Viewers of Nintendo's latest Direct were probably wondering where Waluigi was during the 50-minute event, which featured two trailers for upcoming Mario projects. Mario Golf Super Rush and the Animal Crossing x Super Mario celebration featured a few of Mario's closest companions, and Waluigi was all but missing from both. Waluigi did make an appearance during the Nintendo Direct, but it only lasted a second.
Despite being an integral portion of the plumber quartet, Waluigi seemingly gets ignored most often by Nintendo when it comes to when and how he appears. Waluigi is to Wario what Luigi is to Mario. He may not be related by blood, but he is Wario's closest ally and partner in crime. However, Nintendo heavily favors Wario over the lanky purple-clad baddie. Wario has his own solo projects, makes favorable appearances during celebratory events, and even landed a spot on the Super Smash Bros. roster. Waluigi, on the other hand, is lucky if he gets a second's worth of screen time.
This public neglect of Waluigi is shocking, as so many Nintendo fans have been rooting for him to receive more representation. Fans went as far as to attempt to manifest 2020 into being The Year of Waluigi, seeing as it was his 20th anniversary since his first appearance in 2000. However, Nintendo didn't mention his name a single time over the course of 365 days, and his latest appearance makes it seem as if Nintendo is distancing itself from the man in purple.
Waluigi's Sad Showing In Nintendo's Latest Direct
Nearly 15 and a half minutes into the Nintendo Direct, Waluigi makes his first and only appearance during the Mario Golf Super Rush reveal trailer. This second-long clip of Waluigi swinging a club is the only representation he received, and it was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment. Mia, the Mii featured during the Mario Golf Super Rush story mode reveal, was dressed in purple, which could have been intended to represent Waluigi. Yet, Waluigi's absence was felt later in the Direct as well.
Last year, Nintendo announced a Super Mario x Animal Crossing crossover in celebration of Mario's 35th anniversary, and the details for the event were revealed during the Nintendo Direct. Costumes for Mario, Luigi, and Peach are making their way into the game, which was predictable, but there will also be a costume for Wario. These four Mario characters are the only ones getting costumes during the crossover, once again excluding Waluigi from the plumber quartet. Yoshi, another notable character in the Super Mario franchise, is at least getting a rug modeled after one of his eggs. Yet, Nintendo can't be bothered to be more inclusive of Waluigi.
Nintendo has to be aware that its fans are begging for more Waluigi representation. Every Super Smash Bros. character reveal is preluded with fans demanding Waluigi be made a playable character. Whether it's for the memes or genuine interest, fans want solo Waluigi games. At the very least, Nintendo should make Waluigi a playable character in more Mario spinoffs. If Nintendo is planning to cut ties with Waluigi, it would be best for everyone if it would just come out and say it.