Nintendo’s Animal Power-Ups Shouldn’t End with Mario Wonder’s Elephant Fruit

Super Mario Bros. Wonder set the Mario fandom ablaze when its very first trailer showcased Mario transforming into an Elephant. The plumber’s 2D adventures are no stranger to animal-themed power-ups, with other titles introducing various “suits” that grant Mario and friends unique attacks and abilities. Wonder‘s Elephant Fruit stands apart, as it actually transforms classic Super Mario characters into elephants, with no in-universe explanation. In the time since the game’s release, the Elephant Fruit has proven to be a hit with fans, with many delighted by the strange, yet adorable, visual that Elephant forms bring to their favorite characters. Considering the transformation’s massive impact in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Nintendo’s animal power-ups shouldn’t end with the Elephant Fruit, as future titles could grow and evolve the concept into an era-defining mechanic.