Is Female Bowser Canon in Mario Franchise?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

No. Nintendo has not adopted any female, gender-swapped version of Bowser as official canon within Mario games, media, or lore. The character known as "Bowsette" or "Koopa-hime" originated solely from Nintendo fan art creations in 2018, despite her popularity online.

As a life-long gamer and content creator focused on Nintendo news, I‘ve dug deep into the mushroom-infused history behind Bowsette and her hazy standing within broader Mario canon. Let‘s investigate further!

Bowsette‘s Viral Origins Among Fans, Not Nintendo

The first depictions of a female Bowser emerged in September 2018 from fan artists, who drew Bowser transformed into a Princess Peach-esque form.

This "Bowsette" or "Koopa-hime" concept became an overnight viral sensation, but traced back to fan interpretations, not any official Nintendo introduction:

  • Japanese Twitter user @ayyk92 created the first Bowsette fanart on September 19, 2018. This drew Bowser with Peach‘s hair and dress thanks to the Super Crown item.

  • Within a week, tens of thousands of Bowsette fan art flooded across Twitter, Pixiv, DeviantArt and beyond. Fans latched onto the idea but Nintendo did not create it.

  • No Bowsette reference exists in any Mario games, media lore prior to 2018 fan works. No official tie-in material has acknowledged her since either.

So where did this fan-fueled mushroom monster maiden originate from to begin with?

The Super Crown‘s Role in Inspiring Fan Art

The Nintendo-created Super Crown item debuted in New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe as a way to transform Toadette into a Peach-like form. Fans applied this concept to Bowser independently:

Bowsette Origins

This singular object kicked off Bowsette‘s entire existence in the zeitgeist Imaginative fan works, but no Nintendo approval…yet.

Mario Canon Lacks Clear Rules

Centralized lore oversight? Firm timelines and character backstories? That all gets the Super Star in Mario‘s world. Unlike franchises like Harry Potter or Star Wars packing extensive canon rules, Nintendo plays things fast and loose in defining what is or isn‘t canon:

"Unlike many other franchises, the Mario franchise and its many spin-off series do not have an officially recognized canon. Therefore, arguments over canonicity are purely speculative." – MarioWiki

Nintendo rarely comments directly on canon status, which leaves Bowsette in uncertain territory until directly addressed.

Given Nintendo‘s historic protectiveness over its IP, allowing her widespread fame seems a silent endorsement…for now at least.

What Could Official Bowsette Adoption Mean?

As a passionate Mario super-fan glimpsing this fiery femme fatale gain internet infamy month over month, I for one would welcome our new Koopa-hime overlord being embraced into the family!

Why do fans flock to her? Representation and inclusiveness matter today more than ever. A female Bowser signals to fans longing to see themselves in Nintendo‘s worlds that yes, even gruff turtle kings can rock a crown just as well as any princess.

Recent Paper Mario games tiptoed towards LGBTQ inclusion with an openly gay turtle couple, albeit with controversial localization downplaying this in English translations.

Perhaps 2023 is the Year of Bowsette? I aim to keep sharing updates if Nintendo every drops the super hammer on adopting her as canon! Fingers crossed!

What do you think? Should Bowsette claw her way up from fan art purgatory into Mario canon? Let the debates rage on!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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