Snake-16

I was thinking the same thing.  It doesn't even matter if you think Mario games are all that great.  He is the single most recognizable character in all of gaming.  The problem is, threads like this turn into "My Favorite Video Game Character Is" because fanboys, by their very nature, lack objectivity.  Snake?  Seriously?  I know that the Sony fanboys on this forum fall over themselves praising MGS4, but before MGS, Snake was mostly forgotten.  Even now he's not a character that has a broad enough appeal to be close to "Most Legendary".  And here is the last bit that keeps Snake from being legendary, he's about played out.  His story is really done and he needs to be retired. 

Mario, Luigi, Pacman, Ms. Pacman, and Link (likely in that order) are likely the most legendary.  It is possible that Pacman and Ms. Pacman might even be more recognizable and remembered than Mario, but Mario is more currently relevent.  That is my take on the order though, and I'm not even a Wii owner or do I feel the need to play all the new Mario games, his status in the gaming world just is what it is, regardless of my personal tastes.

I give that post a 9.8.

Profcrab, thanks for the agreement. Although I'd argue that Pikachu could definitely take a spot in the Top 5.

If that spastic rodent is that fucking legendary then the world has gone to shit.

I give that post a 9.6.

It's Mario:

He introduced a whole generation of people to videogames. Had an entire continent excited about Super Mario Brothers 3 with the movie the Wizard (we dreamed about the game). Has managed to sell over 385 million units across 79 titles baring his name in the title (this doesn't include Donkey Kong, Smash Bros, and others where is a major character).

Mario is indeed the biggest of legends of the videogame world, and one of the biggest in creative history, he surpassed Micky Mouse in recognition among children decades ago.

theyre common as **** but

Pikachu > Mario.

I don't think this can be argued with.

Pikachu is the face of Pokemon. When you think Pokemon, you think Pikachu.
The Pokemon games alone have (AFAIK) surpassed 200million units in sales.
Then we have the trading cards which have been around for over 10 years.
The Anime, which has been around for over 10 years... Possibly the most successful cartoon of all time?
Over 10 feature length movies.
Pokemon ThemePark
Pokemon MMO Possibly the most wanted MMO ever?

God Damn. Didnt even think about that.....I want it

Wow I'm surprised Mario has so little votes, he is one of the top legendary characters.
I think I'd say the stereotypical underdog protagonist.

Mario franchise - 222 million

Pokemon franchise - 193 million

Pikachu may be the face of pokemon but Mario is the face of video games.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_video_game_franchises