MarioWiki:References

MarioWiki:References is a guideline to help users decipher what is a reference, and what is not. References are made quite frequently throughout different forms of media, be it literary, in a film, or in a game. Because Mario has become such a famous character, he – along with his corresponding game series on occasion – is commonly referenced. The following content is designed to inform any and all users as to what will constitute a "reference" on this wiki.

Guidelines
Because Nintendo is commonly referenced as well, it can create some confusion as to what constitutes a "reference" to the Mario series. To break it down simply, if one were to see any character, object, or place from the Mario series in a game outside of the Mario series, it would be considered a reference. As an example, if Yoshi was seen in a The Legend of Zelda game, that would constitute a reference. However, Mario subjects featured in a Super Smash Bros. game are not considered references, for Super Smash Bros. games are within the reach of the Mario series. The Super Smash Bros. series also contains subjects that did not originate within the Mario series, and whose appearances outside of the Mario series (including Super Smash Bros.) do not count as Mario references. For example, Samus Aran originated in the Metroid series, has been in all three Super Smash Bros. games, and has also cameoed in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, all of which is covered by the Super Mario Wiki; however, her appearance in Kirby’s Dream Land 3 is not covered, since she is not a Mario character nor is that a Mario game. Similarly, Nintendo consoles or other devices that Mario games were released on don't count as being part of the Mario series either, and so if a Nintendo 64, for example, appeared in a game, it would not constitute a reference.

Nintendo's many series are known for being referenced in one another. For example, The Legend of Zelda series has had numerous Mario reference throughout its many installments. This does not make The Legend of Zelda series directly related to the Mario series, and vise-versa. This is why the Super Mario Wiki uses the term "reference".

Breakdown
The following content contains rules as to what can and will be considered a reference. References will only be considered so if featured outside of the Mario series – this excludes the Donkey Kong, Yoshi, Wario, and Super Smash Bros. series. '''NOTE: Constant misuse of the reference guideline will result in a warning and/or a block. It is highly advised that you read this section thoroughly to understand what is and what isn't considered a reference.'''

What are references?

 * Any character that originated in the Mario series, that has appeared or has been mentioned/referenced in some way in a game series outside of the Mario series.
 * Any item that originated in the Mario series that meet the above qualifications.
 * Any location that originated in the Mario series that meet the above qualifications.
 * A physical resemblance that is close enough to a Mario character, item, or place will also be considered a reference, just as long as the resemblance isn't too unseemly.

What aren't references?

 * Any character, item, or place that originated outside of the Mario series, that has appeared or has been mentioned/referenced in someway in a game series outside of the Mario series.
 * Any object originally manufactured by Nintendo featured within or outside of the Mario series. (This includes objects such as consoles, remotes, or other hard merchandise manufactured by Nintendo.)
 * A physical resemblance in a game outside of the Mario series that is too unseemly. (For example, if a non-fictional mushroom were to appear in a game outside the Mario series, it would not constitute a reference. If a Mario series Mushroom appeared, it could be considered a reference.)
 * A real life event that references the Mario series. (This applies solely to personal experiences. For example, if you were to see a license plate with "MARIO" embossed on it, this would not constitute a reference whatsoever.)

If you need further help deciphering what is and what isn't a "reference", please contact a Sysop or an experienced member of the Super Mario Wiki.