Mario

Luigi

famous? as in who is the most well known?

Shouldn't even be a question, it is mario.

Mario. Come on.

i think some of you need to think more outside of gaming. Pokemon was once insanely massive. Pikachu has been its main mascot this whole time and kids/Teens/Parents/Grandparents know who he is or recognise pokemon when they see him.

Mario has been the biggest and oldest face of gaming to date (accept maybe packman) he is know everywhere!

This is why its actually very hard. I wouldn't jump so hard on the 'mario' wagon. I honestly think in global impact its Pikachu!

Hmm, there are a few famous Mario's out there which cause confusion for some people, so I will say Pikachu.

This topic is very subjective... to anyone that grew up playing games in the 80's know the right answer is Mario and would not even consider Pikachu, but if you started playing video game in the mid 90's by default any gamers between the age of 10- 28 years old might actually consider Pikachu.

Mario all the way, the first game I owned and played was Super Mario Bros. on the NES.

How old are you 20.... your first console must of been a Gameboy? did you actually get play any NES or SNES generation games? Mario brand is still on the rise while Pikachu only share the spotlight with so many other pokemon. 

Hands down Mario wins 

Wanna know something? I am 34 years old, which means I am the original NES generation. I didn't even know who Pikachu WAS until I played SSBM in 2001. Pokemon may be a 20 something's childhood, but to the rest of us, he's pretty much non existent. Mario started the modern generation, and saved an industry. Pokemon didn't do that. 

I will say pikachu most definitely.

In offices I have seen people collecting pikachu because they thinks it's cute. They don't play games, and just want something cute and funny on their desk.

A little Mario just wouldn't be the same.

Plus, which one has started in more major motion pictures? That's right pikachu!