What is Mario's Ex Girlfriend?

Mario's original love interest and, by extension, his ex-girlfriend, is Pauline.

Pauline holds a significant place in the history of the Mario franchise, predating even Princess Peach as the damsel in distress Mario (then known as Jumpman) famously rescued.

The Evolution of Mario's Love Interests

Initially introduced in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, Pauline was the very first character Mario had to save. Her role as the kidnapped maiden established a core trope for the series that would later become synonymous with Princess Peach.

Over time, as the Super Mario series evolved and gained global popularity, Pauline's role as Mario's primary love interest shifted. She was notably replaced by Princess Peach (originally Princess Toadstool) in the mainline Super Mario games, with Peach becoming the central figure Mario consistently endeavors to rescue and, implicitly, his main romantic interest.

Despite this change, Pauline did not disappear entirely from the Mario universe.

• Continued Friendship: She continued to appear as Mario's friend in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, demonstrating a sustained connection within the franchise.
• Modern Prominence: Pauline experienced a major resurgence in popularity and relevance with her prominent role as the Mayor of New Donk City in Super Mario Odyssey. In this game, she showcases her dynamic personality and even her singing talents, further diversifying her character beyond just a damsel in distress.

This transition highlights how the characters and their relationships within the Mario universe have evolved over decades.

Key Characters in Mario's Romantic History

To better understand the shift, here's a brief comparison:

Pauline's journey from being Mario's initial romantic interest to a strong, independent character like the Mayor of New Donk City showcases her enduring legacy and dynamic evolution in the Nintendo universe. For more information on Pauline's history, you can refer to her profile on Wikipedia.