Few companies have a character roster as iconic and beloved as Nintendo’s. These aren’t just mascots—they’re cultural milestones who’ve carried entire franchises, sold millions of consoles, and captured the hearts of fans across decades. Nintendo’s characters don’t just appear in games—they define them. Whether you’re racing them in Mario Kart, battling them in Super Smash Bros., or following them through epic adventures, these characters have shaped what it means to be a gamer. They represent innovation, creativity, and charm that transcends age and generation. So, grab your controller and get ready to celebrate the Top 10 Nintendo Characters of All Time.
#10: Fox McCloud (Star Fox series)
Fox McCloud isn’t just a skilled pilot—he’s a symbol of futuristic cool in Nintendo’s universe. Debuting in Star Fox for the SNES, Fox led the charge with Nintendo’s revolutionary Super FX chip, bringing polygonal graphics to consoles for the first time. But beyond technical innovation, Fox is the charismatic leader of the Star Fox team, exuding loyalty, strategy, and confidence. His relationships with Falco, Peppy, and Slippy brought team dynamics to a solo campaign, and his voice lines—like “Do a barrel roll!”—have become immortal memes. In Star Fox 64, his dogfighting skills and branching missions gave players a sense of freedom rare at the time. He’s also a mainstay in Smash Bros., known for high-speed combat and laser-quick moves. Fox may not always be front and center in Nintendo’s spotlight, but when he is, he blasts through space with unmatched style.
#9: Donkey Kong (Donkey Kong series)
Before Mario was jumping through kingdoms and saving princesses, he was dodging barrels thrown by a certain angry ape. Donkey Kong isn’t just one of Nintendo’s oldest characters—he’s also one of its most influential. First appearing in the 1981 arcade classic, Donkey Kong became a trailblazer in platforming and character design. But his story didn’t stop there. With Donkey Kong Country, Rare reinvented him for the SNES era, introducing a chill, banana-loving hero who smashed enemies with sheer jungle power. His strength, charisma, and family tree (Diddy, Cranky, Dixie, etc.) have kept the series rich with lore and charm. Whether swinging on vines, riding rhinos, or blasting through barrels, Donkey Kong has always embodied Nintendo’s bold, adventurous spirit—and he still has a killer theme song to go with it.
#8: Luigi (Mario series)
Always living in his brother’s shadow, Luigi has earned his place on this list not as a sidekick, but as a star in his own right. From the early Mario Bros. days to Luigi’s Mansion, he’s gone from comic relief to ghost-hunting legend. Luigi’s character arc is one of gaming’s most satisfying: a nervous, lovable underdog who steps up when the world needs him. In Luigi’s Mansion, his fear of ghosts is balanced by surprising courage and clever gadgetry, making him a compelling, relatable hero. In Super Smash Bros., his oddball attacks (like the misfire and vacuum moves) make him a wildcard favorite. Luigi may be the green brother, but he’s always been golden in fans’ hearts.
#7: Kirby (Kirby series)
Don’t let the pink puffball fool you—Kirby is a force of nature. Cute? Yes. But also capable of swallowing gods, copying abilities, and tearing through galaxies. Created by Masahiro Sakurai and debuting in Kirby’s Dream Land, Kirby’s simplicity in design masks an astonishingly deep arsenal. Whether floating through whimsical worlds or battling cosmic horrors, Kirby’s copy ability allows him to adapt, transform, and overcome nearly any challenge. His games are accessible for beginners but layered enough to challenge hardcore players. And his role in Super Smash Bros. (especially as a lone survivor in World of Light) has cemented his status as more than just adorable—he’s essential. Kirby proves you don’t have to look fierce to be incredibly powerful.
#6: Samus Aran (Metroid series)
Samus Aran changed the game—literally. One of the first female protagonists in gaming history, her identity reveal at the end of the original Metroid was groundbreaking. But it’s not just her gender that makes her iconic—it’s her strength, independence, and mystery. Clad in the Power Suit, Samus takes on alien threats, space pirates, and the terrifying Metroid species with stoic determination. Her games pioneered exploration-based platforming, giving rise to the “Metroidvania” genre. With Super Metroid, Metroid Prime, and Dread, Samus has remained a symbol of resilience and isolation in gaming. She’s quiet, lethal, and endlessly capable. In a world of mascots, she’s a legend of her own design.
#5: Yoshi (Yoshi / Mario series)
Yoshi might be best known as Mario’s trusty dinosaur sidekick, but over time, he’s become a star in his own right. First appearing in Super Mario World, Yoshi instantly won over players with his cheerful demeanor, flutter jump, and insatiable appetite for enemies. But it was Yoshi’s Island that showed his true potential—combining clever mechanics, hand-drawn aesthetics, and a surprisingly deep story for a Nintendo platformer. Since then, Yoshi has become a staple in Mario Kart, Smash Bros., and even his own vibrant solo titles like Yoshi’s Woolly World and Crafted World. He’s more than just a ride for Mario—he’s a protector, a platforming genius, and a symbol of Nintendo’s ability to turn anything into joy. Whether throwing eggs or saving baby Mario, Yoshi brings heart to every adventure.
#4: Princess Zelda (The Legend of Zelda series)
Though the series bears her name, Zelda has often been portrayed as the one in need of saving. But over the years, her role has evolved dramatically—transforming her into one of the most multidimensional characters in Nintendo’s lineup. In games like Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, and Breath of the Wild, Zelda is a scholar, a strategist, a fighter, and even a ninja-like alter ego named Sheik. Her wisdom is legendary (literally, she holds the Triforce of Wisdom), and her magical abilities often play key roles in defeating evil. In Breath of the Wild, Zelda’s internal struggle, bravery, and leadership make her feel like a fully realized heroine. She’s not just a damsel—she’s the brains behind the resistance and the soul of Hyrule. As Nintendo continues to develop her character, she’s only grown more powerful, compelling, and essential.
#3: Link (The Legend of Zelda series)
The silent hero of Hyrule, Link is courage personified. Across decades of games, he’s donned green tunics, wielded the Master Sword, and faced impossible odds to save Zelda and the kingdom from darkness. But what makes Link so enduring isn’t just his ability to swing a sword—it’s his adaptability. From the top-down dungeons of A Link to the Past to the sweeping landscapes of Breath of the Wild, Link has changed forms, traveled through time, transformed into wolves, and tamed divine beasts. And yet, he always retains his quiet resolve and fearless spirit. He’s a blank slate, allowing players to project themselves into his world—but he’s also a deeply emotional character when the narrative calls for it. Link doesn’t need words to inspire—just a sword, a shield, and the will to keep going.
#2: Pikachu (Pokémon series)
Pikachu is more than Nintendo’s mascot for Pokémon—he’s a global cultural icon. Bursting onto the scene in Pokémon Red & Blue and cementing his status through the anime, Pikachu became the face of one of the biggest franchises on the planet. With his electric attacks, adorable design, and loyalty to Ash in the anime, Pikachu transcended generations. Kids and adults alike recognized his silhouette, his “Pika Pika” voice, and his thunderbolts. Pikachu helped Pokémon become more than a game series—it became a phenomenon. In games like Pokémon Yellow, Smash Bros., and Detective Pikachu, he’s remained at the forefront of every evolution. No other Nintendo character blends branding and personality like Pikachu. He’s cute. He’s powerful. And he’s unforgettable.
#1: Mario (Super Mario series)
There was never any doubt—Mario is not just Nintendo’s greatest character, he’s the most iconic figure in gaming history. From his debut in Donkey Kong to the genre-defining Super Mario Bros. and all the way to Odyssey, Mario has led the charge in platforming innovation, creativity, and fun. He’s a plumber, a racer, a doctor, an athlete, a builder, a galaxy explorer—you name it, he’s done it. His games have redefined entire genres, setting standards for level design, controls, and imagination. Whether he’s stomping Goombas, rescuing Princess Peach, or blasting off into the stars, Mario represents the joy of gaming at its purest. His charm is universal, his gameplay timeless. No other character has maintained such relevance, quality, and mass appeal for so long. Mario isn’t just Nintendo’s mascot—he is video games.
From plumbers to puffballs, swordsmen to sorceresses, Nintendo’s characters aren’t just great—they’re legendary. These ten icons have shaped generations, driven innovation, and created timeless memories for gamers around the globe. Whether you’re chasing stars, catching Pokémon, or saving kingdoms, Nintendo’s characters remind us what makes games magical: heart, adventure, and limitless imagination.
