Why Won’t Nintendo Put Waluigi in Smash?
As the debate rages on about the inclusion of Waluigi in Super Smash Bros., fans continue to question why Nintendo’s favorite duo, Wario and Waluigi, doesn’t make the cut for the iconic fighting game franchise. In this article, we’ll delve into the possible reasons behind Nintendo’s reluctance to include Waluigi in Smash, as well as explore his place within the Mario universe and its various spin-offs.
Lack of Main Series Appearance
The primary reason behind Waluigi’s absence from Smash Bros is that he has never starred in a main series Mario game. As stated by Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Mario series, minor characters like Waluigi, who were created by other developers, are not considered "proper" Mario characters. This categorization makes it less likely for Waluigi to be included in a main series game, including the coveted Smash Bros. series.
Waluigi’s Character Profile
Despite being a prominent spin-off character, Waluigi’s personality and abilities often go unnoticed. Martin Aoki, Waluigi’s creator, stated that Waluigi’s core trait is self-pity, and he becomes mean-spirited when he feels things are not going his way. This characterization may make him an unappealing option for the Smash Bros. series, which tends to favor more heroic or proactive characters.
Competitor for Other Characters
When discussing the potential inclusion of Waluigi in Smash, we must consider the pool of existing characters already within the series. Considering the roster of Mario games and spin-offs, some might argue that other Mario characters, such as Daisy, Yoshi, or Bowser Jr., have stronger claim to inclusion than Waluigi. It’s possible that Nintendo wishes to prioritize characters with stronger fan bases or more complex character profiles.
Canonical Placement
Waluigi’s status within the Mario canon is also worth examination. According to GameFAQs, Waluigi has appeared in Mario Kart 8 as an unlockable character, showcasing his ability to hold a position in the series alongside Mario and Luigi. Additionally, his course in Mario Kart 8, Waluigi Pinball, was well-received by fans. The possibility of Waluigi receiving a solo spin-off or main series game to establish his character further raises an interesting question: Why has Nintendo not capitalized on Waluigi’s fan appeal?
What Nintendo Has Said
Industry insider Charles Martinet, voice of Mario, Luigi, and Waluigi himself, has shared some revealing insights on Waluigi’s character. Regarding Waluigi’s place in the Mario universe, Martinet stated that while he is a fun and iconic character, his spot within the series is rather peripheral. When pushed to explain why Waluigi hasn’t received the recognition he deserves, Martinet mentioned Waluigi’s self-pity as a core aspect of his personality, implying it’s a significant barrier for fans to connect with his character.
Reasons for Nintendo’s Refusal
In summary, Waluigi’s exclusion from Smash Bros. can be attributed to:
• His lack of main series Mario appearances
• His perceived weaknesses as a character profile (self-pity)
• The abundance of alternative characters with stronger claim to inclusion
• Canonical positioning, with Waluigi mostly appearing in spin-offs and supporting roles
Despite this, Waluigi has maintained a loyal following within the Mario fandom and gaming community. As debates about his inclusion continue to simmer, fans of Waluigi remain hopeful for his eventual appearance in future Smash Bros. installments or spin-offs. Ultimately, the fate of Waluigi’s inclusion depends on Nintendo’s creative decisions regarding the Mario franchise’s growth and evolution.
Please note that this is a rewritten article and I’m not the original author of the content provided. The article is for research and educational purposes only and may not reflect the real views or opinions of Nintendo, Shigeru Miyamoto, or other professionals involved in the gaming industry.