Mario vs Link : Quelle icône Nintendo est la plus forte ?

Mario vs. Link: Which Nintendo Icon is Stronger?

931 mots | Temps de lecture : 4 minute(s)

Who is stronger, Mario or Link ? Compare their commercial success, cultural impact, and influence in video games. A verdict between two Nintendo legends.

Summary

Mario: The undisputed king of video games

Unparalleled global recognition

Mario remains arguably the most recognizable video game character in the world . Since his first appearance in Donkey Kong (1981), under the name Jumpman, he has been the star of more than 200 games , accumulating more than 830 million copies sold (platforms, spin-offs, mobile games).

Revolutionary game mechanics

The gameplay of Super Mario Bros. (1985) redefined the platform game: smooth scrolling , power-ups , secret levels and progressive level design are still major references today.

Exceptional versatility

Mario isn't just a platform hero. He's also a kart driver ( Mario Kart ), tennis player, doctor ( Dr. Mario ), fighter ( Super Smash Bros. ), strategist ( Mario + Rabbids ), and RPG adventurer. His ability to adapt to all genres makes him the most universal mascot in the history of video games.

Unparalleled narrative depth

Each episode of The Legend of Zelda is an epic quest in which Link embodies courage in the face of darkness. The world of Hyrule unfolds through intertwined timelines and a rich mythology centered around the Triforces.

A major artistic influence

Games like Ocarina of Time (1998), Majora's Mask (2000), and Breath of the Wild (2017) feature in almost every list of the best games of all time . They have left their mark on the industry with their storytelling, mechanics, and artistic direction.

A timeless design

With his green tunic (or blue in BOTW), the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield , Link embodies the archetype of the silent hero who inspires the entire fantasy video game genre.

Comparison of respective strengths

Commercial impact

  • Mario: more than 830 million games sold
  • Zelda: around 150 million (2024), including BOTW and TOTK at over 30 million each

Mario dominates commercially , thanks to the variety of its games, its spin-offs and its presence in numerous console bundles.

Cultural and emotional impact

Link offers more narrative and introspective adventures. The Zelda community is marked by a constant analysis of lore and a strong emotional dimension.

Technical innovation

  • Mario: pioneer of platforming (SMB), intuitive 3D (Mario 64) and dynamic gravity (Galaxy).
  • Zelda: pioneer of lock-on (Ocarina), environmental storytelling (Majora) and the organic open world (BOTW).

Breath of the Wild is often cited as the most influential game of the 21st century .

The verdict: two complementary forces

Mario: Strength in Numbers

Thanks to his absolute accessibility and his infinite game ecosystem , Mario remains Nintendo's most popular icon.

Link: the power of emotion

Link is more touching for the narrative depth , the mythology and the initiatory quest that he embodies.

Conclusion: Two legends, one house

Pitting Mario and Link against each other doesn't really make sense: one represents immediate fun , the other lasting depth . Together, they reflect Nintendo's creative duality.

Comparison table: Mario vs Link

Criteria Mario Link
Total sales +830 million ≈150 million
Genres explored Platform, sports, racing, RPG, strategy Action-adventure, puzzle, RPG, open world
Accessibility General public, all ages Long and narrative experiences
Cultural impact Universal pop icon Rich mythology, symbolic hero
Major innovations SMB , Mario 64 , Galaxy OOT , BOTW , TOTK

FAQ: Mario vs Link

  • Which Nintendo character has sold the most games?
    Mario , with over 830 million copies sold.
  • Is Link more powerful than Mario?
    It all depends on the context: Link has legendary weapons, Mario has various power-ups .
  • Which game is the most influential?
    Super Mario Bros. for the platform; Breath of the Wild for the open world.
  • Why compare these two heroes?
    They are Nintendo's most iconic figures , each embodying a facet of the medium.
  • Which one do the fans prefer?
    It all depends on taste: Mario for immediate fun, Link for epic adventure.

Keywords: Mario vs Link , Nintendo mascots, Mario Zelda comparison, video game icons, Breath of the Wild , Super Mario Bros.

Back to blog