(Update 13/01/21: The original version of the article incorrectly stated "God-Slayer Bowser" was an official name. This article has been updated to clarify this as untrue.)
The internet exploded after Nintendo revealed a Super Saiyan-esque Mario in a trailer for Super Mario 3D World x Bowser's Fury, but will a Mario influenced by anime be able to take on Bowser's new God Slayer form? While Bowser has changed his form many times in the past, his form in Bowser's Fury has been named "God-Slayer Bowser" by fans.
As Mario's various power-ups and abilities are a staple of the Super Mario franchise, so are Bowser's bodily transformations. Title after title, Bowser finds a new way to change his form in an attempt to circumvent Mario from rescuing Princess Peach once again. After all, Bowser has constantly stayed on the losing end of a 35-year battle. Even with notable transformations such as Giga Bowser, Dry-Bowser, and the loveable Meowser; King Koopa still hasn't managed to clog the red-capped plumber's victory pipe.
However, a trailer for the upcoming Nintendo Switch title Super Mario 3D World x Bowser's Fury revealed Bowser's newest form. On Twitter, @MattMcMuscles joked that "God-Slayer Bowser" was the creature's real name, and it seems to have caught on. Bower's official name is considerably less exciting than "God-Slayer," but Mega Fury Bowser still requires Mario to unlock his Super Saiyan cat abilities to be defeated.
A familiar instance of Bowser's name being changed in the past was when Super Mario 64 was released in North America in 1996, and a Shindou edition was released for Japan almost a year later. The two versions of the game were practically identical save for a few lines of dialogue that would not have translated properly. This includes Bowser's name since he was known as "King Koopa" in Japan instead of "King Bowser." These were official changes, however, not fan concepts.
Regardless of what Nintendo decides players should call this new Bowser, gamers will likely stick with God-Slayer. It's obvious that the creative minds behind the new DLC might have been watching a little too much anime while working on the project as there are some serious shonen undertones. A son takes on his evil father, the protagonist's power level is depicted through the size of his hair, and the main enemy is a dragon that can slay gods... yeah, Bowser's Fury is an otaku's dream come true.
Source: MattMcMuscles, NayrmanBSC