Mario

Mario is a character from the Super Mario and Super Smash Bros. fandoms.

Character
Mario (マリオ Mario) is the protagonist in most games of his series, and is one of the main heroes that goes on adventures alongside his younger, twin brother Luigi to save Princess Peach from Bowser. In every instance, Mario has successfully defeated Bowser and saved Peach. Mario has also saved Princess Daisy and Pauline in the past. From these events, he is regarded in-universe as a celebrity similar to that of a super hero.

Het

 * Maraisy — the ship between Mario and Princess Daisy
 * Mareach — the ship between Mario and Princess Peach
 * Mariamy — the ship between Mario and Amy Rose
 * Marilina — the ship between Mario and Rosalina
 * MariPauline — the ship between Mario and Pauline
 * Marivian — the ship between Mario and Vivian

Slash

 * Bowsario — the ship between Mario and Bowser
 * Genario — the ship between Mario and Geno
 * SonMario — the ship between Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog
 * WariMari — the ship between Mario and Wario

Non-Binary

 * Marioadette — the ship between Mario and Toadette
 * Mario x Toad — the ship between Mario and Toad

Poly

 * Bowsareach — the ship between Mario, Bowser and Princess Peach

Family

 * Mario Brothers — the ship between Mario and Luigi

Cargo

 * Mario x Mushroom — the ship between Mario and Mushrooms

Canon
Princess Peach

Mario and Peach are childhood friends that have been shown to have implied feelings for each other. Due to their close relationship, Mario goes out of his way to save the princess from Bowser. Mario never blames her for it nor asks for a reward, however she will still give him kisses and cake as thanks.

Pauline

In the events of Donkey Kong, Mario and Pauline were once boyfriend and girlfriend. When Pauline was kidnapped by the title character, Mario rescues her. Although they aren't dating anymore, they have been shown to be good friends still in Super Mario Odyssey.

Quotes
"It's-a me, Mario!"

- Mario, Super Mario 64

"Let's-a go!"

- Mario, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Fanon
Mario, with his status as the titular character of the Super Mario series, is regarded as one of the most famous video game characters in the world, with several units of his games being sold in the billions. His face can be seen on multiple forms of memorabilia and different forms of media. However, fans have mixed opinions on the character, whether it be his personality being too "bland"ーakin to Mickey Mouse in how he's merely "the mascot" to someーor some accusing the plumber of being abusive due to misconceptions, grimdark fanworks, or popularized game theories. Counterclaims, however, have formed in the plumber's defense.

In terms of romantic ships, Mareach is bar none the most popular in the series, with almost 200 fics on AO3. However, some prefer MariPauline due to it being "the original pair" and its nostalgic appeal. Bowsario is favored by some, due to it ending the series' main conflict with love. From these, polyships have formed as well.

For non-romantic, the Mario Brothers themselves are a fairly common familyship in the fandom, with some either having their relationship be similar to canon, grimdark, or fairly light hearted. Even outside of fanart and fanfiction, the pair may be depicted together in fan games or be referenced in other forms of media.

Currently, there are 690 fics featuring the character on AO3.

Fandom
FAN FICTION

DEVIANT ART

PIXIV
 * マリオ search on Pixiv
 * ダクターマリオ search on Pixiv

TUMBLR

Trivia

 * Mario's first appearance in any form of media was in Donkey Kong. At the time, Mario was known as 'Jumpman' and 'Mr. Video Game.'
 * During development, he was nicknamed 'Ossan.' In this instance, Osaan means 'middle-aged man.'
 * In early media, Mario was shown with red overalls. His shirt color would range from either being yellow, orange, or blue. He would also sometimes be bald as well.
 * The first instance of Mario's last name also being Mario was in the live action Super Mario Bros. movie.
 * His current voice actor, Charles Martinet, has been rewarded a Guinness World Record for voicing the character one hundred times.
 * The 1993 Nintendo Character Guide states Mario's species is "homo nintendonus." However, Kenta Motokura has confirmed Mario as human.
 * Mario's name is speculated to have come from Mario Segale, the former landlord of Nintendo of America's office.
 * Mario has been depicted as having a tattoo on his left arm in an ad for the Gameboy Advance SP . However, outfits in Super Mario Odyssey without sleeves do not show the tattoo.
 * According to Nintendo, March 10 (or MAR10) is Mario Day.
 * A fairly common trend in Mario games is Mario reverting back into his 'retro design.' In Super Mario RPG, Mario can turn into an 8-bit Mario at Booster Tower. Super Paper Mario turns any character who interacts with the superstar into their 2D counterparts. Lastly, Super Mario Odyssey has several 2D sections with a similar aesthetic to Super Mario Bros.
 * Mario has appeared as an easter egg in both Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.
 * Mario is one of the artworks inside Hyrule Castle alongside Luigi, Bowser, Princess Peach, and Yoshi.
 * The Happy Mask Salesman owns a wooden Mario mask on his back.
 * Mario's final smash, Mario Finale, is based on the fire flower power-up.