How the Mario Characters Got Their Names

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 พ.ค. 2024
  • Is Luigi named after a pizza parlor? Who actually came up with the name Donkey Kong? Why is King Koopa named after a bowl of soup? Learn the inspirations behind the names of 8 Super Mario characters!
    CHAPTERS
    00:00 - Intro
    00:24 - Mario
    05:28 - Luigi
    07:07 - Princess Peach
    08:54 - Toad
    10:57 - Yoshi
    12:29 - Donkey Kong
    17:54 - Wario
    19:12 - Bowser
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    #Mario #Nintendo #GamingHistorian
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ความคิดเห็น • 2.3K

  • @GamingHistorian
    @GamingHistorian  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1085

    This video has some new information, mostly around the development of Donkey Kong, from my research at the National Archives. Hope you all enjoy it! Please give it a share if you learned something new.

    • @lostfan5054
      @lostfan5054 2 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      Hey Norm!!
      Any chance you could do History of Squaresoft, and maybe explain the other great series (SaGa) they did.

    • @ottoneiii4353
      @ottoneiii4353 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ok, but who won the trial?

    • @Str0b0
      @Str0b0 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Another sources say Nintendo lost the licence to (or was unable to licence) Popeye and that was the reason they changed it to Donkey Kong?

    • @jamess9623
      @jamess9623 2 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      @@ottoneiii4353 Nintendo won. It was established that Universal didn't even own the rights to King Kong as it had been in the public domain. Universal had gone around threatening all the companies using the Donkey Kong name and most submitted and paid royalties to Universal, including Coleco of the Colecovision. Nintendo stood their ground and went to court and won.

    • @rayhero21
      @rayhero21 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Isn't their last name also Mario? I'd like to know more about that.

  • @ErikaFurudo1337
    @ErikaFurudo1337 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1414

    Basically Toad is like having a friend named: Human

    • @closeben
      @closeben 2 ปีที่แล้ว +333

      Well, there are people named Guy.

    • @Yapsalot00
      @Yapsalot00 2 ปีที่แล้ว +175

      hugh mann

    • @Richard_Nickerson
      @Richard_Nickerson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

      @@closeben
      Fact

    • @OtakuUnitedStudio
      @OtakuUnitedStudio 2 ปีที่แล้ว +90

      @@Yapsalot00 Hugh Mann. Now that's a name I can trust!

    • @ElToland
      @ElToland 2 ปีที่แล้ว +57

      But "Toad" is short for "Toadstool", then a human should be called "Hu" or "Hum"

  • @curseyoujordanshow
    @curseyoujordanshow 2 ปีที่แล้ว +849

    I've always adored the idea that "Toadstool" was her formal name, sounding even regal considering she rules the Mushroom Kingdom, but that "Peach" was the name she went by with her close personal friends. It's extremely cute, but there's also something about it that makes her seem so much more real and relatable.

    • @X_Leonhart
      @X_Leonhart 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      I really think that her name was just originally changed in America for the same reason Puck-Man’s name was... It was so easy to make it sound like an offensive word.

    • @ElToland
      @ElToland 2 ปีที่แล้ว +70

      I thought the same: "Princess Toadstool" being her "royal title" and "Peach" her name

    • @Compucles
      @Compucles 2 ปีที่แล้ว +93

      Couldn't her full name be Peach Toadstool? "Toadstool" sounds much more like a family name or title than a given name.

    • @DELTARYZ
      @DELTARYZ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      @@X_Leonhart All you would need is a marker and any arcade cabinet could be made to say FUCK-MAN

    • @darthpaul99
      @darthpaul99 2 ปีที่แล้ว +40

      @@Compucles That’s how I see it her full name is Princess Peach Toadstool.

  • @Exnem
    @Exnem 2 ปีที่แล้ว +562

    Mario Segale passed away pretty recently, I do find it funny that his reaction to the character being named for him is *_"wheres my money",_* it kind of fits the origin story told in Game Over. RIP

    • @primal2020
      @primal2020 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

      the stories make him out to be a grouchy real estate guy and that seems to be exactly who he was lol

    • @Mantorok12
      @Mantorok12 2 ปีที่แล้ว +43

      if an acquaintance used my likeness to create a trillion dollar IP, I would be interested in a bit of compensation.

    • @miguelangelhernandezsolis7849
      @miguelangelhernandezsolis7849 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      @@Mantorok12 but they didn't use his likeness only use his name and he didn't have the rights over the name Mario

    • @poppinc8145
      @poppinc8145 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      He was being sarcastic. Otherwise he'd have actually asked or done something to get compensation.

    • @Exnem
      @Exnem ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@poppinc8145 Eh, maybe. Or maybe he felt that way but didn't bother taking on a massive corporation with an army of well paid lawyers.

  • @Emberheart_
    @Emberheart_ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +235

    I'm kind of glad they never stuck with Ossan. Just imagine the localization: "It's-a me, mid-life-man!"

    • @scaper8
      @scaper8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @2 Corinthians 4:7-11 Alright alright alright.

    • @El_Omar2203
      @El_Omar2203 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Sounds more like a car brand than a name

    • @LilXancheX
      @LilXancheX ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @Mr. MXB mid-life crisis 64 😂

    • @wchan39
      @wchan39 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@LilXancheX
      Mid-Life Crisis Sunshine
      Mid-Life Crisis Galaxy
      Mid-Life Crisis Odyssey
      And so on...

    • @LilXancheX
      @LilXancheX ปีที่แล้ว

      @@wchan39 sure. Why not

  • @Nintendrone42
    @Nintendrone42 2 ปีที่แล้ว +359

    13:55 Looking at the court document, I see that Donkey Kong was almost named "Funky Kong", and now I'm imagining a timeline where the radical ape was the star of the the whole series instead of just a supporting character and the god of Mario Kart Wii.

    • @adamk8639
      @adamk8639 2 ปีที่แล้ว +42

      I love some of the variations... Custom Kong? Rookie Kong? And let's all be glad they didn't go with KONG DONG.

    • @darreljones8645
      @darreljones8645 2 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      The court case also named another classic Nintendo character. The lawyer for the video-game company was named (I believe) John Kirby.

    • @0._.0
      @0._.0 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@adamk8639 KONGUS DONGUS

    • @JamesDavy2009
      @JamesDavy2009 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@darreljones8645 I thought it was Jack Kirby. I may be wrong.

    • @gameyfirebro9645
      @gameyfirebro9645 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      We wouldn't've gotten the DK Rap, then.

  • @ThatFanBoyGuy
    @ThatFanBoyGuy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +655

    My head canon believes that the Princess's full name is "Peach Toadstool." At first, the Princess was formal with Mario, using her formal title "Princess Toadstool," but after a few rescues from Mario, the Princess is not as formal, using her first name with Mario.

    • @chadd990
      @chadd990 2 ปีที่แล้ว +35

      the only problem with that is I can't think of any royalty that identifies by their last name.
      King George
      Queen Elizabeth
      Princess Diana
      I don't even know the last names of these people, that's how uncommon it is.

    • @Scarybug
      @Scarybug 2 ปีที่แล้ว +57

      My hadcannon says Mario and Luigi's last name isn't Mario, it's Jumpman.

    • @bubufubu
      @bubufubu 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      When you really think about it, that would be ridiculously stupid. She's not a Kinopio nor did she marry one. She presides over that kingdom but her name is Princess Peach.

    • @NoeLPZC
      @NoeLPZC 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      That's how I saw it too.

    • @Hamstray
      @Hamstray 2 ปีที่แล้ว +39

      Princess Peach from the house of Toadstool

  • @sillywar601
    @sillywar601 2 ปีที่แล้ว +120

    There's one thing I need to clarify about naming Peach "after a peach". So in Japanese, peach is pronounced as momo. Pink in Japanese is spelled with peach+color character, making it pronounced as momo-iro. So I don't think she was named after a peach, but rather after the color pink.

    • @fixedfunshow
      @fixedfunshow 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      A little late but in Japan her name is Piichi-hime, not Momo??

    • @sillywar601
      @sillywar601 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@fixedfunshow I don't remember the full context of the video but I meant peach fruit was momo in Japanese.
      I said what I said because when you look at the fruit, most people's instinct isn't thinking it's a pink color. I think when talking about peach color, it's officially a tint of yellow in English?
      So my thought was people would probably think naming Peach character after peach fruit would be weird considering her dress looks nothing like a peach fruit while people in Japan thinks it makes sense.

    • @JASpiring
      @JASpiring ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Yeah. The Japanese counterpart of the pink Ninja Steel Power Ranger is called Momoninger. Which means Pink Ninja. Super Sentai's first pink ranger is called Momoranger, literally Pink Ranger. They definitely use Momo for Pink. Momo means both the colour pink and the fruit peach, not unlike how orange is a fruit and a colour in English.

    • @barbieblues7639
      @barbieblues7639 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Asian peaches are pink usually, while the yucky ones here in the states are yellow (too lazy to tag lol)

    • @Mari_Izu
      @Mari_Izu ปีที่แล้ว

      @@fixedfunshow Could be a multi-reference, they named her after the color, but the fruit name in English sounded better than Pink.

  • @chiefchimp2789
    @chiefchimp2789 2 ปีที่แล้ว +80

    I really love the early 80's history of Nintendo. What an interesting time for that company. Greatness was right around the corner.

  • @Retrotude
    @Retrotude 2 ปีที่แล้ว +430

    I wouldn't be surprised if NOA really did name Bowser after the Sha-Na-Na member, considering they followed up with naming the Koopalings after famous musicians.

    • @ElToland
      @ElToland 2 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      Except Larry Koopa xD

    • @Tinkererer
      @Tinkererer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +48

      @@ElToland That's Larry Mullen Jr., from U2.

    • @PostAttraction
      @PostAttraction 2 ปีที่แล้ว +48

      Bowser was named after an American boy that said one day he was going to run Nintendo (America) one day

    • @Dimumouto
      @Dimumouto 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      @@Tinkererer That was proven wrong. I've heard it on this channel and some others, but an interview with the guy who named them said 'he just looked like a Larry'.
      th-cam.com/video/MxT6IwUtLSU/w-d-xo.html
      It may not be a direct quote in this video, but its very similar.

    • @ordinary_deepfake
      @ordinary_deepfake 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@PostAttraction believe it

  • @OneAndOnlyDanky
    @OneAndOnlyDanky 2 ปีที่แล้ว +529

    I can’t believe Expand Dong dates back to before the first game ever released. Incredible

    • @anthonygerardotorresgonzal6269
      @anthonygerardotorresgonzal6269 2 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      Expand Dong: Origins!!

    • @SamSquids
      @SamSquids 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      This shouldn't Expand Dong... But it does!

    • @sonicbro6446
      @sonicbro6446 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      13:55 Kong dong XD

    • @erzajumeidi
      @erzajumeidi 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@sonicbro6446 One just cannot resist at nintendo

    • @xshadowx32hd66
      @xshadowx32hd66 2 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      my friend called the character "kinky dong" by accident and now it has become an inside joke since then

  • @latexu9589
    @latexu9589 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    20:26 When you think about it, Bowser is a pretty common name for a dog, because it's likely derived from an onomatopoeia for a dog bark, "bow-wow".

  • @JJMcCullough
    @JJMcCullough 2 ปีที่แล้ว +163

    I often used to wonder if the whole "the dictionary said 'donkey' was a synonym for 'stubborn'" was just a cleaned-up version of the dictionary saying "ass" was a synonym for 'stubborn' and then "donkey" being a synonym for "ass."

    • @spartythespart
      @spartythespart 2 ปีที่แล้ว +50

      Okay but, hear me out, if thats what it means, and if "Kong" just means monkey... Then technically Donkey Kong's name just means Butt Monkey

    • @jabrown
      @jabrown 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      lmao it's J.J. McCullough, ayyy sup

    • @DrawsomeDrawer
      @DrawsomeDrawer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yoooo, didn't think JJ would be here

    • @hkl614
      @hkl614 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      "Ass Kong Country" or maybe "Ass and Diddy Kong 's Adventures" both may very well have been huh?

    • @rockhistoria2537
      @rockhistoria2537 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@spartythespart "Butthurt Monkey" I mean it just fits his character

  • @ThatOneVideoGamer
    @ThatOneVideoGamer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +734

    Oh wow. Mario.

    • @rudeboyspodcast
      @rudeboyspodcast 2 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      Jirard, I need your opinion on Chris Pratt as Mario.

    • @kamengamer5372
      @kamengamer5372 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      LETS-A GO

    • @GamingHistorian
      @GamingHistorian  2 ปีที่แล้ว +112

      If only we knew more about Mario. He's still relatively unknown.

    • @aborted4196
      @aborted4196 2 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      So long gay Bowser

    • @ordinary_deepfake
      @ordinary_deepfake 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      What about baby Bowser and kid bowser

  • @brownyuio
    @brownyuio 2 ปีที่แล้ว +105

    I love how Doug Bowser was all “Hey! My last name’s Bowser! Neat, huh? :D” during that presentation and was never seen again.

    • @johnpenguinthe3rd13
      @johnpenguinthe3rd13 2 ปีที่แล้ว +39

      The reason he was never seen again is because he's probably been planning on kidnapping a princess right now and bringing her to a castle. LOL.

    • @DELTARYZ
      @DELTARYZ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      @@johnpenguinthe3rd13 The next Mario game is just going to have the actual Doug Bowser, live action footage, in place of Bowser. Nothing else is different. This will not be explained or justified in any way, and this will be the only appearance of Doug Bowser until the next Mario game.

    • @vu1pix
      @vu1pix 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      so long gay bowser

  • @banobobot
    @banobobot 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    The Princess Peach/Toadstool situation is EXACTLY like the Doctor Eggman/Robotnik confusion. Its only until their transition to 3d where their Japanese names became mainstream.

    • @bubufubu
      @bubufubu 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      *Original names

    • @banobobot
      @banobobot 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@bubufubu same thing in this instance lol

  • @viktornystrom5801
    @viktornystrom5801 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    In what I've always though is probably a coincidence, the word for an adopted child in Japanese is also "Youshi" (養子), and since you basically find Yoshi as a parent-less egg and "adopt" him in Super Mario World, I thought it might not be impossible to think of that as a possible origin for the name as well. Just a little interesting piece of info for you, there :)

    • @latexu9589
      @latexu9589 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      And in Yoshi's Island games, the exact opposite happens, when Yoshis take care of infant Mario.😉

    • @ericriley1985
      @ericriley1985 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      The pronunciations are completely different. If you were to write out "Youshi" (養子) in katakana it would be ヨウシ with the "Yo" sound being stretched out and the accent on the "Shi" sound. Yoshi's Japanese name is ヨッシー with the accent on the "Yo" sound and the "Shi" sound being stretched out.

    • @viktornystrom5801
      @viktornystrom5801 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@ericriley1985 True, but that doesn't mean it can still be a somewhat intentional pun, changing pronunciation and letters of the word to hint at a different word is after all the whole point with puns :)

  • @dwaynezilla
    @dwaynezilla 2 ปีที่แล้ว +217

    Miyamoto is just a treasure, hahaha. And seeing him drawing Mario characters looks so right.

    • @JamesDavy2009
      @JamesDavy2009 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      It's like watching Michelangelo carve his Statue of David.

    • @chadd990
      @chadd990 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      If I ever invent a time machine, I'll remember to steal his work.

    • @TheDumontShow
      @TheDumontShow 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      possibly the GOAT of all game designers. three of his games inspired an entire generation of gaming period.

    • @erikhendrickson59
      @erikhendrickson59 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@TheDumontShow Alongside Koji Kondo's musical compositions they literally changed the media landscape of the entire world! Both Nintendo characters and their respective musical themes are instantly recognizable to literally BILLIONS of people around the world.

    • @TheDumontShow
      @TheDumontShow 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@erikhendrickson59 look, when you have a theme park built around your franchises, that's something no game company can ever match. But my thing is that Nintendo lost their way. It's the people that bought into them that made them. Miyamoto still has that spirit of caring about the fans and those who love games. That's why he is always gonna be so revered.

  • @speelbergo
    @speelbergo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +162

    "I spent two weeks reading depositions at the national archives"
    Bless your heart...

    • @johnjekyllson28
      @johnjekyllson28 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Thanks to him, we finally know the full story behind the weirdest name in video games, after nearly 40 years!

    • @joecoolmccall
      @joecoolmccall 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That's actually awesome

    • @Deoxys911
      @Deoxys911 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Did the court never ask him why he chose "Kong" specifically to mean/evoke a gorilla over the other possible options? I kept waiting for that detail to be mentioned in the video, but it wasn't.

    • @Dr.Quarex
      @Dr.Quarex 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      My doctoral research was never this practical

  • @Joemetheus
    @Joemetheus 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I worked in the building where John Kirby lived, a lawyer who worked the defense for Nintendo in the Universal lawsuit. He was also the person who Kirby was named after, according to Shigeru Miyamoto. I only knew him as Mr. Kirby until his death in 2019, when suddenly it clicked as people started talking about his significance the day Memorial services were being held at his apartment.

  • @smbcollector
    @smbcollector 2 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    Resident Super Mario collector, here! Allow me to identify the figures being shown here for those interested:
    The Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Yoshi figures are from 1994 and were originally sold packed in small boxes along with Mars candy.
    The Peach in a Wild Wing kart is a “Pull & Speed” Mario Kart Wii pull-back kart made by Carrera circa 2010 (they also made a nearly identical slot car, so it could potentially be that as well).
    The Bowser is a “Super Mario Brothers Trophy Figure with Scorecard” called “Bowser Guards Princess Toadstool” made by Hasbro in 1988.
    The Wario action figure was made by Jakks Pacific in 2014 as a part of wave 1-1 of their “World of Nintendo” line of 4-inch figures.
    The 8-bit Donkey Kong figure was made by Jakks Pacific in 2015 as a part of wave 1-5 of their “World of Nintendo” line of 2.5-inch figures, and also in 2019 in a Walgreens exclusive “Mario and Donkey Kong” 2-pack.
    I’m a longtime viewer, Norm! Thanks for the insightful video!

    • @sheilaolfieway1885
      @sheilaolfieway1885 ปีที่แล้ว

      Only in Japan, probably.

    • @smbcollector
      @smbcollector ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@sheilaolfieway1885 Nope, none of these products are Japanese.

  • @dwood78part23
    @dwood78part23 2 ปีที่แล้ว +351

    This is worthy of a series of it's own.

    • @GamingHistorian
      @GamingHistorian  2 ปีที่แล้ว +154

      Maybe Sonic characters next?

    • @John-te7ex
      @John-te7ex 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      @@GamingHistorian Metroid characters maybe?

    • @QuintessentialWalrus
      @QuintessentialWalrus 2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

      @@GamingHistorian I was thinking Zelda characters since lots of them have, as best as I can describe it, normal real person names and not made-up fantasy names.

    • @Outta-hz1ej
      @Outta-hz1ej 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@GamingHistorian I hope so. I've always wonder the WHY of sonic characters names. Who decided Miles Prower? Why was Eggman renamed Robotnik? And so on and so forth.

    • @roweboat
      @roweboat 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@GamingHistorian yes, please! Also covering the backgrounds behind the localization is awesome as well!!

  • @katerobinson9632
    @katerobinson9632 2 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    Evertime I tell the family a new episode of Gaming Historian is on TH-cam, they come running full of excitement. Your episodes are informative and are always fun to rewatch. Thank you!

  • @TheAbsoluteJay
    @TheAbsoluteJay 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I was really surprised be Wario's origin, because it always seemed to me that it was much simpler than that, just flipping the W. As usual, awesome piece.

  • @Leahi84
    @Leahi84 2 ปีที่แล้ว +321

    A Zelda version of this would be cool.
    I always thought Toadstool was Peach's last name.

    • @spavatch
      @spavatch 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Yeah, I always wondered why they gave the main male protagonist a female name ;)P

    • @chrisjamesr77
      @chrisjamesr77 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      I heard Zelda was named after Zelda Fitzgerald.

    • @Oldjp312
      @Oldjp312 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Peach toadstool I mean I don't see it

    • @Richard_Nickerson
      @Richard_Nickerson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      I always thought it was her title. That it was more like Princess Peach of Toadstool.

    • @Richard_Nickerson
      @Richard_Nickerson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      @Hamikon
      They know, they're trolling

  • @SonofMrPeanut
    @SonofMrPeanut 2 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    0:16 "...I thought the Mario Kart 64 roster was perfect."
    We were this close to the Roots of Kamek, folks.

    • @MacenW
      @MacenW 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hehehehehe

  • @nousernamehere1
    @nousernamehere1 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    21:03 "Soo long gay Bowser"(Bowser explodes on impact and dies)

  • @latexu9589
    @latexu9589 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    18:54 Strangely, the name mixing with Waluigi works even better than with Wario, because it seamlessly combines "warui" with "Ruigi", Luigi's Japanese name. (because in Japan, letter "L" is pronounced "R", for some reason)

    • @dachickensandwich
      @dachickensandwich 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It's because there is no L sound in Japanese; the closest thing is their "R" sound

  • @inknation2912
    @inknation2912 2 ปีที่แล้ว +57

    “Jokingly called it…Donkey Dong”
    It’s like a precursor to EXPAND in a way

  • @MelodyTCG
    @MelodyTCG 2 ปีที่แล้ว +398

    Donkey Kong is actually named after Dr Donald kongnelius
    He was a surgeon who gave miyamoto his cybernetic enhancements, cementing him as a cyborg. As a sign of gratitude, miyamoto named donkey Kong after his nickname for the beloved doctor

    • @That_Lady_Charlie
      @That_Lady_Charlie 2 ปีที่แล้ว +49

      thank you for your service, Doctor Kongnelius 🙏🏽

    • @GGoAwayy
      @GGoAwayy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Donkey Dong?

    • @benadamourful
      @benadamourful 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Naturally

    • @GamingHistorian
      @GamingHistorian  2 ปีที่แล้ว +112

      Incredible, thank you for this NEW information!

    • @Cyril29a
      @Cyril29a 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@GGoAwayy Konkey Dong th-cam.com/video/30AdZ_NIp_U/w-d-xo.html

  • @gezeo750
    @gezeo750 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Man I love your Mario content! The nostalgia just washes over me and it just feels like home. Thanks for this.

  • @ycg7575
    @ycg7575 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    It’s funny growing up I heard Donkey Kong’s name came from a mistranslation error from Japan to America where in Japan he was called Monkey Kong and the localization team messed up and called him Donkey Kong instead. Japan love the name and decided to keep it. This is the version I remember hearing when I was little. It’s cool to hear where it really came from

    • @AndrewANIMETOYS
      @AndrewANIMETOYS ปีที่แล้ว

      That's what I remember, I thought it was mistranslation

    • @brare45996
      @brare45996 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I heard that when I was younger too! I looked it up later in life and found nothing on it, leaving me a little embarrassed as I told that ”fact” to some friends as a teen 🥲

    • @robbiewalker2831
      @robbiewalker2831 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AndrewANIMETOYS I recall this misconception was in “I Love the 80s Strike Back”.

    • @teemum
      @teemum 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I also heard this story and up until now believed that was legitimate.

    • @nicholaslienandjaja1815
      @nicholaslienandjaja1815 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Monkey Kong Country

  • @KoalaTulip47
    @KoalaTulip47 2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    Universal Studios then: Sues Nintendo for the name Donkey Kong because of King Kong
    Universal Studios now: now has a Donkey Kong ride in one of their theme parks in the same place as the King Kong ride.
    The serendipity of that is just hilarious.

  • @Rotog
    @Rotog 2 ปีที่แล้ว +94

    Sometimes I just remember how silly “Donkey Kong” is. It’s like the greatest name ever.

    • @bmac4
      @bmac4 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Just makes me think of that old Futurama quote. "I know that Monkey! His name is Donkey!" "Monkeys aren't donkeys, quit messing with my head!"

    • @nickfarace9339
      @nickfarace9339 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Hey man, according to that document he could have been Kong Dong. Expand Dong is real.

    • @kenrickeason
      @kenrickeason 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Songs were made off that name 😂
      DONKEY KONG synonymous with everything now.. 😂😂

    • @nicholaslienandjaja1815
      @nicholaslienandjaja1815 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Fun fact: One of Diddy Kong’s beta names was “DK Lite”, and King K. Rool’s beta name was “Krudd”.

  • @sgt.jimmyrustles8234
    @sgt.jimmyrustles8234 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    It's ironic. Princess toadstool eventually went away as they went with the Japanese name, but Nintendo has doubled down on Bowser. It's more common to see Bowser than Koopa, and there are more references to Bowser in Japanese, than there are to Koopa (not the species) in Western releases. Technically DIC cartoons and such got it right!
    Also the Mario Pinball machine from gottleib has both the DIC king koopa and our well known Bowser both on the same cabinet.

    • @robbiewalker2831
      @robbiewalker2831 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      In the Super Mario 3 cartoons, he was sometimes called “Bowser Koopa”, because of how the Koopalings were his children at the time. He was also referred to as Bowser Koopa in the Nintendo Comic System lineup of Mario comics.

  • @RubyBlueUwU
    @RubyBlueUwU ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It’s kinda nice that Mario feels like it could be derived from “mr video” to be honest, it may be unintentional but it feels like a spiritual nod to his first ever name.

  • @charliepalmer3244
    @charliepalmer3244 2 ปีที่แล้ว +126

    I grew up VERY close to the Nintendo US headquarters in Redmond WA. It was there before Microsoft BTW, who has built it's headquarters around Nintendo's essentially. There has never been a pizza place in Redmond by that name, or Kirkland or Bellevue. Case closed, good work, and keep up the good work bud.

    • @charliepalmer3244
      @charliepalmer3244 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      (I still live in Redmond btw, lol)

    • @eccojedi
      @eccojedi 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@charliepalmer3244 what’s the story with Digipen? Is it still there?

    • @charliepalmer3244
      @charliepalmer3244 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      As far as I know. I get gas at a Chevron right next to Nintendo/Digipen off the freeway exit and I have seen cars there. I haven't known anyone that's been a student there for over ten years, but all looks normal there as far as I can tell. Matter of fact I'll probably get gas there tomorrow.....lol

    • @motzo8235
      @motzo8235 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@eccojedi Am a Washington resident, Digipen changed buildings a while ago. It's no longer by that Chevron gas station

    • @nickwallette6201
      @nickwallette6201 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I know someone going to Digipen. :-) Can confirm, still a thing.

  • @imjoesmama
    @imjoesmama 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Players heard the iconic line...
    "So long gay bowser"

  • @humb1s3rvant
    @humb1s3rvant 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to watch a 20min video, be thoroughly entertained, and not see one interruption trying to sell me something. Thank you, kind sir

  • @KronosTheDeejay
    @KronosTheDeejay 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Quite possibly the most informative and thorough gaming show ever.
    No exaggeration. Your show is soothing and never boring, and always keeps me hanging on for the next piece of information.
    Thank you, Gaming Historian, for all you do and all that you are.

  • @SynGirl32
    @SynGirl32 2 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    Two videos in a month, now THAT's a treat.

  • @noirlavender6409
    @noirlavender6409 2 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    "it was outside of seatle washington, not new york" bold of you to think that Shigeru cared at all for US geography

  • @lrgogo1517
    @lrgogo1517 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    About the explanation for Peach’s name: A common word for _pink_ in Japan is _momoiro,_ which literally means ‘peach-colored.’

    • @am05mhz
      @am05mhz 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      So momotaro can mean pink boy or peach boy 🤔

    • @AJWRAJWR
      @AJWRAJWR 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's interesting that the Japanese associate peach-coloured with pink though.

  • @Marble_1
    @Marble_1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for uploading, Norman! This channel became one of my favourites ever since I ran into your SMB2 video. Keep it up.

  • @cswrye
    @cswrye 2 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I have heard that Peach's current official name according to Nintendo is Princess Peach Toadstool--"Princess" being her title, "Peach" being her first name, and "Toadstool" being her last name. Likewise, Bower's current official name is King Bowser Koopa--"King" is his title, "Bowser" his first name, and "Koopa" his last name. I wonder if this is true or if it's just a fan theory that got spread around to reconcile their current names with their historical names.

    • @Justin-Hill-1987
      @Justin-Hill-1987 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It was written as "Bowser, King of the Koopas" in the 7th and final letter in Super Mario Bros. 3.

    • @revengeofbcraig5755
      @revengeofbcraig5755 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Those are full names the fans give for Bowser and Peach. Peach’s official name is Princess Peach, they just took her Japanese name and swapped it out for her Americanized name, Princess Toadstool and refer to that ever since. They never combined Bowser or Koopa either and still use his name or allowed some adaptations to use his Japanese name, like the DiC cartoon and the live action movie.

    • @Diwasho
      @Diwasho 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Justin-Hill-1987 If Bowser is the king of Koopas then why does much of his army consist of Goombas, a mushroom species that should be governed by Peach/Toadstool?

    • @Belphegirl
      @Belphegirl 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Diwasho Apparently they’re traitors

    • @Diwasho
      @Diwasho 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Belphegirl I think I heard something like this, but how is it that the entire species is traitorous to its native kingdom? Are they former Toads who transformed into Goombas when they decided to be evil? I know Paper Mario has friendly Goombas but it has its own canon, as far as I know no friendly Goombas exist in the main series.

  • @enriquemedina3631
    @enriquemedina3631 2 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    Your Patreon outro is nostalgic to me because it reminds me of the PBS kids “viewers like you, thank you”.

    • @MerkhVision
      @MerkhVision 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      That pbs ending was a fundamental part of my childhood! Lol

    • @gamephreak5
      @gamephreak5 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I freaking hate PBS. Never donated to that crap hole network!

    • @hrtlsbstrd
      @hrtlsbstrd 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gamephreak5 You showed them!

  • @ThechicagoRedshow
    @ThechicagoRedshow ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dude, real talk your videos are so awesome. I love coming across your stuff and just learning more about my childhood gaming favorites. awesome work

  • @atarimetalhead
    @atarimetalhead 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Norm your videos are ALWAYS great, but this one is such a perfect upload. Perfect musical choices on this one. Great job, brother!

  • @ClaireZhasa
    @ClaireZhasa 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    True story, when I was like 8, I lived next door to a short Italian man with a thick mustache named Mario, he was a plumber and even had a brother named Luigi who was a bit taller than him.
    Luigi was a carpenter.

    • @nostreamgia
      @nostreamgia 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      What?

    • @ClaireZhasa
      @ClaireZhasa 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@nostreamgia biggest difference was that Luigi was the older brother

    • @locogato3488
      @locogato3488 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      O-O

    • @nostreamgia
      @nostreamgia 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@locogato3488 😂

  • @davidbartel6823
    @davidbartel6823 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I always thought Bowser was named after the flamethrower attachment for tanks in WWII, seeing how he does breathe fire

    • @jabrown
      @jabrown 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good observation! Now I'm thinking this must be it!

  • @KingPBJames
    @KingPBJames ปีที่แล้ว +3

    30 years after Nintendo feared their game being mocked "Donkey Dong," the internet went full circle to EXPAND DONG, the ultimate humiliation in Smash Bros.

  • @GRAF_22
    @GRAF_22 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love every episode of gaming historian, but this is probably one of my most beloved episodes ever

  • @jjinc1957
    @jjinc1957 2 ปีที่แล้ว +70

    Every time Norman puts up a new video, it’s an event for my child and I; popcorn and all. Thank you for the moments and memories, as well as the incredible videos you create every single time!

    • @wickedlee664
      @wickedlee664 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Same! My son and I love these.

    • @joelman1989
      @joelman1989 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Why did my eyes get watery reading this? Maybe because I’m a new dad and would love to have this kind of relationship with my kid eventually.

    • @Mike-ky6jc
      @Mike-ky6jc 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@joelman1989 its awesome being able to share parts of your childhood with your own kids.

  • @weirdotzero7065
    @weirdotzero7065 2 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    "the iconic line... 'So long Gay Bowser'"
    A man of culture.

    • @Wonkyman
      @Wonkyman 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I always just heard it as “So long-a Bowser.” In the same vein as “It’s-a me”

    • @thisisfyne
      @thisisfyne 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@Wonkyman Clearly, you've misheard

    • @Omar_E11
      @Omar_E11 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Wonkyman It's supposed to be "so long K Bowser"

    • @skyking2325
      @skyking2325 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Omar_E11 no it actually so long a boswer

    • @skyking2325
      @skyking2325 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Omar_E11 ok so we are both wrong
      Charles martinez said it's so long kinga boswer
      info th-cam.com/video/Jf84drhv2po/w-d-xo.html

  • @SpeedWaggin
    @SpeedWaggin 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's always a treat to watch something from you. Thank you for the awesome info!

  • @markwebster4996
    @markwebster4996 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    These videos are so well done! Thanks Norm! Truly PBS quality and thats a compliment

  • @joshjohnson3442
    @joshjohnson3442 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Lol when Mario is regular sized, I still call him Little Mario

  • @AllTimeScary
    @AllTimeScary 2 ปีที่แล้ว +232

    A new video, let’s a gooooo!

    • @AxxLAfriku
      @AxxLAfriku 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I don't have any friends because they are ashamed of the videos I upload. Are they really that bad, dear all

    • @dogfromthepurplezoneoffici5182
      @dogfromthepurplezoneoffici5182 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@AxxLAfriku im ashamed aswell and I would never be your friend

  • @CCCeramics
    @CCCeramics 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When I saw the title subject for this video, I wasn't excited to watch it since it's trivia I am already familiar with and sounded more like something a listicle writer would cover. I should have known better since it's Gaming Historian. I love that you were able to untangle some of the fanciful stories from the facts, and even more that you have things like actual documents from the Universal court case backing up some of your conclusions. Add in the unique illustrations and the images from magazines, interviews, and journal/sketchbooks... very entertaining and satisfying. Keep up the good work!

  • @chrismyghostwriter
    @chrismyghostwriter 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just want to take a moment to say how great your music is in all of your videos! I love it! Great video, as always!

  • @JawnGG
    @JawnGG 2 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I love these deep dives into the history of games. It is always a great day when there is a new Gaming Historian video!

  • @kirbymarchbarcena
    @kirbymarchbarcena 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    @6:38 "So the whole name Luigi thing is just a coincidence"
    It would appear that everything in Nintendo was a coincidence.

  • @SirSoliloquy
    @SirSoliloquy ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Watching your videos is always an interesting experience… the tone is more reminiscent of older-style, pre-internet documentaries, and for some reason that always makes me expect that I’m not going to hear anything new about the subject that I hadn’t heard a thousand times before.
    Then you go on and hit me with three things I’ve never heard before every single minute and I’m left flummoxed.

  • @magsblack8344
    @magsblack8344 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love you Norm. Seeing one of your videos come up in my feed is always a highlight of my day. Thank you.

  • @acarbonbasedlifeform70
    @acarbonbasedlifeform70 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thank you for this episode of the Naming Historian!

  • @TheHiddenChest
    @TheHiddenChest 2 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    This would make for an amazing series, I'd love to see a part 2, or one about Zelda!

  • @hotrob4000
    @hotrob4000 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is you are number 1, gaming historian! Well done! All the best!

  • @StepBaum
    @StepBaum 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    the first video of yours ive watched and i am impressed by the detail and passion you did your research with! really enjoyed this video. also great way of showing stuff and speaking speed

  • @Mike_oliver1313
    @Mike_oliver1313 2 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    It’s always a great day when we get a new video from gaming historian!!

  • @YoshiONE2ONE
    @YoshiONE2ONE 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Honestly, Bowser being named after a little soup dish is extremely fitting with his character when you think about it lol

    • @bubufubu
      @bubufubu 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      The word/name "Bowser" has absolutely nothing to do with Korean bbq or hot rice soup, thus it has no connection to the original name of the character (Kuppa/Koopa). What you're referring to is merely a localization, likely offered up by someone at Nintendo of America.

  • @NoobOS_YT
    @NoobOS_YT 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    19:13 WHAT DID THEY DO TO YOU BOWSER

  • @RetroGameUp
    @RetroGameUp 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love your documentary! Even though I'm in the retro gaming world since a long time, I still learn new thing. Keep up the good work!

  • @evanhanley6437
    @evanhanley6437 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    This is absolutely incredible. Love all the little touches with the music and the dialogue.

  • @aarons_guitars
    @aarons_guitars 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You gave a good explanation of peach and bowser, bc I remember seeing their names change as time went on and never knew why.

  • @enfieldjohn101
    @enfieldjohn101 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Interesting stuff! Some info in here that I didn't know and I've seen other documentaries. Great job digging up some of the more obscure info.
    Yoshi is my favorite Mario character both in how he looks and what he can do in his games.

  • @skywarp727
    @skywarp727 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Been subbed for years. Really enjoy your content. Thank you for another great video:)

  • @DiestroCorleone
    @DiestroCorleone 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Norman, the work you do for gaming history in invaluable. Thanks for such amazing content.

  • @PrimmsHoodCinema
    @PrimmsHoodCinema 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Lil Mario

  • @weskal5490
    @weskal5490 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent presentation as always. Its great to be able to climb inside the heads of these legendary game designers to see how their minds tick when bringing their games from just rough ideas to chart-topping reality.

  • @JohnnyFromVirginia
    @JohnnyFromVirginia 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good work on this one friend! Fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed it

  • @deanfranz
    @deanfranz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Super Mario 64's recton of "Peach" as a nickname was perfect. Well done, Nintendo.

    • @TackyRackyComixNEO
      @TackyRackyComixNEO 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Comparable to how the English version of Sonic Adventure does it with Eggman's name, in addition to solidifying it in Generations with a good joke about it.

    • @roweboat
      @roweboat 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I always assumed when younger that Peach was her nickname and "Princess Toadstool" was her official title. I always thought super mario rpg would have benefited using Peach, cuz its ya know... text boxes and all.

    • @RobotacularRoBob
      @RobotacularRoBob 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@TackyRackyComixNEO As a longtime Nintendo fan myself who is Rusty on my Sega/ Sonic Canon, you'll have to elaborate on this knowledge for us Nintendonuts.

    • @i0rpheus15
      @i0rpheus15 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@RobotacularRoBob Dr. Eggman = Original Japanese name. Dr. Ivo Robotnik = Western translation, same deal with King Koopa/Bowser and Peach/Princess Toadstool. Like Nintendo, Sega made both names canon with Dr. Ivo Robotnik his actual name and Eggman a mocking nickname given by Sonic

    • @bubufubu
      @bubufubu 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      *Nintendo of America
      Her original name, given to her by Miyamoto, is still Princess Peach and it's not a nickname.

  • @anthonysabino
    @anthonysabino 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    When the world needed him the most…he returned🙌

  • @SmolAliens
    @SmolAliens ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Real ironic that Universal went from suing Nintendo over trademarks to partnering on Mario-themed lands in their theme parks.

  • @EyeOfSheikah
    @EyeOfSheikah 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your content is always so nicely presented, thank you!

  • @darrelwilson
    @darrelwilson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    Great content. Keep it up!

  • @8thLife
    @8thLife 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Such a great breakdown, thank you for taking the time to put all of this together!

  • @TonyPerez0
    @TonyPerez0 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    We love this video series. It's informative and calming. Keep it up.

  • @btetschner
    @btetschner ปีที่แล้ว

    A+ video!
    So interesting to learn where the names originated and the process in which they were selected.

  • @rightnote1
    @rightnote1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I'm so flappin' happy that you're still making videos! All of them, SO good! I've played these for my students as an example of doing thorough research and presenting a very enjoyable product! Keep it up man!!!

  • @dwaynezilla
    @dwaynezilla 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    That Luigi-Ruigi similarity is just _nice._
    Happy little accidents!

  • @moejoesayson1933
    @moejoesayson1933 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    My 4 year old & 6 year old niece are just beginning to love Nintendo games & gaming in general. We watch your videos together so they can find games they wanna play and learn about the classics. Thanks for all the quality content and the bonding it creates for us!

  • @stingraystingray4766
    @stingraystingray4766 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I can not express how much I appreciate your use of sources and making sure that you cite where you get your information from, even verbally. With your permission I’d like to use this video as an example to students how citing sources is part of the real world. I’m a high school English Language Arts teacher by the way if you haven’t figure that out already. Great video!!!

  • @JessmanChicken86
    @JessmanChicken86 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Love the historical credibility with this channel. So professional and honors the search for the truth.

  • @criznittle968
    @criznittle968 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The overwhelming quality of content in GH videos brings me back every time - the moment i see a new upload. This was easily one of the best too, just imagine the work that goes into researching and compiling everything, it's outstanding TV worthy stuff

  • @StarWritterSW
    @StarWritterSW 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    As always, fantastic video. On my conclusive work for University about Console Wars and Nintendo History as Brand, I quoted (properly credited, of course) some videos like the R.O.B. one because you always get everything right. Definitely one of my favorite TH-cam channels!

  • @neemz6230
    @neemz6230 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    These videos are amazing. I cant stop watching your videos. Its like im living a dream. Thanks mate

  • @CrashFan03
    @CrashFan03 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    8:34 I always thought of toadstool being her last name and peach being her first name

  • @DungarooAdventures
    @DungarooAdventures 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Well research and excellently presented as usual. I wish you would release videos more often but can appreciate these episodes takes a lot of time to make.

  • @vtrbswarmachine
    @vtrbswarmachine ปีที่แล้ว

    It's important that you share this knowledge basically free. I thank you and really think you're beyond anything normal monies could do. You are that professional. Immediately subscribed and wanting more legit content.

  • @o8thmsmunchieman
    @o8thmsmunchieman 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for another amazing delve!