Who is older, Mario or Luigi? This is a common question among fans of the iconic video game characters. Both Mario and Luigi are brothers, and their relationship is central to the storylines of many games in the Mario series. Despite their close bond, the age difference between the two has been a topic of debate for years. Let’s delve into the history and details of these beloved characters to determine who is indeed older.
Mario, also known as Super Mario, is the protagonist of the Mario series. He is a plumber who lives in the Mushroom Kingdom and is known for his iconic red cap and mustache. Luigi, on the other hand, is Mario’s younger brother, who is often seen wearing a blue version of Mario’s outfit. Both characters were created by Shigeru Miyamoto, the co-founder of Nintendo, and were first introduced in the 1981 game “Donkey Kong.”
According to the official Mario timeline, Mario was born on September 13, 1981, while Luigi was born on September 15, 1981. This means that Luigi is the older brother by a mere two days. However, the age difference between the two is not always clear in the games, as the developers have sometimes played with the characters’ ages to create different storylines and challenges.
One example of this is the “Super Mario Bros. 2” game, which was released in the United States in 1988. In this game, Mario is depicted as being much older than Luigi, with a full white beard and a more mature appearance. This version of Mario is actually a reimagining of the original Donkey Kong character, who was named Jumpman in the United States. The game was later re-released in Japan as “Doki Doki Panic,” which featured a different cast of characters.
Another interesting detail is that, in the Japanese version of the “Super Mario Bros. 3” game, Luigi is shown to be the older brother, with a slightly more experienced and confident demeanor. However, in the Western versions of the game, Mario is depicted as the older brother, which has led to some confusion among fans.
In conclusion, according to the official Mario timeline, Luigi is the older brother by two days. However, the developers have sometimes played with the characters’ ages to create different storylines and challenges, which has contributed to the ongoing debate among fans. Regardless of their ages, both Mario and Luigi have become iconic figures in the video game industry and have left an indelible mark on the hearts of gamers worldwide.
