Mario, Nintendo's iconic plumber, has captured the hearts of gamers for decades. While players see his heroic adventures, questions often arise about his personal life, including who Mario's ex girlfriend might be.
Beyond the pipe and mushroom lore lies a topic that intrigues fans and tabloids alike. This article examines relationships tied to Mario, focusing on credible character sources and media depictions rather than fan speculation.
| Subject | Known Relationship | Media Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mario (Character) | Peach (Princess) | Super Mario games, official art | Ongoing in main canon |
| Mario (Character) | Pauline (Ex Girlfriend) | Donkey Kong arcade game (1981) | Past relationship |
| Mario (Public Figure) | Real-world rumors | Unverified interviews, fan theories | Not canon |
| Pauline (Character) | Mario (Ex Partner) | Donkey Kong, Super Mario Odyssey | Former romantic link |
Pauline as Mario's Ex Girlfriend
Origin in Donkey Kong (1981)
In the original 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, Mario (then called Jumpman) rescues a woman named Pauline from the ape. This establishes the first direct narrative connection between Mario and Pauline, positioning her as the character most widely recognized as Mario's ex girlfriend in official gaming history.
Later Appearances and Evolution
Pauline reappears in games like Super Mario Odyssey, set in New Donk City, where she serves as mayor. Her interactions with Mario are friendly and civic-focused, confirming a shift from romantic tension to mutual respect while preserving their shared history.
Distinguishing Canon from Fan Theories
Official Nintendo Sources
Nintendo’s official materials, including game manuals, character bios, and interviews, treat Pauline as a past romantic interest of Mario. No current canon supports a relationship with Peach, keeping Mario's ex girlfriend narrative focused on Pauline within the original Donkey Kong context.
Common Misconceptions
Some fans conflate Peach with Mario's ex due to her recurring role as a damsel or ruler linked to him. These narratives are typically creative storytelling devices in spin-offs or fan media, not shifts in core relationship canon.
Cultural Impact of Mario’s Relationships
From Arcade to Modern Era
Early gaming often used simple rescue plots, making Pauline a key figure in establishing Mario's character motivation. As the industry evolved, storytelling became more nuanced, yet the foundational link between Mario and Pauline remained a reference point for developers and historians.
Relevance in Contemporary Games
In Super Mario Odyssey, Pauline represents continuity and civic pride rather than romance. Her evolved role demonstrates how characters can retain historical significance while adapting to new tones and gameplay mechanics.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Pauline is recognized as Mario's ex girlfriend from the 1981 Donkey Kong game.
- Mario's relationship with Peach remains romantic in ongoing canon, not ex.
- Later games like Super Mario Odyssey reframe Pauline as a civic figure, preserving history without romance.
- Official sources clarify that fan theories often blur lines, but Pauline is the primary named ex in verified material.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who is considered Mario’s ex girlfriend in official games?
Pauline is widely recognized as Mario's ex girlfriend, originating from the 1981 Donkey Kong arcade game where she was the character he rescued.
Does Mario have an ex girlfriend in the main Super Mario series?
Within the main Super Mario canon, Mario's romantic past is not a focus, but Pauline remains the identifiable ex from his earlier storyline in Donkey Kong. No, Peach is typically portrayed as a current associate or ruler whom Mario protects, not as an ex. The official ex girlfriend label belongs to Pauline based on early arcade material. Super Mario Odyssey presents Pauline as a friendly civic leader in New Donk City, showing a respectful, non-romantic relationship while acknowledging their shared history.