Toad: The Mushroom Kingdom’s Unsung Hero

Toad’s breakout role, of course, came in the original Super Mario Bros. for the NES, when he spoke the now iconic and infamous line: “Thank you Mario! But our princess is in another castle!” And he has been a series regular ever since. Always present and always helping.

Be he a guide, a messenger, or a sidekick, he’s the kind of friend that you’d want in your corner. He may not be top-billed, but he’s there in every big-time Mario game in some way or another, providing support and stability when all hell breaks loose.

Small but Mighty

In Super Mario Bros. 2, he was playable for the very first time. Lo and behold, he was sort of a monster. He was the fastest at picking up and throwing items, and while his jump was not the best, he made up for it with pure speed and agility.

This was not just a tidy novelty. It showed that he could hold his own next to Mario, Luigi, and Peach. He’s since appeared in dozens of other games. Mario Kart, Mario Party, Mario Golf, and Super Mario 3D World. He’s usually a top-tier character in all of them.

The Personality That Glues It All Together

He isn’t just a sidekick; he’s the emotional heart of the Mushroom Kingdom. That squeaky voice, that boundless optimism, that huge cartoonish smile—Toad is good vibes only.

Even when Bowser’s taking over castles or chaos is erupting across the kingdom, there’s always a Toad delivering power-ups, offering advice, or just cheering the player on. He brings an energy that keeps the world of Mario light, fun, and full of heart.

Captain Toad: Proof He Can Lead

It wasn’t until 2014 that Nintendo finally gave Toad his own whole game: Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. And it completely paid off.

The game skipped out on the typical platforming in favor of intelligent, 3D puzzle-solving. The twist? Captain Toad can’t even jump. That didn’t hold back the game’s level design and cleverness from making it a sleeper hit, however. It was so popular that it got rereleased for the Nintendo Switch and remains a fan favorite. While unlikely, it may be possible that it’ll get a sequel in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Captain Toad showed us that he doesn’t need Mario to piggyback him. He’s a full-fledged protagonist when given the chance.

Versatility throughout the Mario Franchise

He has worn hats (literally—he doesn’t wear a hat, that’s his head). He’s been:

• A guide in Super Mario Galaxy
• A racing competitor in Mario Kart
• A partygoer in Mario Party
• A brave adventurer in Captain Toad
• A sidekick and playable hero in Super Mario 3D World

His range is incredible, and yet he never loses that all-important Toad-ness: loyal, cheerful, determined.

The Mushroom Kingdom’s Unsung MVP

By this point, it’s clear: he is more than a supporting character. He’s the connective tissue that holds the franchise together. While Mario gets the credit for saving the day, Toad is doing the prep work, the emotional labor, and the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting.

He may not have his name on the box (for the most part), but the Mario franchise wouldn’t be the same without him.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Give Toad His Due

He’s not just a pretty face or a comedy relief sidekick. He’s a brave, stalwart, and surprisingly capable character who’s been a key player in the Mario franchise from the very beginning. His loyalty, his versatility, and his sheer enthusiasm have made him one of gaming’s most beloved (and underrated) characters.

So, next time you’re grabbing a power-up or questing through the Mushroom Kingdom, take a second to give it up for Toad. He might not be the hero we talk about the most, but he’s always there, ready to help. No questions asked.