How has Mario remained popular, when other Cartoon Videogame characters have failed or declined in popularity?

[Ocilayton]

There's a side to this that I haven't seen adressed. It has do do with who Mario is. See most of these mascots were made specifically to appeal to a target audience. Sonic Crash etc their appearance and personality all reflect what was cool at the time. There was no demand for an short Italian plumber. That wasn't in any focus group. I think that's what makes him stay relevant.