Editing Lakitu

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{{about|the enemy|the referee from the Mario Kart series|[[Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)]]|the space from [[Mario Party: Star Rush]]|[[Lakitu (space)]]|the characters from [[Super Mario 64]] also simply named "Lakitus"|[[Lakitu Bros.]]}}
{{species infobox
|image=[[File:NSMBU Lakitu Artwork.png|200px]]<br>A Lakitu in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]''
|first_appearance=''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' ([[List of games by date#1985|1985]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)|Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' ([[Nintendo Switch]]) ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
|latest_portrayal=[[Tadd Morgan]] ([[List of games by date#2011|2011]]-present)
|variant_of=[[Koopa (species)|Koopa]]
|variants=[[Aqua Lakitu]]<br>[[Calm Lakitu]]<br>[[Commander Lakitu]]<br>[[Dark Lakitu]]<br>[[Fishin' Lakitu]]<br>[[Gold Lakitu]]<br>[[Lakipea]]<br>[[Lakitufo]]<br>[[Lakitu King]]<br>[[Lakitu R]]<br>[[Thunder Lakitu]]<br>[[Wall Lakitu]]
|relatives=[[Lakitu's Cloud]]<br>[[Spiny Egg]]
|notable=[[List of implied characters#Flight|Flight]]<br>[[King Lakitu]]<br>[[Laki]]<br>[[Lakilester]]<br>[[Lakilulu]]<br>[[Lakithunder]]<br>[[Lakitu Bros.]]<br>[[Royal bus driver]]<br>[[Spike Storm]]
|collapsed=true
}}
{{quote|We're gonna spike-bomb [[Mario|you]] into submission, punks!|Lakitu|Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door}}
'''Lakitus''' are [[Koopa (species)|Koopas]] which ride [[Lakitu's Cloud|clouds]] through the skies, mostly dropping [[Spiny Egg]]s on the ground or near the player. When they are defeated, their clouds can sometimes be ridden for a short amount of time. In other games, however, they take on friendly roles, such as [[Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)|refereeing]] [[Mario Kart (series)|races]], [[Mario Tennis (series)|tennis]] and [[Mario Baseball (series)|baseball]] games, and even [[Lakitu Bros.|filming Mario's adventures]]. Many of the sports game manuals refer to Lakitu in the singular, indicating that there may only be a specific individual Lakitu involved (who is named for his species, as [[Toad]] or [[Yoshi]]), and ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' introduces a unique, playable Lakitu character.
==History==
===''Super Mario'' series===
====''Super Mario Bros.''====
[[File:SMB Lakitu Throwing Spiny Sprites.gif|frame|left]]
Lakitus make their debut in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', whose manual describes as "the mysterious turtle who controls the clouds". Lakitus first appear in [[World 4-1 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 4-1]] in this game, where they simply move back and forth at the top of the screen, ducking into their [[Lakitu's Cloud|clouds]] to drop [[Spiny Egg|Spiny's egg]]s (which hatch into adult [[Spiny|Spinies]] upon collision with the ground). Only one Lakitu is present on screen at any given time, and they can be defeated by either a stomp for 800 points or a [[fireball]] for 200 points. After being defeated, it eventually respawns if the player remains idle too long. If the player is about to reach the flagpole, then Lakitu stops chasing them, and simply disappears offscreen. A Lakitu also disguises itself as Bowser in [[World 5-4 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 5-4]], but the player cannot reveal it unless they hit the [[fake Bowser]] with fireballs.

====''Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels''====
Lakitus in ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]'' retain their behavior and role from ''Super Mario Bros.'' They are first encountered in [[World 4 (Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels)|World 4-1]]. They retain the same appearance and throw Spiny's eggs in the same way they did in the predecessor, however, they are slightly darker. However, in some of the later levels, Lakitu appears lower in the sky, making it easier for Mario or Luigi to defeat him. They also sometimes appear underwater, as seen in World 9. In underwater levels, the outline of Lakitu's cloud is colored gray like with all green enemies encountered there, including the "green" Cheep Cheeps, but this is reverted in the ''Super Mario All-Stars'' version, where all green enemies are colored normally regardless of what level environment they appear in.

====''Super Mario Bros. 3'' / ''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3''====
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Lakitus return in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' after their absence in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]''. Once again, they drop [[Spiny Egg]]s. Depending on the level, they may throw one of two types: a red egg that hatches into a Spiny on impact, or a green egg that does not hatch, but continues rolling on the ground to harm [[Mario]]. Lakitus first appear in [[Water Land]]. There is a single-use item, [[Lakitu's Cloud]], which allows Mario or Luigi to skip one [[level]].

In ''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', a Lakitu also helps in [[e-Reader]] use and conversion. Whenever the player wants to scan an [[e-Reader]] card, he appears to whisk Mario away from wherever on the map he is on. This Lakitu has a slightly different appearance from the enemy Lakitus found in levels. He does not appear in the European version due to all e-Reader content being removed, as well as in the Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online releases due to all e-Reader levels being unlocked by default.

====''Super Mario World'' / ''Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2''====
[[File:LakituSMW.png|frame|left]]
In ''[[Super Mario World]]'' and [[Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2|its reissue]], unlike the past few games, normal Lakitus follow [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] rather than moving back and forth. Also, when a Lakitu is defeated by projectiles, Mario or Luigi can ride its cloud and use it to fly to hidden parts of stages and over obstacles temporarily; Lakitu's Cloud simply disappears if it is jumped on. ''Super Mario World'' also introduces Lakitu-derived species, such as [[Fishin' Lakitu]]s, [[Fishing Boo|Fishin' Boo]], and '''Lakitu in a Pipe'''.<ref>{{cite|title=Nintendo ''[[Mario Mania]]'' Player's Guide|page=50|date=August 1991|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref> Lakitus in Pipes act like normal Lakitus, but as their name implies, they are found in stationary pipes instead of clouds.

''Super Mario World'' is the only game in the main series to feature cloud-riding Lakitus with red shells instead of green. In the [[Game Boy Advance]] reissue, however, if Luigi rides Yoshi and spits out a Lakitu from a Pipe, its shell is shown to be green, using a sprite similar to a [[Koopa Troopa]]'s shell but with stripes.

====''Super Mario 64'' / ''Super Mario 64 DS''====
{{main|Lakitu Bros.}}
[[File: LakituBroSM64.png|200px|thumb|Lakitu's 3D debut in ''Super Mario 64'']]
In ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' and [[Super Mario 64 DS|its remake]], the first two Lakitus seen in this game are the friendly [[Lakitu Bros.]], one of whom fills the role of the game's camera; they help Mario toward the beginning of the game, give him hints in [[Whomp's Fortress]], and film his entire adventure. Using {{button|n64|c}}, the player can control Lakitu's position and thereby change the camera angle. The cameraman Lakitu can be seen in the introduction and the end credits, and can also be seen via reflections, such as in the room containing the entrance to [[Snowman's Land]].

Lakitus also appear as actual enemies in the courses [[Tiny-Huge Island]] and [[Rainbow Ride]], where they float and drop [[Spiny Egg|Spiny bomb]]s on Mario. Defeating these Lakitus rewards Mario with five [[coin]]s. If they are spawned but do not see Mario, they float around in wide, fast circles. In the former area, it is possible to make Lakitu fly low enough that its cloud is under the water, though this does not affect its behavior. In the DS remake, the [[Goomboss Battle]] stage has one Lakitu enemy, and the new level, [[Sunshine Isles]], has two Lakitus in it. They no longer move in their wide, fast patterns, instead following the player at a more steady pace, while slowly moving in a small circle if they do not see them. If [[Yoshi]] eats one and spits it out, it spins out while constantly moving in the direction it is spit, though unlike many enemies, it recovers. Yoshi is also capable of turning Lakitus into [[Yoshi's Egg|egg]]s.

In the original game, Lakitu's Cloud is a simple 2D texture and lacks a face, while the remake gives the cloud the appearance it usually has.
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====''New Super Mario Bros.''====
[[File:NSMB Lakitu.png|150px|thumb]]
[[File:NSMBDS Lakitu Artwork.png|thumb|left|150px|A Lakitu as it appears in ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'']]
In ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'', Lakitus behave the same as they do in the first games, and the ''Super Mario World'' ability to take control of Lakitu's Cloud returns, which is mandatory to obtain some [[Star Coin]]s. They can be defeated for 1000 points with any attack, but like in ''Super Mario World'', their cloud cannot be ridden if the player defeats them with a jump as the cloud simply disappears. Lakitus appear in [[World 2-2 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 2-2]] and [[World 6-A (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 6-A]]. The boss of [[World 7 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 7]] is a Dark Lakitu-like character called [[Lakithunder]], who attacks the Mario Bros. with lightning, and dives down, along with throwing [[Spiny Egg]]s. Similar to other bosses, Lakithunder needs three hits to be defeated and its cloud disappears with it.

====''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''====
In ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'', Lakitus behave as they did in ''Super Mario Bros.'' This time, they throw Spiny Eggs more frequently; Mario, Luigi, Blue Toad, or Yellow Toad can steal their clouds by defeating them in any manner (as opposed to only a fireball previously). Additionally, [[square cloud]]s spawn Lakitus that throw coins instead of Spiny Eggs. Lakitus appear in [[World 2-5 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)|World 2-5]], [[World 4-5 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)|World 4-5]], and the [[Enemy Course]]s in [[World 7 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)|World 7]].

====''Super Mario Galaxy 2''====
[[File:SMG2 Lakitu.png|thumb|100px|upright=1.1|A Lakitu in ''Super Mario Galaxy 2'']]
After being absent in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', Lakitus appear in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'', behaving as they did in ''[[Super Mario 64]]''. They are rare, appearing only in [[Yoshi Star Galaxy]] and [[Starshine Beach Galaxy]]. Lakitus can be knocked off their clouds if Yoshi eats the clouds with {{button|wii|B}} or spits Spiny Eggs at it. Once helpless on its back, Mario or Luigi can run into or jump on the Lakitu to defeat them. If not defeated, the Lakitu creates another cloud. Lakitus respawn a short time after being defeated. They can also be stunned by shooting [[Star Bit]]s at them, although they stay stunned for a shorter amount of time than most enemies. Lakitus provide Star Bits or coins the first three times they are defeated. One notable Lakitu appears as a boss in Yoshi Star Galaxy, called [[King Lakitu]].

====''New Super Mario Bros. 2''====
[[File:Golden Lakitu Artwork - New Super Mario Bros. 2.png|thumb|left|A [[Gold Lakitu]] throwing [[Coin]]s in ''New Super Mario Bros. 2''.]]
Lakitus return in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', unchanged from ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''. As with other enemies in the game, their shells and Lakitu Clouds turn [[Gold Lakitu|golden]] when Mario goes through a [[Gold Ring]], and this causes them to throw coins instead of Spiny Eggs, similar to the Lakitus that spawn from square clouds in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''. While in the golden state, if the player manages to take a cloud from the Lakitu, the cloud generates coins similarly to a [[Gold Block]]. If a Lakitu is defeated while the Gold Ring is still active, it gives the player 20 Coins, unlike most enemies that give 5.

====''New Super Mario Bros. U'' / ''New Super Luigi U'' / ''New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe''====
[[File:NSMBU Lakitu and Piranha Pod Artwork.jpg|thumb|125px|Lakitu with a Piranha Pod in ''New Super Mario Bros. U''.]]
Lakitus make another appearance in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]''. In this game, they appear in the levels [[Blooming Lakitus]] from [[Layer Cake Desert]], [[Seesaw Shrooms (level)|Seesaw Shrooms]] from [[Meringue Clouds]], and [[Lakitu! Lakitu! Lakitu!]] from [[Superstar Road]]. They also appear in ''[[New Super Luigi U]]'' in the levels [[Spinning Sandstones]], [[Beanstalk Jungle]], and [[Cloudy Capers]]. Their clouds now mouth to the "bah"s in the music. Lakitus that also throw [[Piranha Pod]]s, which grow into Piranha Plants, only appear in the level [[Blooming Lakitus]]. Otherwise, their behavior is unchanged from ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''.

====''Super Mario Maker'' / ''Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS'' / ''Super Mario Maker 2''====
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|image1=SMM-SMB-Lakitu.png|alt1=Super Mario Bros.-style Lakitu|width1=20|caption1=<!--SMB-->
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Lakitus are available in all styles of ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS]]''. In the ''Super Mario Bros.'' and ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' styles, their clouds are slightly larger than the source game; the clouds can be taken in all styles after defeating the Lakitu in any way, regardless of the source game behavior. Giving Lakitus wings makes them fly up and down. Items and enemies can be placed on Lakitus, allowing them to spawn them instead of Spinies.

By shaking the enemy, the Lakitu is removed from its cloud. Other enemies can also be placed in the clouds, and unoccupied clouds can made available - directly or, alternatively, via a pipe or [[Bill Blaster]] - for Mario to use.

Lakitus return in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'', where they are available in every style except for the ''Super Mario 3D World'' style.

====''Super Mario Run''====
Lakitus make an appearance in ''[[Super Mario Run]]'', where they behave the same as in ''Super Mario Bros''. In [[Big Spiny Blitz]], Lakitus only throw coins instead of Spiny Eggs, while in [[Lakitu's Revenge]], they throw Spiny Eggs and coins.

====''Super Mario Odyssey''====
[[File:SMO - Sand Kingdom Lakitu Fishing.jpg|thumb|Mario in the Sand Kingdom controlling a Lakitu.]]
Lakitus return in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'' as NPCs instead of enemies. They appear in the [[Sand Kingdom]], [[Lake Kingdom]], [[Snow Kingdom]], and [[Bowser's Kingdom]], and generally do not appear until all the main story [[Power Moon]]s have been collected for a kingdom (most notably, the Sand Kingdom's Lakitu is initially frozen). Mario can use [[Cappy]] to [[capture]] the Lakitu, who can slowly float with his cloud but is confined to a small area in each kingdom he appears in, and can fish for [[Cheep Cheep]]s in the water (or [[Poison (obstacle)|poison]] in Bowser's Kingdom), most of which give [[coin]]s after being reeled in. In the Lake Kingdom and Snow Kingdom, the biggest Cheep Cheep instead gives a [[Power Moon]]. In the Sand Kingdom, Mario can also fish [[Captain Toad]] out of sand, while in Bowser's Kingdom, he can fish for [[Poochy]]; reeling either of these in has them reward Mario with a Power Moon. If an enemy gets too close to the Lakitu when he is not captured, he does complain that he cannot fish under these conditions, regardless of whether Mario has captured the enemy in question or not. Otherwise, he sings a song about fishing when not captured. Lakitu is found at the [[Desert Oasis (Super Mario Odyssey)|Desert Oasis]] in the Sand Kingdom, the [[Courtyard (Lake Kingdom)|Courtyard]] in the Lake Kingdom, the southeastern corner of the [[Snow Kingdom]], and [[Beneath the Keep]] in Bowser's Kingdom.

====''Super Mario Bros. Wonder''====
[[File:SMBWLakitu.jpg|thumb|A Lakitu in ''Super Mario Bros. Wonder'']]
Lakitus reappear in ''[[Super Mario Bros. Wonder]]'' as enemies. They revert to their standard 3D appearance, used in most games since ''[[Mario Party 4]]'', for the first time in a 2D ''Mario'' platformer since ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'' This design replaces the larger-eyed, in-game design they received in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' and retained through its sequels and ''[[Super Mario Run]]''. A trio of Lakitus in one cloud also appears in [[Cruising with Linking Lifts]]'s [[Wonder Effect]], throwing coins, [[Wonder Token]]s, and [[1-Up Mushroom]]s; as well as in the [[Special World]] level [[Shining Falls Special Triple Threat Deluge]].
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===''Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!''===
[[File:LakituTheGreatMission.png|thumb|left|Lakitu joyously shakes a jarred Mario's hand in ''Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!''.]]
In the ''[[Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!]]'', Lakitus resemble their in-game counterparts, but their clouds have no faces (a pair of Lakitus whose clouds did have faces appeared in the film's opening credits, however). In the movie itself, many Lakitus make their debut toward the beginning of the anime during the [[Koopa Troop]] invasion of the [[Mario Bros.' House|Mario Bros.' home]]. After this, no Lakitus are given major roles until shortly after Mario and Luigi had collected the [[Super Mushroom]]. The Mario Bros. are eventually attacked by a Lakitu, who explains that he wanted lure Mario and Luigi into his Piranha Plant garden in order to feed his plants, and that they will pay for having destroyed his garden. He traps Luigi amongst a horde of [[Big Spiny|big-sized Spinies]], although Mario manages to escape his eggs. A [[beanstalk]] appears and boosts Mario to Lakitu's height. The amused Lakitu then scoffs at Mario and shakes his hand before realizing that it is adjacent to his enemy. Though he attempts to escape, Mario manages to take the cloud, which he tampers with until he accidentally destroys the Spinies, saving Luigi.

===DIC cartoons===
====''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!''====
{{quote|I prefer clouds myself, but at least it's snowing and freezing down there! Hehehehehehehe!|Lakitu|"[[Mario and the Red Baron Koopa]]"}}
[[File: CartoonLakitu.jpg|thumb|Lakitu in ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!'' episode "[[Mario and the Red Baron Koopa]].]]
Only one Lakitu<ref>{{cite|quote=Koopa and '''Lakitu''' try to take over Pastaland.|url=tubitv.com/tv-shows/458830/s01-e28-mario-and-the-red-baron-koopa Mario and the Red Baron Koopa|title=Mario and the Red Baron Koopa|publisher=Tubi|accessdate=November 9, 2020}}</ref> (also spelled '''Lakatu''')<ref>{{cite|quote=When Koopa teams up with the dreaded sky turtle, '''Lakatu''', the heroes head for an actual dogfight in their flying carpet biplane.|title=''[[Air Koopa]]'' back cover}}</ref> appears on ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'' produced by [[Nintendo]] and [[DIC Entertainment]], in the episode "[[Mario and the Red Baron Koopa]]." ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!'' depicts Lakitu as a green, more-reptilian turtle with a large nose, resembling generic [[Koopa Troopa]]s in the cartoon, who wears a red-lensed, gold-framed aviator's goggles. In the episode, King Koopa (using a [[magic carpet]] he has stolen from [[Sam Shalam]]) brings Lakitu to the country of [[Pastaland]], where he scares the citizens, as well as Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool, and Toad, with Spinies and rain. Afterward, Lakitu helps King Koopa launch the [[Wicked Weather Satellite]], and the two relax atop Lakitu's cloud until Mario, Luigi, and Toad defeat King Koopa and destroy the Wicked Weather Satellite. Lakitu itself is last seen attempting at maintaining its cloud, which has been broken by the Mario Brothers' biplane. Finally, this cartoon episode marked the first time Lakitu's Western name was spoken; King Koopa and Princess Toadstool pronounced it "la-KEE-too."

Koopa seemed to treat Lakitu more like a friend than a servant, as Koopa never once insulted Lakitu or got mad at him.

====''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3''====
[[File: LakituTAoSMB3.png|thumb|left|A Lakitu in ''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'' episode "[[Life's Ruff]]".]]
Lakitu makes a final cartoon appearance as a minor, unnamed character (with no speaking roles) in the ''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' episode "[[Life's Ruff]]". Compared to the ''Super Mario Bros. Super Show!'' counterpart, the one Lakitu seen in this episode resembles more to the games; however, it has beak much like regular Koopas, and the [[Lakitu's Cloud]] is a dark, eyed storm cloud (a trait shared with [[Lakithunder]] from ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]''). Lakitu's only role in this cartoon is to throw some explosive Spiny Eggs at Luigi, who is in dog form, to stall him in his chase with [[Lemmy Koopa|Hip]] and [[Iggy Koopa|Hop Koopa]].
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===''Nintendo Comics System''===
[[File:CloudBurst.jpg|thumb|Lakitu in "Cloud Burst"]]
Lakitu's one and only appearance in the ''[[Nintendo Comics System]]'' came in the comic "[[Cloud Burst]]," which depicted Lakitu as almost identical to how they appeared in games. However, drastic changes were made to this Lakitu's Cloud and shell; although the front of this cloud (which happened to be the only side with a smile) looked similar to game art, this front was attached to a larger, flat cloud where Lakitu kept its things and seemed to live in. This Lakitu's Cloud, which Lakitu identified in one line of dialogue as [[Fluffy]], was also capable of speech, limited free movement, and had a large dissipation plug amidst it. This Lakitu's shell was several colors. It was white, black, blue, and yellow instead of the normal green and white. Lakitu itself was depicted in this comic as a kleptomaniac, stealing mostly everything it saw, including its own king's crown and [[Coin|Koopabit]]s. The Lakitu had also stolen Princess Toadstool's crown, which she desperately needed for her re-coronation ceremony; as such, she sent Mario and Luigi out to find the jeweled headdress (which she thought had been stolen by King Koopa). Lakitu, with orders from its king (who happened not to be aware of the cloud-riding Koopa's mutinous crimes), attacked Mario and Luigi with Spinies; although Mario managed to get away from Lakitu, a less fortunate Luigi was sprung up into its cloud. This Lakitu, despite its later cruelty to the plumber in green, actually started a limited friendship with Luigi as it stole his clothing; however, Luigi would appear to have just been playing along when he started a bond with the turtle, as he had found Princess Toadstool's crown amongst Lakitu's treasures and had to get away with it. In the end, Luigi pulled the cloud's aforementioned dissipation plug (raining Koopabits and the like down at Bowser's troops) and got away with Princess Toadstool's crown along with Mario. While it is unknown what happened to Lakitu, it is assumed that he was reprimanded by Bowser for theft.

===''Club Nintendo''===
In its only appearance in the ''[[Club Nintendo (magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'' comics, Lakitu was briefly seen in the opening panel of "[[Mario will hoch hinaus]]." It is shown to watch Mario flying, surprised. It does not appear in the comic afterwards.

===''Super Mario-kun''===
[[File:Super Mario Kun 06 p039.jpg|thumb|left|Lakitu as the ''Mario Kart'' referee in volume 6 of ''[[Super Mario-kun]]''.]]
Lakitu appeared in various volumes of ''[[Super Mario-kun]]'' where it served as an enemy, and in other issues, ''Mario Kart'' referee and an announcer in various ''Mario Kart'' tracks. In the latter case, it seems to be more wild than normal, as it bonks Mario with the traffic light.
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===''Super Mario Adventures''===
Many Lakitus also appeared in ''[[Super Mario Adventures]]'', where they briefly attacked Princess Toadstool and her Toads with Spiny Eggs. These Lakitus appeared in an unknown desert area just at a time when Princess Toadstool's troopers were dehydrating; when the gang of Toads first saw a Lakitu's Cloud appear, they mistook it for a harmless raincloud and initiated a rain dance to ensure water. However, when they saw that their actions had only provoked the Lakitus, they declared that they had "done the wrong dance" and chaos ensued. After this brief appearance, it was later revealed that Bowser had kidnapped Princess Toadstool and therefore, it can be assumed that the Lakitus captured her and her gang. Later, during Bowser and the princess's wedding, a Lakitu could be seen tossing confetti.

===''Mario Kart'' series===
{{main|Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)}}
A [[Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)|Fishin' Lakitu]] appears throughout the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series and takes on many responsibilities, guiding the race most of the time. He most prominently appears as the referee.
====''Mario Kart 7''====
''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' also marks the first playable appearance of a Lakitu in the series. This playable Lakitu has a red shell and wears goggles, unlike the non-playable Lakitu which has a green shell with normal glasses like in previous games (although, the non-playable Lakitu also wears goggles on courses with water on the track); this is the third appearance of a Lakitu with a red shell, the first being ''[[Super Mario World]]'' and the second being the [[Dark Lakitu]] enemy from ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]''. Lakitu is in the feather weight class, giving him high acceleration, handling, and off-road stats while giving him low speed and weight (he shares these attributes with [[Toad]], [[Koopa Troopa]], and [[Shy Guy]]). He is unlocked by winning the 150cc [[Lightning Cup]].

====''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''====
[[File:LakituKart8.jpg|thumb|150px|left|The playable Lakitu in his kart in ''Mario Kart 8''.]]
In ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', the red-shelled Lakitu returns as an unlockable character. He is a slightly heavier lightweight (sharing his stats with Toad, Koopa Troopa, Shy Guy, [[Toadette]], [[Larry Koopa|Larry]], [[Wendy O. Koopa|Wendy]], and [[Isabelle]]), being slightly more focused on speed and weight than acceleration, handling and grip. Lakitu is the Staff Ghost for {{classic-link|SNES|Donut Plains 3}} and [[Dragon Driftway]]. Additionally, the latter track has images of Lakitu in the tunnel and several stone Lakitus in martial arts poses. Lakitu also appears on the poster of the fictional film ''[[Kung Fu Lakitu]]'', seen in the background of {{classic-link|GBA|Ribbon Road}}.

Lakitu returns in the [[Nintendo Switch]] port ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''. As a playable character, he now shares stats with only [[Bowser Jr.]] and [[Koopa Troopa]]. He is also the 200cc staff ghost for {{classic-link|DS|Cheep Cheep Beach}}. Similarly to Dragon Driftway, [[Dragon Palace]] features art and statues of Lakitus in martial arts poses.

====''Mario Kart Arcade GP DX''====
[[File:MKAGPDX Lakitu artwork.jpg|thumb|150px|Lakitu's statistics in ''Mario Kart Arcade GP DX'']]
In an update on December 12, 2018, the red-shelled Lakitu was added to ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'' as a playable light character with average acceleration, poor speed and great handling. He shares these statistics with [[Bowser Jr.]], Toad, and [[Don-chan]]. This is the only ''Mario Kart Arcade GP'' title to feature him as a playable character. Lakitu is also the only character in the game to use a different design for his [[Standard Kart]], which resembles a [[Lakitu's Cloud]].

====''Mario Kart Tour''====
The red-shelled Lakitu returns as a playable character in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''. He was added as a playable character during the [[Tokyo Tour]], with the [[Triple Green Shells]] as his special item, which is shared with other drivers including [[Iggy Koopa|Iggy]], Koopa Troopa, and [[Dry Bones]].

===''Mario vs. Wario''===
A single Lakitu makes a small appearance in ''[[Mario vs. Wario]]'', appearing as a mailman who delivers [[Wario]]'s letter to Mario at the start of the comic. He wears a blue cap and have a blue rucksack. Also, his cloud is shown to have a little tail when moving.

===''Yoshi's Safari''===
[[File:LakituYSafari.png|frame]]
A lone Lakitu appears in ''[[Yoshi's Safari]]'', and is fought as a miniboss in the [[Dark Realm]] stage [[Ghost Mansion]], despite this being an uncharacteristic type of location. Like other Lakitus, it attacks by throwing Spiny Eggs, though unlike most other enemies in the game, it doesn't flinch upon being attacked. It reappears in [[Bowser's Castle (Yoshi's Safari)|Bowser's Castle]] in a long round of rematches against other minibosses; it is here battled after [[Boomerang Bro]] and before [[Sledge Bro]].

===''Super Mario'' Kodansha manga===
In the second ''[[Yoshi's Safari]]'' volume of the ''[[Super Mario (Kodansha manga)|Super Mario]]'' Kodansha manga, a Lakitu alongside other enemies (now depicted with halos) are accidentally killed by Mario and his friends when they are trying to outrun a Chargin' Chuck. The souls of the enemies are absorbed into the Big Boo.

===''Mario Tennis'' series===
====''Mario's Tennis''====
A Lakitu makes a small appearance as an umpire in ''[[Mario's Tennis]]''. Its fishing pole holds a screen that shows information about the score in each match.

====''Mario Power Tennis''====
[[File:Chain Chomp Challenge - Mario Power Tennis.png|thumb|left|Lakitu holding the game timer in the [[minigame]] Chain-Chomp Challenge in ''Mario Power Tennis''.]]
In ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'', like they do in the ''Mario Kart'' series with falling racers, Lakitus help retrieve balls that can no longer bounce. Lakitu also appears in three minigames in that game as well. In the minigame [[Chain-Chomp Challenge]], it holds the game timer to tell the player how much time is left during the game as well as the total score in [[Balloon Panic]]. Lakitu is also responsible for starting the [[Artist On the Court]] minigame with its traffic lights from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''.

====''Mario Tennis Open''====
Lakitu appears in ''[[Mario Tennis Open]]'', with the same role he had in ''Mario Power Tennis'': saving balls that cannot bounce anymore. As opposed to the aforementioned predecessor, however, Lakitu appears in no minigames, not even in [[Super Mario Tennis]], which is a minigame based upon ''Super Mario Bros.'', due to none of the levels being based on those that had a Lakitu in it. As such, Lakitu appears less often than before. It has tennis gear though, that can be used by [[Mii]]s.

====''Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash''====
Lakitu has the same role in ''[[Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash]]'' as it did in the previous ''Mario Tennis'' game.

====''Mario Tennis Aces''====
Lakitu appears in ''[[Mario Tennis Aces]]'', reprising its role from the previous ''Mario Tennis'' games. Lakitu also appears in [[Blooper]]'s entrance animation, where it uses a fishing pole to carry a bucket that Blooper them jumps out of.

===''Yoshi's Island'' series===
[[File:Lakitu.gif|frame]]
Because of the player playing as [[Yoshi (species)|Yoshis]], Lakitu skills are better compared to those from the ''Super Mario'' series in ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]'' and [[Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3|its remake]]. Lakitus are featured so prominently that they have three stages ("[[Watch Out For Lakitu]]", "[[Lakitu's Wall]]", and "[[The Cave Of The Lakitus]]") named in its moniker. The game is the first chronological appearance of Lakitus. In this game, Lakitus chase their opponents in the same manner that they did in ''Super Mario World'', although the Lakitus' mechanics are changed the most in that they now use cursors to throw Spiny Eggs; if a Yoshi touches one of these cursors, Lakitu throws an egg towards the Yoshi's spot. Lakitus' attacking methods are also changed by the fact that Spinies themselves do not exist in ''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island'', meaning that their eggs simply explode upon contact with the ground. The game also introduces the common, wall-bound [[Wall Lakitu]] sub-species, as well as a rarer [[Aqua Lakitu]] which uses a snorkel to live underwater and an even rarer [[Thunder Lakitu]] creature (found only in the level "[[BLIZZARD!!!]]") which can emit thunderbolts at oncoming Yoshis. The game also reuses ''Super Mario World'''s ability to hijack Lakitu's Cloud and gives the [[Fishin' Lakitu|Fishing Lakitu]] a return appearance, although rather than tempting Yoshi with a [[1-Up Mushroom]] (as it did in the previous game), the Fishing Lakitus of ''Yoshi's Island'' rather use actual fishing hooks to grab [[Baby Mario]] and run away with him.

In both sequels, ''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]'' and ''[[Yoshi's New Island]]'', Lakitus (and Wall Lakitus in the former game) return as enemies and behave identically as in ''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island''.

===''Tetris Attack''===
When the largely ''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island''-themed game ''[[Tetris Attack]]'' was localized from the Japanese game ''[[Tetris Attack#Panel de Pon|Panel de Pon]]'', Lakitu took the role as a hero in place of the wind fairy, Windy. During the events of Vs. Com, Lakitu is hypnotized by [[Bowser]] and [[Kamek]] along with other creatures. Yoshi, bent on freeing all his friends, then travels to the Breeze Stage and fights Lakitu and its [[Goonie]] ally, which breaks the enchantment and reforges Lakitu's friendship with Yoshi. Like the majority of ''Tetris Attack'' bosses, Lakitu is also playable in that game's [[Tetris Attack#Time Trial|Time Trial]] mode, which makes ''Tetris Attack'' the first game to feature a playable Lakitu and the only game where a generic Lakitu can be taken control of by the player.

===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''===
Lakitus make their [[Genre#Role Playing|RPG]] debut as a somewhat uncommon enemy in ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'' and [[Super Mario RPG (Nintendo Switch)|its remake]]. In this game, Lakitus for the most part take up their role in other games, although one noticeable change is given to them: rather than throwing Spinies, ''Super Mario RPG'' Lakitus toss that game's similar [[Spikey (Super Mario RPG)|Spikey]]s. Enemy Lakitus appear in four different levels in the game, and all of these Lakitus behave differently based on the level they appear in. Despite their appearances being fairly spread out, there is no more powerful sub-species of Lakitus to take their place later in the game.

The first Lakitu Mario encounters is found in [[Mushroom Way]]. This Lakitu throws Spikeys down at Mario, but cannot be attacked because it flies so high above the ground, out of Mario's jumping range (and would make for a rather challenging enemy so early in the game if it could be attacked). The next one is found shortly afterward in [[Rose Way]]; this Lakitu (who is depicted with a Fishin' Lakitu pole on the overworld) attacks by lowering [[Shy Guy]]s down at Mario and [[Mallow]]. The crew (which then consists of Mario, Mallow, and [[Geno]]) finds the last Lakitu in [[Booster Pass]], where it attacks with [[Spikester]]s. Unlike the Lakitu from Mushroom Way, the Lakitu at Booster Pass can be attacked by scaling one of the rocky cliffs and jumping on the enemy from above. Lakitus can also be fought in the enemy corridors of [[Bowser's Castle|Bowser's Keep]]. In battle, Lakitus often use quick, hard-to-dodge attacks.

Although Lakitus have a minor role in this game, a [[royal bus driver|huge, mustachioed Lakitu]] actually plays a vital part in ''Super Mario RPG'' by operating a [[royal bus|bus]] to transport the heroes from [[Nimbus Land]] to Bowser's Keep. Earlier in the game, another Lakitu appears in [[Tadpole Pond]] as a helper of [[Frog Sage]]; this one carries the sage across the lake to talk to Mallow and Mario when they first arrive, to give the illusion that he can float in midair (though the illusion is ruined when the Lakitu lowers and can be seen fully on-screen, but they recover soon after); the Lakitu is also present when Frog Sage admits to Mallow that he is not a tadpole. Both these Lakitus appeared riding a large cloud float based on the former's bus during the game's ending sequence.

''Super Mario RPG'' was also [[List of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars pre-release and unused content|initially going to feature]] a Lakitu helper in [[Booster Tower]] and red- and blue-shelled variants.

===''Game & Watch Gallery'' series===
In ''[[Game & Watch Gallery]]'', in the Modern version of ''[[Octopus (Game & Watch)|Octopus]]'', a Lakitu appears and drops a [[1 UP Heart|heart]] if Mario has any misses at 200, 500, or 700 [[point]]s.

In ''[[Game & Watch Gallery 2]]'', in the Modern version of ''[[Parachute (Game & Watch)|Parachute]]'', a Lakitu appears and fishes out any parachuting character who lands in the water, causing Mario to get a miss.

In ''[[Game & Watch Gallery 3]]'', in the Modern version of ''[[Turtle Bridge]]'', a Lakitu appears and drops a heart if [[Toad]] has any misses at 200, 500, or 700 points.

In ''[[Game & Watch Gallery 4]]'', in the Modern version of ''[[Rain Shower]]'', a Lakitu appears and drops a heart if Mario has any misses at 200, 500, or 700 points. A Lakitu also reprises its role in ''Octopus''.

===''Yoshi's Story''===
[[File:YSLakitu.png|frame]]
Lakitus also appear in ''[[Yoshi's Story]]'', but with a less significant role and different attacks. In this game, they now throw rocks, [[Spike Ball|spiked ball]]s, and sometimes [[melon]]s instead of Spiny Eggs, but they still ride on clouds, which Yoshi can use upon its defeat. Their clouds are different from normal: their smile is red and more at the bottom. Lakitus themselves also appear different, having rosy cheeks and separate lenses on their goggles. One Lakitu, called a 「ウォータージュゲム」<ref>{{cite|title=「任天堂公式ガイドブック　ヨッシーストーリー」 (''Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook – Yoshi's Story'')|page=99|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|language=ja}}</ref> (''Wōtā Jugemu'', Water Lakitu), drops water streams that can push Yoshi down a [[pit]] near the end of [[Shy Guy Limbo]].

===''Mario Party'' series===
====''Mario Party''====
[[File:MP Lakitu.png|thumb|Lakitu's sprite from ''Mario Party'']]
In ''[[Mario Party]]'', Lakitu holds a sign which displays the type of mini-game players are going to play. In the ending to [[Mario's Rainbow Castle]], a Lakitu saves the character who came in fourth place from falling and carries them off.

====''Mario Party 2''====
In ''[[Mario Party 2]]'', Lakitu appears in [[Shy Guy Says]] and acts as a visual indicator for how much time left players have to raise a flag. He moves from left to right and does so faster as the minigame progresses.

====''Mario Party 3''====
In ''[[Mario Party 3]]'', a Lakitu appears during the intro and brings Mario and his friends a toy box containing the "Mario Party" board game. When the player is choosing the settings for Story Mode, three Lakitus hold the character selection, CPU difficulty option, and mini-game selection each. Lakitus appear in [[Mario's Puzzle Party]], [[Frigid Bridges]], [[Chip Shot Challenge]], and [[Pump, Pump and Away]]. In the first, Lakitus hand players bricks and Thwomps. In the second, Lakitus save players that fall into the water. In the third, a Lakitu appears in the intro to drop a flag into the hole. In the fourth, Lakitus hold signs marking each 100 yard interval.

====''Mario Party 4''====
In ''[[Mario Party 4]]'', Lakitu appears in the intro of [[Fish n' Drips]] and holds a Cheep-Cheep at the end of his fishing rod. If a player falls into a pit in [[Dungeon Duos]], Lakitu carries them back up.

====''Mario Party-e''====
Lakitu appear in the ''[[Mario Party-e]]'' minigame [[Lakitu's Luck]]. The player must stop a roulette held up by a Fishing Lakitu to win or lose something.

====''Mario Party 5''====
In ''[[Mario Party 5]]'', the name [[Lakitu Orb|Lakitu Capsule]] (later named Lakitu Orb) makes its first appearance and allows players to steal Capsules of their choice from other players.

====''Mario Party 6''====
In ''[[Mario Party 6]]'', Lakitu appears in the minigame [[Jump the Gun]] where he hauls a player back onto the last Bullet Bill they stood upon.

====''Mario Party Advance''====
[[File:MiniGameWhistle.png|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Lakitu as the minigame referee in ''[[Mario Party Advance]]''.]]
[[File:MPA Lakitu Character Screenshot.png|frame]]
{{quote|I wanted to ask you about Toad Force V. I'm a huge fan. I'm a little crazy for it.|Lakitu|[[Mario Party Advance]]}}
In ''[[Mario Party Advance]]'', Lakitu appears in [[Lakitu House]] in [[Shroom City (Mario Party Advance)|Shroom City]]. He is an avid ''[[Toad Force V]]'' fan, and carries a Fishing Pole with a Toad Force V action figure on the end of it.. When approached, asks the player for a favor. If accepted, he explains that he is a huge fan of the show ''Toad Force V'', and can name just about every single line of dialogue from memory. However, he says that he forgot one of the most notable lines from episode 28, and tells the player to go ask another fan of the show who lives in the [[Mushroom Condo]]. Once they go to his apartment, [[Mushbert]] says that the classic line is "I'm an iron 'shroom!" After going back to Lakitu and telling him the line, he thanks them and as a reward, gives them the [[Bait 'n Wait]] [[Gaddget]]. The credits state that Lakitu secretly desires to become a screenwriter.

Lakitu also appears as the game's minigame referee. At the start of a minigame, Lakitu (and its whistle-blowing cloud) alerts players to start and announces the end when time runs out for minigames.

====''Mario Party 7''====
The Lakitu Orb makes a return appearance in ''[[Mario Party 7]]''{{'}}s [[Neon Heights]], where players can use it to steal one of [[Koopa Kid]]'s [[Treasure Chest]]s at random, awarding the player with the item inside (which can vary in helpfulness). Additionally, Lakitu helps players that fall in [[Fun Run]].

====''Mario Party 8''====
[[File:Test for the Best 6.png|thumb|Lakitu as seen in ''Mario Party 8'', holding the 6,000 pts. sign in Test for the Best.]]
In ''[[Mario Party 8]]''{{'}}s [[Test for the Best]], Lakitu holds up the 6,000 point sign with his fishing pole. One Lakitu appears in the minigame [[Glacial Meltdown]] where, instead of throwing Spinies at the player, this Lakitu strangely throws [[Buzzy Beetle]]s at the player for them to jump on and hit their opponent.

====''Mario Party 9''====
In ''[[Mario Party 9]]'', a Lakitu is one of the game's twelve bosses. It is the miniboss in [[Toad Road]] in Solo Mode and the first boss to be fought. The players fight it in the minigame [[Sock It to Lakitu]], where players must hit blocks to send varying numbers of [[Bullet Bill]]s at it. Lakitu attacks the players by throwing Spinies at them. When Lakitu's health is half depleted, it throws larger Spinies onto the field.

====''Mario Party: Island Tour''====
Lakitus reappear in ''[[Mario Party: Island Tour]]'' as non-playable characters. One appears in the minigame [[Pachinko Wizard]] where it throws Spiny Eggs at the players, who are trying to stand in safe places. The last one standing wins. In the minigame [[Pool Buoy]], Lakitu flies above the pool, throwing flag buoys; players must get the most points to win. Red buoys are worth one point and gold buoys are worth three. They also appear in [[Perilous Palace Path]] with the item [[Lakitu Leech]], which, similarly to ''Mario Party 5'', allows the user to steal an item (a random one if the target has 2) from the player of choice.  In [[Bowser's Peculiar Peak]], when the winner(s) is/are presented at the end of the game, a Lakitu is shown holding the player that lost behind the winner(s).

====''Mario Party 10''====
In ''[[Mario Party 10]]'', Lakitu appears in the minigame [[Paintball Battle]] once a player has been eliminated and drags them away.

====''Mario Party: Star Rush''====
{{main|Lakitu (space)}}
[[File:MPSR - Lakitu.jpg|thumb|left|Lakitu in ''Mario Party: Star Rush''.]]
In ''[[Mario Party: Star Rush]]'', there is a space in Toad Scramble mode with Lakitu's Cloud on it. When landed on, the player can pay one coin for Lakitu to transport them to another player's space.

====''Mario Party: The Top 100''====
In ''[[Mario Party: The Top 100]]'', Lakitus replace [[Klepto]]s in [[Paths of Peril]].

====''Super Mario Party''====
Lakitu appears in ''[[Super Mario Party]]'', behaving the way a [[Boo]] does in ''Mario Party'' to ''Mario Party 3'' and stealing coins for free or a [[Star (Mario Party series)|Star]] for 30 coins. When speaking to [[Bowser]] and [[Bowser Jr.]], he has special dialogue for them.

====''Mario Party Superstars''====
In ''[[Mario Party Superstars]]'', Lakitus have been added to [[Peach's Birthday Cake]]. If the player lands on an [[Event Space]], a Lakitu asks if they want a strawberry to be planted there. The Lakitu can throw a small [[Piranha Pod]] for five coins or a large one for thirty coins. Lakitus retain their original roles in the minigames Mario's Puzzle Party, Dungeon Duos, and Paths of Peril.

===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Lakitu & Spinies}}
[[File:Lakitu 3DS.jpg|thumb|left|A Lakitu in the Smash Run mode of ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'', depicting its standard deisng instead of its sprite-based form like as an Assist Trophy character]]
[[File:Lakitu Wii U.jpg|thumb|Lakitu and a Spiny, in their Assist Trophy form in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'']]
In the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], the earliest roles that Lakitu had is in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', where a [[Lakitu Bros.|Lakitu Bro]] sometimes appears in the background of the [[Peach's Castle (Super Smash Bros.)|Peach's Castle]] stage. Similarly, in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', a Fishin' Lakitu makes a cameo appearance in the background of the [[Yoshi's Island (location)|Yoshi's Island]] stage, and a normal Lakitu can be seen in the upper part of the [[Mushroom Kingdom (Super Smash Bros. Melee)|Mushroom Kingdom]] stage, alongside two green [[Koopa Troopa]]s and a [[Goomba]].

Various items of Lakitu have appeared throughout the games. In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', a Lakitu appears as a [[Trophy (Super Smash Bros. series)|trophy]], which can be obtained at random in single-player modes or from the [[smashwiki:Lottery|Lottery]]. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', the ''Mario Kart 64'' incarnation of Lakitu appears as a [[Sticker (Super Smash Bros. Brawl)|sticker]]. Lakitu and Spiny appear together in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' as an Advanced-class Grab-type primary [[Spirit (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)|spirit]]. When this spirit is equipped, the fighter's weight is reduced, making them faster but easier to launch. In [[smashwiki:Adventure Mode: World of Light|World of Light]], the spirit can be found in the [[smashwiki:Mysterious Dimension|Mysterious Dimension]] sub-world of the [[smashwiki:Dark Realm|Dark Realm]]. The spirit battle has [[Iggy Koopa|Iggy]] and eight tiny red [[Bowser]]s as opponents.

Lakitus were introduced as an [[Assist Trophy]] character with Spinies in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', appearing in their original 8-bit form from ''Super Mario Bros.'' Upon being released, Lakitu throws Spinies on the ground, hurting whoever touches the Spinies. Lakitu is one of the few Assist Trophies in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' whom other fighters can attack and defeat. Lakitu returns as an Assist Trophy in both ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', behaving identically as before. In ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''{{'}}s [[smashwiki:Smash Run|Smash Run]] mode, Lakitus behave very similarly to their Assist Trophy counterpart, except they take on their standard design, consistent with recent releases at the time.

===''Mario Golf'' series===
[[File:MGTT Water Hazard.png|thumb|Lakitu as seen in ''Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour'', signaling a Water Hazard for the player.]]
Lakitu has friendly roles once more in the [[Mario Golf (series)|''Mario Golf'' series]]. However, its figure is not so important as in other spin-off series. Its most important role is saving balls that ends up in water, thus signaling the Water Hazard. This is its only role in normal games though. In Speed Golf games, it also takes the role of signaling the player when to start playing just like they do in the ''Mario Kart'' series.
====''Mario Golf''====
In ''[[Mario Golf (Nintendo 64)|Mario Golf]]'', perhaps with influence from ''Super Mario 64'', places a Lakitu in the role of a cameraman and referee of the Speed Golf sub-game with his traffic lights from ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' that can be seen at the start of the first hole of any course.

====''Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour''====
Lakitu is used as catcher of balls lost to water hazards and tree hazards in ''[[Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour]]'', which also featured a course called [[Lakitu Valley]] (which despite its name has little to do with Lakitus). Also in the game, he is served as the referee of the Speed Golf sub-game once again, but this time, with his ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!|Double Dash!!]]'' traffic light.

====''Mario Golf: World Tour''====
Lakitu makes an appearance as the referee of the Speed Golf sub-game for the third time in ''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]'' with his traffic light from ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''. Their name can also appear on the tournament scoreboard of the [[Castle Club]], usually hanging in ranks close to last place. He welcomes players at the [[Sky Island]] entrance, and his golf gear is available for [[Mii]]s to use. Again, he retrieves balls that fall into water hazards, as seen in the transition which follows once that happens.

===''Paper Mario'' series===
====''Paper Mario''====
In ''[[Paper Mario]]'', Lakitus are found only in the area [[Flower Fields]], where they aid [[Huff N. Puff]] in his plot to cover the flora-filled place with clouds. In this game, Lakitus, as well as throwing Spiny Eggs, employ a new tactic: if one sights Mario in the field, it charges towards him, attempting to ram the plumber. As well as appearing as generic enemies, Lakitus appear as mini-bosses at least three times in ''Paper Mario''. The Lakitus in this game appear to directly serve Huff N. Puff, rather than just [[Bowser]].

Two notable Lakitus in this game are [[Lakilester]], who joins the party after a fight, and his girlfriend [[Lakilulu]].

Three Lakitus and a [[Yellow Magikoopa]] act as mid-bosses, trying to prevent Mario from destroying the [[Puff Puff Machine]].

====''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''====
[[File:CameraBlueLakitu.png|thumb|upright=0.8|A Cameraman Lakitu, in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]''.]]
In ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', Lakitus appear as rare enemies. Only one appears in the main story as a part of [[Spike Storm]], a Lakitu/Spiny team Mario and his partners fight in the [[Glitz Pit]]'s minor league. Several Lakitus also appear in floors 23 and 28 of the [[Pit of 100 Trials (Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door)|Pit of 100 Trials]]. Additionally, a more powerful sub-species known as the [[Dark Lakitu]], appear in floors 61-69 of the Pit of 100 Trials. However, Lakitus are more common in case of NPCs, such as [[Laki]], a train enthusiast found near the [[Excess Express]] boarding area and a gray Lakitu with a camera in the Glitz Pit, as well as Lakitu crowd members.

====''Super Paper Mario''====
As per usual with ''Super Mario'' RPGs, Lakitu is a rare enemy character in ''[[Super Paper Mario]]''. In this game, Lakitus are only seen in areas such as [[the Dotwood Tree]] and [[Overthere Stair]]; however, the aforementioned Laki character from ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' is given a reference in some [[Merlee's Mansion]] graffiti in this game and a Lakitu (despite his species's obscurity in ''Super Paper Mario'') can appear as one of the randomly-generated characters on the first page of [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/r8pj/index.html the Japanese ''Super Paper Mario'' website]. The Lakitu [[Catch Card]] in ''Super Paper Mario'' states Lakitu's motives for throwing Spiny Eggs at opponents: Lakitu's actions are because someone "made fun of its glasses". It's implied that Laki wrote graffiti on the wall of [[Merlee's Basement]].

====''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''====
[[File:Hurt_Lakitu.png|left|thumb|upright=0.8|Hurt frame for Lakitu in ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''.]]
Lakitus make another ''[[Paper Mario (series)|Paper Mario]]'' appearance in ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]''. Despite most of the enemies in the game having new appearances, Lakitu has retained his form from the last two ''Paper Mario'' games. Only one appears in the game and is found in [[Whammino Mountain]] as an obstacle, throwing Spinies. By grabbing a [[Super Star]] nearby, [[Mario]] can run through the Spinies and to the top of the mountain. Though the Lakitu flies high, he can be defeated at the top of the mountain if Mario quickly jumps into him when he drifts downwards, and this hurt frame can be seen. However Lakitu has other hurt frames that went unused, suggesting that he was planned to be an actual enemy. Additionally, unused graphics for a fishing pole associated with Lakitu's graphics exist in the data.<ref>{{cite|author=TCRF|title=[[tcrf:Paper Mario: Sticker Star#Enemies|Paper Mario: Sticker Star#Enemies]]|publisher=The Cutting Room Floor|accessdate=November 12, 2018}}</ref>

====''Paper Mario: Color Splash''====
While Lakitus do not appear in ''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]'', Luigi briefly mentions that "Lakitu's not here to save us" while they drive across the [[Rainbow Road]] leading to [[Black Bowser's Castle]].

===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
====''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'' / ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions''====
{{quote|SHH! If we're found out, it's curtains for us!|Lakitu|[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions]]}}
{{multiple image
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Lakitus appear in a minor role in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', the first game of the [[Mario & Luigi (series)|''Mario & Luigi'' series]], and the remake, ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions]]''. A Fishin' Lakitu with a red shell appears every time a Mario Brother [[Level up|levels up]], carrying a selecting device that allows the player choose which stat they wish to add bonus points to (on top of the normal points gained while leveling up). Once selected, the device then flips over and becomes a roulette that determines how many points that stat earns, from one to three. The only other appearance of Lakitus in the game is before the final battle with [[Fawful]], where a cutscene depicts a pair of Lakitus holding up spotlights to reveal Fawful's cloakless form.

A sub-species of Lakitu, called [[Lakipea]] appears in the game. Lakipeas throw [[Sharpea]]s, and can be found in the northeastern area of the [[Beanbean Kingdom]] near the entrance to [[Teehee Valley]].

[[File:MLSSBMLakitu.png|frame|left]]
The remake also gives Lakitu a more significant role in its ''Minion Quest: The Search for Bowser'' mode, where one serves as the sidekick and adviser to Captain Goomba and his squad, often scouting for minions and lost soldiers during his quest to rally Bowser's army and rescue their king. He first appears in the Beanbean Kingdom, when Captain Goomba and Captain Shy Guy are ready to take on the brainwashed Larry Koopa and his minions; he diverts them to a hidden place in the outskirts of the castle town and explains what he's up to. Lakitus also appear as units in the missions [[A Cloudy Day]], [[Chain Chomp and Spike Stomp]], [[Pokey Panic]], [[Rumble in the Castle!]], [[Goomba's Worth]] and [[The Mightiest Minions]]. Their special attack is Chain Stomp, which allows them to stomp on an enemy twice. They are strong against Sharpeas and Spinies, and weak against [[Shy Guy]]s.
{{br|left}}

====''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time''====
[[File:Level Up Screen (Mario & Luigi Partners In Time).png|thumb|Lakitu as the [[Level Up]] assistant in ''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time'', a role it retains in ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story'']]
Lakitu's minor, friendly roles in the ''Mario & Luigi'' series continued with ''[[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]'', where he takes on his role of level up assistant yet again. A Lakitu with a camera (quite possibly one of ''Super Mario 64''{{'}}s Lakitu Bros.) also goes to [[Peach's Castle]] presumably to report on the launch of [[Professor Elvin Gadd]]'s [[Prof. E. Gadd's time machine|Time Machine]] towards the beginning of the game; when [[Toadsworth]]'s fainting faces Mario with the challenge of retrieving a [[Refreshroom]] from the elderly [[Toad (species)|Toad]]'s room, this friendly Lakitu reporter aids the plumber with a "cloud-cam view" of the castle, actually the bird's-eye [[map]] that Mario, Luigi, and their baby selves continue to use throughout the rest of their adventure. The Lakitu then flies off and is never seen again; as a matter of fact, the only other generic Lakitu seen in ''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time'' is an unnamed agent of [[List of Implied Organizations#Lakitu Travel|Lakitu Travel]] who transports [[Kylie Koopa]] and [[Toadbert]] to the [[Star Shrine]] right before the battle with [[Elder Shrooboid]]. However, another Lakitu sub-species can be fought in the [[Vim Factory]]; these [[Shroob]]-like Lakitus, the [[Lakitufo]]s, fly on UFOs rather than clouds, have antennae, and beam down [[Spiny Shroopa]]s rather than throwing Spinies.

====''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story'' / ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey''====
Lakitu kept his role in the ''Mario & Luigi'' series for a third time in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'' and the remake ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey]]'' as the level up assistant yet again. However, this is his only role. Two new species of Lakitu are also introduced: [[Glam Lakitu]] and [[Lakitu King]], respectively.

Lakitus also appear in ''Bowser Jr.'s Journey'' as enemies and recruitable allies, where they are strong against Spinies and weak against [[Captain Shy Guy (Mario & Luigi series)|Captain Shy Guy]].

====''Mario & Luigi: Dream Team''====
While a Lakitu doesn't appear anymore in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team]]'' while leveling up, they appear as enemies only. They appear as a common enemy in [[Dreamy Driftwood Shore]]. Outside of battle, Lakitus can either swoop down to run into Mario, or they can throw a [[Spiny Egg]], causing a Spiny to appear when it hits the ground. They throw Spiny Eggs (or Mushrooms on rare occasion) in battle. The Spiny Eggs can be hit back with the hammer. Two new species of Lakitus also appear: [[Lakitu R]]s, a stronger version of Lakitu in [[Dreamy Neo Bowser Castle]], and [[Commander Lakitu]]s, which appear in [[Somnom Woods]] and appear groups of two and fight in the background by ordering certain attacks to [[Boomerang Bro]]s.

====''Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam''====
[[File:MLPJLakitu.png|thumb|left]]
Lakitu plays an important role in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]''. They host the [[Lakitu Info Center]] in said game. In it, the player can play mission and minigames which goals are often rescuing Paper Toads, crucial in continuing the story. After a certain amount of sidequests are cleared, the player is rewarded with a [[Battle Card (Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam)|Battle Card]].

===''Mario Pinball Land''===
[[File:LakituMarioPinball.png|thumb|left|100px|]]
A single Lakitu appears in ''[[Mario Pinball Land]]''. When the player goes to the [[Shifting Sands Stage|Shifting Sands]] world, they must take the left path (they need four [[Power Star]]s) to encounter Lakitu. It cannot be defeated, as it floats and therefore is unreachable: instead, they must defeat 4 Spinies to obtain a Power Star.

===''WarioWare: Touched!''===
In the microgame [[Clawing for More (WarioWare: Touched!)|Clawing for More]] in ''[[WarioWare: Touched!]]'', Lakitus from ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' are among the random sprites that can be released from the ball after it is broken open.

===''Yoshi Touch & Go''===
[[File:YT&G Lakitu.png|frame]]
Lakitus fly by the top screen in ''[[Yoshi Touch & Go]]''. When hit by an egg, they are worth five points. In Challenge mode, they give 15 seconds. In addition, Wall Lakitus appear as enemies.

===''Yakuman DS''===
Lakitus appear in the ''Super Mario''-themed mahjong game ''[[Yakuman DS]]'' as the host of the tutorial, as well as providing advice to the player during games. He wears an academic cap, as he knows how to play {{wp|mahjong}} very well.

===''Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix''===
{{multiple image
|align=right
|direction=horizontal
|image1=LakituMugshotDDR.png
|caption1=The regular Lakitu from the Story Mode.
|width1=100
|image2=LakituPirateMugshotDDR.png
|caption2=The pirate Lakitu from World 2.
|width2=100
}}
Several Lakitus appear in ''[[Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix]]'' and are portrayed differently throughout the worlds. There are three items to buy in their shops, and except for the first two worlds, they are optional to visit. In the first two worlds, Lakitu plays a prominent role. In [[World 1 (Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix)|World 1]], one asks Mario or Luigi to rid his garden of a group of rowdy [[Koopa Troopa]]s. After doing that, he gives them the key to Truffle Towers. In [[World 2 (Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix)|World 2]], a Pirate Lakitu has a powerful motor named the [[Boogie Booster]] that is needed to pass over a whirlpool, but the player must first beat the Lakitu at a fishing contest, as he claims the motor is not for sale. Eventually the player beats him, obtains the motor, and ventures into the whirlpool. In the [[Whee!]] minigame, a Lakitu catches Mario or Luigi after he falls after jumping from the trampoline.
{{br|left}}

===''Mario Baseball'' series===
[[File:Daisy-mss-intro-2.png|thumb|left|Lakitu as seen in the opening cinematic for ''Mario Super Sluggers'']]
In both ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]'' and ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]'', a green Lakitu takes the role of an umpire just as it did in ''Mario Tennis''. This time, it calls the strikes, outs, and announces the start or the end of any exhibition game. Lakitu is also the only character in the [[Mario Baseball (series)|''Mario Baseball'' series]] to have dialogue but not be playable. The umpire Lakitu is seen in the opening cinematic in ''Mario Super Sluggers'' as the home plate umpire as Daisy prepares to swing for the ball. In the last of the four cinematics, the umpire Lakitu is seen to be next to Peach as others are at the Daisy Cruiser at night after winning a decisive game against Bowser.
{{br|left}}
===''Super Princess Peach''===
[[File:SPPLakitu.png|frame|left]]
Bowser brings many Lakitus with him (who in this game fight with appearance and Spiny Egg-throwing mechanics similar to those seen in ''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island'') when he invades [[Vibe Island]] in ''[[Super Princess Peach]]'', and some of them (the [[Calm Lakitu]]s) are even made drowsy by the [[Vibe Scepter]] (only sneaking past these sleeping Lakitus can keep them from waking up and fighting like normal Lakitus). ''Super Princess Peach'' also brings back [[Fishing Boo]] and introduces a [[Calm]] variety named [[C. Fishing Boo]].

===''Mario Hoops 3-on-3''===
[[File:MH3o3Lakitu.png|thumb|100px|Lakitu in ''Mario Hoops 3-on-3'']]
In ''[[Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]'', Lakitu holds the ball on its fishing pole before players begin a round.
{{br|left}}
===''Mario & Sonic'' series===
====''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games''====
In the [[Wii]] [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii)|version]] of ''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games'', Lakitus appear as referees in several [[Event]]s, and one appears refereeing [[Archery (Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Wii)|Archery]] in the game's opening. In the [[Nintendo DS]] [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Nintendo DS)|version]], Lakitus also appear as referees and judges for ''Super Mario'' characters in [[Javelin Throw (Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Nintendo DS)|Javelin Throw]], [[Hammer Throw (Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Nintendo DS)|Hammer Throw]], [[10m Platform]], [[Trampoline (Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Nintendo DS)|Trampoline]] and [[Vault (Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Nintendo DS)|Vault]].

====''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games''====
Lakitu returns as a referee in the Wii [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii)|version]] of ''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games''. Additionally, a Lakitu appears in [[Dream Ice Hockey]], where it drops the puck onto the rink for the puck toss, and also drops [[Wild Ball]]s onto the ice at various intervals in the event.

In the Nintendo DS [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo DS)|version]], Fishin' Lakitus appear in some [[Dream Event]]s to inform players of the lap count and save them from falling. A Lakitu also appears in the Adventure Tours mode, where it hosts the [[Short Track 500m]] and [[Intense Short Track]] missions for [[Princess Daisy|Daisy]] to unlock the [[Meteor Curling Stone]].

====''Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games''====
Lakitu appears again as a referee in the Wii [[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii)|version]] of ''Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games''. Lakitus also appear as characters that can be spoken to in London Party mode in order to play minigames and earn stickers. Lakitus also appear as an element in several of the minigames as well; for instance, Lakitus appear in [[10km Marathon Swim]] in the [[Nintendo 3DS]] [[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)|version]], where they hold the drinks that the characters need to collect to progress.

Also, in the Nintendo 3DS version, Lakitu appears in the Story Mode, where it is first seen talking to [[Magikoopa]] at [[Stonehenge]] before leaving, and later appears at the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games. Lakitu makes a larger appearance in the bonus episodes, where it first appears giving Bowser a bad introduction to [[London]], and notices with the other minions that Bowser seems to be in a  particularly bad mood. Lakitu accompanies Bowser to the challenge for him that they had set up for him with [[Donkey Kong]], though leaves early to set up a challenge with [[Knuckles]] and [[Vector]]. To do this, Magikoopa transforms Lakitu to look like [[Charmy]], and although initially confusing Knuckles and Vector it manages to distract them by doing an impression of Charmy. After Bowser wins the match, Lakitu stays behind to try and calm down Knuckles and Vector. It also appears in the last episode to help set up another match for Bowser, and celebrates with the other minions when his mood improves. A [[List of badges in Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)|badge]] of Lakitu can be obtained from the badge machine. Fishin' Lakitus also appear in [[10km Marathon Swim]] to provide the character with drinks.

====''Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games''====
Lakitus appear in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'' as characters that need to be found in certain Action & Answer Tour events. Another Lakitu appears using its fishing pole to hold the starting lights in [[Groove Pipe Snowboard]] and [[Roller Coaster Bobsleigh]] in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]''. A Lakitu also appears to drop the puck onto the rink for face-offs in [[Ice Hockey (Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games)|Ice Hockey]] and [[Snow Day Street Hockey]], where in the latter event, one also appears to move the bonus goal around on the Coin Street rink.

====''Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games''====
[[File:JavelinThrowTotalScoreRio2016.jpg|thumb|Lakitu as the referee of the Javelin Throw in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games]]''.]]
In the [[Wii U]] [[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Wii U)|version]] of ''Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games'', Lakitu appears as a referee for [[Triple Jump (Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games)|Triple Jump]], [[Javelin Throw (Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games for Wii U)|Javelin Throw]] and [[Boxing (Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games for Wii U)|Boxing]]. Lakitu also appears on [[Copacabana Beach]] after every five Gold Medals or 1st Place Medals have been earned in tournaments. By talking to it, the player receives thirty coins and [[Ring (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Ring]]s as a reward. A Lakitu Mii outfit also appears in this game, which must be collected in two separate head and body parts, and if worn while speaking to Lakitu on the beach it gives the player double the reward. In the Nintendo 3DS [[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)|version]], sprite of a Lakitu from ''Super Mario Bros.'' appears as a character wall in [[Golf Plus]], where it is an obstacle that does not allow the ball to pass through it but disappears once it is hit by a ball. Lakitu returns as a referee for several events in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Arcade Edition]]''.

====''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020''====
Lakitu appears again as a referee for both regular and 2D events in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020]]''. In the Sport Climbing event, a Lakitu uses its fishing pole to pick up characters who fall off of the wall, at which point it transports them back to the last checkpoint that they reached (or back to the start if they have not yet reached a checkpoint).
{{br}}

===''Mario Sports Mix''===
[[File:MSM 1-1 Hockey.png|thumb|upright=1.1|left|Lakitu as seen in ''Mario Sports Mix'', ready to drop the [[Coin|coin]] as a puck.]]
Lakitu appears in ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'' where it served as the referee of the [[Mario Sports Mix#Basketball|basketball]], [[Mario Sports Mix#Hockey|hockey]], and [[Mario Sports Mix#Dodgeball|dodgeball]] matches. It drops the puck in hockey matches during a face-off, and throws the dodgeball or basketball in the air for basketball and dodgeball matches during a tip-off.

===''Fortune Street''===
In ''[[Fortune Street]]'', Lakitu appears when Venture Card #92 is drawn. It travels along the board and forces all shops it passes by to close for the day.
{{br}}
===''Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition''===
[[File:PDSMBE-Lakitu-TeamImage.png|thumb|left]]
Lakitus appear in ''[[Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition]]'' as enemies with high attack and average HP. Their attribute is Light, which makes them strong against enemies with the Dark attribute. Their maximum level is 99.

Their main skill is Cloud Guard while their helper skill is Auto Heal. Cloud Guard halves the damage received by enemies for 1 turn. Auto Heal recovers a small amount of a character's HP each time the player clears Orbs.

===''Yoshi's Woolly World'' / ''Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World''===
[[File:WoollyLakituHQ.png|thumb|A Lakitu in ''Yoshi's Woolly World'']]
Lakitus return in ''[[Yoshi's Woolly World]]'' and its [[Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World|Nintendo 3DS version]], behaving identically as in the [[Yoshi's Island (series)|''Yoshi's Island'' series]] and ''[[Yoshi's Story]]''. Lakitus first appear in [[Spiky Stroll]]. In the Nintendo 3DS version, a [[Gold Lakitu]] appears in Gold Rush Mode of [[Poochy Dash]], where it drops golden [[Bead]]s for [[Poochy]] to collect.

===''Dr. Mario World''===
Lakitus debut in the [[Dr. Mario (series)|''Dr. Mario'' series]] as assistants in ''[[Dr. Mario World]]''. Their stage mode function is granting bonus points for capsules remaining on stage clear, where each remaining capsule grants 80 points at the first level and 400 points at the maximum level (50 and 200 respectively prior to version 2.3.0). In versus mode, the effect is to grant a chance that the player's first six [[capsule]]s will be of matching-color, where it is 10% at the first level and 50% at the maximum level. The assistant is rewarded in stage mode after clearing the first area in [[World 30]]. 

The April 26, 2020 update introduces one as a doctor, under the name '''Dr. Lakitu'''. This doctor is available as a special stage reward in [[World 15 (Dr. Mario World)|World 15]]. Dr. Lakitu's skill is the same as [[Toadette|Dr. Toadette]] except it affects less objects but the skill meter charges faster. Their stage mode skill changes one object into a [[handy box]], in which viruses are prioritized as changed objects. This skill is represented by them flying on a cloud and leaving a trail of clouds, while at that time the object is transformed by clouds. Coins, capsules, objects that can eliminate viruses (e.g. [[Exploder]]), and objects that cannot be eliminated (e.g. [[Empty Block]]) cannot be transformed. Their versus mode skill hides a number of the opponent's viruses in clouds, where more viruses are hidden at higher levels, the amount being up to 9 viruses at the maximum level (7 prior to season 7).

===Other appearances===
====''The Legend of Zelda'' series====
{{main-wiki|ZeldaWiki|Lakitu|Zelda Wiki}}
[[File:Ss loztmc lakitu.png|frame|left]]
Lakitu is notable for appearing in [[List of references in Nintendo video games|games outside of the ''Super Mario'' franchise]] such as ''[[zeldawiki:Legend of Zelda (Series)|the Legend of Zelda]]'' game ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap]]''. In this game, Lakitus were recognizable, but their clouds had no smiles, they seemed to not wear goggles, their hair was thicker (actually resembling Lakitu's hair as it appeared in ''Mario Superstar Baseball''), and they threw thunderbolts rather than Spiny Eggs (much like the ''Super Mario'' enemy [[Thunder Lakitu]]). They are found in the [[zeldawiki:Cloud Tops|Cloud Tops]] area and the corresponding dungeon, the [[zeldawiki:Palace of Winds (The Minish Cap)|Palace of Winds]]. [[Link]] has to attack them from afar, as the Lakitu hides in its cloud if he gets too close. Additionally, Link can use the [[zeldawiki:Gust Jar|Gust Jar]] to remove the cloud and render the Lakitu defenseless.

====Game Boy Camera====
A Lakitu, along with other ''Super Mario'' franchise characters, appear as a stamp featured on the [[Game Boy Camera]]. This stamp, like with the others, can be placed in the photos the player takes.

====''Tetris DS''====
A ''Super Mario Bros.'' Lakitu sprite is the opponent icon in the fourth difficulty level of the Vs. CPU mode featured in ''[[Tetris DS]]''{{'}}s Standard Mode, as well as the player's own icon in various other Standard Mode games.

====AR Games====
[[File:AR Games Fishing Lakitu.jpg|thumb|Lakitu catching a Blooper in the Free Fishing minigame.]]
A Lakitu randomly appears in the Free Fishing minigame included in the [[AR Games]] software on the [[Nintendo 3DS]], in which it fishes for [[Blooper]]s. Such Bloopers can also be caught by the player, but they must be very quick, as Lakitu appears for a short time only.

====''Nintendo Badge Arcade''====
Lakitus from ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', ''[[Super Mario World]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' appear as badges in ''[[Nintendo Badge Arcade]]''.
{{br}}

==General information==
===Physical appearance===
{{multiframe
|[[File:Lakitu SMB artwork.jpg|90px]][[File:Lakitu colouring book.png|130px]]
|Lakitu's appearance has changed little between its original design (left) and its modern design (right).
|size=230
|align=left
}}
[[File:SMRL-Line-Lakitu-Thump.gif|thumb|200px|[[LINE]] sticker of Lakitu, showing its bottom half]]
Lakitus are [[Lakitu's Cloud|cloud]] riding [[Koopa (species)|Koopa]]s known for throwing [[Spiny|Spinies]]. They have small eyes and noses, wear thick goggles (or glasses) and are usually depicted with three small strands of hair. Lakitus have a ring pattern on their shells rather than the hexagon pattern featured on those of Koopa Troopas and [[Hammer Bro]]s, and are also shown not to wear any footwear, unlike other Koopas. Lakitus are almost always seen riding small smiling white clouds similar to [[Cloud Block]]s, although other colored clouds have been shown, such as [[Lakithunder]]'s and [[King Lakitu]]'s stormy angry cloud, or [[Lakilulu]]'s pink cloud. Lakitus appear to resemble {{wp|Trionychidae|softshell turtles}}, given the similar shape of their noses and the smoothness of their shells.

Although Lakitu's goggles are generally shown to have temples, the playable Lakitu in the ''Mario Kart'' series has straps instead. This also applies to the referee Lakitu, who sports a snorkeling mask on tracks that feature [[underwater driving]].
{{br}}

===Speech===
Lakitus were first shown speaking in ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'', where a Lakitu spoke with a Brooklyn accent. In the games, ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' first depicted Lakitu speaking in the game manual, where he narrates the instructions to the reader. Starting from ''Super Mario 64'', Lakitus received text dialogue, which would be frequently used in a multitude of future installments. Lakitu gained an actual voice for the first time in ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]''. While Lakitu generally speaks in grunts, sighs, and yells, he is notably one of the few members of Bowser's army (along with [[Magikoopa]]s and [[Hammer Bro]]s) that have been portrayed speaking with actual words. In the ''Mario Baseball'' series, [[Dex Manley]] voices Lakitu with various umpire calls, such as "Strike", "Out", and "That's the ball game!" In modern games, [[Tadd Morgan]] does not portray Lakitu with as many words, though he can be heard saying short phrases such as, "Haha, yeah!" and "Oh, wha?"

===Portrayals===
*[[Dex Manley]] (2005-2013)
*[[Tadd Morgan]] (2011, 2014-present)

===Tools===
{{rewrite|section=y|some of these, such as the camera, are used by the [[Lakitu Bros.]]}}
*[[Lakitu's Cloud]]: All games
*[[Fishin' Lakitu|Fishing pole]]: ''[[Super Mario World]]'', ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]'', ''[[Yoshi's New Island]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series, ''[[Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]'', ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]''
*Start signal: ''Mario Kart'' series, ''[[Mario Golf (Nintendo 64)|Mario Golf]]'', ''[[Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour]]'', ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'', ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'', and ''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]''
*Lap counter: ''Mario Kart'' series
*Checkered flag: ''Mario Kart'' series
*Reverse sign: ''Mario Kart'' series
*U-turn sign: ''Mario Kart'' series
*[[Spiny Egg]]: ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]'', ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', ''[[Super Mario World]]'', ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', ''[[Paper Mario]]'', ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'', ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'', ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'', ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'', ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U]]''
*Minigame whistle: ''[[Mario Party Advance]]''
*Camera:''[[Super Mario 64]]'', ''[[Mario Golf (series)|Mario Golf]]'' series, ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'', ''[[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''

==Profiles and statistics==
{{main|List of Lakitu profiles and statistics}}
{{br}}

==Gallery==
{{main-gallery}}
<gallery>
SMB Lakitu Artwork.jpg|''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''
SMW2 YI Lakitu.png|''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]''
Lakitu SMRPG art.jpg|''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]''
LakituMPe.png|''[[Mario Party-e]]''
NSMBW Lakitu Artwork.jpg|''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''
Lakitu MLPJ.png|''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]''
</gallery>

==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=ジュゲム
|JapR=Jugemu
|JapM=Derived from {{wp|Jugemu|a well-known Japanese folktale}} about a boy with a comically long name beginning with "Jugemu Jugemu"; officially romanized as "Jugem" in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
|ChiT=球蓋姆
|ChiTR=Qiúgàimǔ
|ChiTM=Transliteration of the Japanese name. In addition, 「球」(''qiú'') means "ball"
|ChiS=朱盖木<br>''Zhūgàimù''<br>球盖姆 <small>(since ''Mario Tennis Aces'')</small><br>''Qiúgàimǔ''
|ChiSM=Transliteration of the Japanese name. In addition, 「球」(''qiú'') means "ball" and「朱」(''Zhū'') is also a common surname
|Fin=Lakitu
|FreA=Lakitou
|FreAM=Lakitu
|FreE=Lakitu
|FreE2={{nowrap|Billolotos <small>''(Yoshi's Island)''</small>}}
|FreE2M=From the French colloquialism ''avoir des yeux en bille de loto'' ("having eyes like lotto balls") combined with the slang suffix for creating adjectives and nouns ''-os''
|Dut=Lakitu
|Ger=Lakitu
|Ita=Lakitu
|Kor=김수한무
|KorR=Kimsuhanmu
|KorM=Derived from a story of a famous "strangely long name" in Korea, beginning with ''Kim Suhanmu Keobugi wa Durumi'' ("Kim Never-ending-life Turtle and Crane")
|Por=Lakitu
|Rus=Лакиту
|RusR=Lakitu
|RusM=Lakitu
|Spa=Lakitu
|SpaA=El Koopa de la Nube<ref>{{cite|title=''Club Nintendo'' (Chile) Año 1 No. 2|page=11}}</ref>
|SpaAM=The Koopa of the Cloud
}}

==Trivia==
*After being asked what video game character would represent him the best, [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] replied that Lakitu would, as it "seems to be very free, floating in the air, going anywhere," a type of personality to which Miyamoto can apparently relate.<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20040325193818/http://www.n-sider.com/articleview.php?articleid=271|title=Chronicles of a Visionary|publisher=N-Sider|accessdate=May 22, 2024}}</ref>

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
{{NIWA|SmashWiki=Lakitu & Spinies|ZeldaWiki=1}}
{{Wikipedia}}
*[https://zeldadungeon.net/wiki/Lakitu Lakitu on Zelda Dungeon Wiki]
*[https://triforcewiki.com/wiki/Lakitu Lakitu on Triforce Wiki]
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[[de:Lakitu]]
[[it:Lakitu (specie)]]
[[Category:Lakitus|*]]
[[Category:Referees]]
[[Category:Mentors]]
[[Category:Allies]]
[[Category:Mini-bosses]]
[[Category:Assist Trophy characters]]
[[Category:Playable characters]]
[[Category:Bowser Jr.'s Journey allies]]
[[Category:Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix]]
[[Category:Dr. Mario World]]
[[Category:Fortune Street characters]]
[[Category:Itadaki Street DS characters]]
[[Category:LEGO Super Mario characters]]
[[Category:Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games species]]
[[Category:Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games species]]
[[Category:Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games characters]]
[[Category:Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games characters]]
[[Category:Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games characters]]
[[Category:Mario & Luigi: Dream Team enemies]]
[[Category:Mario Golf (Nintendo 64) characters]]
[[Category:Mario Golf: Advance Tour characters]]
[[Category:Mario Golf (Game Boy Color) characters]]
[[Category:Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour characters]]
[[Category:Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 64]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 7 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 8 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Tour characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party 2 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party 3 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party 4 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party 5 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party 7 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party 8 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party 9 bosses]]
[[Category:Mario Party Advance characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party-e characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party: Island Tour characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party: Star Rush characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party: The Top 100 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Pinball Land enemies]]
[[Category:Mario Power Tennis characters]]
[[Category:Mario Sports Mix characters]]
[[Category:Mario Sports Superstars characters]]
[[Category:Mario Super Sluggers]]
[[Category:Mario Superstar Baseball]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis (Nintendo 64) characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis Open characters]]
[[Category:Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash characters]]
[[Category:Mario's Tennis characters]]
[[Category:Minion Quest: The Search for Bowser allies]]
[[Category:New Super Luigi U enemies]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. enemies]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. 2 enemies]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. U enemies]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. Wii enemies]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. Wii trading cards]]
[[Category:Paper Mario enemies]]
[[Category:Paper Mario species]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: Sticker Star enemies]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door enemies]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door species]]
[[Category:Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition bosses]]
[[Category:Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition enemies]]
[[Category:Smash Run enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario 64 enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. 3 enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. Deluxe]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. Special enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. Wonder enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Galaxy 2 enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Kart]]
[[Category:Super Mario Maker enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Maker 2 enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Run enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island enemies]]
[[Category:Super Paper Mario enemies]]
[[Category:Super Paper Mario trading cards]]
[[Category:Super Princess Peach enemies]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl stickers]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophies]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS trophies]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. for Wii U trophies]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Melee trophies]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate spirits]]
[[Category:The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 enemies]]
[[Category:Tetris Attack]]
[[Category:The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! enemies]]
[[Category:Yakuman DS]]
[[Category:Yoshi Touch & Go enemies]]
[[Category:Yoshi's Island DS enemies]]
[[Category:Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3]]
[[Category:Yoshi's New Island enemies]]
[[Category:Yoshi's Safari bosses]]
[[Category:Yoshi's Story enemies]]
[[Category:Yoshi's Woolly World enemies]]