda" series (1986-) Captain Falcon "F-Zero" series (1990-) Pit "Kid Icarus" (1986-) Ness "Earthbound" (1994-) Little Mac "Punch-Out!!" (1987-)

#1: Mario "Donkey Kong" & "Mario" series (1981-/1983-)

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There really is no more important character to video gaming, let alone Nintendo, than good old Mario. First appearing as Jumpman in "Donkey Kong," Mario has gone on to span over 30 years in gaming, retaining his position as the mascot for video game culture. Starring in numerous critically acclaimed games and being the star of countless spin-off series', including the always fun "Mario Kart," Mario is the epitome of Nintendo and the video game culture. There is no other character to match what Mario has done for the medium. Do you agree with our list? What Nintendo character do you think is the best? For more playful top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.com.