Who Was Mario's First Girlfriend? Unraveling a Classic Nintendo Mystery!
Beyond the Peach: The True Beginning of Mario's Love Life
For millions of gamers worldwide, the answer to "Who is Mario's girlfriend?" is unequivocally Princess Peach. Her iconic pink dress, frequent kidnappings, and Mario's tireless efforts to rescue her have become synonymous with the Super Mario franchise. However, delving into the deep history of Nintendo's beloved plumber reveals a surprising truth: Princess Peach was *not* Mario's first love interest.
Long before the Mushroom Kingdom and Bowser's reign, Mario (then known as "Jumpman") was a carpenter, and his heart belonged to a different damsel in distress: **Pauline**. Her debut was in the groundbreaking 1981 arcade game, *Donkey Kong*. In this pivotal title, Pauline was the original damsel-in-distress, kidnapped by the titular ape, with Jumpman tasked to climb girders, avoid barrels, and eventually save her.
Pauline predates Princess Peach (or Princess Toadstool, as she was originally known) by four years, as Peach wouldn't appear until *Super Mario Bros.* in 1985. While Peach went on to become the undisputed leading lady of the main Mario series, Pauline faded into the background for many years, appearing only sporadically in spin-off titles.
However, Pauline's legacy is far from over. She made a significant return in the *Mario vs. Donkey Kong* series, resuming her role as a damsel in distress, but her most prominent re-emergence came in the critically acclaimed *Super Mario Odyssey* (2017). In this modern masterpiece, Pauline takes on a new, prominent role as the charismatic and talented Mayor of New Donk City, even showcasing her impressive singing voice. Her return solidified her place in Mario lore, not just as a historical footnote, but as a beloved character in her own right.
This little piece of gaming history highlights how characters and narratives evolve over time. While Peach holds the current romantic lead, it's Pauline who holds the distinction of being Mario's true first love, reminding us of the humble arcade origins of one of gaming's biggest icons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Was Princess Peach not Mario's first love interest?
A: That's correct! While Princess Peach (originally Princess Toadstool) is Mario's most famous love interest and primary damsel in distress, she first appeared in *Super Mario Bros.* in 1985. Mario had a different girlfriend before her.
Q: Where did Pauline first appear?
A: Pauline made her debut in Nintendo's iconic 1981 arcade game, *Donkey Kong*. She was the kidnapped woman Mario (then known as Jumpman) had to rescue from the giant ape.
Q: What was Mario's name when he first appeared with Pauline?
A: In the original *Donkey Kong* arcade game, the character we now know as Mario was initially referred to as "Jumpman." The name "Mario" would come shortly after, reportedly inspired by Mario Segale, the landlord of Nintendo of America's warehouse.
Q: Has Pauline appeared in other Mario games since Donkey Kong?
A: Yes! After a long hiatus, Pauline made a significant return in the *Mario vs. Donkey Kong* series. Her most prominent and celebrated reappearance was in *Super Mario Odyssey* (2017), where she starred as the Mayor of New Donk City and even performed songs. She has also appeared in various Mario spin-off titles like *Mario Kart Tour*.
Q: What is Pauline's current role in the Mario universe?
A: Currently, Pauline is best known as the sophisticated and talented Mayor of New Donk City from *Super Mario Odyssey*, where she is also portrayed as a singer. She occasionally appears in spin-off games, showing her continued presence and evolution within the Mario franchise.
Pros and Cons of Knowing Mario's Historical Lore
Pros
- Deepens understanding and appreciation of Mario's origins.
- Provides interesting trivia for conversations with other fans.
- Highlights the rich, evolving history of Nintendo characters.
- Adds layers to familiar characters and their journeys.
- Connects modern games (like Odyssey) to Nintendo's earliest arcade roots.
Cons
- Might shatter long-held beliefs for some casual fans.
- Can be considered overly niche or irrelevant by others.
- Early game lore can sometimes be less developed or consistent.
- Requires delving into older titles that might not be as accessible.