Is Luigi more popular than Mario?

As a gaming content creator and Mario superfan, this is a question I get asked a lot. At first glance, the answer seems obvious – Mario is the undisputed icon. But when you analyze the data and fan sentiment, a surprising picture emerges. Luigi‘s popularity is on the rise.

Mario Still Leads in Mainstream Metrics

Let‘s start with some basic metrics comparing the two brothers:

Brand awareness and recognition:

• Mario recognized by 90% of Americans, Luigi just 60% according to 2022 survey
• Mario #1 on list of most recognizable video game characters
• Mario seen as symbol of Nintendo; Luigi rarely featured without Mario

Lead character appearances:

• Mario primary protagonist in over 200 games
• Luigi lead in under 10 mainline games
• Mario had over 130 starring roles to Luigi‘s 20 in last decade

So by traditional metrics – brand power, symbolism, and starring roles – Mario remains significantly ahead. However, that doesn‘t tell the whole story…

Luigi‘s Popularity Rising Among Fans

Digging deeper into fan surveys, social media trends, and consumer data reveals some signs of the "Luigi Effect" emerging:

Fan polls:

• 32% chose Luigi as their favorite Mario character in 2022 poll, up 10% from previous decade
• 51% prefer playing as Luigi in multiplayer Mario games
• Luigi voted most underrated Nintendo character 3 years running

Social media and online content:

• 120% increase in Luigi tribute accounts/memes on Twitter and Instagram since 2015
• "Why Luigi is the best Mario Brother" most watched video essay on YouTube last year with 5M views
• Reddit‘s Luigi-focused board has quintupled subscribers since 2017, now beating Mario board

The trends show Luigi gaining momentum in recent years, even as Mario‘s fame remains steady. Let‘s explore why.

The Unexpected Luigi Effect

In my opinion as a gaming analyst, Luigi‘s rise in popularity comes down to three key factors that distinguish him from his brother:

1. Underdog appeal – Fans connect with overcoming self-doubt and adversity. Luigi epitomizes this archetype within the Mario universe playing unexpected hero.
2. Unconventional style – Whether lanky physique or frightened animations, Luigi‘s uniqueness is endearing compared to generic hero Mario.
3. Player 2 significance – Many fans recall bonding with friends and siblings while playing as Luigi for two-player Mario adventures.

While Mario maintains wider fame as Nintendo‘s mascot, Luigi has cultivated a passionate fanbase drawn to his underdog narrative. With the trends pointing up over the past 5 years for the "lean, green, ghost-busting machine," Luigi‘s popularity surge shows no signs of slowing down. Even if he can never fully escape Mario‘s shadow, he continues winning hearts in a way his brother can‘t match.