1. Captain Syrup

Leader of the S.S. Teacup in Wario Land, Syrup can unnerve and fool the evil Wario. She’s the Harley Quinn to his Joker. True love.

2. Dr. Ryuta Kawashima

Although he’s not quite a character, he is a real-life neuro scientist from Japan. The Brain Age game was his idea, which is why it’s his mug we see in the title’s ads.

3. Geno

A star-borne warrior from Super Mario RPG, Geno helped the Italian plumber restore order in the universe. Licensing issues with Square Enix has rendered Geno M.I.A. in titles such as Super Smash Bros.

4. Fawful

A baddie from Mario & Luigi with a taste for showmanship, this self-styled “lord” turns Bowser’s Castle into his own theater. His audience: the big turtle’s minions, of course.

5. Master Hand

The Master Hand was seen in the first Super Smash Bros., removing dolls from a chest and then bringing them to life. How does a disembodied glove manage to talk? It’s a mystery among mysteries.

6. Doshin The Giant

Though it received good reviews, this title, featuring the rubbery godlike being above, was released only in Japan and Europe in 2002. A remake featuring this guy could be a hit with the hipsters.

7. Count Bleck

Initially a villain in Paper Mario, this fancily dressed count becomes an important ally for the hero.

8. 9-Volt

He’s a mama’s boy who lives in Diamond City with his dog, Fronk, in Warioware, Inc. His specialty is making retro micro-versions of classic games like Super Mario Bros., and Animal Crossing.

9. Chargin’ Chuck

A type of koopa that prefers football gear, making him hard to beat. Mario has to jump on a Chargin’ Chuck’s head at least five times just to make a dent.

11. Midna

Remember when Beast turned into that normal-looking bland guy at the end of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast? Well, Midna transforms into a tall, woman-like being at the end of The Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess. We prefer her like this.

11. Pauline

Mario never would have jumped over those barrels if not for this lovely lass being kidnapped by Donkey Kong. Mario and Kong became icons. Pauline was replaced by Princess Peach. She can now be seen assisting Mario in the Super Mini Mario World Theme Park, where Donkey Kong Jr. does the kidnapping.