When it comes to Mario games, fans often wonder about the canon. Simply put, canon refers to the official timeline and story of a series. While most Mario games are clearly part of the main canon, such as the platformers and RPGs, the status of the Mario sports games is a bit more ambiguous. In this article, we'll explore the question: are the Mario sports games canon?

What are the Mario Sports Games?

The Mario sports games are a series of spin-offs that feature Mario and his friends competing in a variety of sports. Some of the most popular titles include Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, Mario Strikers, and Mario Baseball. These games often have arcade-style gameplay and are designed to be played with friends.

Are the Mario Sports Games Part of the Main Canon?

While the Mario sports games are not explicitly part of the main canon, they do exist within the same universe as the platformers and RPGs. For example, characters from the sports games often appear in other Mario games, such as Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. Additionally, the events of the sports games are sometimes referenced in other Mario games, such as in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.

How Do the Mario Sports Games Fit into the Timeline?

Since the Mario sports games are not part of the main canon, they do not have a specific place in the timeline. However, some of the games do have story modes that include cutscenes and character development. For example, in Mario Tennis Aces, the player must collect powerful tennis rackets in order to save the world from an ancient evil. While these storylines are not part of the main canon, they do offer some insight into the characters and world of the Mario universe.

Why Do Fans Debate Whether the Mario Sports Games are Canon?

The debate over whether the Mario sports games are canon largely stems from the fact that they are spin-offs. Some fans argue that since the sports games are not part of the main story, they should not be considered part of the canon. Others argue that since the games feature the same characters and world as the main series, they should be considered part of the canon.

Conclusion

So, are the Mario sports games canon? While they may not be part of the main canon, they do exist within the same universe and offer some insight into the characters and world of the Mario series. Ultimately, whether or not you consider them part of the canon is up to personal interpretation.

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