Jaxi

This article is about the mountable Jaxi. For the inanimate Jaxi Statues, see Jaxi Statue.

Not to be confused with Taxi.

Jaxi
Artwork from Super Mario Odyssey
First appearance	Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

“I'll take off as soon as you're strapped in, but watch yourself—I go quick.”

—Jaxi, Super Mario Odyssey

A Jaxi is an animated feline statue found throughout the Sand Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey. Mario can ride a Jaxi by jumping on its back; the first time it is encountered, it must be paid 30 coins to use it, but this fee has to be paid only once, and Mario can call it at any Jaxi Stand free of charge afterwards. It becomes accessible only after the player completes the mission Showdown on the Inverted Pyramid or talks to it on the Jaxi Ruins. It is instrumental in the acquisition of several Power Moons and serves as quick transportation through the vast desert.

As soon as Mario jumps onto a Jaxi's back, it takes off running at its full speed. The player can control the Jaxi with , brake by pressing or , and dismount by pressing . However, the Jaxi's speed makes it difficult to control, and it slides whenever the player makes a turn, though the player can turn more quickly by braking while turning. The Jaxi cannot brake forever, and it eventually goes back to full speed, even with the button held down. However, shaking the controller also causes the Jaxi to brake, and that action can be done indefinitely. The Jaxi cannot jump, and it moves slowly while in the air.

Any breakable objects or small enemies the Jaxi runs into are knocked over or defeated, and it can run through poison without being damaged. If Mario falls down a pit while riding a Jaxi, the Jaxi returns to the spot where Mario found it. The Jaxi cannot go up stairs, so it cannot enter the Tostarena Ruins. Similarly, it cannot enter water, as seen in the Desert Oasis.

Jaxis are one of two things in the game that Mario can control without having to capture them, with the other being motor scooters. As such, their controls are listed in the Action Guide under Basic Actions.

Concept and creation

Concept art of a Jaxi

To emphasize a Jaxi being a moving statue, some parts were made movable and others unmovable before the design of the Jaxi was finished. It was also given a necklace that resembles a mane.

Jaxis are based on jaguars and sphinxes, and their name in many languages is a portmanteau of "jaguar" and "taxi". This is reflective of various jaguar deities from ancient Mesoamerica, such as Tezcatlipoca. Jaxis may also be inspired by komainu, Japanese lion statues that are believed to protect shrines and temples from evil. Numerous 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 torii, which are traditionally guarded by a pair of komainu in Japan.

Quotes

• "How you doin'? I'm what you call a Jaxi."
• "You wanna ride, it'll be 30 coins. Whaddaya say?"
• "Gotta ride along to get along...bud."
• "So, what, you doing some sightseeing? You gotta check out the Inverted Pyramid!"
• "Controls are a snap: : Brake : Dismount"
• "I'll take off as soon as you're strapped in, but watch yourself—I go quick."
• "Aw, were you taking me to see my family, you old softy?"
• "I appreciate your kind gesture. Come see me again anytime!"
• "I know this place. But my days of standing around are done."

Gallery

• 

  Render of a Jaxi (bind pose)

• 

  Render of a Jaxi (posed)

• 

  Jaxi standing upright

• 
• 

  Mario riding a Jaxi through the desert

• 

  Mario mounting on a Jaxi

• 

Additional names

Internal names

Game	File	Name	Meaning
Super Mario Odyssey	ObjectData/SphinxRide.szs	SphinxRide	Sphinx Ride
Super Mario Odyssey	ObjectData/JaguarTaxistop.szs	JaguarTaxistop	Jaguar Taxi

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning	Notes
Japanese	ライドン・バス[?] Raidon Basu	「ライドン」is a portmanteau of "ride" and「ライオン」(raion, lion), as well as a contraction of the English phrase "ride on", combined with "bus". Reused from Raidon in Super Mario 3D World.
Chinese (simplified)	莱德·巴士[?] Láidé Bāshì	Ride Bus 「莱」(lái) is similar to「来」(lái, "to come").
Chinese (traditional)	萊德‧巴士[?] Láidé Bāshì	Ride Bus 「萊」(lái) is similar to「來」(lái, "to come").
Dutch	Jaxi[?]	Jaxi
French	Jaxi[?]	Jaxi
German	Miauxi[?]	Portmanteau of miau ("meow") and Taxi
Italian	Ruggitaxi[?]	Portmanteau of ruggito ("roar") and taxi
Korean	잭시[?] Jaeksi	Jaxi
Russian	Рыкарус[?] Rykarus	Portmanteau of рык (ryk, "roar") and "Ikarus" (a brand of Hungarian buses popular in 1990s–2000s Russia)
Spanish	Jaxi[?]	Jaxi

See also

• Yoshi
• Blooper Racer
• Ray
• Plessie