Toad Researcher

"Sensational! You found me, Mario! This is perfect! I've finally found a suitable tester... See, I'm the head researcher here at the Sensor Lab. We develop technology capable of detecting all kinds of things that are otherwise difficult to see. Sensor tech is changing the world! We're breaking conventions and shifting all manner of paradigms!"

- Toad Researcher

Toad Researcher is a supporting character in Paper Mario: The Origami King. He is the head researcher of the Sensor Lab headquarters located on Picnic Road. He provides Mario with three different gadgets throughout the game, unlocked at different points in the story. These items are the Toad Radar, Lamination Suit and Hidden Block Unhider.

The Sensor Lab is unable to be accessed at first due to the red streamer wrapping itself around the building. Once the red streamer has been cleared, Mario can return to and enter the lab. He must hammer the yellow origami Mushroom sitting on the fax machine to reveal the researcher. He recognizes Mario as a suitable tester, explaining his plans for sensor technology, used to identify hidden objects, including Toads and ? Blocks. He shows Mario the Toad Radar, used to detect Toads in need of rescue. He simply asks Mario to hop down a Warp Pipe into the testing facility, allowing him to use this new ability. Afterward he explains how the Toad Radar, like his other creations, runs out of battery quickly and must be recharged in the main Sensor Lab.

Once the Sensor Lab in Scorching Sandpaper Desert has been visited, Mario is able to return to the main Sensor Lab in time for the researcher's proclamation of a new invention. He shows Mario the Lamination Suit, used to make him hidden rather than detecting other hidden objects. Again, he asks Mario to test it, and is surprised by the satisfactory results. He gives Mario the prototype, allowing him to continue his tests.

Additionally, once the Super Marino has been moved into The Great Sea, Mario may return to the Sensor Lab headquarters in time to witness the researcher's third and final creation. Yet again, he requests Mario test the design in the training facility. Once the test is successful, Mario receives the Hidden Block Unhider. The researcher realizes his work is finished and contemplates a new hobby, such as origami. From here on, Mario is still able to speak to the researcher, test each gizmo, recharge his gadgets, and use the fax machine here and in the surrounding Sensor Labs.

Collectible Treasure description

 * #33: Toad Researcher: The inventor of Toad Radar, fax travel, and other useful inventions. Shifts paradigms like it's going out of style!