Mario Party has been a cornerstone of multiplayer gaming since its debut on the Nintendo 64 in 1998. Known for its chaotic mini-games and board game-style maps, the series features a wide range of colorful characters from the Mario universe. Each installment offers a unique selection of playable characters, giving fans the chance to play as their favorite heroes, villains, and quirky figures. The diversity of Mario Party playable characters adds layers of personality and fun to every match, keeping the gameplay fresh across generations of consoles.
Core Playable Characters Across the Series
Mario
As the franchise’s namesake, Mario is a staple playable character in every Mario Party game. Balanced and versatile, he represents the quintessential all-around option for players who want a dependable choice without extremes in performance.
Luigi
Mario’s younger brother is always close behind. Luigi offers a similar playstyle and has become a fan favorite due to his underdog charm and humorous animations in mini-games.
Princess Peach
Peach has been a consistent character in the Mario Party lineup. Often portrayed with a graceful demeanor, she appeals to players who enjoy her regal style and classic status in the Mario franchise.
Yoshi
The friendly dinosaur Yoshi is another character available in nearly every Mario Party installment. With his unique voice and cheerful appearance, Yoshi has become a mainstay for fans of all ages.
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong was a regular playable character in early Mario Party titles but became a non-playable event character in some later games before returning as a playable character in Super Mario Party and beyond.
Wario
Wario brings a dose of mischief and humor to the party. Known for his greedy nature and exaggerated expressions, he is a favorite for players who prefer chaotic or unpredictable outcomes.
Princess Daisy
Daisy was introduced in Mario Party 3 and has since become a fan favorite due to her energetic personality. Her appearances have increased over time, and she now features in most of the recent Mario Party games.
Waluigi
First appearing in Mario Tennis, Waluigi made his Mario Party debut in Mario Party 3. His gangly frame and eccentric behavior make him a standout choice for players looking for something different.
Notable Additional Playable Characters
Toad
Toad has a long history in the series, sometimes as a playable character, sometimes as a host. In games like Mario Party Advance and Mario Party 10, he is fully playable, offering a lightweight, quick-moving option.
Toadette
Toadette was introduced in Mario Party 6 and has become a recurring playable character. She complements Toad’s cheerful style and is especially popular among younger players.
Rosalina
Rosalina from the Super Mario Galaxy series joined Mario Party in later titles. Her cosmic elegance and floaty animation set her apart from other characters, adding diversity to the roster.
Birdo
Birdo is often included as a playable or unlockable character. First appearing in Super Mario Bros. 2, Birdo has a quirky design that appeals to players looking for unique visual flair.
Bowser Jr.
Bowser Jr. is typically a side character or antagonist but has been playable in titles like Mario Party: Star Rush. His inclusion reflects the game’s trend of blending heroes and villains.
Villains Turned Playable Characters
Bowser
For most of the series, Bowser played the role of party crasher or stage boss, causing chaos on the board. However, in Mario Party 10, he became playable in the unique ‘Bowser Party’ mode, allowing one player to control him against the others.
Koopa Troopa
Often used as a guide or map host in early Mario Party games, Koopa Troopa has stepped into the playable spotlight in several titles. His simple design and classic Mario appeal make him an easy pick for nostalgic fans.
Shy Guy
Shy Guy made his playable debut in Mario Party 9 and has reappeared since. His mysterious personality and muted expressions give him a fun contrast to more expressive characters.
Kamek
The magical Koopa Kamek has appeared as both a helper and a nuisance in various Mario games. In Mario Party, he has transitioned into a playable character in some spinoffs, particularly handheld editions.
Unique Characters in Handheld and Spinoff Titles
Some Mario Party games on handheld consoles introduced characters that didn’t make it into mainline titles. These include:
- Dry Bones The skeletal Koopa appears in several games and is a favorite among fans of undead or spooky characters.
- Monty Mole Introduced as a playable character in Super Mario Party, Monty adds comedic value to the cast.
- Hammer Bro Known for his aggressive attacks in platformers, he has also been featured as a playable Mario Party character.
- Nabbit From New Super Mario Bros. U, Nabbit was a surprise addition in some Mario Party spinoffs, bringing with him a mischievous flair.
Unlockable and Special Characters
Rewarding Gameplay with Unlockables
Many Mario Party games reward players with unlockable characters after achieving certain goals. These characters often include rarer or less commonly seen figures, encouraging extended play. Unlockables increase replay value and give players an incentive to explore all aspects of the game.
Examples of Unlockable Characters
- Diddy Kong Often unlockable through mini-game challenges or board completions.
- Spike Featured as a unique unlock in Mario Party 10 and Super Mario Party.
- Donkey Kong Occasionally unlockable depending on the version.
Playable Characters in Recent Titles
Super Mario Party (Switch)
This installment brought in 20 playable characters, including classic favorites and newcomers like Monty Mole and Pom Pom. The game emphasized diverse playstyles with unique dice blocks for each character, adding strategic depth.
Mario Party Superstars
Mario Party Superstars on the Switch returned to classic boards and simplified the character selection to fan favorites. Although it features fewer characters than Super Mario Party, it focuses on a polished and nostalgic experience.
Character Selection and Playstyle
Do Characters Play Differently?
In most Mario Party games, characters are largely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay. However, Super Mario Party introduced character-specific dice blocks, making the choice of character more strategic. Players might pick a high-risk, high-reward dice like Wario’s, or a safer, more balanced one like Mario’s.
Choosing Your Favorite
With so many Mario Party playable characters, the choice often comes down to personality and personal connection. Whether you love the cheerful Yoshi, the scheming Bowser, or the elegant Rosalina, your character becomes part of your party identity.
The wide variety of Mario Party playable characters is one of the franchise’s greatest strengths. From classic mainstays like Mario and Luigi to unexpected additions like Monty Mole and Bowser Jr., every player can find a character that fits their style. As the series continues to evolve, the roster will likely grow even more diverse, keeping each game fresh and exciting. Whether you’re playing for fun or for victory, choosing the right character adds personality, charm, and sometimes even strategy to the party.