Waluigi: The eternal second in command of the Mario universe

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

Waluigi is a colorful character in the Super Mario franchise. Created to be Luigi's evil counterpart , he is recognizable by his lanky figure , twisted mustache , purple outfit , and "Γ" emblem. Although he is not a main character and has never had his own game , Waluigi has established himself as a cult character , beloved for his eccentricity , comedic role, and unique personality , becoming an outsider icon in video game pop culture.

Origin and creation

Waluigi first appeared in the 2000 Nintendo 64 game Mario Tennis. He was created by Camelot Software Planning (not Nintendo itself) to give Wario a doubles tennis partner . His design and character are deliberately caricatured , like a reverse parody of Luigi. Unlike Wario, Waluigi has no established familial connection to either Luigi or Mario, emphasizing his status as a shadowy character , with no roots or formal past.

The name "Waluigi" is a pun between "Luigi" and warui (悪い), which means "bad" in Japanese, following the reverse logic of Wario (Mario + warui).

Character Profile

• Name: Waluigi
• First appearance: Mario Tennis (2000)
• Emblematic color: Purple (symbol of mystery and marginality)
• Physical appearance: Very tall, thin, oversized limbs, shifty look
• Personality: Arrogant, theatrical, comical, jealous and cunning… but often a loser
• Voice: Charles Martinet (until 2023), then Kevin Afghani

Role in Nintendo games

Waluigi has never appeared in a mainline game in the Super Mario series. He is neither a boss, nor an ally, nor the protagonist of a quest. However, he has become a staple of the multiplayer spin-offs:

• Mario Kart – Playable since Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (2003), where he forms a duo with Wario
• Mario Party – Introduced in Mario Party 3 , playable character alongside classic heroes
• Sports Series (Tennis, Golf, Baseball, Strikers) – Featured with exaggerated and comical animations
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Only trophy helps, triggering massive fan mobilization

Waluigi in Mario Kart

Waluigi is a popular choice due to:

• Its balanced stats , especially in heavy/intermediate karts
• Its cult circuit: Waluigi Pinball ( Mario Kart DS ), famous for its neon atmosphere and electrifying music
• His extravagant animations : demonic laughter, ridiculous poses, theatrical gestures

Personality and behavior

Waluigi is one of the most eccentric characters in the Mario universe. He is:

• Jealous : always seeking recognition
• Theatrical : always too much in fact
• Cunning : Loves to cheat or use devious tactics
• Funny in spite of himself : his constant failures make him endearing

He embodies the almost tragic figure of the supporting role, aware of being secondary ... and who is annoyed by it.

Why doesn't Waluigi have his own game?

• Created for spin-offs : outside the main story
• No official backstory developed by Nintendo
• Humor that is difficult to wear alone : ​​relies on contrast with others

Still, the potential is clear : Waluigi could be the star of a satirical or absurd game , or even a puzzle/strategy centered on his quest for glory.

Waluigi's Cult Popularity

Waluigi has acquired cult status , particularly thanks to the Internet:

• Memes and fan art portray him as the misunderstood anti-hero
• Fan campaigns to add him to Smash Bros. or give him a dedicated game
• Various derivative objects : plush toys, T-shirts, cosplay… symbol of the “elegant loser”

His absence from the main games only fuels the myth .

What future for Waluigi?

• A comedy game where he steals the show from Mario
• An inverted platform seen through his distorted vision
• A 90s-style cooperative buddy game with Wario

Conclusion

Waluigi remains one of the most intriguing , absurd , and endearing characters in the Mario Kingdom. He embodies the part second-rate villain , the sad clown , and the outsider with immense potential . His fame continues to grow, and perhaps one day, Waluigi will finally get his own adventure . In the meantime, he continues to put on a show… with panache , laughter , and self-deprecation .