Jaxi

"I'll take off as soon as you're strapped in, but watch yourself - I go quick."

- Jaxi

Jaxis are jaguar-like creatures found throughout the Sand Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey. Upon talking to one for the first time, it asks Mario if he wants a ride for 30 Coins, which Mario can either accept or deny. The player is only charged once. In addition to the rideable Jaxis found in the Sand Kingdom, giant stone versions of the creatures can be found among the ruins. These "statues" apparently are living Jaxis in some kind of unanimated state. A Jaxi found on the Inverted Pyramid used to be one of these unanimated statues, suggesting they can go in and out of these states at will. The name "Jaxi" is likely a portmanteau combining and taxi.

As soon as Mario jumps onto the Jaxi's back, it takes off running at its full speed. The player can control the Jaxi with the left control stick, brake by pressing, and dismount by pressing. However, the Jaxi's speed makes it difficult to control, with the Jaxi sliding whenever the player makes a turn, though the player can turn quickly by braking while turning. Any breakable objects or small enemies the Jaxi runs into are knocked over or defeated. Mario can also ride Jaxis safely over poisoned water. If the player falls down a pit while riding a Jaxi, the Jaxi returns to the spot the player found it.

Jaxis are likely based off of, Japanese lion statues meant to protect shrines and temples from evil. Various tales exist about normally stoic komainu statues suddenly coming to life, similar to Jaxis. Notably, the first stone Jaxis encountered in the ruins are before a large gate reminiscent of a, which are traditionally guarded by a pair of komainu in Japan. Additionally, the design of the Jaxis is reflective of various jaguar deities from ancient Mesoamerica, such as.