Mario Nintendo - Figures

Mario is perhaps the most iconic video game character in the world. His namesake franchise games have defined generations of childhoods and he’s made cameos in other media such as NBA Street V3 and Metal Gear Solid. As Nintendo’s mascot, Mario is almost as much of an ambassador and a celebrity as he is a character. Images from the Mario games can be found in nearly every type of merchandise, but there’s a special level of nostalgia when Mario himself makes an appearance. Mario figures are widely considered collectibles that showcase a feeling or memory more than simply the games themselves. These three Mario figures show the plumber in immersive scenarios as thoughtful nods to the games so many grew up with: “Super Mario Mario Yoshi Statue Standard Edition,” “Nendoroid Super Mario Bros Mario Re-Run,” and “S.H. Figuarts Super Mario.”

Super Mario Mario Yoshi Statue Standard Edition Figure

This nearly 19-inch tall figure from First 4 Figures shows the dynamic duo still going strong after 30 years. Mario rides on Yoshi’s back, triumphantly raising his fist in the air. Yoshi runs along beneath him, pumping his arms to match his long stride. The high-quality resin makes the color palette pop, faithfully capturing the saturation of Mario’s red and blue. Both figures are smooth with crisp lines and a high shine that perfectly complements the collectible’s nostalgia. Mario’s overalls also feature extra details like visible seams on his pockets and straps. Yoshi’s details include his asymmetrical cheek bulge from his tucked tongue, the spikes along his neck, and the perfectly round cuffs at the top of his shoes. Importantly, he retains his iconic saddle-like shell on his back, obscured by Mario but still all-important. The figure comes with an equally detailed base depicting grass tile from the games.

Release: December 2020
Manufacturer: First 4 Figures
Specifications: Painted, non-articulated resin figure
Height (Approx.): 480mm | 18.9" (including base)

Nendoroid Super Mario Bros Mario Figure Re-Run

The famous portly plumber gets a little rounder in this chibi Nendoroid figure from Good Smile Company. Mario’s facial proportions have also been exaggerated. His larger nose and mustache are almost reminiscent of his original, software-limited arcade design where the extra blocky pixels distinguished his design. These proportions feature in both the smiling and serious faceplates. He comes with alternate leg parts to pose him in a classic Mario jump. The figure also includes a set of blocks, coins, and super mushrooms. To illustrate a sprint or a quick stop, “dash” and “brake” effects are included. Mario can also face-off against two classic villains: a Buzzy Beetle and a Boo.

Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Wataru Orita
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & ATBC-PVC figure with optional parts and stand
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.9"

S.H. Figuarts Super Mario Figure

Mario joins the S.H. Figuarts’ Tamashii Nations line with this adorable action figure set. The set comes with Mario, a mystery block, super mushroom, coin, and coin stand. The Mario figure is fully articulated, so he can be posed to jump on the block or run after the super mushroom. Typical of S.H. Figuarts, the quality of the figure and accessories is extremely high. Mario’s mustache looks appropriately thick, the coin shines in brilliant metallic gold, and the question mark on the side of the block is embossed rather than simply painted on. Bandai also has numerous playsets and dioramas with more accessories and side characters to recreate a full Mario scene.

Manufacturer: Bandai (Tamashii Nations)
Specifications: Pre-painted ABS/PVC figure
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.4”

About Mario

Mario is the Nintendo company mascot and the namesake hero of the Mario game franchise, the best-selling video game series of all time. Shigeru Miyamoto designed Mario first as a side character named “Jumpman” in 1981 for the Donkey Kong arcade game. In 1982, he was renamed Mario and eventually received his own arcade game titled Mario Bros. alongside his brother, Luigi, the following year. Since his creation, Mario has appeared in over 200 titles. His main quest is to rescue Princess Peach of the Mushroom kingdom from the villainous Bowser. In the universe, Mario is a portly plumber of Italian-American descent who wears a bright red hat and shirt under his trademark overalls.

Other Important Nintendo Characters

Luigi is Mario’s slightly taller younger brother and sidekick. Originally, Luigi’s green color palette was his only distinguishing feature due to software limitations at the time. Eventually, he developed his own distinct personality, and height and weight differences from his older brother. Luigi has appeared in nearly as many games as his brother, often as his sidekick. Occasionally he receives the protagonist role. In March 2013, Nintendo declared the next twelve months to be the “Year of Luigi,” and in 2019 that October would be the “Month of Luigi.”

Yoshi is a cute, green dinosaur who debuted in Super Mario World as Mario and Luigi’s sidekick. Yoshi can use his tongue to grab and fling enemies away or consume them, turning them into weaponized eggs. In some games, the player character can ride Yoshi and he is one of the most popular sidekick characters of all time, along with fellow green sidekick, Luigi. He has even been described as “plumber’s best friend.”