Star Trek: Picard Pays Unexpected Tribute to Nintendo's Yoshi in Season 2 Easter Egg

Star Trek: Picard Season 2 Surprises Fans with a Nintendo Yoshi Reference The second season of Star Trek: Picard, currently streaming on Paramount+, has been catching the attention of both longtime Star Trek enthusiasts and Nintendo fans thanks to an unexpected Easter egg.

The series, developed by CBS Studios, continues to expand the Star Trek universe with intricate storylines and character arcs, but a recent behind-the-scenes revelation has brought a unique crossover moment into the limelight. During Season 2, Star Trek: Picard transports viewers—and its iconic lead, Jean-Luc Picard—into a dark alternate timeline.

In this universe, Picard holds the title of General rather than Admiral and is infamous for ruthless acts against alien species, a dramatic shift from his legacy as a diplomatic Starfleet leader.

This twist is most evident in an on-screen gallery where the alternate Picard displays the trophies of his conquests: the skulls of vanquished foes. Shortly after the release of Season 2, Episode 2, showrunner Terry Matalas shared via social media an intriguing detail that has since gone viral among the gaming and sci-fi communities.

Matalas revealed a photo from the set showing a plaque labeled 'Y’shi' beneath one of the skull displays, making a clear allusion to Nintendo's beloved dinosaur companion Yoshi from the Super Mario series.

Although the spelling is altered, the name 'Y’shi' and visual cues serve as a creative homage to the enduring Nintendo character.

Notably, Yoshi has appeared under various names over the years, including 'T.

Yoshisaur Munchakoopas.' In comments accompanying the photo, Matalas confirmed that the intent was indeed to reference Yoshi, blending the legacy of Nintendo with the narrative world of Star Trek.

The decision to position 'Y’shi' as a Saurian—a reptilian species noted for their distinctive eyes and affinity for Saurian brandy in Star Trek lore—adds an extra layer of intertextual playfulness to the show. Paramount+ and Star Trek: Picard have a tradition of embedding subtle pop culture references and Easter eggs, appealing to fans’ appreciation for crossover moments.

While this nod stands out for its boldness, it is one among many touches that keep viewers invested in picking apart every detail of the show’s rich universe. Since its debut in 2020, Star Trek: Picard has consistently garnered strong viewership figures for Paramount+ and has helped introduce Star Trek to yet another generation of fans.

Meanwhile, Nintendo’s Yoshi continues to thrive both as a staple character in the Super Mario franchise and as a mascot for Nintendo Switch titles, maintaining enduring popularity across global markets and on the eShop platform. This inventive crossover highlights the enduring influence of both franchises and exemplifies how developers and showrunners alike draw inspiration from pop culture icons to engage their audiences.

For fans of both Star Trek and Nintendo, this moment is an unforgettable piece of television history. For more on gaming and television crossovers, as well as detailed coverage of Nintendo Switch releases, eShop updates, and developer milestones, stay tuned for future reports.

Yoshi Nintendo Star Trek: Picard Terry Matalas Terry