Paper Mario: The Origami King — Mario's companions

Paper Mario Origami King Bobby
Paper Mario Origami King Bobby (Image credit: Nintendo (Screenshot))

Paper Mario Origami King Characters

Paper Mario Origami King Characters (Image credit: Nintendo (Screenshot))

We are so ready for a new adventure with the new Paper Mario: The Origami King, coming out July 17, 2020. In a video released by Nintendo on June 12, some details about the game were revealed including companions. Playing side-by-side with well known Mario characters is an exciting feature being brought back to this Nintendo Switch exclusive.

We have put together a list of all the companions you'll get to know when you play this new game, and a few speculations based on the video released and Nintendo's Paper Mario: The Origami King page. Their exact abilities are still unknown, but we will update them below as we find out more.

Olivia

Paper Mario Origami King Olivia

Paper Mario Origami King Olivia (Image credit: Nintendo (Screenshot))

Olivia is a new character and the sister of antagonist King Olly. She appears to be by Mario's side throughout the adventure to help him foil her brother's plot. We don't know yet if she is strictly a guide or if she will offer a strength compliment to Mario's abilities.

Bobby

Bobby is a Bob-omb struggling with amnesia. During Mario's battles, Bobby is able to jump in and assist as shown by the video.

Professor Toad

Paper Mario Origami King Professor Toad

Paper Mario Origami King Professor Toad (Image credit: Nintendo (Screenshot))

Professor Toad is a professor of ancient history. For a brief moment, you see Professor Toad with Mario walking along a wall of ancient Toads, so his knowledge here is sure to come in handy!

Kamek

Paper Mario Origami King Kamek

Paper Mario Origami King Kamek (Image credit: Nintendo (Screenshot))

Kamek is a magikoopa, previously one of the more difficult Mario enemies named for the ability to perform magic attacks. Now Mario gets to go on his adventure with one by his side! We can't wait to see how Kamek works his magic.

Potential companions

It's not clear if you will be able to play with these characters like the ones that were announced above, but you see a lot of Bowser Jr. in the gameplay shown in Nintendo's video and the dedicated Paper Mario: The Origami King page mentions a Bowser alliance.

Bowser Jr

Paper Mario Origami King Bowser Jr

Paper Mario Origami King Bowser Jr (Image credit: Nintendo (Screenshot))

Son of Bowser, Bowser Jr. is a Koopa that flies around in his clown car and usually causes problems for Mario and the gang. However, in the trailer it shows him alongside Mario several times implying that he may also be a companion at some point in the game.

Bowser

Paper Mario Origami King Bowser

Paper Mario Origami King Bowser (Image credit: Nintendo (Screenshot))

The classic baddie, leader of Mario enemies, Bowser appears in the video as though he too has been folded by King Olly. The Paper Mario: The Origami King page states, "Even Bowser falls victim to Olly's plot when his minions are turned into origami Folded Soldiers and betray their Koopa king, forcing him to ally with Mario and Olivia!" We're sure he won't be happy about having to make this alliance and are ready to see if Bowser comes with the same perks of the other companions.

How will it all unfold?

More information on these companions and how they work in game may be announced as we get closer to the game release. We look forward to learning what abilities these companions have, if there are more, and how they help the story unfold and will update as information comes out.

Alex Huebner
Contributor

Alex has been working with iMore as a Freelance Gaming Writer for three years. You can also find a few articles of hers on Android Central and Windows Central. She regularly covers Nintendo Switch games and accessories as well as iOS game apps. In addition to the Nintendo Switch, you may also find her playing on the PlayStation and PC. When she doesn’t have a controller in hand she likes to spend her time with her husband, son, and dogs, exploring new places, or hiding away with a book (or comic book). A few of her favorite games include the Zelda franchise, Little Nightmares, and Animal Crossing.