View source for Waluigi

{{Short description|Video game character}}
{{Good article}}
{{Pp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Waluigi
| image = Waluigi by Shigehisa Nakaue.png
| image_size = 180
| alt = Promotional artwork of Waluigi wearing a purple hat and long sleeved shirt and black overalls
| caption = Promotional art by Shigehisa Nakaue (2017)
| series = [[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]
| first = ''[[Mario Tennis]]'' (2000)
| creator = Fumihide Aoki
| voice = [[Charles Martinet]] (2000–2022)<br>[[Kevin Afghani]] (2024–present){{efn|name=Disney|Afghani took over as voice of Waluigi beginning with 2024's ''[[Super Mario Party Jamboree]]''.}}
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''Waluigi''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|ˌ|w|ɑː|l|u|ˈ|iː|dʒ|i|,_|ˌ|w|ɒ|l|-|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-Waluigi.wav}})|ワルイージ|Waruīji|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a character in the [[Mario (franchise)|''Mario'']] franchise. He plays the role of [[Luigi (character)|Luigi]]'s arch-rival and accompanies [[Wario]] in [[spin-off (media)|spin-offs]] from the [[Super Mario (series)|main ''Mario'' series]], often for the sake of causing mischief. He was created by [[Camelot Software Planning|Camelot]] employee Fumihide Aoki and was voiced from 2000 to 2022 by [[Charles Martinet]], who described Waluigi as someone with a lot of self-pity. Waluigi's design is characterised by his tall stature, thin and lanky frame, and his purple and black outfit with a purple hat, which displays an inverted yellow "L".

He was designed as Wario's tennis partner and sidekick, debuting in the 2000 [[Nintendo 64]] game ''[[Mario Tennis]]''. He has featured in over 50 video games, appearing in at least one game every year since his debut until 2022. He is a playable character in [[List of Mario sports games|''Mario'' sports]] games, most ''[[Mario Party]]'' games, and also in the ''[[Mario Kart]]'' series. He has also made cameo appearances in other video games, such as the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series.

Since his debut, Waluigi has received a polarised reception from the media, often being accused of having few defining characteristics and minimal backstory. He has attained a [[cult following]], especially helped through his use as an [[Internet meme]]. Although he has never appeared in his own video game or any mainline ''Mario'' game, critics have described him as one of Nintendo's mascots and a cult hero.

== Concept and creation ==
[[File:Charles Martinet Photo Op GalaxyCon Raleigh 2023 (cropped 2).jpg|upright|thumb|left|alt=Headshot of Charles Martinet |[[Charles Martinet]] voiced Waluigi from his debut in 2000 to 2022.]]
Waluigi was created during the development of the game ''[[Mario Tennis]]'' to serve as the bitter rival to [[Luigi (character)|Luigi]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=2020-07-22 |title=Waluigi First Graced Us With His Presence 20 Years Ago |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/07/waluigi_first_graced_us_with_his_presence_20_years_ago |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116182243/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/07/waluigi_first_graced_us_with_his_presence_20_years_ago |url-status=live }}</ref> He was originally introduced as [[Wario]]'s younger brother in the [[Nintendo of America|American version]] of the game.<ref name=NintendoOfAmerica>{{Cite web |title=Mario Tennis 64: Introducing Waluigi |date=June 20, 2000 |url=http://www.nintendo.com/n64/mariotennis/waluigi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000620005215/http://www.nintendo.com/n64/mariotennis/waluigi.html |archive-date=June 20, 2000 |publisher=[[Nintendo#Nintendo of America|Nintendo of America]]|quote=His name is Waluigi, and the only person who's pleased to meet him is his big brother, Wario.}}</ref><ref name=TheGamer>{{Cite web |title=15 Facts You Didn't Know About Waluigi |url=https://www.thegamer.com/creepy-brother-facts-you-didnt-know-about-waluigi/ |website=TheGamer|last=Strauss|first=Daniel|date=September 30, 2017|quote=Certain Nintendo of Europe sources such as Wario's Warehouse or the Mario Kart DS website suggest that they are siblings, with the Prima guide for Mario Tennis outright stating that Waluigi is 'Wario's little brother.}}</ref> His character design was created by Fumihide Aoki.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Dustin |date=2023-12-01 |title=After 19 years, Waluigi's creator reveals his unused designs for the evil Wapeach in Mario Tennis |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/after-19-years-waluigis-creator-reveals-his-unused-designs-for-the-evil-wapeach-in-mario-tennis/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115091342/https://www.gamesradar.com/after-19-years-waluigis-creator-reveals-his-unused-designs-for-the-evil-wapeach-in-mario-tennis/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His name is a [[portmanteau]] of Luigi's name and the Japanese adjective {{Nihongo|''warui''|悪い}}, meaning "bad"; hence, a "bad Luigi".<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2010 |title=IGN: Waluigi |url=http://stars.ign.com/objects/963/963111.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605155209/http://stars.ign.com/objects/963/963111.html |archive-date=June 5, 2010 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

Waluigi was conceived as a sidekick for Wario to team up with in the doubles matches of ''Mario Tennis''. In an interview with ''[[Nintendo Dream]]'', Shugo Takahashi said that he initially asked Nintendo to create a new character but was told to develop a character at [[Camelot Software Planning|Camelot]]. The character's name was agreed upon from the beginning before his design was finalised. Initially, the idea was to change one letter to make him similar to Wario, but Takahashi said that as a bad version of Luigi, he was named Waluigi. An early idea for the symbol on Waluigi's hat was a W, but as this was the same as Wario, it was changed to the letters W and L. [[Yōichi Kotabe]], who supervised the character at Nintendo, decided that this should be an upside-down L as an inversion of Luigi, just as the W in Wario is an upside-down M for Mario. Waluigi's appearance was designed to be lean to create a balanced team combination with the stoutness of Wario. Camelot took inspiration from Boyacky and Tonzura from the Doronbo Gang in the ''[[Yatterman]]'' series. His purple colouring was chosen to create a balance of colours alongside those of the other characters in the game, and his moustache was created in the shape of the letter L. Takahashi said that Waluigi was characterised as the rival of Luigi, with them having a similar relationship to Mario and Wario.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-21 |title=ワルイージ誕生秘話（2008年 9月号より） |url=https://www.ndw.jp/waluigi-interview-221021/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=Nintendo DREAM WEB |language=ja |archive-date=December 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205215921/https://www.ndw.jp/waluigi-interview-221021/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Upon his debut in ''Mario Tennis'', Waluigi was voiced by [[Charles Martinet]], who continued to voice the character until stepping back from recording character voices in 2023 to take on a new role as Mario Ambassador at Nintendo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winslow |first=Levi |date=2023-08-21 |title=Longtime Mario Voice Actor Charles Martinet 'Stepping Back' From Role |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2023/08/longtime-mario-voice-actor-charles-martinent-stepping-back-from-role/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Kotaku Australia |language=en-AU |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118134825/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2023/08/longtime-mario-voice-actor-charles-martinent-stepping-back-from-role/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Waluigi's appearance in ''[[Super Mario Strikers]]'' gained attention for a celebratory taunt that became known as the "crotch chop". The taunt involves the character thrusting his hips forward while gesturing towards his crotch. Despite looking like the letter V, Waluigi's chop using both hands was supposed to represent the W in his name. The game's director, Mike Inglehart, said that the development team at [[Next Level Games]] wanted to make Waluigi "a bit edgier than Wario" and explore his character. He thought that Waluigi's character was about blaming others, whereas Wario was about self-loathing. Inglehart said that when it was presented to Nintendo, "nobody batted an eye", so he was surprised that the taunt was allowed to remain in the game without question.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=2022-03-16 |title=Random: "Nobody Batted An Eye" At Waluigi's 'Crotch Chop' In Super Mario Strikers |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/03/random-nobody-batted-an-eye-at-waluigis-crotch-chop-in-super-mario-strikers |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117191506/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/03/random-nobody-batted-an-eye-at-waluigis-crotch-chop-in-super-mario-strikers |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Characteristics ==
[[File:Waluigi emblem.svg|upright|150px|thumb|right|alt=A yellow and purple gamma symbol on a white background |The symbol "[[Gamma|Γ]]" (upside-down L) on Waluigi's hat and gloves is used to represent him in many games.]]
Waluigi is portrayed as a mischievous villain and an exaggerated mirror version of Luigi. He bears a large pink nose and crooked moustache. His stature is tall, and his frame is thin and lanky. He is the rival of Luigi and is the same age. His ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' trophy describes him as hardworking by stating that he spends his time training and perfecting his skills in order to antagonise the Mario brothers. Although he has a scrawny physique, Waluigi is technically skilled and athletic but sometimes cheats in-game.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Brian David |date=23 December 2019 |title=Waluigi, unraveled |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3XnKr0lvDw |website=Polygon |access-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119172733/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3XnKr0lvDw |url-status=live }}</ref> His design comprises black overalls, a purple long-sleeved shirt, and a purple hat with a yellow "Γ" symbol (an inverted L, paralleling Wario's W as an upside-down M).<ref name=":1" />

Martinet stated that the cornerstone of Waluigi's personality is one of self-pity, a character who feels that everything goes right for everyone but himself. Waluigi was created to be the tennis partner of Wario in ''Mario Tennis'', and early material from [[Nintendo of Europe]] portrayed them as brothers,<ref name=TheGamer/> but their relationship has since been ambiguous.<ref name=Waluigi2022/><ref name=":7" /> When asked whether Waluigi was a brother to Wario in 2008, Martinet stated that while he did not know, he felt that they were just "two nice, evil guys who found each other".<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 15, 2008 |author=David Oxford|title=Charles Martinet Celebrates 15 Years of Wario with Kombo |url=http://wii.kombo.com/article.php?artid=12729 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100509085022/http://wii.kombo.com/article.php?artid=12729 |archive-date=May 9, 2010 |access-date=October 1, 2009 |publisher=Kombo.com}}</ref> 

Despite having appeared in more than 50 video games, Waluigi has been provided with little backstory and has few defining traits other than the need to be liked, an appreciation of [[Princess Daisy]], and his habit of screaming out his signature catchphrase, "Waaah!"<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2018-06-25 |author=Clayton Purdom| title=Get to know Waluigi, the Nintendo character everyone loves to shit on |url=https://www.avclub.com/get-to-know-waluigi-the-nintendo-character-everyone-lo-1827112973 |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=The A.V. Club |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119180121/https://www.avclub.com/get-to-know-waluigi-the-nintendo-character-everyone-lo-1827112973 |url-status=live }}</ref>  In various ''Mario'' sports games, Waluigi can perform exaggerated athletic moves. In ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'', when making an offensive power shot, he demonstrates his spinning ability and poses in the shape of his "Γ" symbol. In ''[[Mario Party 8]]'', his preferred victory stance involves producing a rose as a recurring accessory.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Chris Compendio| title=Waluigi's Finest Moments |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/waluigi/waluigis-finest-moments |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Paste Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122233957/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/waluigi/waluigis-finest-moments |url-status=live }}</ref> As displayed in ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'' and ''[[Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]'', Waluigi has the ability to summon a body of water and swim towards the ball, which ''[[IGN]]'' editor Rob Burman described as "baffling".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Burman |first=Rob |date=February 9, 2007 |title=Mario Slam Basketball UK Review – Nintendo DS Review at IGN |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/763/763087p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212015651/http://ds.ign.com/articles/763/763087p1.html |archive-date=December 12, 2010 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

==Appearances==
=== ''Mario'' spin-off games ===
From his debut in 2000, Waluigi appeared in at least one game every year until 2022.<ref name=Waluigi2022>{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=2024-01-03 |title=2023 Was The First Waluigi-Less Year Since 2000 |url=https://kotaku.com/waluigi-nintendo-switch-wario-luigi-mario-1851136988 |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115235156/https://kotaku.com/waluigi-nintendo-switch-wario-luigi-mario-1851136988 |url-status=live }}</ref> This 22-year streak ended in 2023, which was the first year that Waluigi did not appear in any game.<ref name="Waluigi2022" /> He is the only regular character in the ''Mario'' franchise to never appear in his own game or be given a role in the mainline ''Mario'' series.<ref name=":2" /> His first appearance was in the [[Nintendo 64]] and [[Game Boy Color]] versions of ''[[Mario Tennis]]'', establishing himself as Wario's doubles partner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Lucas M. |date=2010-06-30 |title=Mario Tennis Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/30/mario-tennis-review |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220201059/https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/30/mario-tennis-review |url-status=live }}</ref>  He remained partners with Wario for future installments, the one exception being ''[[Mario Tennis: Power Tour]]'', where he appeared in-game without Wario.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=James |date=2021-02-23 |title=What Waluigi's First Mario Game Was |url=https://screenrant.com/waluigi-meme-mario-tennis-smash-bros-sports-games/ |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'' begins with Wario and Waluigi losing a tennis tournament and plotting their revenge on Mario and Luigi by teaming up with Bowser, who helps them to train up for the doubles final.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowskill |first=Thomas |date=2009-03-14 |title=Review: New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis (Wii) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/03/new_play_control_mario_power_tennis_wii |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707234712/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/03/new_play_control_mario_power_tennis_wii |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''[[Mario Tennis Aces]]'', Waluigi is a defensive character that can cover a wide area. He and Wario initiate the story events by offering Mario a racket called Lucien that possesses Luigi and threatens to destroy the kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borger|first=Will|title=Mario Tennis Aces Review – Grand Slam |url=https://gamingbolt.com/mario-tennis-aces-review |date=2018-07-19|access-date=2024-01-21 |website=GamingBolt |language=en-US}}</ref> During gameplay, he can perform a trick shot in which he [[Moonwalk (dance)|moonwalks]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Caty |date=2018-06-22 |title=Mario Tennis Aces Review |url=https://www.vg247.com/mario-tennis-aces-review |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217001857/https://www.vg247.com/mario-tennis-aces-review |url-status=live }}</ref> He also performs a special shot that involves spinning around while flaunting a rose.<ref name=":3" />

Alongside [[Princess Daisy]], Waluigi joined the ''[[Mario Party]]'' series starting with ''[[Mario Party 3]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Evan |title=Mario Party 3 Comes To Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-party-3-comes-to-nintendo-switch-online-expansion-pack/1100-6518696/ |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119155317/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-party-3-comes-to-nintendo-switch-online-expansion-pack/1100-6518696/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The game features his own board filled with traps named Waluigi's Island.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2023-10-25 |title=Switch Online's Nintendo 64 Library Gets Another Game This Week |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/switch-onlines-nintendo-64-library-gets-another-game-this-week |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122102454/https://www.ign.com/articles/switch-onlines-nintendo-64-library-gets-another-game-this-week |url-status=live }}</ref> After ''Mario Party 3'', he returned as a playable character in every subsequent game in the ''Mario Party'' series except ''[[Mario Party Advance]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Owen |first=Nicholas |date=2023-10-03 |title=5 Best Mario Games With Playable Waluigi |url=https://gamerant.com/best-mario-games-playable-waluigi/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> He next appeared as one of the playable characters in ''[[Mario Party 4]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-11-28 |title=Mario Party 4 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/r-marioparty4-gc |access-date=2024-01-22 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122222613/https://www.eurogamer.net/r-marioparty4-gc |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Mario Party-e'', one of the multiplayer duels is named Waluigi's Reign.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2003-02-25 |title=Mario Party-e |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/25/mario-party-e |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122222613/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/25/mario-party-e |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the ''Mario Golf'' series, Waluigi features as a playable character alongside other main ''Mario'' characters in ''[[Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour]]'', where he has his own unique play style.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=2004-06-22 |title=Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/r-mariogolf-gc |access-date=2024-01-24 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124134253/https://www.eurogamer.net/r-mariogolf-gc |url-status=live }}</ref> Waluigi and Wario are presented as the villains in the game's introduction until they get into trouble by angering Bowser.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |last2=Gill |first2=Patrick |date=2017-05-12 |title=Every Mario sports game intro, ranked |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/12/15631666/mario-sports-games-intros-ranked |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124160753/https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/12/15631666/mario-sports-games-intros-ranked |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2014, he returned as a playable character in ''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Te |first=Zorine |date=27 April 2014 |title=AU New Releases: Mario Golf: World Tour |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/au-new-releases-mario-golf-world-tour/1100-6419248/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124140043/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/au-new-releases-mario-golf-world-tour/1100-6419248/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 2021 golf game ''[[Mario Golf: Super Rush]]'', his Special Shot is his Slim Stinger, which blasts balls out of its path. He also performs a Dance-off Dash, in which he pirouettes and leaps.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Jeffrey |date=2021-06-29 |title=Mario Golf: Super Rush Special Shots and Dashes |url=https://www.polygon.com/mario-golf-super-rush-guide-switch/22555939/special-shots-dashes-characters-mii |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124160752/https://www.polygon.com/mario-golf-super-rush-guide-switch/22555939/special-shots-dashes-characters-mii |url-status=live }}</ref>

Waluigi appears in the ''Mario Strikers'' series beginning with ''[[Super Mario Strikers]]''. He is one of nine ''Mario'' characters that can be chosen as team captains.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=2005-12-02 |title=Super Mario Strikers |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/12/02/super-mario-strikers |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=May 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504102929/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/12/02/super-mario-strikers |url-status=live }}</ref> He returns in ''[[Mario Strikers Charged]]'' and is introduced in the game's introduction, where Mario, Bowser, and other major characters battle for the ball on a soccer field.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=2007-07-27 |title=Mario Strikers Charged Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/27/mario-strikers-charged-review |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125192922/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/27/mario-strikers-charged-review |url-status=live }}</ref> He appears as a playable character in ''[[Mario Strikers: Battle League]]'', where he is a defensive character and can perform a powerful kick that sends the ball towards the goal, leaving a trail of thorns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spear |first=Rebecca |date=2022-06-09 |title=Mario Strikers: Battle League tier list — Stats and best character to play as |url=https://www.imore.com/mario-strikers-battle-league-tier-list-best-character-play |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=iMore |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119170926/https://www.imore.com/mario-strikers-battle-league-tier-list-best-character-play |url-status=live }}</ref>

Waluigi is a playable driver in the ''[[Mario Kart]]'' series, first appearing in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', where his course is known as ''Waluigi Stadium''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shapiro |first=Jake |date=2014-05-06 |title=Mario Kart Month: Mario Kart 8 Character Profiles: Mo' Babies, Mo' Problems |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/05/mario_kart_month_mario_kart_8_character_profiles_mo_babies_mo_problems |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=September 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909220513/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/05/mario_kart_month_mario_kart_8_character_profiles_mo_babies_mo_problems |url-status=live }}</ref> He features in all subsequent console installments with the exception of ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=2018-04-05 |title=Random: This Mario Kart 7 Hack Lets You Play As Waluigi |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/04/random_this_mario_kart_7_hack_lets_you_play_as_waluigi |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117183821/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/04/random_this_mario_kart_7_hack_lets_you_play_as_waluigi |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', Waluigi has his own course named ''Waluigi Pinball'', which later returned as a [[Downloadable content|DLC]] booster course in ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''.<ref name=":5" /> He is a recurring character in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', where he also appears as a bus driver.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Will |date=2021-10-08 |title=Waluigi is available as a bus driver in 'Mario Kart Tour' |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/gaming-news/waluigi-is-available-as-a-bus-driver-in-mario-kart-tour-3066612 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=NME |language=en-AU |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105011935/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/gaming-news/waluigi-is-available-as-a-bus-driver-in-mario-kart-tour-3066612 |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2021, for a Halloween event, ''Mario Kart Tour'' introduced another variant of Waluigi dressed as a vampire wearing a top hat and cape and riding a Vampire Flyer kart.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=2021-10-20 |title=Nintendo Gives Fans The Best Halloween Present: Vampire Waluigi |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/10/nintendo-gives-fans-the-best-halloween-present-vampire-waluigi |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929142633/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/10/nintendo-gives-fans-the-best-halloween-present-vampire-waluigi |url-status=live }}</ref>

Waluigi appears in ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]'' (2005) as one of the cast of characters featuring Mario and friends.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colayco |first=Bob |title=Mario Superstar Baseball Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-superstar-baseball-review/1900-6132192/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114190649/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-superstar-baseball-review/1900-6132192/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He reprises his role as a playable character in ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeRosa |first=Michael |date=2021-03-09 |title=Mario Super Sluggers: The 10 Best Players To Pick |url=https://screenrant.com/mario-super-sluggers-baseball-best-players/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202160315/https://screenrant.com/mario-super-sluggers-baseball-best-players/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Waluigi plays a significant role as the main antagonist of ''[[Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix]]'', in which he wreaks havoc in the [[Mushroom Kingdom]] by stealing the Music Keys to hypnotise the world with his dancing, requiring Mario and Luigi to retrieve them.<ref name=":0" /> He also appears as one of the player characters shooting hoops alongside Mario in ''[[Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]'' (titled ''Mario Slam Basketball'' in Europe), where he performs a swimming ability.<ref name=":6" /> Waluigi is one of several playable characters appearing in the ''[[Mario & Sonic]]'' series, starting with the crossover sports game ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'', which features Mario and [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shea |first=Cam |date=2007-11-22 |title=Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games AU Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/22/mario-sonic-at-the-olympic-games-au-review |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129211609/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/22/mario-sonic-at-the-olympic-games-au-review |url-status=live }}</ref> He appears alongside other ''Mario'' characters in ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'', a sports game featuring hockey, volleyball, dodgeball, and basketball.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dutton |first=Fred |date=2010-11-11 |title=Final Fantasy invades Mario Sports Mix |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/final-fantasy-invades-mario-sports-mix |access-date=2024-01-29 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129191520/https://www.eurogamer.net/final-fantasy-invades-mario-sports-mix |url-status=live }}</ref> He and other ''Mario'' characters appear in ''[[Mario Sports Superstars]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=2016-09-01 |title=Mario Sports Superstars coming to 3DS next spring |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/1/12749854/mario-sports-superstars-3ds |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530105139/https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/1/12749854/mario-sports-superstars-3ds |url-status=live }}</ref> A variant of Waluigi named Dr. Waluigi appeared as one of 45 doctor characters in the mobile game ''[[Dr. Mario World]]'' before  the game was shut down.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kamen |first=Matt |date=2021-07-28 |title=Nintendo is shutting down the 'Dr. Mario World' mobile game |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/nintendo-is-shutting-down-the-dr-mario-world-mobile-game-3005124 |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124203416/https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/nintendo-is-shutting-down-the-dr-mario-world-mobile-game-3005124 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Other video games ===
In the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series, starting with ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Brawl]]'', Waluigi appears as a non-playable Assist Trophy item.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=2018-11-01 |title=Super Smash Bros. roster set without Waluigi, majorly bumming out his fan |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/1/18050390/waluigi-super-smash-bros-ultimate-roster |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118223009/https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/1/18050390/waluigi-super-smash-bros-ultimate-roster |url-status=live }}</ref> When Waluigi was revealed as an Assist Trophy but not a playable character for ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U]]'', game director [[Masahiro Sakurai]] jokingly stated that "just because you try hard doesn't mean you'll make it into the battle".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=2014-02-28 |title=It's Not Waluigi Time In The New Super Smash Bros. For 3DS And Wii U |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/its_not_waluigi_time_in_the_new_super_smash_bros_for_3ds_and_wii_u |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118201248/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/its_not_waluigi_time_in_the_new_super_smash_bros_for_3ds_and_wii_u |url-status=live }}</ref> He was again excluded as a playable character but instead used as an example for destroying Assist Trophies during the gameplay reveal of ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winkle |first=Dan Van |date=2018-06-13 |title=Waluigi Has Become the Unlikely King of E3 2018 |url=https://www.themarysue.com/waluigi-king-of-e3-2018-nintendo-smash-bros-ultimate/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=The Mary Sue |language=en |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118203348/https://www.themarysue.com/waluigi-king-of-e3-2018-nintendo-smash-bros-ultimate/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Waluigi makes minor appearances in other video games. In ''[[Game & Watch Gallery 4]]'', he is an opponent of Luigi in the ''Boxing'' game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pallesen |first=Lasse |date=16 November 2002 |title=Game & Watch Gallery 4 Review - Review |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/3993/game-namp-watch-gallery-4-game-boy-advance |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124125525/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/3993/game-namp-watch-gallery-4-game-boy-advance |url-status=live }}</ref> He appears in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' as an unlockable Mystery Mushroom costume for Mario to wear in the ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' style.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |title=Disturbing Super Mario Maker Level Asks Waluigi To Question His Purpose |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/09/15/disturbing-mario-maker-level-asks-waliugi-to-question-his-purpose.aspx |access-date=2024-01-19 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119133809/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/09/15/disturbing-mario-maker-level-asks-waliugi-to-question-his-purpose.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Although he does not make an appearance in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', Mario can be dressed in the colours of Waluigi.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=2017-10-26 |title=Super Mario Odyssey lets you cosplay as the best villain |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/26/16553672/super-mario-odyssey-unlockable-amiibo-costumes |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119085809/https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/26/16553672/super-mario-odyssey-unlockable-amiibo-costumes |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2016, he was introduced alongside other core ''Mario'' characters to the ''[[Minecraft: Wii U Edition]]'' as a skin in the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kamen |first=Matt |date=9 May 2016 |title=Mario is coming to Minecraft (but only on Wii U) |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/mario-minecraft-wii-u |access-date=2024-02-02 |magazine=Wired UK |language=en-GB |issn=1357-0978 |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202142700/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/mario-minecraft-wii-u |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', an outfit modelled after Waluigi's own can be purchased in-game and worn by Mario after the player has collected enough Power Moons.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-02-22 |author=Dom Reseigh-Lincoln| title=Super Mario Odyssey Outfits list - outfit prices and how to unlock every costume, outfit and suit in Super Mario Odyssey |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/super-mario-odyssey-outfits-list-prices-how-to-unlock-every-costume-outfit-suit-4847 |access-date=2024-01-18 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118223935/https://www.eurogamer.net/super-mario-odyssey-outfits-list-prices-how-to-unlock-every-costume-outfit-suit-4847 |url-status=live }}</ref> A [[Rabbids|Rabbid]] version of Waluigi named Bwaluigi appears as a boss alongside Wario's Rabbid counterpart Bwario in ''[[Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2022-09-22 |title=Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope's Rayman DLC Is a Decades-Long Dream Come True for Creative Director |url=https://za.ign.com/mario-rabbids-sparks-of-hope/169240/news/mario-rabbids-sparks-of-hopes-rayman-dlc-is-a-decades-long-dream-come-true-for-creative-director |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=IGN |language=en-za |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119090844/https://za.ign.com/mario-rabbids-sparks-of-hope/169240/news/mario-rabbids-sparks-of-hopes-rayman-dlc-is-a-decades-long-dream-come-true-for-creative-director |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Merchandise ==
Waluigi has appeared in official branded merchandise, such as plush dolls, clothing, and food packaging.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macy |first=Seth G. |date=2018-08-18 |title=Useless Waluigi Garbage You Can Buy to Fill the Waluigi-Shaped Hole in Your Smash Heart |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/18/useless-waluigi-garbage-you-can-buy-to-fill-the-waluigi-shaped-hole-in-your-smash-heart |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115210756/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/18/useless-waluigi-garbage-you-can-buy-to-fill-the-waluigi-shaped-hole-in-your-smash-heart |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Guitierrez |first=Luis Joshua |date=30 January 2023 |title=Waluigi Finally Gets The Spotlight With This Mario Frozen Pizza |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/waluigi-finally-gets-the-spotlight-with-this-mario-frozen-pizza/1100-6510993/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118181006/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/waluigi-finally-gets-the-spotlight-with-this-mario-frozen-pizza/1100-6510993/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His purple colour scheme and design have been used on official Nintendo Switch controllers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petite |first=Steven |title=This Waluigi Nintendo Switch Controller Is Pretty Ugly, But Maybe That's By Design |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-waluigi-nintendo-switch-controller-is-pretty-ugly-but-maybe-thats-by-design/1100-6490953/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115210519/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-waluigi-nintendo-switch-controller-is-pretty-ugly-but-maybe-thats-by-design/1100-6490953/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2016, Nintendo released an [[amiibo]] of Waluigi as part of a set of seven ''Super Mario'' amiibo figures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=2016-06-14 |title=E3 2016: Nintendo Unveils Seven New Super Mario Series amiibo, Including Waluigi |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/e3_2016_nintendo_unveils_seven_new_super_mario_series_amiibo_including_waluigi |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117231855/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/06/e3_2016_nintendo_unveils_seven_new_super_mario_series_amiibo_including_waluigi |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
Since his appearance in ''Mario Tennis'', Waluigi has received a mixed reception. Ben Bertoli of ''[[Kotaku]]'' said that the game introduced "one of gaming's greatest anti-heroes" and that Waluigi had since gained a cult following.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Ben Bertoli|date=May 17, 2018 |title=The Ups And Downs Of Mario Sports Games |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2018/05/the-ups-and-downs-of-mario-sports-games/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613160801/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2018/05/the-ups-and-downs-of-mario-sports-games/ |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |access-date=June 13, 2018 |publisher=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref> ''IGN'' editor [[Matt Casamassina]] described him as a recognisable mascot to many, but also as a beloved one to Nintendo fans.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=October 26, 2005 |title=Dance Dance Revolution Mario Mix – GameCube Review at IGN |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/661/661908p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818021951/http://cube.ign.com/articles/661/661908p1.html |archive-date=August 18, 2011 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Hiroyuki Takahashi, a developer for ''Mario Power Tennis'', chose him and Wario as his favourite characters in ''Power Tennis'', adding that he prefers characters with more personality.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Camelot Talks Mario Power Tennis – GameCube Feature at IGN |date=December 3, 2004 |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/570/570491p2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403030158/http://cube.ign.com/articles/570/570491p2.html |archive-date=April 3, 2012 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Ian Walker of ''Kotaku'' expressed a pure love for Waluigi on the character's 20th anniversary and highlighted that while Mario, Luigi, and Wario are all sympathetic characters, "Waluigi stands apart as the one truly irredeemable scoundrel" and considered that an aspect of his character is present in everyone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Ian |date=2020-07-21 |title=Waluigi Debuted 20 Years Ago Today, And I Respect Him A Lot |url=https://kotaku.com/waluigi-debuted-20-years-ago-today-and-i-respect-him-a-1844460557 |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115235154/https://kotaku.com/waluigi-debuted-20-years-ago-today-and-i-respect-him-a-1844460557 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ryan Craddock of ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' also celebrated the 20-year anniversary of his debut, stating that he could not imagine a Nintendo sports game without him.<ref name=":4" /> Writing for ''[[Game Informer]]'', [[Dan Ryckert]] felt that Waluigi should be the star of his own game because he considered him to be funnier than Wario and highlighted that his legs look hilarious when running. Despite this, he opined that Nintendo did not care about the character because his relationship to Wario had never been clarified.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ryckert |first=Dan |author-link=Dan Ryckert |title=We Need A Super Waluigi World |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/09/05/we-need-a-super-waluigi-world.aspx |access-date=2024-01-17 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117161102/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/09/05/we-need-a-super-waluigi-world.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> While describing Waluigi as a "hollow absence of a character" and "a rejected [[Frankenstein's monster|Frankenstein monster]], cobbled together from half-assed, bad, or otherwise meaningless ideas", Dom Nero of ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' praised the character for his tennis skills and the fluidity of his movements. He opined that playing as Waluigi in ''Mario Tennis Aces'' epitomises the joy of playing video games and highlighted his moonwalking backswing, spins, and tossing of roses as "devilishly entertaining".<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Nero |first=Dom |date=2018-06-22 |title=Playing as Waluigi in 'Mario Tennis' Is Peak Gaming Bliss |url=https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a21087741/waluigi-mario-tennis-aces/ |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Esquire |language=en-US |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115204834/https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a21087741/waluigi-mario-tennis-aces/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[VG247]]'' writer Kelsey Raynor thought that the Waluigi Pinball track was the best in the ''Mario Kart'' series, stating that it was "Waluigi's time to shine" and was the perfect opportunity for a character associated with chaos to force drivers into a "sadistic death-trap of a race".<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Raynor |first=Kelsey Raynor |date=2022-11-14 |title=It's Mario Kart DS' 17th anniversary, and Waluigi Pinball is still one of the best tracks in the series |url=https://www.vg247.com/mario-kart-ds-anniversary-and-waluigi-pinball-still-the-best |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216230722/https://www.vg247.com/mario-kart-ds-anniversary-and-waluigi-pinball-still-the-best |url-status=live }}</ref>

Pedro Hernandez, writing for ''Nintendo World Report'', commented that Waluigi is a "very structurally basic character", as he is simply Wario transformed into Luigi with a purple and black colour scheme. He said that while Wario was given a personality and story, Waluigi was just an accessory to Wario whose purpose was to pad out the supporting characters. He also noted that gamers had developed a love/hate relationship with the character, as he had generated universal hatred while also gaining a cult following.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Pedro |title=Waluigi, We Hardly Knew Ye - Feature |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/28569/waluigi-we-hardly-knew-ye |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116215418/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/28569/waluigi-we-hardly-knew-ye |url-status=live }}</ref> Chris Buffa of ''[[GameDaily]]'' included him as one of the characters they wanted to kill, describing him as "one of the most unimportant characters in video game history".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buffa, Chris |title=Characters We Wish We Could Kill (But Can't) |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/characters-we-wish-we-could-kill-but-cant/?page=8&cp=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508073421/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/characters-we-wish-we-could-kill-but-cant/?page=8&cp=2 |archive-date=May 8, 2009 |access-date=February 8, 2014 |website=[[GameDaily]] |publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref> Brett Elston of ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' described Waluigi as a "lame-o villain" in an otherwise great game, referencing ''Mario Tennis''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2007 |title=The Top 7... Mario spin-offs |author=Brett Elston|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-top-7-mario-spin-offs/a-200711129484431007/p-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615230129/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-top-7-mario-spin-offs/a-200711129484431007/p-3 |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> Matthew Gault of ''[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]'' criticised Waluigi for having no defining characteristics other than hating Luigi and described him as a "corporate trash character that's lazy, dumb, and uninteresting". He noted that due to his lack of characterisation, fans had spent years creating their own backstories for him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gault |first=Matthew |date=2018-06-15 |title=Counterpoint: Fuck Waluigi, He Doesn't Deserve to Be in the New 'Smash Bros.' |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/counterpoint-fuck-waluigi-he-doesnt-deserve-to-be-in-the-new-smash-bros/ |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Vice |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115235254/https://www.vice.com/en/article/gyknx7/counterpoint-fuck-waluigi-he-doesnt-deserve-to-be-in-the-new-smash-bros |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Destructoid]]'' wrote that Waluigi's name and design amounted to "creative bankruptcy" and thought that the Internet had created him as a meme that was outside of the character that Nintendo depicted and then mistakenly treated it as canon.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-29 |title=Check out the blogs of 10/7 to 10/13/2018 and ponder the worth of Waluigi |url=https://www.destructoid.com/check-out-the-blogs-of-10-7-to-10-13-2018-and-ponder-the-worth-of-waluigi/ |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606070832/https://www.destructoid.com/check-out-the-blogs-of-10-7-to-10-13-2018-and-ponder-the-worth-of-waluigi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Icons of Horror and the Supernatural: An Encyclopedia of Our Worst Nightmares, Volume 1'', S. T. Joshi cites Waluigi and Wario as archetypal examples of alter egos.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Joshi |first=S. T. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jh97v3zeKc0C |title=Icons of Horror and the Supernatural: An Encyclopedia of Our Worst Nightmares, Volume 1 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-313-33781-9 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022040958/http://books.google.com/books?id=Jh97v3zeKc0C |archive-date=October 22, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Waluigi Smash Bros.gif|thumb|right|Waluigi's reveal in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' as an assist trophy caused a lot of negative reactions.<ref name=Smash1/><ref name=Smash2/><ref name=Harass/>]]
His exclusion as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' (confirmed when the character was announced as a non-playable Assist Trophy during [[E3 2018]]) was met with negative reception from the gaming press and social media, including a comedic [[Twitter]] post by [[Netflix]].<ref>{{Cite web |author=Petrana Radulovic |date=June 12, 2018 |title=Everyone's in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate... except Waluigi |url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/12/17454820/everyones-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate-except-waluigi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613160847/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/12/17454820/everyones-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate-except-waluigi |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |access-date=June 13, 2018 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref><ref name=Smash2>{{Cite news |author=Gene Park|date=June 12, 2018 |title=Waluigi was robbed and humiliated by Nintendo, and his fans are furious |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2018/06/12/waluigi-was-robbed-and-humiliated-by-nintendo-and-his-fans-are-furious/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613013334/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2018/06/12/waluigi-was-robbed-and-humiliated-by-nintendo-and-his-fans-are-furious/ |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |access-date=June 13, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=
Dan Van Winkle|date=June 13, 2018 |title=Waluigi Has Become the Unlikely King of E3 2018|url=https://www.themarysue.com/waluigi-king-of-e3-2018-nintendo-smash-bros-ultimate/|access-date=April 12, 2024 |website=The Mary Sue}}</ref> The response resulted in numerous [[Internet memes]] and a [[Change.org]] petition calling for the character to be added to the game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waluigi Fans Lost It Because He Got Left Out of The New 'Super Smash Bros.' |author=Beckett Mufson|date=June 13, 2018 |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/waluigi-fans-lost-it-because-he-got-left-out-of-the-new-super-smash-bros-vgtrn/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101015331/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/xwmkqd/waluigi-fans-lost-it-because-he-got-left-out-of-the-new-super-smash-bros-vgtrn |archive-date=November 1, 2018 |access-date=October 31, 2018 |website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'''s Joe Skrebels described his non-playable status within the game as "a slap in the face for those who want a playable Waluigi".<ref name=Smash1>{{Cite web |author=Joe Skrebels|date=June 12, 2018 |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Feels Like a Museum For its Own Franchise |url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2018/06/12/e3-2018-super-smash-bros-ultimate-feels-like-a-museum-for-its-own-franchise |access-date=June 13, 2018 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Fan reaction to the omission intensified and resulted in series director Masahiro Sakurai being subjected to a harassment campaign on social media.<ref name=Harass>{{Cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=2018-06-20 |title=Super Smash Bros. Fans Are Harassing Masahiro Sakurai Over Waluigi Snub |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/super_smash_bros_fans_are_harassing_masahiro_sakurai_over_waluigi_snub |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115205846/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/06/super_smash_bros_fans_are_harassing_masahiro_sakurai_over_waluigi_snub |url-status=live }}</ref> Former [[Nintendo of America]] president [[Reggie Fils-Aimé]] acknowledged the popularity of Waluigi and dismissed the idea that Nintendo had purposefully excluded him due to disliking the character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Austin |date=2018-06-27 |title=Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aimé on Accessibility, What's Next, and, Uh, Waluigi |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/nintendos-reggie-fils-aime-on-accessibility-whats-next-and-uh-waluigi/ |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Vice |language=en |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116102156/https://www.vice.com/en/article/435z3m/nintendos-reggie-fils-aime-on-accessibility-whats-next-and-uh-waluigi |url-status=live }}</ref> Claire McNear of ''[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]'' described Waluigi as Nintendo's cult hero, but commented that his place in the ''Mario'' hierarchy of characters is tenuous and that, despite being a "pan-internet obsession", he is yet to appear in a mainline ''Mario'' game outside of spinoffs.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=McNear |first=Claire |date=2021-02-24 |title=Waluigi Is Nintendo's Cult Hero. Will He Ever Be Something More? |url=https://www.theringer.com/2021/2/24/22298128/waluigi-nintendo-cult-character |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=The Ringer |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115205048/https://www.theringer.com/2021/2/24/22298128/waluigi-nintendo-cult-character |url-status=live }}</ref> Ian Walker of ''Kotaku'' highlighted that official artwork of the character promoting a blue-purple [[Nintendo Switch|Switch]] [[wikt:colorway|colourway]] had gained considerable Internet attention due to his seductive pose and use of a rose as a romantic gesture.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Ian |date=2021-05-11 |title=Nintendo's New Waluigi Art Is Mysterious, Erotic |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-s-new-waluigi-art-is-mysterious-erotic-1846864665 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115205407/https://kotaku.com/nintendo-s-new-waluigi-art-is-mysterious-erotic-1846864665 |url-status=live }}</ref> Briana Lawrence of ''[[The Mary Sue]]'' described Waluigi as "Nintendo's ultimate [[sex symbol]]" in reference to his official render and found him to be interesting due to the mysterious nature of his character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Briana |date=2021-05-11 |title=Nintendo Reveals What We Already Knew: Waluigi Is Full Of Raw, Sexual Energy |url=https://www.themarysue.com/nintendo-waluigi-thirst-trap/ |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=The Mary Sue |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126171602/https://www.themarysue.com/nintendo-waluigi-thirst-trap/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This positive reaction to Waluigi's animations was echoed by Zack Zwiezen for ''Kotaku'', who upon reviewing a demo for ''Mario Strikers: Battle League'' noted that Waluigi's characteristic swagger and "rose pose" featured prominently in his scoring animation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=2022-05-27 |title=Waluigi Proves He's Still The King Of Swagger |url=https://kotaku.com/waluigi-mario-strikers-demo-switch-animations-gameplay-1848988842 |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115235155/https://kotaku.com/waluigi-mario-strikers-demo-switch-animations-gameplay-1848988842 |url-status=live }}</ref> Henry Stockdale, writing for ''[[TechRadar]]'', praised the game's visuals, particularly describing Waluigi's Hyper Strike involving placing a rose in his mouth as "the stuff of many Nintendo fans' dreams".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stockdale |first=Henry |date=2022-06-08 |title=Mario Strikers: Battle League review |url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/mario-strikers-battle-league |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=TechRadar |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126172002/https://www.techradar.com/reviews/mario-strikers-battle-league |url-status=live }}</ref> Zack Zwiezen also expressed disappointment over Waluigi not appearing in a single game in 2023 and thought the character had been forgotten by Nintendo and deserved his own game, particularly because [[Princess Peach]] appears in her [[Princess Peach: Showtime!|own game]].<ref name=Waluigi2022/>

=== Legacy ===
Due to his popularity, Waluigi has been featured in popular culture in the form of memes, songs, and poems. Elijah Watson of ''[[The Daily Dot]]'' chronicled his influence as an internet meme from 2008, describing him as "beloved by a part of the web".<ref name=Internetmeme>{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Elijah |date=2017-07-22 |title=How Waluigi went from Mario Tennis character to all-time great meme |url=https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/waluigi-memes/|access-date=2024-02-23 |website=[[The Daily Dot]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In April 2009, he appeared in the webcomic ''[[Brawl in the Family (webcomic)|Brawl in the Family]]'', which was renamed "Waluigi in the Family" for [[April Fools' Day]]. He became a recurring character, resulting in the webcomic introducing the catchphrase "Too bad. Waluigi time."<ref name=Internetmeme/> In a May 2021 episode of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'', host [[Elon Musk]] starred as Wario in a sketch in which he was put on trial for murdering Mario in a kart race, with [[Kate McKinnon]] dressed as Waluigi.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Leah J. |date=2021-05-10 |title=I Don't Think Anyone At SNL Has Actually Played Mario Before |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2021/05/snl-mario-sketch-grimes-elon-musk/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Kotaku Australia |language=en-AU |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129234036/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2021/05/snl-mario-sketch-grimes-elon-musk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Portal|Video games}}

{{Mario franchise}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Waluigi}}
[[Category:Fictional Italian people in video games]]
[[Category:Internet meme characters]]
[[Category:Internet memes introduced in 2000]]
[[Category:Male characters in video games]]
[[Category:Mario (franchise) enemies]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 2000]]
[[Category:Video game memes]]
[[Category:Video game sidekicks]]