Unveiling Nintendo's Iconic Trio Beyond Mario's Shadow

While Mario often captures the spotlight in the Nintendo universe, there's a treasure trove of characters who have carved their own marks on the gaming world. These characters not only enrich Nintendo's diverse catalog but also stand out with their unique adventures, personalities, and contributions to the gaming culture.

Let's dive into three iconic Nintendo characters who shine brightly outside of Mario's universe.

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Three of the Most Iconic Nintendo Characters Outside of the Mario Franchise

We're huge fans of the Mario franchise, but we often need to remind ourselves that Nintendo is more than the just the flagship IP. There are other characters that have shaped the company's fanbase into what it is today.

To be honest, calling these the "Top 3" non-Mario characters would be a disservice to their impact on Nintendo's history, so without any particular order, here are 3 of the most influential characters.

3. Kirby: The Hero of Dream Land

Kirby Character Background | Image: Nintendo Supply

Kirby, the pink puffball from Dream Land, brings a lighter, more whimsical tone to Nintendo's roster. Known for his ability to inhale enemies and copy their abilities, Kirby's games are filled with vibrant worlds, unique mechanics, and a simplicity that appeals to players of all ages.

Kirby's Dreamland 3 | Image: Nintendo Supply

From Kirby's Dream Land to Kirby and the Forgotten Land, his adventures combine platforming challenges with creative problem-solving. Kirby's enduring charm and versatility make him a beloved character among fans, embodying the joy and imagination at the heart of Nintendo's game design.

In recent times, Nintendo has collaborated with several companies for Kirby-specific promotion, including a McDonald's Happy Meal promo in Japan as well as a GU x Kirby of the Stars apparel line that debuted in late 2023.

2. Samus Aran: The Intergalactic Bounty Hunter

Metroid Prime: Samus Aran | Source: Nintendo

Samus Aran, the protagonist of the Metroid series, broke ground as one of the first female protagonists in video gaming. Her journey through alien worlds, combating the Space Pirates and the parasitic Metroids, has been a staple of science fiction in gaming.

Metroid Prime (Remastered Edition) | Image: Nintendo

Samus's story is one of resilience and discovery, unraveling her mysterious past and the origins of the Metroids across titles like Super Metroid and Metroid Prime. Her arsenal, including the iconic Power Suit and Arm Cannon, has become synonymous with the character, making her a formidable force in the Nintendo universe.

Lately, the Metroid franchise has been eerily quiet when it comes to new releases. While Metroid Prime Remastered launched on the Switch last year, the series has not had a new IP release since Metroid Dread in 2021. Dread has since crossed the 3 million worldwide unit sales figure, making it the fastest-selling Metroid game in the franchise's history.

Where is Samus going from here? All signs are pointing towards the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4, which has been in development for some time.

1. Link: The Hero of Time

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Link and Flux Construct | Image: Nintendo

At the heart of the Legend of Zelda series is Link, a character whose journey across the realms of Hyrule has captivated players for decades. Known for his courage and silent determination, Link's quest to rescue Princess Zelda and thwart the malevolent Ganon has spawned a plethora of games, each weaving its own unique tapestry within the Zelda lore.

Zelda Wind Waker - Windfall Isle | Image: Nintendo

From the groundbreaking open-world exploration of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom to the puzzle-filled dungeons of Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker, Link's adventures underscore the essence of heroism and adventure.

2023 was a big year for Link, who had multiple Game of the Year nominations across several award circuits thanks to Tears of the Kingdom. Looking forward, Link is set to make a live-action movie debut in an upcoming Zelda-focused story.