Yoshi : Le dinosaure fidèle de l’univers Super Mario

Yoshi: The faithful dinosaur of the Super Mario universe

1670 words | Reading time : 8 minute(s)

CharacterYoshiSuper Mario World

Miyamoto had been dreaming of a dinosaur mount since the NES days: it took the Super Nintendo to make it happen. Yoshi burst onto the scene in Super Mario World in 1990 in Japan, from a design by Shigefumi Hino. Stretchy tongue, eggs and rock-solid loyalty: this article follows his journey from simple mount to hero of his own saga, his appearances in the main games as well as the spin-offs, and his bond with Mario.

Yoshi is one of the most beloved characters in the whole of Super Mario, first appearing back in 1990 (Japan). This dinosaur , colorful and full of cheerful energy , is famous for its stretchy tongue, its ability to lay eggs and its loyalty to Mario, which never wavers. With his cute design, his many variations and his one-of-a-kind gameplay, he has left his mark on several generations of players and risen to the rank of icon of video gaming.

He never had to switch sides, unlike Donkey Kong, Bowser, Wario or Birdo, all of them former foes who ended up joining the plumber.

In Super Mario RPG, a blue fellow in black sunglasses rules through sheer speed: Boshi is the only Yoshi in the series with an openly hostile personality.

Contents

Yoshi's beginnings

Yoshi makes his debut in Super Mario World (1990 in Japan, Super Nintendo), where he accompanies Mario throughout his adventure in the land of the dinosaurs. He grew out of a long-standing idea from Shigeru Miyamoto, who had wanted Mario to be able to ride a creature ever since the days of Super Mario Bros. 3, but the technology of the NES did not allow it yet.

Designed by Shigefumi Hino, Yoshi was first meant to look like a crocodile or a horse, but his appearance evolved into a small round dinosaur that was instantly endearing. His popularity was immediate, so much so that he became the star of games of his own the very next year, with Yoshi (1991 in Japan, a puzzle game on NES/Game Boy).

Yoshi's characteristics

  • Species: Dinosaur — a fictional species called “Yoshi”
  • Signature color: Green, but available in many shades (red, blue, yellow, black, pink…)
  • Special abilities: Stretchy tongue, flutter jump, egg-laying, transformations through items or fruit
  • Mario's mount: he can be ridden and used to reach areas that are otherwise out of reach

His flutter jump is especially distinctive, as is his trademark cry (“Yoshi!”) and the cheerful sounds that go with his every move. Yoshi embodies accessible fun and creativity, whether on his own or at Mario's side.

Yoshi: from sidekick to hero

Yoshi was quick to get adventures of his own:

  • Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (1995) – One of the greatest classics of 2D platforming. Here Yoshi protects Baby Mario and shows real ingenuity across levels drawn in a crayon-sketch style.
  • Yoshi’s Story (1997) – An experience aimed more at children, with a light narrative and an art direction built around fabric and textures.
  • Yoshi’s Woolly World (2015) – A game made of wool that is charming and inventive, praised for its art direction.
  • Yoshi’s Crafted World (2019) – A world made of cardboard, with depth-based gameplay and the option to revisit levels from another angle.

These titles offer gentler gameplay, built on exploration and precision rather than speed or intense challenge, which makes them perfect for younger players or anyone after something relaxing.

Yoshi in the main Mario games

Beyond his own games, Yoshi remains a recurring ally of Mario:

  • Super Mario Galaxy 2 – Yoshi joins Mario across several galaxies, introducing new mechanics tied to his fruit-based transformations.
  • Super Mario Odyssey – Yoshi shows up in the post-game, playable once you have captured him with Cappy on the roof of Peach's Castle, in the Mushroom Kingdom.

His role is always designed as valuable, original support, opening up new options for mobility and interaction.

A presence in the spin-offs

  • Mario Kart – Yoshi is one of the most popular characters, thanks to his solid balance between acceleration and handling.
  • Mario Party – A recurring character, loved for his cheerful look and how easy he is to play.
  • Sports games – Present in every Mario Tennis, Golf, or Strikers, with a fast, mischievous style.
  • Super Smash Bros. – Playable in every installment, using his tongue, his eggs and his agility to catch opponents off guard.
Artwork of Yoshi in racing gear for Mario Kart
No spin-off does without him: he has been in every cast for thirty years.

His relationship with Mario

The relationship between Yoshi and Mario is built on complete trust. Yoshi does not just follow Mario: he protects him, carries him and saves him time and again. As early as Yoshi’s Island, he becomes the guardian of Baby Mario, establishing a powerful symbolic bond.

One famous moment: in Super Mario World, Mario is sometimes forced to "sacrifice" Yoshi to reach certain platforms, creating a mix of dark humor and guilt in the collective memory of players.

Why is Yoshi so beloved?

  • Endearing design: smiling face, relaxed posture, childlike voice — a character you never forget.
  • Distinctive gameplay: he does not play like Mario or Luigi, and that is exactly the appeal.
  • Versatility: hero, support, mount or exploration tool, Yoshi can do it all.
  • A symbol of innocence and joy: a world ruled by good spirits.

Yoshi in other media

Yoshi appears in the animated series of the 1990s (Super Mario World) and in several comics published by Nintendo or third-party publishers. He is also one of the most widely used characters in Nintendo merchandise (plush toys, T-shirts, figurines, backpacks…).

In The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), a Yoshi egg is glimpsed at the end — and the promise was kept: in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026), Yoshi makes his big-screen debut, discovered by the brothers in the Inverted Pyramid and voiced in the original version by Donald Glover.

Quick facts: Yoshi

First appearance Super Mario World (1990 in Japan; 1991-1992 in North America and Europe, Super Nintendo)
Design creator Shigefumi Hino; original idea by Shigeru Miyamoto
Species A fictional dinosaur called “Yoshi”
Signature color Green (many other shades: red, blue, yellow, black, pink...)
Abilities Stretchy tongue, flutter jump, egg-laying
Notable solo games Yoshi's Island (1995), Yoshi's Story (1997), Yoshi's Woolly World (2015), Yoshi's Crafted World (2019)
Role Mario's mount and loyal companion, and hero of his own games too

🍄 Want to keep the adventure going? Check out our Yoshi products in the shop.

FAQ

  • When did Yoshi first appear?
    Yoshi makes his debut in Super Mario World, released in 1990 in Japan (1991-1992 in North America and Europe) on Super Nintendo, where he accompanies Mario through the land of the dinosaurs.
  • Who created Yoshi?
    Yoshi was designed by artist Shigefumi Hino, from a long-standing idea of Shigeru Miyamoto's, who had wanted Mario to be able to ride a creature ever since Super Mario Bros. 3.
  • What are Yoshi's abilities?
    He has a stretchy tongue, a distinctive flutter jump (popularized in Yoshi's Island) and can lay eggs. He also serves as Mario's mount to reach otherwise unreachable areas.
  • Does Yoshi have his own games?
    Yes, notably Yoshi's Island (1995), Yoshi's Story (1997), Yoshi's Woolly World (2015) and Yoshi's Crafted World (2019), with gentler gameplay focused on exploration.
  • Which spin-offs does Yoshi show up in?
    He appears in Mario Kart, Mario Party, several sports games (Tennis, Golf, Strikers) and is playable in every Super Smash Bros. installment.

Conclusion

Yoshi is not just a companion to Mario: he is an essential figure in the world of Nintendo. His charm, his unique playstyle and his ability to fit into every kind of game make him a character apart, cherished by the young and the old alike. Whether to explore, protect or simply make you smile, Yoshi will always be there, faithful as ever… and ready to charge in tongue first into a new adventure.

The character guide

Who's who in the Mario universe: the complete character guide, from the earliest faces to the most recent arrivals.

🍄 All the Mario characters →
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