Show Some Respect For Our Awkward King
Put down your controllers and pick your jaws off the floor—today’s the day we finally break down why Luigi is more than comedic relief. From constantly rescuing his brother to his adorable pet dog, it’s time we put the debate to rest!
1. He’s the Underdog
Luigi’s been catching strays since the introduction of his character. First, he was a carbon copy of Mario, next he faced endless slander that he was somehow the “lesser” brother, and then he never got the recognition he deserved for all of his accomplishments. Nevertheless, he persisted, and we’re right there to cheer him on.
2. He Has More Personality
Like it or not, Luigi has more personality than his golden boy brother. Mario is often depicted as the quintessential hero, and he knows it, which is why he can get away with such a short list of emotions. Luigi, on the other hand, is the loveable scaredy cat and it shows.
3. He’s Busted Ghosts
Say what you want about Luigi’s abilities but he’s the only one who frequently squares up against the undead. Armed with chattering teeth and his trusty Poltergust 5000, our poor boy exorcised an entire house all by himself. You’re welcome.
4. He Has the Better Princess
Yeah, that’s right. We’re Daisy stans too. While we won’t split hairs about Peach and Daisy, we hasten to point out that our auburn-haired queen can throw a punch, jump higher, and isn’t always kidnapped. Sure, Peach could take her in a magic-wielding fight, but toss these two in the ring and see who gets the belt.
5. He Can Conjure Lightning
Mario might have the fire, but Luigi brings the heat…at least he did in the 2003 RPG Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga. The move was called Thunderhand and allowed him to conjure a powerful ball of lightning that took out enemies left and right. Big props to the Jellyfish Sisters for that one.
6. He Jumps Higher
Luigi was pretty much green Mario when he first came around in the ‘80s—that doesn’t mean he was ill-equipped. In fact, one of the coolest things he did right out of the gate was jumping significantly higher than Mario. Laugh now, but it’s been a useful skill for years.
7. The Negative Zone
Look out ‘cause you’re in the Danger Zone. Actually, you’re in the Negative Zone, Luigi’s Final Smash in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Either way, you’re caught in the crosshairs as our hero inverts the universe and subjects foes to taunting, sleepiness, and increased damage.
8. He Walks on Water
That’s right—like a nervous deity, Luigi can skitter across water for a short period. The ability isn’t prevalent throughout the franchise but Super Mario 64 DS granted Luigi this much-deserved power. Let’s see Mario scamper over that treacherous terrain.
9. He Can Turn Invisible
Speaking of Super Mario 64 DS, Luigi can also turn himself invisible, a power no one else has. Mario’s Vanish Cap offers similar abilities but Luigi’s special move keeps him invulnerable to certain enemies, lets him morph through walls, and enter cages.
10. He Has Better Taunts
This may be controversial, but this whole list is controversial so we’re saying it anyway—Luigi’s Smash Bros. taunts reign supreme. In a perfect display of character, players can watch him plank or gently kick the ground before dealing a surprising 2% damage.
11. He’s Technically Smarter
Mario Party’s very own manual names Luigi the smarter brother. Sure, they also speculate about his abilities to become the ultimate Super Star, but no one’s snatching that title away from us. Sorry, take it up with Nintendo.
12. He’s a Relatable King
Mario’s an everyman. It’s not his fault, Nintendo just created a loveable character any player can project themselves onto. Luigi, on the other hand, is his own man filled with anxieties and goals and complexities that make him more relatable. Let’s be honest—we’ve all felt second best at least once in our lives too.
13. He Never Mistreated Donkey Kong
Never forget that Mario was once a villain. Well, villain’s a strong word, but he wasn’t the best guy either. Though we’re used to seeing DK help throughout the franchise now, Mario was the bad guy in Donkey Kong Jr. It’s a dark blip in history but that blemish isn’t on Luigi’s legacy.
14. He Has a Ghost Dog
We’re suckers for anyone with a dog, but an adorable ghost dog? Game over. His name is Polterpup, a happy-go-lucky pal who’s the best boy ever and can even revive Luigi should he fall. We love him almost as much as Luigi.
15. He’s Developed as a Character
Luigi’s sure come a long way since the ‘80s. A character who started as the green sidekick quickly became the brave, ghost-busting fella who built his own fanbase and video game series. Love him or hate him, he’s nowhere close to the guy he used to be.
16. He Comes Through for Mario
People often dismiss Luigi as a bumbling coward, but we recognize him for the hero he is. So heroic that he often comes through Mario more times than we can count. Whether it’s facing a house of ghosts or finding a cure for Mario’s mushroom poisoning, our guy can’t stop saving the day.
17. He’s a Defensive Player
Luigi can take a punch. We’re not talking about the emotional punches he’s endured over the year, we’re talking about his stats. He has higher defense, allowing him to take more damage before he falls. If that doesn’t speak to his character we don’t know what does.
18. He Has His Own Year
Mario might have his name on every game but he never had a whole year dedicated to him. Yes, 2013 was a bountiful year for Luigi fans as Nintendo paid him proper homage—we had full game releases, downloadable content, and plenty of merchandise with his impeccable presence. What a time to be alive.
19. He Has a Better Stache
You’re not moving us off the hill. Luigi’s mustache is full and smooth and complements his honker beautifully. You know he tackles mustache grooming the way he does everything in life: with appropriate care. 
Lernestorod on Pixabay
20. He’s an Underrated Hero
People never expected Luigi to burst onto the scene with his own games and countless heroics. However, people ought to give credit where it’s due because he’s proven his worth and strength for decades! There’s no end in sight to his story or our love for him. (We all know he’s going to have to save Mario from another painting one day too.)
