Poochy
| Poochy | |
|---|---|
| Species | Dog |
| Debut | Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island |
Poochy is a recurring character from the Super Mario series who has prominently appeared as a helper character for Yoshi.
Information
Poochy is a cheery-looking dog who communicates only through barking. He is exceptionally powerful, as he can move around easily while Yoshi is standing upon him, and he is known for his abilities to walk on spikes and lava without receiving any harm. Thus, Poochy essentially acts as a safe moving platform for use in navigating various levels. Like many dogs, he also appears to have a strong sense of smell that is helpful for uncovering secrets.
Appearances
He first appeared in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (and later made the same appearance in the GBA remake). He appeared in three different stages, where Yoshi could ride him over dangerous terrain. The first of those levels was the Extra level for the first world and was named after him, being called "Poochy Ain't Stupid". In Tetris Attack, Poochy initially appeared as an opponent (accompanied by a Grinder) in the VS mode due to having been brainwashed by Kamek. After being defeated, Poochy joined Yoshi's side and was unlocked as a playable character. Poochy also appeared in Yoshi's Story with a different function than usual. Poochy was chained to a post in several stages, and after being freed, he would run through the level and sniff out hidden items for the Yoshi. He could not be ridden in this appearance.
In Yoshi's New Island and Yoshi's Woolly World, Poochy served a similar function as in his original appearance, giving Yoshi a safe ride over dangerous terrain. In the latter game, it was also possible to buy a Power Badge that could make Poochy available in any level. The remake Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World also included a new mode called Poochy Dash, where the player controlled Poochy running through a number of environments, and trying to collect beads and pop balloons along the way. Poochy was shown to be based within a home called the Poochy Hut, where it was also possible to unlock new designs for Poochy by using amiibo and completing special Poochy Dash missions. That remake also introduced younger versions of Poochy's species known as the Poochy Pups, who served a function similar to Poochy's role in Yoshi's Story. In Yoshi's Crafted World, Poochy once more appeared in several levels where he could be ridden. After completing each stage, it was possible to play a flipped version of the stage in which the goal was to find all three hidden Poochy Pups. If they were all collected within the amount of time specified for that stage, Poochy would appear at the finish line to give the Yoshi a Smiley Flower.
Poochy also made a number of small appearances in Super Mario Odyssey. He was mostly seen in a number of the game's hint photos, where he was shown sniffing out locations of Power Moons. Additionally, while possessing a Lakitu, Mario could fish Poochy out of a poisonous lake at Bowser's Kingdom, at which point Poochy would produce a Power Moon for Mario and disappear.
Sports, Racing and Party Spin-Offs
In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Poochy was seen as an attraction in the background of the Baby Park course. Mario Party Advance also included a gaddget known as the Poochy Pal, which allowed the player to view Poochy's interactions in a backyard, similar to a virtual pet. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, he made a cameo appearance in the Yoshi's Island course that was made available through the Booster Pass DLC in March 2023, where he was found on top of Yoshi's mailbox at the beginning of the course and would either be sleeping, barking or leaping happily while barking.
Poochy made his first fully playable appearance in Mario Kart Tour, when he was made available as one of the racers who could be unlocked through the game's gacha feature or in-game shop starting during the 2023 Yoshi Tour in April 2023. His cameo appearance from the Yoshi's Island course was removed due to this playable appearance.
Other Appearances
Video Games
- Poochy made a background cameo appearance in Excitebike: Bun Bun Mario Battle during the post-race rankings.
- With the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack of Minecraft: Wii U Edition, wolves are replaced by Poochy.
- In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Yarn Poochy appears as an Advanced-rank Primary Spirit that can decrease the player character's weight. When fought against in a Spirit battle, Poochy's Spirit possesses a team of Duck Hunt duplicates that utilize dashing attacks, and the battle is fought over a floor of lava.
Canceled Appearances
- Poochy was seen in an early screencap for Paper Mario, but he was absent from the final game. The extent of his potential role was unknown.
Other Media
- Poochy has appeared in the Super Mario-Kun manga, most prominently in the volumes based on Yoshi's Story.
Trivia
- His name is a simple play on 'pooch', an informal way of referring to a dog. His Japanese name is Pochi, which is similarly a common way to refer to dogs in Japan.
- Notably, almost all of Poochy's appearances are in games set in the time when Mario and Bowser were babies. Tetris Attack and Super Mario Odyssey are his only actual appearances in the 'modern' era.