Charles Martinet’s Enduring Role as Nintendo’s Mario Ambassador: Maintaining Mario's Integrity Post-Retirement

Charles Martinet’s tenure as the unmistakable voice of Mario stands as one of the most recognizable legacies in video game history.

For over two decades, Martinet shaped the identity of Nintendo's most iconic character, bringing Mario to life on platforms ranging from the Nintendo 64 to the Nintendo Switch.

Though Martinet retired from voicing Mario in 2023, Nintendo recognized his lasting contribution by appointing him as the official Mario Ambassador—a testament to his enduring influence on the Super Mario franchise and its community. Martinet’s post-retirement role has kept him deeply involved with fans and Nintendo’s public-facing events.

As Mario Ambassador, he regularly appears at conventions, fan expos, and Nintendo Direct showcases, fostering a direct connection with longtime series enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

His mission remains clear: to "maintain the integrity" of Mario, ensuring the beloved plumber’s personality remains consistent and true to Nintendo's vision. Recently, Martinet found himself at the center of online discussion following comments from entertainer Ricky Berwick, who claimed via social media that he was prevented from performing Mario’s voice or any of Martinet's iconic character impressions during a convention encounter.

Clarifying the situation, sources close to the event explained that these restrictions only applied to on-camera segments.

Off-camera, Martinet enthusiastically interacts with fans, voicing Mario in a manner consistent with the character's wholesome ethos.

Journalistically restating Martinet’s position, he noted, “I perform Mario’s voice for every fan I meet in person.

However, I choose not to improvise lines or dialogue that aren’t representative of Mario’s character.

My goal is always to uphold the integrity of Mario.

If you join me at a convention or fan expo, you’ll definitely experience Mario’s authentic voice!” Over decades of fan interactions, Martinet has emphasized his desire not to voice anything that could misrepresent Mario’s values or create confusion about the official portrayal of the character.

This practice demonstrates the level of respect both Martinet and Nintendo continue to have for their intellectual property, preserving Mario’s family-friendly legacy across all audiences and media appearances. The torch of Mario’s voice acting has now been passed to Kevin Afghani, who officially took on the role in 2023, debuting in "Super Mario Bros.

Wonder" for Nintendo Switch.

Afghani’s introduction marked a new chapter for the franchise, which remains a flagship property for Nintendo Switch, regularly topping charts on platforms like the Nintendo eShop.

In a broader shift, Nintendo has also refreshed its voice cast for other beloved Mushroom Kingdom characters, with recent replacements for Donkey Kong, Peach, Toad, and Toadette announced through official Nintendo Directs and press releases. Despite these changes, Charles Martinet’s role as Mario Ambassador underscores his continued importance to Nintendo and the Super Mario community.

His stewardship—the commitment to character integrity and fan engagement—ensures that Mario’s spirit remains strong on Nintendo Switch and beyond, setting a gold standard for character-driven gaming experiences.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Mario Switch Charles Martinet Super Mario Kevin Afghani Donkey Kong Peach Toad Toadette