Poochy

From the Super Mario Wiki, the Mario encyclopedia
Revision as of 10:25, December 29, 2024 by Salmancer (talk | contribs) (→‎Yoshi's Woolly World / Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World: Equipping and unequipping the badge mid level.)
Jump to navigationJump to search
Not to be confused with Poochie.
Poochy
Poochy from Mario Kart Tour
Artwork from Mario Kart Tour
Species Dog
First appearance Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1995)
Latest appearance Mario Kart Tour (Yoshi Tour) (2023)
“Hi, I'm Poochy. Woof!!”
Poochy, Tetris Attack

Poochy is a dog who is characterized by having a spotted coat with a long red tongue, a black studded collar, large yellow lips, and a red (yellow in his Yoshi's Woolly World artwork) ball at the end of his tail. He barks happily constantly when he walks. In the Super Mario franchise, Poochy appears mostly in the Yoshi subset of platforming games. He can be found in certain levels and used as a safe platform. Poochy can walk over dangerous terrain, such as spikes and lava, allowing Yoshi to cross them safely.

History

Yoshi franchise

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island / Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3

Artwork of Poochy for Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Poochy in his original depiction for Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Poochy debuts in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island and reappears in the remake, Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3 (receiving no changes besides a graphical update). He can run on hazardous forms of terrain and charge through any enemies in his path. Poochy is ridden by jumping on his head and looking in the intended direction. He attempts to follow his rider after they dismount and waits under them if he cannot jump to their location, though he does not enter Warp Pipes and doors. He can also swim through water and lava while carrying Yoshi. If Poochy reaches a wall, he crosses through a gap if one is present (which usually only fits him and not Yoshi), and otherwise tries to jump over it, even when he cannot make it across. While he is jumping, Yoshi can jump off his head. He can be distracted by throwing an egg at his head, which he plays with and does not pay attention to anything else.

Poochy only appears in three levels: 1-Extra, Poochy Ain't Stupid; 2-1, Visit Koopa And Para-Koopa; and 3-2, Jungle Rhythm...

Tetris Attack

Poochy appears in Tetris Attack alongside a Grinder as one of Yoshi's opponents, taking the place of the nature fairy Thiana from Panel de Pon. He was originally Yoshi's friend, but went against him due to a brainwashing spell cast by Bowser and Kamek. Once Yoshi defeats him (which involves playing the game's panel-based puzzles against him), he and Grinder are broken from the spell and joins Yoshi as he fights against Bowser. He is then unlocked as a playable character that can fight against the other brainwashed characters. There is no difference in gameplay, as the only changes are the appearance of the player's side and the sounds that play as panels are matched (cheerful barks as opposed to Yoshi's voice).

Yoshi's Story

Sprite of Poochy from Yoshi's Story

Poochy also appears in several levels of Yoshi's Story, helping the Baby Yoshis along the way. Although the Baby Yoshis are not able to ride on top of him, Poochy is able to find hidden fruits and hearts. In most levels, Poochy appears in a single spot, barking to show the location of a secret. However, in level 1-1, Treasure Hunt, he plays a much larger role. In that level, Poochy starts out chained to a post that can only be removed by ground-pounding it, which breaks the chain and frees Poochy. After being released, Poochy runs through the level and sniffs out hidden items. When Poochy discovers something, he stands by the spot and barks, and the item can then be revealed by ground-pounding. After the item is revealed, Poochy moves on to sniff out other hidden items.

Poochy's barking is a common stock puppy barking sound, similar to the dogs from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, and their respective remakes.

Yoshi's New Island

Poochy returns once again in Yoshi's New Island, regaining his ability to walk on hazardous obstacles from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island. He also behaves and is able to be controlled the same way, though he is now able to smash through certain types of blocks and grab items (such as keys) that the Yoshi can then take. He makes only two appearances in the game: first in 3-5, Don't Fear the Spear, which lets him demonstrate his new abilities, and then in 4-S, See Poochy Run!, where he must be used to clear the stage while avoiding Spinners and spikes.

Yoshi's Woolly World / Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World

Yoshi and Poochy from Yoshi's Woolly World.
Yoshi and Poochy in Yoshi's Woolly World

Poochy returns in Yoshi's Woolly World, appearing in Spiky Stroll, Knot-Wing the Koopa's Aqua Fort, and Wonderful World of Wool. As part of the game's handcrafted motif, he has a knitted appearance. Poochy acts similarly to how he did in in prior games in the Yoshi franchise, although a standing Poochy is incapable of inflicting damage. Poochy has gained a few new abilities. Two Yoshis are able to ride him now, and they sit on his back rather than stand. He collects Beads for Yoshi on contact. Poochy pushes loose yarn balls away on contact, though he tends to stop while in front of them instead. He can now pick up Smiley Flowers, Wonder Wools, and Keys in his mouth and bring them to Yoshi. Once Poochy delivers them, he dances happily. However, Poochy can only hold one of these objects at a time, and cannot switch without Yoshi receiving the item. If Poochy is defeated while holding one of these items, the item will reappear in its original location. Poochy will stop and bark at certain objects, such as Wonder Wools (be they hidden or not), Transformation Doors, or Winged Clouds and enterable Warp Pipes to indicate them to Yoshi. Note that this does not apply to every single instance of the aforementioned objects. The pose Poochy uses indicates which direction the object Poochy has noticed is in and this set of animations can inflict damage. Poochy also dances if Wonder Wools are collected that he indicated. If Yoshi tries to eat Poochy, he will whimper, and if Yoshi ground pounds him, he will make a squeaking noise. Lastly, if Poochy follows Yoshi to the Goal Ring, he also dances.

On top of Poochy's normal appearances, Poochy can be called into any stage by using the "Play alongside Poochy!" Power Badge. It is unlocked after completing Spiky Stroll. It costs 500 beads to use it, making it the cheapest Power Badge. If Yoshi starts a stage with it active, Poochy appears to the left of Yoshi at the start. If Yoshi goes through a transition, or equips the badge mid-level, then Poochy jumps from the foreground and into the course where Yoshi is, then move as normal. If Poochy is crushed, he will be knocked off the screen. If Poochy falls into a pit, is crushed, or scrolls too far off screen he will re-enter the stage in the same way he follows Yoshi through transitions. If this jump would lead him to fall into a pit, Poochy lowers a little, then briefly flutters before giving out and dropping straight down. This allows Poochy to be used as an emergency platform. Note that Poochy's jumping over walls is somewhat inconsistent; there are certain walls Poochy will not jump over. If the badge is removed mid-level, Poochy will jump out immediately. This badge can be used on stages where Poochy normally appears, overriding that stage. The badge's effect does not apply to boss battles.

The game's ending has Poochy appear on the moon, where he chases around a Bomb Guy, plays fetch with Baby Bowser after he throws that bomb, and ultimately returns the bomb to Baby Bowser right as it explodes. Poochy holds onto the moon as it is spun around to reveal the backside.

Poochy is given a very prominent role in Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World, to the point where the game is named after him. This port of Yoshi's Wooly World adds a Poochy Hut to Craft Island, and Poochy joins the Yoshis in the opening cutscene. Some copies of the game were packaged with a Yarn Poochy amiibo, this amiibo has several functions in the game. One use is similar to the "Play alongside Poochy!" Power Badge. Poochy will bounce onto the course when a Yarn Poochy amiibo is used, but he will leave if he gets crushed or the Yarn Poochy amiibo is used again.

The three Poochy Pups are new characters in this game. They also appear in the opening cutscene, where Poochy calls them from the Poochy Hut to play after the Yoshis decide to follow Kamek. They join Yoshi in the game in Mellow Mode, where a toggle on the bottom screen has them replace Yoshi's yarn balls and and assist the player in discovering secrets.

Poochy is the main character of a new mode, Poochy Dash, which is accessible from the Poochy Hut. Poochy Dash has six levels where Poochy runs to the right automatically, similarly to Super Mario Run but with faster movement. Poochy can jump anywhere the player wants and can slide to go beneath obstacles The jump is not as high as it is in the main game. He can also stomp on enemies, which does not happen in the main game. Poochy can still crash through enemies and obstacles, but he is noticeably much less invincible than he is in the main game. Poochy rebounds off walls and the hooks of Hook Guys, losing beads in both cases and outright taking damage from hooks. Poochy's beads drain while he is in lava. He is defeated and the level is reset should Poochy fall down a pit. However, Poochy does not have health, meaning he can endure any number of setbacks and still reach the goal.

Another use of the Yarn Poochy amiibo for unlocking special missions in Poochy Dash. All of them require the player to complete a course faster than a specified time. Completing these missions unlocks new designs for Poochy, which can be used in Poochy Dash mode or in the main levels. One design, Golden Poochy, can be unlocked by completing all non-amiibo missions. Designs are swapped between in the Poochy Hut, in the Poochy Plaza menu.

Poochy appears in the Yoshi Theater videos.

Yoshi's Crafted World

Poochy and the Poochy Pups reappear in Yoshi's Crafted World. Poochy appears in the levels Poochy's Tape Trail, Poochy's Sweet Run, and Poochy's Magma Run. Like in the previous games, he helps Yoshi traverse dangerous terrain, as well as being able to grab Smiley Flowers as he could in Yoshi's Woolly World. In this game, Poochy is also capable of defeating some enemies Yoshi cannot. Whenever Yoshi stands still, Poochy may perform some playful animations.

The Poochy Pups reappear in the flip side versions of levels. Three are hidden in each level, and are worth one Smiley Flower each when brought to the goal. Although they can no longer sniff secrets for the player, as the flip side levels have no hidden collectibles aside from the Poochy Pups, they can still be used in place of eggs.

In addition, whenever Yoshi beats a flip side level with all three Poochy Pups in tow within the allotted time, Poochy appears to give the player a Smiley Flower.

Poochy crafts also appear in the game: one is a framed picture of him found in Haunted Maker Mansion, and another is a clay statue of him found in Skulking Around.

Excitebike: Bun Bun Mario Battle

Poochy makes a minor cameo appearance in Excitebike: Bun Bun Mario Battle in the audience to when the players are ranked after the race. As the background is repeated, two Poochys can be seen at one time.

Club Nintendo - "Rummelplatzquatsch"

Poochy makes a cameo in the Club Nintendo comic "Rummelplatzquatsch". He appears on the screen of Mario's Game Boy Camera, which supposedly tells the future. After Poochy shows up on the screen, a pack of dogs comes running towards Luigi and urinate on him.

Super Mario-kun

Super Mario-kun manga volume 19 chapter 5
Super Mario-kun Volume 19 Chapter 5, featuring Poochy

Poochy appears as a supporting character in volumes 19 and 20 of the Coro Coro Comics manga Super Mario-kun. When he first appears, Red Yoshi mistakes him for an enemy and eats Poochy. Red Yoshi releases him in an egg after Mario reprimands him, and Poochy emerges unharmed. He accompanies Mario and the six Baby Yoshis on their quest to retrieve the Super Happy Tree, and forms a special friendship with Yellow Yoshi.

Poochy appears in volume 19 chapter 5, 愛犬ポチ!みんなのためにがんばるワン!! (Beloved Poochy! The dog who does his best for everyone!!), and is the central figure in the events of that chapter.

Also in volume 19, Poochy defecates several times in the manga, being the only character in it to do so.

A different Poochy made his first appearance in volume 15 of Super Mario-kun.

Mario Artist: Paint Studio

His Yoshi's Story artwork is reused as a stamp in Mario Artist: Paint Studio.

Mario Kart series

Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Poochy makes a cameo appearance as a background attraction of the Baby Park course.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Poochy makes his first physical appearance in the Mario Kart series in the Booster Course Pass DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. As a non-playable character, he appears in the background of the Yoshi's Island course, where he is seen atop Yoshi's mailbox near the beginning of the course. Poochy has three different animations: he may sleep, bark happily, or leap excitedly into the air while barking.

Mario Kart Tour

Poochy's emblem from Mario Kart Tour
Poochy's emblem from Mario Kart Tour

Poochy is a playable High-End driver in Mario Kart Tour, debuting in the 2023 Yoshi Tour on April 5, 2023. This marks his first playable appearance in the Mario Kart series. His special item is the Lucky Seven. His voice clips are taken from Yoshi's Story. Due to his status as a driver, he does not appear on the mailbox in the Yoshi's Island course, unlike in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Additionally, a cup named after Poochy, the Poochy Cup, was introduced in the 2023 Mii Tour. Poochy was the final new character to the Mario Kart series to debut in Tour.

Mario Party Advance

Poochy appears in the Poochy Pal Gaddget of Mario Party Advance

A gaddget named Poochy Pal appears in Mario Party Advance. Poochy moves around without the player controlling him. He walks, sometimes sleeps, and interacts with various objects in a backyard setting, such as a Warp Pipe that he can enter.

Minecraft

In the Super Mario Mash-up in Minecraft, Wolves are retextured to look like Poochy. When untamed, their tail is red and straight, with their eyes narrowing when provoked. When tamed, they wear a collar and their tails rise, resembling Poochy's usual appearance more closely. Unlike Poochy in the Yoshi games, Wolves cannot withstand lava unless they have fire resistance.

Super Mario Odyssey

Poochy appears in several pieces of Hint Art in Super Mario Odyssey. He can also be fished out of the poison pond in Bowser's Kingdom using a captured Lakitu, at which point he leaves behind a Power Moon titled "Fishing(?) in Bowser's Castle" before vanishing. This marks the first time Poochy appears in a Super Mario game. Poochy being able to withstand poison may be a nod to how he is able to withstand other hazards like lava and spikes in the Yoshi platforming games.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Yarn Poochy appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as an Advanced-class Shield-type primary spirit with three support slots. When used in battle, it decreases the fighter's weight. The spirit can be obtained either by winning its corresponding battle on the Spirit Board or in World of Light, or by scanning the Yarn Poochy amiibo. In World of Light, the spirit is located on the light side of The Final Battle map. Its puppet fighter is Duck Hunt on the Super Smash Bros. Brawl rendition of the Yoshi's Island stage; the stage is covered in lava and the puppet fighter can damage the player by simply dashing into them, referencing Poochy's resistance to lava and his ability to defeat enemies by running into them in the Yoshi's Island games, respectively.

Unused appearances

Paper Mario

Poochy in a pre-release version of Paper Mario
A pre-release screenshot of Paper Mario, with Poochy on the left

Poochy can be seen in early screenshots of Paper Mario, indicating that he was originally intended to appear in the game, but he was removed from the final game.

Profiles and statistics

Main article: List of Poochy profiles and statistics

Tetris Attack

Sprite of Poochy's icon from the SNES version of Tetris Attack.
  • In-game character profile:
    • English:
      I am Poochy- Woof, woof!
      You didn't know I like monkeys? Well see, I'm friends with everybody. Woof! Especially that Yoshi. He gives me eggs! Woof, woof, WOOF!
    • Other languages:
      • Japanese:
        ワンワンワン ポチだワン
        おさるさんとは けねんのなかと おもわれてるかも しれないけど ほんとは
        すごく なかよしなんだワン
        ヨッシーも タマゴをくれるいいやつだワン けど⋯

        (Translation: Woof, woof, woof. It's Poochy, woof.
        Ukkiki might think he's just a kid, but really he is a very good friend, woof. Yoshi is also a nice guy who gives me eggs, woof. But...
        )

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Poochy.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ポチ[?]
Pochi
Common pet name for dogs, which is from「点」(pochi, "dot")
Chinese 波奇[?]
Bōqí
Transliteration of Japanese name
Dutch Poochy[?] -
French Poochy[1] -
Milou[2] Reference to Tintin's dog, Snowy, named "Milou" in French Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Poochi[3] - Yoshi's Story
German Schnuffel[?] Sniffy/Nosey
Italian Poochy[4] -
Korean 포치[?]
Pochi
Transliteration of Japanese name
Portuguese (NOA) Poochy[?] -
Portuguese (NOE) Piloto[?] Guide
Russian Гав-гав[?]
Gav-gav
Onomatopoeia for barking Yoshi's New Island
Пучи[?]
Puchi
Transliteration of the English name
Spanish Poochy[?] -
Thai โปจิ[5]
Po-chi
Transliteration of Japanese name "Yarn Yoshi & Poochy" LINE sticker

References

  1. ^ Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World. Nintendo FR (French). Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  2. ^ "Ce gros toutou s'appelle Milou." – Omniwalk FR (September 20, 2014). Walkthrough FR | Yoshi Island | 2-1 : Revoilà nos fameux Koopas (1:17). YouTube (French). Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  3. ^ "Bonjour Poochi" – Omniwalk FR (March 10, 2019). Walkthrough FR | Yoshi Story | Partie 1-1 Chasse Au Trésor (ALL MELON + ALL HEARTS) (3:49). YouTube (French). Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  4. ^ "Poochy" – Blooper Star Open scoreboard. Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour (Italian).
  5. ^ "โยชิ & โปจิ สติกเกอร์อนิเมชัน – สติกเกอร์ LINE. LY Corporation (Thai). (Archived September 10, 2024, 06:32:46 UTC via Wayback Machine.)