Editing Lakitu

{{about|the enemy|the character from [[Mario Party Advance]]|[[Lakitu (character)]]|the space from [[Mario Party: Star Rush]]|[[Lakitu (space)]]|the characters from [[Super Mario 64]] also simply named "Lakitus"|[[Lakitu Bros.]]}}

{{species-infobox

|image=[[File:NSMBU Lakitu Artwork.png|200px]]<br>A Lakitu in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]''

|latest_appearance=''[[Mario Party Superstars]]'' ([[List of games by date#2021|2021]])

|latest_portrayal=[[Tadd Morgan]] ([[List of games by date#2011|2011]]-present)

|variants=[[Aqua Lakitu]]<br>[[Calm Lakitu]]<br>[[Commander Lakitu]]<br>[[Dark Lakitu]]<br>[[Fishin' Lakitu]]<br>[[Gold Lakitu]]<br>[[Lakipea]]<br>[[Lakitufo]]<br>[[Lakitu in a Pipe]]<br>[[Lakitu King]]<br>[[Lakitu R]]<br>[[Thunder Lakitu]]<br>[[Wall Lakitu]]

|notable=[[List of implied characters#Flight|Flight]]<br>[[King Lakitu]]<br>[[Laki]]<br>[[Lakilester]]<br>[[Lakilulu]]<br>[[Lakithunder]]<br>[[Lakitu Bros.]]<br>[[Lakitu (character)|Lakitu]]<br>[[Royal Bus driver]]<br>[[Spike Storm]]

|expand=expandable

{{quote|We're gonna spike-bomb [[Mario|you]] into submission, punks!|Lakitu|Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door}}

'''Lakitus''' are [[Koopa (species)|Koopa]]s who ride [[Lakitu's Cloud|cloud]]s through the skies, mostly dropping [[Spiny Egg]]s on the ground or near the player. When they are defeated, their clouds can be ridden for a short amount of time. In other games, however, they take on friendly roles, such as refereeing [[Mario Kart (series)|races]], [[Mario Tennis (series)|tennis]] and [[Mario Baseball (series)|baseball]] games, and even [[Lakitu Bros.|filming Mario's adventures]]. Many of the sports game manuals refer to Lakitu in the singular, indicating that there may only be a specific individual Lakitu involved (who is named for his species, as [[Toad]] or [[Yoshi]]), and ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' introduces a unique, playable Lakitu character.

[[File:SMB Lakitu Throwing Spiny Sprites.gif|frame|left]]

Lakitus make their debut in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', whose manual describes as "the mysterious turtle who controls the clouds". Lakitus first appear in [[World 4-1 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 4-1]] in this game, where they simply move back and forth at the top of the screen, ducking into their [[Lakitu's Cloud|clouds]] to drop [[Spiny Egg]]s (which hatch into adult [[Spiny|Spinies]] upon collision with the ground). Only one Lakitu is present on screen at any given time, and they can be defeated by either a stomp for 800 points or a [[fireball]] for 200 points. After being defeated, it eventually respawns if the player remains idle too long. If the player is about to reach the flagpole, then Lakitu stops chasing them, and simply disappears offscreen. A Lakitu also disguises itself as Bowser in [[World 5-4 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 5-4]], but the player cannot reveal it unless they hit the [[fake Bowser]] with fireballs.

Lakitus retain their ''Super Mario Bros.'' role in the Japanese-only release ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]''. Like in ''Super Mario Bros.'', Lakitus first appear in [[World 4 (Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels)|World 4-1]]. They retain the same appearance and throw Spinies in the same way they did in the predecessor, however, they are slightly darker. However, in some of the later levels, Lakitu appears lower in the sky, making it easier for Mario or Luigi to defeat him. They also sometimes appear underwater, as seen in World 9.

 

Lakitus return in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' after their absence in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]''. Once again, they drop Spiny Eggs. Depending on the level, they may throw one of two types: a red egg that hatches into a Spiny on impact, or a green egg that does not hatch, but continues rolling on the ground to harm [[Mario]]. Lakitus first appear in [[Water Land]]. There is a single-use item, [[Lakitu's Cloud]], which allows Mario or Luigi to skip one [[level]].

In ''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', a Lakitu also helps in [[e-Reader]] use and conversion. Whenever the player wants to scan an [[e-Reader]] card, he appears to whisk Mario away from wherever on the map he is on. This Lakitu has a slightly different appearance from the enemy Lakitus found in levels. He goes unused in the European version due to all e-Reader content being removed. He also goes unused in Virtual Console releases due to all e-Reader levels being unlocked by default.

In ''[[Super Mario World]]'' and [[Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2|its remake]], unlike the past few games, normal Lakitus follow [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] rather than moving back and forth. Also, when a Lakitu is defeated by projectiles, Mario or Luigi can ride its cloud and use it to fly to hidden parts of stages and over obstacles temporarily; Lakitu's Cloud simply disappears if it is jumped on. ''Super Mario World'' also introduces Lakitu-derived species, such as [[Fishin' Lakitu]]s, [[Fishing Boo|Fishin' Boo]], and [[Lakitu in a Pipe]].

 

''Super Mario World'' is the only game in the main series to feature cloud-riding Lakitus with red shells instead of green. In the [[Game Boy Advance]] [[Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2|reissue]], however, if Luigi rides Yoshi and spits out a Lakitu from a Pipe, its shell is shown to be green, using a sprite similar to a [[Koopa Troopa]]'s shell, but with stripes.

[[File: LakituBroSM64.png|200px|thumb|Lakitu's 3D debut in ''Super Mario 64'']]

In ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' and [[Super Mario 64 DS|its remake]], the first two Lakitus seen in this game are the friendly [[Lakitu Bros.]], one of whom fills the role of the game's camera; they help Mario toward the beginning of the game, give him hints in [[Whomp's Fortress]], and film his entire adventure. Using {{button|n64|c}}, the player can control Lakitu's position and thereby change the camera angle. The cameraman Lakitu can be seen in the introduction and the end credits, and can also be seen via reflections, such as in the room containing the entrance to [[Snowman's Land]].

 

Lakitus also appear as actual enemies in courses such as [[Tiny-Huge Island]] and [[Rainbow Ride]], where they float and drop Spinies on Mario. Defeating these Lakitus rewards Mario with five [[coin]]s. If they are spawned but do not see Mario, they float around in wide, fast circles. In the former area, it is possible to make Lakitu fly low enough that its cloud is under the water, though this does not affect its behavior. In the DS remake, the [[Goomboss Battle]] stage has one Lakitu enemy, and the new level, [[Sunshine Isles]], has two Lakitus in it. They no longer move in their wide, fast patterns, instead following the player at a more steady pace, while slowly moving in a small circle if they do not see them. If [[Yoshi]] eats one and spits it out, it spins out while constantly moving in the direction it is spit, though unlike many enemies, it recovers. Yoshi is also capable of turning Lakitus into [[Yoshi's Egg|egg]]s.

 

In the original game, Lakitu's Cloud is a simple 2D texture and lacks a face, while the remake gives the cloud the appearance it usually has.

[[File:NSMBDS Lakitu Artwork.png|thumb|left|150px|A Lakitu as it appears in ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'']]

In ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'', Lakitus behave the same as they do in the first games, and the ''Super Mario World'' ability to take control of Lakitu's Cloud returns, being mandatory to obtain some [[Star Coin]]s. They can be defeated with any attack, but shooting them with a [[fireball]] or hitting them with a [[shell]] are the only ways to keep their cloud intact and therefore render it usable. Lakitus appear in [[World 2-2 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 2-2]] and [[World 6-A (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 6-A]]. The boss of [[World 7 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 7]] is a Dark Lakitu-like character called [[Lakithunder]], who attacks the Mario Bros. with lightning, and dives down, along with throwing Spinies. Similar to other bosses, Lakithunder needs three hits to be defeated and its cloud disappears with it.

In ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'', Lakitus behave as they did in ''Super Mario Bros.''. This time, they throw Spinies more frequently; Mario, Luigi, Blue Toad, or Yellow Toad can steal their clouds by defeating them in any manner (as opposed to only a fireball previously). Additionally, [[square cloud]]s spawn Lakitus that throw coins instead of Spiny Eggs. Lakitus appear in [[Enemy Course]]s in [[World 7 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)|World 7]].

[[File:SMG2 Lakitu.png|thumb|100px|upright=1.1|A Lakitu in ''Super Mario Galaxy 2'']]

After being absent in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', Lakitus appear in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'', behaving as they did in ''[[Super Mario 64]]''. They are rare, appearing only in [[Yoshi Star Galaxy]] and [[Starshine Beach Galaxy]]. Lakitus can be knocked off their clouds if Yoshi eats the clouds with {{button|wii|B}} or spits Spiny Eggs at it. Once helpless on its back, Mario or Luigi can run into or jump on the Lakitu to defeat them. If not defeated, the Lakitu creates another cloud. Lakitus respawn a short time after being defeated. They can also be stunned by firing [[Star Bit]]s at them, although they stay stunned for a shorter amount of time than most enemies. Lakitus provide Star Bits or coins the first three times they are defeated. One notable Lakitu appears as a boss in Yoshi Star Galaxy, called [[King Lakitu]].

Lakitus return in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', unchanged from ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''. As with other enemies in the game, their shells and Lakitu Clouds turn [[Gold Lakitu|golden]] when Mario goes through a [[Gold Ring]], and this causes them to throw coins instead of Spiny Eggs, similar to the Lakitus that spawn from square clouds in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''. While in the golden state, if the player manages to take a cloud from the Lakitu, the cloud generates coins similarly to a [[Gold Block]] (which is very fast). If a Lakitu is defeated while the Gold Ring is still active, it gives the player 20 Coins, unlike most enemies that give 5.

Lakitus make another appearance in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]''. In this game, they appear in the levels [[Blooming Lakitus]] from [[Layer Cake Desert]], [[Seesaw Shrooms (level)|Seesaw Shrooms]] from [[Meringue Clouds]], and [[Lakitu! Lakitu! Lakitu!]] from [[Superstar Road]]. They also appear in ''[[New Super Luigi U]]'' in the levels [[Spinning Sandstones]], [[Beanstalk Jungle]], and [[Cloudy Capers]]. Their clouds now mouth to the "bah"s in the music. Lakitus that also throw [[Piranha Pod]]s, which grow into Piranha Plants, only appear in the level [[Blooming Lakitus]]. Otherwise, their behavior is unchanged from ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''.

Lakitus are available in all styles of ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS]]''. In the ''Super Mario Bros.'' and ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' styles, their clouds are slightly larger than the source game; the clouds can be taken in all styles after defeating the Lakitu in any way, regardless of the source game behavior. Giving Lakitus wings makes them fly up and down. Items and enemies can be placed on Lakitus, allowing them to spawn them instead of Spinies.

 

By shaking the enemy, the Lakitu is removed from its cloud. Other enemies can also be placed in the clouds, and unoccupied clouds can made available - directly or, alternatively, via a pipe or [[Bill Blaster]] - for Mario to use.

 

Lakitus return in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'', where they are available in every style except for the ''Super Mario 3D World'' style.

Lakitus make an appearance in ''[[Super Mario Run]]'', where they behave the same as in ''Super Mario Bros''. In [[Big Spiny Blitz]], Lakitus only throw coins instead of Spiny Eggs, while in [[Lakitu's Revenge]], they throw Spiny Eggs and coins.

[[File:SMO - Sand Kingdom Lakitu Fishing.jpg|thumb|right|Mario in the Sand Kingdom controlling a Lakitu.]]

Lakitus return in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'' as NPCs instead of enemies. They appear in the [[Sand Kingdom]], [[Lake Kingdom]], [[Snow Kingdom]], and [[Bowser's Kingdom]], and generally do not appear until all the main story [[Power Moon]]s have been collected for a kingdom (most notably, the Sand Kingdom's Lakitu is initially frozen). Mario can use [[Cappy]] to [[capture]] the Lakitu, who can slowly float with his cloud but is confined to a small area in each kingdom he appears in, and can fish for [[Cheep Cheep]]s in the water (or [[Poison (obstacle)|poison]] in Bowser's Kingdom), most of which give [[coin]]s after being reeled in. In the Lake Kingdom and Snow Kingdom, the biggest Cheep Cheep instead gives a [[Power Moon]]. In the Sand Kingdom, Mario can also fish [[Captain Toad]] out of sand, while in Bowser's Kingdom, he can fish for [[Poochy]]; reeling either of these in has them reward Mario with a Power Moon. If an enemy gets too close to the Lakitu when he is not captured, he does complain that he cannot fish under these conditions, regardless of whether Mario has captured the enemy in question or not. Otherwise, he sings a song about fishing when not captured. Lakitu is found at the [[Desert Oasis]] in the Sand Kingdom, the [[Courtyard (Lake Kingdom)|Courtyard]] in the Lake Kingdom, the southeastern corner of the [[Snow Kingdom]], and [[Beneath the Keep]] in Bowser's Kingdom.

===''Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyushutsu Dai Sakusen!''===

[[File:LakituTheGreatMission.png|thumb|left|Lakitu joyously shakes a jarred Mario's hand in ''Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyushutsu Dai Sakusen!''.]]

In the ''[[Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyushutsu Dai Sakusen!]]'', Lakitus resemble their in-game counterparts, but their clouds have no faces (a pair of Lakitus whose clouds did have faces appeared in the film's opening credits, however). In the movie itself, many Lakitus make their debut toward the beginning of the anime during the [[Koopa Troop]] invasion of the [[Mario Bros.' House|Mario Bros.' home]]. After this, no Lakitus are given major roles until shortly after Mario and Luigi had collected the [[Super Mushroom]]. The Mario Bros. are eventually attacked by a Lakitu, who traps Luigi amongst a horde of [[Big Spiny|big-sized Spinies]], although Mario manages to escape his eggs. A [[beanstalk]] appears and boosts Mario to Lakitu's height. The amused Lakitu then scoffs at Mario and shakes his hand before realizing that it is adjacent to his enemy. Though he attempts to escape, Mario manages to take the cloud, which he tampers with until he accidentally destroys the Spinies, saving Luigi.

[[File: CartoonLakitu.jpg|thumb|Lakitu in ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!''.]]

Only one Lakitu<ref>"''Koopa and '''Lakitu''' try to take over Pastaland.''" - "[https://tubitv.com/tv-shows/458830/s01-e28-mario-and-the-red-baron-koopa Mario and the Red Baron Koopa]". ''Tubi''. Retrieved November 9, 2020.</ref> (also spelled '''Lakatu'''<ref>"''When Koopa teams up with the dreaded sky turtle, '''Lakatu''', the heroes head for an actual dogfight in their flying carpet biplane.''" - ''[[Air Koopa]]'' back cover</ref>) appears on ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'' produced by [[Nintendo]] and [[DIC Entertainment]], in the episode "[[Mario and the Red Baron Koopa]]". ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!'' depicts Lakitu as a green, more-reptilian turtle with a large nose, resembling generic [[Koopa Troopa]]s in the cartoon, who wears a red-lensed, gold-framed aviator's goggles. In the episode, King Koopa (using a [[magic carpet]] he has stolen from [[Sam Shalam]]) brings Lakitu to the country of [[Pastaland]], where he scares the citizens, as well as Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool, and Toad, with Spinies and rain. Afterward, Lakitu helps King Koopa launch the [[Wicked Weather Satellite]], and the two relax atop Lakitu's cloud until Mario, Luigi, and Toad defeat King Koopa and destroy the Wicked Weather Satellite. Lakitu itself is last seen attempting at maintaining its cloud, which has been broken by the Mario Brothers' biplane. Finally, this cartoon episode marked the first time Lakitu's Western name was spoken; King Koopa and Princess Toadstool pronounced it "la-KEE-too."

Interestingly, Koopa seemed to treat Lakitu more like a friend than a servant, as Koopa never once insulted Lakitu or got mad at him.

[[File: LakituTAoSMB3.png|thumb|left|A Lakitu in ''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3''.]]

Lakitu makes a final cartoon appearance as a minor, unnamed character (with no speaking roles) in the ''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' episode "[[Life's Ruff]]". Compared to the ''Super Mario Bros. Super Show!'' counterpart, the one Lakitu seen in this episode resembles more to the games; however, it has a more prominent nose and forehead, and the [[Lakitu's Cloud]] is a dark, eyed storm cloud. Lakitu's only role in this cartoon is to throw some explosive Spiny Eggs at Luigi, who is in dog form, to stall him in his chase with [[Lemmy Koopa|Hip]] and [[Iggy Koopa|Hop Koopa]].

[[File: CloudBurst.jpg|thumb|Lakitu in "Cloud Burst"]]

Lakitu's one and only appearance in the ''[[Nintendo Comics System]]'' came in the comic "[[Cloud Burst]]," which depicted Lakitu as almost identical to how they appeared in games. However, drastic changes were made to this Lakitu's Cloud and shell; although the front of this cloud (which happened to be the only side with a smile) looked similar to game art, this front was attached to a larger, flat cloud where Lakitu kept its things and seemed to live in. This Lakitu's Cloud, which Lakitu identified in one line of dialogue as [[Fluffy]], was also capable of speech, limited free movement, and had a large dissipation plug amidst it. This Lakitu's shell was several colors. It was white, black, blue, and yellow instead of the normal green and white. Lakitu itself was depicted in this comic as a kleptomaniac, stealing mostly everything it saw, including its own king's crown and [[Coin|Koopabit]]s. The Lakitu had also stolen Princess Toadstool's crown, which she desperately needed for her re-coronation ceremony; as such, she sent Mario and Luigi out to find the jeweled headdress (which she thought had been stolen by King Koopa). Lakitu, with orders from its king (who happened not to be aware of the cloud-riding Koopa's mutinous crimes), attacked Mario and Luigi with Spinies; although Mario managed to get away from Lakitu, a less fortunate Luigi was sprung up into its cloud. This Lakitu, despite its later cruelty to the plumber in green, actually started a limited friendship with Luigi as it stole his clothing; however, Luigi would appear to have just been playing along when he started a bond with the turtle, as he had found Princess Toadstool's crown amongst Lakitu's treasures and had to get away with it. In the end, Luigi pulled the cloud's aforementioned dissipation plug (raining Koopabits and the like down at Bowser's troops) and got away with Princess Toadstool's crown along with Mario. While it is unknown what happened to Lakitu, it is assumed that he was reprimanded by Bowser for theft.

In its only appearance in the ''[[Club Nintendo (magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'' comics, Lakitu was briefly seen in the opening panel of "[[Mario will hoch hinaus]]." It is shown to watch Mario flying, surprised. It does not appear in the comic afterwards.

Lakitu appeared in various volumes of ''[[Super Mario-kun]]'' where it served as an enemy, and in other issues, ''Mario Kart'' referee and an announcer in various ''Mario Kart'' tracks. In the latter case, it seems to be more wild than normal, as it bonks Mario with the traffic light.

Many Lakitus also appeared in ''[[Super Mario Adventures]]'', where they briefly attacked Princess Toadstool and her Toads with Spiny Eggs. These Lakitus appeared in an unknown desert area just at a time when Princess Toadstool's troopers were dehydrating; when the gang of Toads first saw a Lakitu's Cloud appear, they mistook it for a harmless raincloud and initiated a rain dance to ensure water. However, when they saw that their actions had only provoked the Lakitus, they declared that they had "done the wrong dance" and chaos ensued. After this brief appearance, it was later revealed that Bowser had kidnapped Princess Toadstool and therefore, it can be assumed that the Lakitus captured her and her gang. Later, during Bowser and the princess's wedding, a Lakitu could be seen tossing confetti.

{{multiple image

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|footer=A Lakitu as it appears in ''Mario Kart 8'' and ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' as the referee and filming for Mario Kart TV.

}}

[[File:MK8-Line-Mario-Lakitu.gif|left|175px|thumb|[[LINE]] sticker of Lakitu fishing Mario out of water.]]

A Lakitu starts taking on more friendly roles in the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]]. He has many responsibilities throughout the series, guiding the race most of the time. He most prominently appears as the referee, holding a starting light with a fishing pole which tells the drivers when the race begins (except for ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''), and signals the drivers what lap or section they are currently in. Occasionally, in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', a [[Cheep Cheep]] is caught on the device. Another role he has is signaling the players if they are driving the wrong way, doing so in three different ways: he shows a yellow flag with an "'''X'''" on it in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', a sign saying "''REVERSE''" in ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', or a U-turn arrow sign since ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''. In ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'', Lakitu even puts the drivers in the right direction if they do not do so within five seconds outside of Time Trial mode. There is a secret in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' regarding this: Lakitu can be crushed by a [[Thwomp]] when signaling about going the wrong way. However, in the next two installments, Lakitu quickly evades the hazard without getting crushed. If the driver crosses the [[Finish Line (object)|finish line]] at the end of the race, then Lakitu comes in while waving the checkered flag.

 

Another role Lakitu has in the series is helping out the drivers when they are in a bad situation by transporting them back onto the track. This applies when the racers are falling into a void, a body of water (that they cannot drive through), or [[lava]], or when they are going out of bounds of the track. However, as a penalty for falling, they have to wait a few seconds before they can drive again, usually losing some position, and in ''Super Mario Kart'', ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'', ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', ''Mario Kart 8'', and ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'', Lakitu also charges the player with up to three [[coin]]s if they have any. In the lattermost game, Lakitu appears immediately to save the drivers without them having to plummet. In ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart Wii)|Rainbow Road]] and [[Galaxy Colosseum]], the drivers are shown burning up on re-entry into the planet's atmosphere as they fall.

 

 

 

 

''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' marks the first playable appearance of a Lakitu in the series. This playable Lakitu has a red shell, unlike the non-playable Lakitu which has a green shell like in previous games; this is the third appearance of a Lakitu with a red shell, the first being ''Super Mario World'', which was released 21 years prior to ''Mario Kart 7''. Lakitu is in the feather weight class, giving him high acceleration, handling, and off-road stats while giving him low speed and weight (he shares these attributes with [[Toad]], [[Koopa Troopa]], and [[Shy Guy]]). He is unlocked by winning the 150cc [[Lightning Cup]].

In races that contain underwater driving, the non-playable Lakitu sports a snorkeling mask along with his cloud that has a similar pair of goggles. The race tracks that use this are [[3DS Cheep Cheep Lagoon|Cheep Cheep Lagoon]], [[3DS Piranha Plant Slide|Piranha Plant Slide]], [[3DS Wario Shipyard|Wario Shipyard]], [[3DS Rosalina's Ice World|Rosalina's Ice World]], {{classic-link|N64|Koopa Troopa Beach|Koopa Beach}}, {{classic-link|GCN|Daisy Cruiser}} and {{classic-link|Wii|Koopa Cape}}.

The Lakitu referee reappears in ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'', where he starts the race like in previous games. In an update on December 12, 2018, the red-shelled Lakitu was added as a playable light character with average acceleration, poor speed and great handling. He shares these statistics with [[Bowser Jr.]], Toad, and [[Don-chan]].

 

In ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', the red-shelled Lakitu returns as an unlockable character. He is a slightly heavier lightweight (sharing his stats with Toad, Koopa Troopa, Shy Guy, [[Toadette]], [[Larry Koopa|Larry]], [[Wendy O. Koopa|Wendy]], and [[Isabelle]]), being slightly more focused on speed and weight than acceleration, handling and grip. Lakitu is the Staff Ghost for {{classic-link|SNES|Donut Plains 3}} and [[Dragon Driftway]]. Additionally, the latter track has images of Lakitu in the tunnel and several stone Lakitus in martial arts poses. Lakitu also appears on the poster of the fictional film ''[[Kung Fu Lakitu]]'', seen in the background of {{classic-link|GBA|Ribbon Road}}.

 

Lakitu returns in the [[Nintendo Switch]] port ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''. As a playable character, he now shares stats with only Bowser Jr. and Koopa Troopa. He is also the 200cc staff ghost for {{classic-link|DS|Cheep Cheep Beach}}. Similarly to Dragon Driftway, [[Dragon Palace]] features art and statues of Lakitus in martial arts poses.

The red-shelled Lakitu once again returns in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' as a playable character. He was added as a playable character during the [[Tokyo Tour]], with the [[Triple Green Shells]] as his special item, which is shared with [[Iggy Koopa|Iggy]], Koopa Troopa, and [[Dry Bones]]. The non-playable Lakitu referee gives out tips to the player on the loading screen and announces the results in ranked cups. Occasionally, the referee wears costumes themed after the tour, such as a Halloween costume during the [[Halloween Tour (2020)|2020 Halloween Tour]], a New Year's costume during the [[Winter Tour (2020)|2020 Winter Tour]] and [[Rosalina Tour]], and a Spring costume during the [[Yoshi Tour (2021)|2021 Yoshi Tour]]. The Lakitu referee in the New Year's costume debuts in the [[New Year's 2021 Tour]] as a playable character, known as "Lakitu (Party Time)" in-game, and features the [[Lucky Seven]] as his special item.<ref>[https://mobile.twitter.com/mariokarttourEN/status/1344168842902315010 Post about the drivers of the New Year's 2021 Tour from the official English ''Mario Kart Tour'' Twitter account]</ref>

====''Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit''====

In ''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]'', Lakitu serves as the guide for the tutorials and the referee for the races.

====''Yoshi's Safari''====

A lone Lakitu appears in ''[[Yoshi's Safari]]'', and is fought as a miniboss in the [[Dark Realm]] stage [[Ghost Mansion]], despite this being an uncharacteristic type of location. Like other Lakitus, it attacks by throwing Spiny Eggs, though unlike most other enemies in the game, it doesn't flinch upon being attacked. It reappears in [[Bowser's Castle (Yoshi's Safari)|Bowser's Castle]] in a long round of rematches against other minibosses; it is here battled after [[Boomerang Bro]] and before [[Sledge Bro]].

 

 

When the largely ''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island''-themed game ''[[Tetris Attack]]'' was localized from the Japanese game ''[[Tetris Attack#Panel de Pon|Panel de Pon]]'', Lakitu took the role as a hero in place of the wind fairy, Windy. During the events of Vs. Com, Lakitu is hypnotized by [[Bowser]] and [[Kamek]] along with other creatures. Yoshi, bent on freeing all his friends, then travels to the Breeze Stage and fights Lakitu and its [[Goonie]] ally, which breaks the enchantment and reforges Lakitu's friendship with Yoshi. Like the majority of ''Tetris Attack'' bosses, Lakitu is also playable in that game's [[Tetris Attack#Time Trial|Time Trial]] mode, which makes ''Tetris Attack'' the first game to feature a playable Lakitu and the only game where a generic Lakitu can be taken control of by the player.

 

Lakitu also appears in ''[[Yoshi's Story]]'', but with a less significant role and different attacks. In this game, they now throw rocks, [[Spiked Ball]]s, and sometimes [[Melon]]s instead of Spiny Eggs, but they still ride on clouds, which Yoshi can use upon its defeat. Their clouds are different from normal: their smile is red and more at the bottom. Lakitus themselves also appear different, having rosy cheeks and separate lenses on their goggles.

 

 

 

 

 

A single Lakitu makes a small appearance in ''[[Mario vs. Wario]]'', appearing as a mailman who delivers [[Wario]]'s letter to Mario at the start of the comic. He wears a blue cap and have a blue rucksack. Also, his cloud is shown to have a little tail when moving.

In the second ''[[Yoshi's Safari]]'' volume of the ''[[Super Mario (Kodansha manga)|Super Mario]]'' Kodansha manga, a Lakitu alongside other enemies (now depicted with halos) are accidentally killed by Mario and his friends when they are trying to outrun a Chargin' Chuck. The souls of the enemies are absorbed into the Big Boo.

====''Mario's Tennis''====

A Lakitu makes a small appearance as an umpire in ''[[Mario's Tennis]]'', released on the [[Virtual Boy]]. Its fishing pole holds a screen that shows information about the score in each match.

 

====''Mario Power Tennis''====

[[File:Chain Chomp Challenge - Mario Power Tennis.png|thumb|left|Lakitu holding the game timer in the [[minigame]] Chain-Chomp Challenge in ''Mario Power Tennis''.]]

In ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'', like they do in the ''Mario Kart'' series with falling racers, Lakitus help retrieve balls that can no longer bounce. Lakitu also appears in three minigames in that game as well. In the minigame [[Chain-Chomp Challenge]], it holds the game timer to tell the player how much time is left during the game as well as the total score in [[Balloon Panic]]. Lakitu is also responsible for starting the [[Artist On the Court]] minigame with its traffic lights from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''.

====''Mario Tennis Open''====

Lakitu appears in ''[[Mario Tennis Open]]'', with the same role he had in ''Mario Power Tennis'': saving balls that cannot bounce anymore. As opposed to the aforementioned predecessor, however, Lakitu appears in no minigames, not even in [[Super Mario Tennis]], which is a minigame based upon ''Super Mario Bros.'', due to none of the levels being based on those that had a Lakitu in it. As such, Lakitu appears less often than before. It has tennis gear though, that can be used by [[Mii]]s.

====''Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash''====

Lakitu has the same role in ''[[Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash]]'' as it did in the previous ''Mario Tennis'' game.

====''Mario Tennis Aces''====

Lakitu appears in ''[[Mario Tennis Aces]]'', reprising its role from the previous ''Mario Tennis'' games. Lakitu also appears in [[Blooper]]'s entrance animation, where it uses a fishing pole to carry a bucket that Blooper them jumps out of.

Lakitus make their [[Genre#Role Playing|RPG]] debut as a somewhat uncommon enemy in ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]''. In this game, Lakitus for the most part take up their role in other games, although one noticeable change is given to them: rather than throwing Spinies, ''Super Mario RPG'' Lakitus toss that game's similar [[Spikey (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)|Spikey]]s. Enemy Lakitus appear in four different levels in the game, and all of these Lakitus behave differently based on the level they appear in. Despite their appearances being fairly spread out, there is no more powerful sub-species of Lakitus to take their place later in the game.

The first Lakitu Mario encounters is found in [[Mushroom Way]]. This Lakitu throws Spikeys down at Mario, but cannot be attacked because it flies so high above the ground, out of Mario's jumping range (and would make for a rather challenging enemy so early in the game if it could be attacked). The next one is found shortly afterward in [[Rose Way]]; this Lakitu (who is depicted with a Fishin' Lakitu pole on the overworld) attacks by lowering [[Shy Guy]]s down at Mario and [[Mallow]]. The crew (which then consists of Mario, Mallow, and [[Geno]]) finds the last Lakitu in [[Booster Pass]], where it attacks with [[Spikester]]s. Unlike the Lakitu from Mushroom Way, the Lakitu at Booster Pass can be attacked by scaling one of the rocky cliffs and jumping on the enemy from above. Lakitus can also be fought in the enemy corridors of [[Bowser's Castle|Bowser's Keep]]. In battle, Lakitus often use quick, hard-to-dodge attacks.

Although Lakitus have a minor role in this game, a [[Royal Bus driver|huge, mustachioed Lakitu]] actually plays a vital part in ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' by operating a [[Royal Bus|bus]] to transport the heroes from [[Nimbus Land]] to Bowser's Keep. Earlier in the game, another Lakitu appears in [[Tadpole Pond]] as a helper of [[Frogfucius]]; this one carries the sage across the lake to talk to Mallow and Mario when they first arrive, to give the illusion that he can float in midair (though the illusion is ruined when the Lakitu lowers and can be seen fully on-screen, but they recover soon after); the Lakitu is also present when Frogfucius admits to Mallow that he is not a tadpole. Both these Lakitus appeared riding a large cloud float based on the former's bus during the game's ending sequence.

''Super Mario RPG'' was also [[List of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars pre-release and unused content|initially going to feature]] a Lakitu helper in [[Booster Tower]].

===''Mario Party'' series===

[[File:MiniGameWhistle.png|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Lakitu as the minigame referee in ''[[Mario Party Advance]]''.]]

Though Lakitu does not have a major role in the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'' series]], it does make a few appearances throughout. The majority are mostly, but not limited to, minigames.

In ''[[Mario Party]]'', Lakitu holds a sign which displays the type of mini-game players are going to play. In the ending to [[Mario's Rainbow Castle]], a Lakitu saves the character who came in fourth place from falling and carries them off.

In ''[[Mario Party 2]]'', Lakitu appears in [[Shy Guy Says]] and acts as a visual indicator for how much time left players have to raise a flag. He moves from left to right and does so faster as the minigame progresses.

In ''[[Mario Party 3]]'', Lakitus appear in [[Mario's Puzzle Party]] and [[Frigid Bridges]]. In the former, Lakitus hand players bricks and Thwomps. In the latter, Lakitu saves players that fall into the water.

In ''[[Mario Party 4]]'', Lakitu appears in the intro of [[Fish n' Drips]] and holds a Cheep-Cheep at the end of his fishing rod. If a player falls into a pit in [[Dungeon Duos]], Lakitu carries them back up.

Lakitu appear in the ''[[Mario Party-e]]'' minigame [[Lakitu's Luck]]. The player must stop a roulette held up by a Fishing Lakitu to win or lose something.

In ''[[Mario Party 5]]'', the name [[Lakitu Orb|Lakitu Capsule]] (later named Lakitu Orb) makes its first appearance and allows players to steal Capsules of their choice from other players.

In ''[[Mario Party 6]]'', Lakitu appears in the minigame [[Jump the Gun]] where he will haul a player back onto the last Bullet Bill they stood upon.

Despite [[Tumble]]'s role as the main host of ''[[Mario Party Advance]]'', Lakitu actually does get minor (but noticeable) roles as that game's minigame referee; at the start of a minigame, Lakitu (and its whistle-blowing cloud) alerts players to start and announces the end when time runs out for minigames. A single [[Lakitu (character)|Lakitu]] also appears in the [[Lakitu House]] as an avid [[Toad Force V]] fan, and carries a Fishing Pole with a Toad Force V Action Figure on the end of it.

The Lakitu Orb makes a return appearance in ''[[Mario Party 7]]''{{'}}s [[Neon Heights]], where players can use it to steal one of [[Koopa Kid]]'s [[Treasure Chest]]s at random, awarding the player with the item inside (which can vary in helpfulness). Additionally, Lakitu helps players that fall in [[Fun Run]].

[[File:Test for the Best 6.png|thumb|Lakitu as seen in ''Mario Party 8'', holding the 6,000 pts. sign in Test for the Best.]]

In <i>[[Mario Party 8]]</i>'s [[Test for the Best]], Lakitu holds up the 6,000 point sign with his fishing pole. One Lakitu appears in the minigame [[Glacial Meltdown]] where, instead of throwing Spinies at the player, this Lakitu strangely throws [[Buzzy Beetle]]s at the player for them to jump on and hit their opponent.

In ''[[Mario Party 9]]'', a Lakitu is one of the game's twelve bosses. It is the miniboss in [[Toad Road]] in Solo Mode and the first boss to be fought. The players fight it in the minigame [[Sock It to Lakitu]], where players must hit blocks to send varying numbers of [[Bullet Bill]]s at it. Lakitu attacks the players by throwing Spinies at them. When Lakitu's health is half depleted, it throws larger Spinies onto the field.

Lakitus reappear in ''[[Mario Party: Island Tour]]'' as non-playable characters. One appears in the minigame [[Pachinko Wizard]] where it throws Spiny Eggs at the players, who are trying to stand in safe places. The last one standing wins. In the minigame [[Pool Buoy]], Lakitu flies above the pool, throwing flag buoys; players must get the most points to win. Red buoys are worth one point and gold buoys are worth three. They also appear in [[Perilous Palace Path]] with the item [[Lakitu Leech]], which, similarly to ''Mario Party 5'', allows the user to steal an item (a random one if the target has 2) from the player of choice.

====''Mario Party: 10''====

In ''[[Mario Party 10]]'', Lakitu appears in the minigame [[Paintball Battle]] once a player has been eliminated and drags them away.

[[File:MPSR - Lakitu.jpg|thumb|left|Lakitu in ''Mario Party: Star Rush''.]]

In ''[[Mario Party: Star Rush]]'', there is a space in Toad Scramble mode with Lakitu's Cloud on it. When landed on, the player can pay one coin for Lakitu to transport them to another player's space.

In ''[[Mario Party: The Top 100]]'', Lakitus replace [[Klepto]]s in [[Paths of Peril]].

Lakitu appears in ''[[Super Mario Party]]'', behaving the way a [[Boo]] does in ''Mario Party'' to ''Mario Party 3'' and stealing coins for free or a [[Star (Mario Party series)|Star]] for 30 coins.

 

[[File:Lakitu 3DS.jpg|240px|thumb|left|A Lakitu as an enemy in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''.]]

[[File:Lakitu Wii U.jpg|250px|thumb|A Lakitu holding a Spiny in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''.]]

====''Super Smash Bros.''====

In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', a [[Lakitu Bros.|Lakitu Bro]] sometimes appears in the background of the [[Peach's Castle (Super Smash Bros.)|Peach's Castle]] stage.

====''Super Smash Bros. Melee''====

In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', a Fishin' Lakitu makes a cameo appearance in the background of the [[Yoshi's Island (location)|Yoshi's Island]] stage. A normal Lakitu can be seen in the upper part of the [[Mushroom Kingdom (Super Smash Bros. Melee)|Mushroom Kingdom]] stage, alongside two green [[Koopa Troopa]]s and a [[Goomba]]. Also, a Lakitu appears as a [[Trophy (Super Smash Bros. series)|trophy]], which can be obtained at random in one-player modes or the Lottery.

====''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''====

Lakitu appears again in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' as an [[Assist Trophy]] character, appearing in its original 8-bit form from ''Super Mario Bros.'' It tosses Spinies on the ground when released from the Assist Trophy, hurting players who hit the Spinies. It is, however, one of the few Assist Trophies that can be attacked and defeated. Also, the ''Mario Kart 64'' incarnation of Lakitu appears as a [[Sticker (Super Smash Bros. Brawl)|sticker]].

====''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' / ''Wii U''====

Lakitu reappears in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'' as an Assist Trophy character, reprising its role from the predecessor. Lakitus also appear as Smash Run enemies in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'', this time in their modern look. Here, they drop Spinies down onto the ground from above.

====''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''====

Lakitu and Spiny appear together in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' as an Advanced-clas Grab-type primary [[Spirit (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)|spirit]]. When this spirit is equipped, the fighter's weight is reduced, making them faster but easier to launch. In [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate#Adventure|World of Light]], the spirit can be found in the Mysterious Dimension sub-world of the Dark Realm. The spirit battle has [[Iggy Koopa|Iggy]] and eight tiny red [[Bowser]]s as opponents.

Lakitu has friendly roles once more in the ''Mario Golf'' series. However, its figure is not so important as in other spin-off series. Its most important role is saving balls that ends up in water, thus signaling the Water Hazard. This is its only role in normal games though. In Speed Golf games, it also takes the role of signaling the player when to start playing just like they do in the ''Mario Kart'' series.

 

==== ''Mario Golf'' ====

In ''[[Mario Golf (Nintendo 64)|Mario Golf]]'', perhaps with influence from ''Super Mario 64'', places a Lakitu in the role of a cameraman and referee of the Speed Golf sub-game with his traffic lights from ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' that can be seen at the start of the first hole of any course.

 

==== ''Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour'' ====

Lakitu is used as catcher of balls lost to water hazards and tree hazards in ''[[Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour]]'', which also featured a course called [[Lakitu Valley]] (which despite its name has little to do with Lakitus). Also in the game, he is served as the referee of the Speed Golf sub-game once again, but this time, with his ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!|Double Dash!!]]'' traffic light.

 

==== ''Mario Golf: World Tour'' ====

Lakitu makes an appearance as the referee of the Speed Golf sub-game for the third time in ''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]'' with his traffic light from ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''. Their name can also appear on the tournament scoreboard of the [[Castle Club]], usually hanging in ranks close to last place. He welcomes players at the [[Sky Island]] entrance, and his golf gear is available for [[Mii]]s to use. Again, he retrieves balls that fall into water hazards, as seen in the transition which follows once that happens.

In ''[[Paper Mario]]'', Lakitu are found only in the area [[Flower Fields]], where they aid [[Huff N. Puff]] in his plot to cover the flora-filled place with clouds. In this game, Lakitus, as well as throwing Spiny Eggs, employ a new tactic: if one sights Mario in the field, it charges towards him, attempting to ram the plumber. As well as appearing as generic enemies, Lakitus appear as mini-bosses at least three times in ''Paper Mario''. The Lakitus in this game appear to directly serve Huff N. Puff, rather than just [[Bowser]].

 

 

Three Lakitus and a [[Yellow Magikoopa]] act as mid-bosses, trying to prevent Mario from destroying the [[Puff Puff Machine]].

In ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', Lakitus appear as rare enemies since only one appears in the main story, which is a part of [[Spike Storm]], a Lakitu/Spiny team Mario and his partners fight in the [[Glitz Pit]]'s minor league. Additionally, a more powerful sub-species known as the [[Dark Lakitu]], as well as the regular ones, appear in the [[Pit of 100 Trials (Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door)|Pit of 100 Trials]]. However, Lakitus are more common in case of NPCs, such as [[Laki]], a train enthusiast found near the [[Excess Express]] boarding area and a gray Lakitu with a camera in the Glitz Pit, as well as Lakitu crowd members.

As per usual with ''Mario'' RPGs, Lakitu is a rare enemy character in ''[[Super Paper Mario]]''. In this game, Lakitus are only seen in areas such as [[the Dotwood Tree]] and [[Overthere Stair]]; however, the aforementioned Laki character from ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' is given a reference in some [[Merlee's Mansion]] graffiti in this game and a Lakitu (despite his species's obscurity in ''Super Paper Mario'') can appear as one of the randomly-generated characters on the first page of [http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/r8pj/index.html the Japanese ''Super Paper Mario'' website]. The Lakitu [[Catch Card]] in ''Super Paper Mario'' states Lakitu's motives for throwing Spiny Eggs at opponents: Lakitu's actions are because someone "made fun of its glasses". It's implied that Laki wrote graffiti on the wall of [[Merlee's Basement]].

Lakitus make another ''[[Paper Mario (series)|Paper Mario]]'' appearance in ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]''. Despite most of the enemies in the game having new appearances, Lakitu has retained his form from the last two ''Paper Mario'' games. Only one appears in the game and is found in [[Whammino Mountain]] as an obstacle, throwing Spinies. By grabbing a [[Super Star]] nearby, [[Mario]] can run through the Spinies and to the top of the mountain. Though the Lakitu flies high, he can be defeated at the top of the mountain if Mario quickly jumps into him when he drifts downwards, and this hurt frame can be seen. However Lakitu has other hurt frames that went unused, suggesting that he was planned to be an actual enemy. Additionally, unused graphics for a fishing pole associated with Lakitu's graphics exist in the data.<ref>TCRF. [[tcrf:Paper Mario: Sticker Star#Enemies]]. ''The Cutting Room Floor''. Retrieved November 12, 2018.</ref>

[[File:PMCS aforemention.png|250px|right|thumb|Luigi mentioning Lakitu.]]

While Lakitus do not appear in ''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]'', Luigi briefly mentions that "Lakitu's not here to save us" while they drive across the [[Rainbow Road]] leading to [[Black Bowser's Castle]].

{{quote2|SHH! If we're found out, it's curtains for us!|Lakitu|[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions]]}}

Lakitus appear in a minor role in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', the first game of the [[Mario & Luigi (series)|''Mario & Luigi'' series]], and the remake, ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions]]''. A Fishin' Lakitu with a red shell appears every time a Mario Brother [[Level up|levels up]], carrying a selecting device that allows the player choose which stat they wish to add bonus points to (on top of the normal points gained while leveling up). Once selected, the device then flips over and becomes a roulette that determines how many points that stat earns, from one to three. The only other appearance of Lakitus in the game is before the final battle with [[Fawful]], where a cutscene depicts a pair of Lakitus holding up spotlights to reveal Fawful's cloakless form.

 

A sub-species of Lakitu, called [[Lakipea]] appears in the game. Lakipeas throw [[Sharpea]]s, and can be found in the northeastern area of the [[Beanbean Kingdom]] near the entrance to [[Teehee Valley]].

The remake also gives Lakitu a more significant role in its ''Minion Quest: The Search for Bowser'' mode, where one serves as the sidekick and adviser to Captain Goomba and his squad, often scouting for minions and lost soldiers during his quest to rally Bowser's army and rescue their king. He first appears in the Beanbean Kingdom, when Captain Goomba and Captain Shy Guy are ready to take on the brainwashed Larry Koopa and his minions; he diverts them to a hidden place in the outskirts of the castle town and explains what he's up to. Lakitus also appear as units in the missions [[A Cloudy Day]], [[Chain Chomp and Spike Stomp]], [[Pokey Panic]], [[Rumble in the Castle!]], [[Goomba's Worth]] and [[The Mightiest Minions]]. Their special attack is Chain Stomp, which allows them to stomp on an enemy twice. They are strong against Sharpeas and Spinies, and weak against [[Shy Guy]]s.

[[File:Level Up Screen (Mario & Luigi Partners In Time).png|thumb|left|Lakitu as the [[Level Up]] assistant in ''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time''.]]

Lakitu's minor, friendly roles in the ''Mario & Luigi'' series continued with ''[[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]'', where he takes on his role of level up assistant yet again. A Lakitu with a camera (quite possibly one of ''Super Mario 64''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Lakitu Bros.) also goes to [[Peach's Castle]] presumably to report on the launch of [[Professor Elvin Gadd]]'s [[Prof. E. Gadd's time machine|Time Machine]] towards the beginning of the game; when [[Toadsworth]]'s fainting faces Mario with the challenge of retrieving a [[Refreshroom]] from the elderly [[Toad (species)|Toad]]'s room, this friendly Lakitu reporter aids the plumber with a "cloud-cam view" of the castle, actually the bird's-eye [[map]] that Mario, Luigi, and their baby selves continue to use throughout the rest of their adventure. The Lakitu then flies off and is never seen again; as a matter of fact, the only other generic Lakitu seen in ''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time'' is an unnamed agent of [[List of Implied Organizations#Lakitu Travel|Lakitu Travel]] who transports [[Kylie Koopa]] and [[Toadbert]] to the [[Star Shrine]] right before the battle with [[Elder Shrooboid]]. However, another Lakitu sub-species can be fought in the [[Vim Factory]]; these [[Shroob]]-like Lakitus, the [[Lakitufo]]s, fly on UFOs rather than clouds, have antennae, and beam down [[Spiny Shroopa]]s rather than throwing Spinies.

====''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story'' / ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey''====

[[File:MLBIS Mario Level Up.png|frame|right|Lakitu as the level up assistant in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'']]

Lakitu kept his role in the ''Mario & Luigi'' series for a third time in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'' and the remake ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey]]'' as the level up assistant yet again. However, this is his only role. Two new species of Lakitu are also introduced: [[Glam Lakitu]] and [[Lakitu King]], respectively.

Lakitus also appear in ''Bowser Jr.'s Journey'' as enemies and recruitable allies, where they are strong against Spinies and weak against [[Captain Shy Guy (Mario & Luigi series)|Captain Shy Guy]].

While a Lakitu doesn't appear anymore in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team]]'' while leveling up, they appear as enemies only. They appear as a common enemy in [[Dreamy Driftwood Shore]]. Outside of battle, Lakitus can either swoop down to run into Mario, or they can throw a [[Spiny Egg]], causing a Spiny to appear when it hits the ground. They throw Spiny Eggs (or Mushrooms on rare occasion) in battle. The Spiny Eggs can be hit back with the hammer. Two new species of Lakitus also appear: [[Lakitu R]]s, a stronger version of Lakitu in [[Dreamy Neo Bowser Castle]], and [[Commander Lakitu]]s, which appear in [[Somnom Woods]] and appear groups of two and fight in the background by ordering certain attacks to [[Boomerang Bro]]s.

Lakitu plays an important role in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]''. They host the [[Lakitu Info Center]] in said game. In it, the player can play mission and minigames which goals are often rescuing Paper Toads, crucial in continuing the story. After a certain amount of sidequests are cleared, the player is rewarded with a [[Battle Card (Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam)|Battle Card]].

Lakitus appear in the ''Mario''-themed mahjong game ''[[Yakuman DS]]'' as the host of the tutorial, as well as providing advice to the player during games. He wears an academic cap, as he knows how to play [[wikipedia:Mahjong|mahjong]] very well.

===''Mario Baseball'' series===

[[File:Daisy-mss-intro-2.png|thumb|Lakitu as seen in the opening for ''Mario Super Sluggers''.]]

In both ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]'' and ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]'', a green Lakitu takes the role of an umpire just as it did in ''Mario Tennis''. This time, it calls the strikes, outs, and announces the start or the end of any exhibition game. Lakitu is also the only character in the [[Mario Baseball (series)|''Mario Baseball'' series]] to have dialogue but not be playable.

Bowser brings many Lakitus with him (who in this game fight with appearance and Spiny Egg-throwing mechanics similar to those seen in ''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island'') when he invades [[Vibe Island]] in ''[[Super Princess Peach]]'', and some of them (the [[Calm Lakitu]]s) are even made drowsy by the [[Vibe Scepter]] (only sneaking past these sleeping Lakitus can keep them from waking up and fighting like normal Lakitus). ''Super Princess Peach'' also brings back [[Fishing Boo]] and introduces [[Calm Fishing Boo|a calm variety of them]].

In ''[[Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]'', Lakitu holds the ball on its fishing pole.

 

In the [[Wii]] [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii)|version]] of ''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games'', Lakitus appear as referees in several [[Event]]s, and one appears refereeing [[Archery (Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Wii)|Archery]] in the game's opening. In the [[Nintendo DS]] [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Nintendo DS)|version]], Lakitus also appear as referees and judges in various events.

Lakitu returns as a referee in the Wii [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii)|version]] of ''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games''. Additionally, a Lakitu appears in [[Dream Ice Hockey]], where it drops the puck onto the rink for the puck toss, and also drops [[Wild Ball]]s onto the ice at various intervals in the event.

 

In the Nintendo DS [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo DS)|version]], Fishin' Lakitus appear in some [[Dream Event]]s to inform players of the lap count and save them from falling. A Lakitu also appears in the Adventure Tours mode, where it hosts the [[Short Track 500m]] and [[Intense Short Track]] missions for [[Princess Daisy|Daisy]] to unlock the [[Meteor Curling Stone]].

Lakitu appears again as a referee in the Wii [[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii)|version]] of ''Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games''. Lakitus also appear as characters that can be spoken to in London Party mode in order to play minigames and earn stickers. Lakitus also appear as an element in several of the minigames as well; for instance, Lakitus appear in [[10km Marathon Swim]] in the [[Nintendo 3DS]] [[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)|version]], where they hold the drinks that the characters need to collect to progress.

Also in the Nintendo 3DS version, Lakitu appears in the Story Mode, where it is first seen talking to [[Magikoopa]] at [[Stonehenge]] before leaving, and later appears at the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games. Lakitu makes a larger appearance in the bonus episodes, where it first appears giving Bowser a bad introduction to [[London]], and notices with the other minions that Bowser seems to be in a  particularly bad mood. Lakitu accompanies Bowser to the challenge for him that they had set up for him with [[Donkey Kong]], though leaves early to set up a challenge with [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]] and [[Vector the Crocodile|Vector]]. To do this, Magikoopa transforms Lakitu to look like [[Charmy Bee|Charmy]], and although initially confusing Knuckles and Vector it manages to distract them by doing an impression of Charmy. After Bowser wins the match, Lakitu stays behind to try and calm down Knuckles and Vector. It also appears in the last episode to help set up another match for Bowser, and celebrates with the other minions when his mood improves. A [[List of badges in Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)|badge]] of Lakitu can be obtained from the badge machine. Fishin' Lakitus also appear in [[10km Marathon Swim]] to provide the character with drinks.

Lakitus appear in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'' as characters that need to be found in certain Action & Answer Tour events. Another Lakitu appears using its fishing pole to hold the starting lights in [[Groove Pipe Snowboard]] and [[Roller Coaster Bobsleigh]] in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]''. A Lakitu also appears to drop the puck onto the rink for face-offs in [[Ice Hockey (Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games)|Ice Hockey]]

In the [[Wii U]] [[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Wii U)|version]] of ''Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games'', Lakitu appears as a referee for [[Triple Jump (Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games)|Triple Jump]], [[Javelin Throw (Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games for Wii U)|Javelin Throw]] and [[Boxing (Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games for Wii U)|Boxing]]. Lakitu also appears on [[Copacabana Beach]] after every five Gold Medals or 1st Place Medals have been earned in tournaments. By talking to it, the player receives thirty coins and [[Ring (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Ring]]s as a reward. A Lakitu Mii outfit also appears in this game, which must be collected in two separate head and body parts, and if worn while speaking to Lakitu on the beach it gives the player double the reward. In the Nintendo 3DS [[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)|version]], sprite of a Lakitu from ''Super Mario Bros.'' appears as a character wall in [[Golf Plus]], where it is an obstacle that does not allow the ball to pass through it but disappears once it is hit by a ball. Lakitu returns as a referee for several events in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Arcade Edition]]''.

Lakitu appears again as a referee for both regular and 2D events in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020]]''. In the Sport Climbing event, a Lakitu uses its fishing pole to pick up characters who fall off of the wall, at which point it transports them back to the last checkpoint that they reached (or back to the start if they have not yet reached a checkpoint).

Lakitu appears in ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'' where it served as the referee of the [[Mario Sports Mix#Basketball|basketball]], [[Mario Sports Mix#Hockey|hockey]], and [[Mario Sports Mix#Dodgeball|dodgeball]] matches. It drops the puck in hockey matches during a face-off, and throws the dodgeball or basketball in the air for basketball and dodgeball matches during a tip-off.

===''Fortune Street''===

In ''[[Fortune Street]]'', Lakitu appears when Venture Card #92 is drawn. It travels along the board and forces all shops it passes by to close for the day.

Lakitus appear in ''[[Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition]]'' as enemies with high attack and average HP. Their attribute is Light, which makes them strong against enemies with the Dark attribute. Their maximum level is 99.

Lakitus debut in the [[Dr. Mario (series)|''Dr. Mario'' series]] as assistants in ''[[Dr. Mario World]]''. Their stage mode function is granting bonus points for capsules remaining on stage clear, where each remaining capsule grants 80 points at the first level and 400 points at the maximum level (50 and 200 respectively prior to version 2.3.0). In versus mode, the effect is to grant a chance that the player's first six [[capsules]] will be of matching-color, where it is 10% at the first level and 50% at the maximum level. The assistant is rewarded in stage mode after clearing the first area in [[World 30]].  

===Cameos===

[[zeldawiki:Lakitu|Lakitu]] is notable for appearing in [[List of Mario references in Nintendo video games|games outside of the ''Mario'' series]] such as the ''[[zeldawiki:Legend of Zelda|Legend of Zelda]]'' game ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap]]''. In this game, Lakitus were recognizable, but their clouds had no smiles, they seemed to not wear goggles, their hair was thicker (actually resembling Lakitu's hair as it appeared in ''Mario Superstar Baseball''), and they threw thunderbolts rather than Spiny Eggs (much like the ''Mario'' enemy [[Thunder Lakitu]]). They are found in the [[zeldawiki:Cloud Tops|Cloud Tops]] area and the corresponding dungeon, the [[zeldawiki:Palace of Winds (The Minish Cap)|Palace of Winds]]. [[Link]] has to attack them from afar, as the Lakitu hides in its cloud if he gets too close. Additionally, Link can use the [[zeldawiki:Gust Jar|Gust Jar]] to remove the cloud and render the Lakitu defenseless.

A Lakitu, along with other ''Mario'' series characters, appear as a stamp featured on the [[wikipedia:Game Boy Camera|Game Boy Camera]]. This stamp, like with the others, can be placed in the photos the player takes.

 

====''WarioWare: Touched!''====

In the microgame [[Clawing for More (WarioWare: Touched!)|Clawing for More]] in ''[[WarioWare: Touched!]]'', Lakitus from ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' are among the random sprites that can be released from the ball after it is broken open.

A ''Super Mario Bros.'' Lakitu sprite is the opponent icon in the fourth difficulty level of the Vs. CPU mode featured in ''[[Tetris DS]]''{{'}}s Standard Mode, as well as the player's own icon in various other Standard Mode games.

====Augmented Reality Games====

A Lakitu randomly appears in the Free Fishing minigame included in the [[Augmented Reality Games]] software on the [[Nintendo 3DS]], in which it fishes for [[Blooper]]s. Such Bloopers can also be caught by the player, but they must be very quick, as Lakitu appears for a short time only.

Lakitus from ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', ''[[Super Mario World]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' appear as badges in ''[[Nintendo Badge Arcade]]''.

|[[File:Lakitu SMB artwork.jpg|100px]][[File:NSMBU Lakitu Artwork.png|120px]]

|Lakitu's original design (left), and its modern design (right).

|size=400

Lakitus are [[Koopa (species)|Koopa]]s who employ clouds as vehicles. However, Lakitus have a rather different appearance than the normal [[Koopa Troopa]]s; Lakitus have very different heads with much smaller, circular noses, all generic Lakitus wear thick goggles, and Lakitus have a ring pattern on their shells rather than the hexagon pattern featured on those of Koopa Troopas and [[Hammer Bro]]s. Also, while most Koopas (other than the [[Dry Bones]] of certain [[Paper Mario (series)|''Paper Mario'' games]]) have no hair at all, Lakitus are usually depicted with three small strands of hair, or (as seen in ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]'') a small clump of black hair. They are also shown not to wear any footgear, unlike their brethren.

[[File:SMRL-Line-Lakitu-Thump.gif|thumb|right|200px|[[LINE]] sticker of Lakitu, showing its bottom half]]

However, Lakitus are most differentiable from Koopa Troopas in that they simply ride clouds. These clouds have changed over the years perhaps even more than Lakitus themselves; although 8-bit [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] games like ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' depicted Lakitu as riding clouds identical to certain [[block]]-like cloud platforms (except with a green outline rather than black, and block-like clouds due to graphical limits), ''[[Super Mario World]]'' (which still included these small platforms of old) gave Lakitus more realistic, larger clouds to commandeer.

Lakitus did not speak early on in the ''Mario'' games, due to the technical limitations of the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] and [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]]. The lone exception was in ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!'', where a Lakitu spoke with a Brooklyn accent. In ''Super Mario Kart'', Lakitu began to communicate via signs to help the player, which he would regularly do in future ''Mario Kart'' games. Starting from ''Super Mario 64'', Lakitus received text dialogue, which would be frequently used in a multitude of future installments. Lakitu gained an actual voice for the first time in ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]''. During the [[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]] and [[Wii]] eras, Lakitu was voiced by [[Dex Manley]], who also voiced [[Falco Lombardi|Falco]] in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', while from ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' onwards, they are voiced by [[Tadd Morgan]], who voices them with a higher pitch than Manley. While Lakitu generally speaks in grunts, sighs, and yells, he is notably one of the few members of Bowser's army (along with [[Magikoopa]]s and [[Hammer Bro]]s) that have been portrayed speaking with actual words. In the ''Mario Baseball'' series, Dex Manley voices Lakitu with various umpire calls, such as "Strike", "Out", and "That's the ball game!" In modern games, Tadd Morgan doesn't portray Lakitu with as many words, though he can be heard saying short phrases such as, "Haha, yeah!" and "Oh, wha?"

===Tools===

{| border=1 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 style="text-align:center" width=100%

!width=100px | Tool !! | Game/Series

|[[Fishin' Lakitu|Fishing Pole]]  

|''[[Super Mario World]]'', ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]'', ''[[Yoshi's New Island]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series, ''[[Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]'', ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]''.

|[[Lakitu's Cloud]]

|The ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series, ''[[Mario Golf (Nintendo 64)|Mario Golf]]'', ''[[Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour]]'', ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'', ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'', and ''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]''.

|Lap Counter

|''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series

|Checkered Flag

|''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series

|-

|[[Spiny Egg]]  

|''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]'', ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', ''[[Super Mario World]]'', ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', ''[[Paper Mario]]'', ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'', ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'', ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'', ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'', ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U]]''.

|Minigame Whistle

|''[[Mario Party Advance]]''

|Camera  

|''[[Super Mario 64]]'', [[Mario Golf (series)|''Mario Golf'' series]], ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'', ''[[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''.

{{br}}

|Jap=ジュゲム

|JapM=Derived from [[wikipedia:Jugemu|a well-known Japanese folktale]] about a boy with a comically long name beginning with "Jugemu Jugemu"; officially romanized as "Jugem" in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''

|Spa=Lakitu

|SpaM=-

|FinM=-

|FraA=Lakitou

|FraAM=Lakitu

|FraE=Lakitu<br>{{nowrap|Billolotos ''(Yoshi's Island)''}}

|FraEM=-<br>From the French expression ''avoir des yeux en bille de loto'' (having eyes like lotto balls)

|GerM=-

|ItaM=-

|Kor=김수한무

|KorR=Kimsuhanmu

|KorM=Derived from a story of famous 'strangely long name' in Korea, beginning with "Kim Suhanmu Keobugi wa Durumi"(Kim Never-ending-life Turtle and Crane)

|ChiT=球蓋姆

|ChiTR=Qiúgàimǔ

|ChiTM=Transliteration of the Japanese name. In addition, 球 (''qiú'') means ball.

|ChiS=朱盖木<br>''Zhūgàimù''<br>球盖姆 (since ''Mario Tennis Aces'')<br>''Qiúgàimǔ''

*After being asked what video game character would represent him the best, [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] replied that Lakitu would, as it "seems to be very free, floating in the air, going anywhere," a type of personality to which Miyamoto can apparently relate.<ref>[http://www.n-sider.com/articleview.php?articleid=271 N-Sider] (Retrieved on 2007-7-14)</ref>

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