View source for Bowser's Castle

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{{about|Bowser's actual Castle|other uses|[[Bowser's Castle (disambiguation)]]}}
{{redirect|Castle of Koopa|World 8 of ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' where it is also known as Castle of Koopa or Bowser's Castle|[[Dark Land]]}}
{{location infobox
|image=[[File:Bowser's Castle.png]]
|caption=Bowser's Castle in ''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
|greater_location=[[Bowser's Castle (Super Mario Bros. 3)|Dark Land]], [[Valley of Bowser]], [[World 8 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)|World 8]], etc.
|ruler=[[Bowser]]
|inhabitants=[[Bowser]], [[Koopalings]], [[Bowser Jr.]], [[Koopa Troop]]
|first_appearance=''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' ([[1985]])
|latest_appearance= ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)|Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' ([[Nintendo Switch]]) ([[2024]])
}}
{{quote|Oh dear! Why are we playing in Bowser's Castle? There are all sorts of tricks and traps in here!|Princess Peach|Fortune Street}}

'''Bowser's Castle''' (also known as '''Bowser's Keep''' in ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' and various other ''Mario'' games until 2006, '''Bowser Castle''' in ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story'', or '''Castle Koopa''', and '''Neon Castle''' in the ''Mario'' cartoons) is [[Bowser]]'s domicile and the base of operations for the [[Koopa Troop]]. Bowser has a variety of different castles throughout the Mushroom World, each of which usually functions as an important base from which the Koopa King formulates his plans. Bowser's Castle is usually the final area that [[Mario]] visits to defeat [[Bowser]] and rescue [[Princess Peach]], and is usually guarded by Bowser's most powerful minions. Bowser usually gangs [[Podoboo]]s and [[Thwomp]]s in his service here. Bowser's Castle is known for it's intimidating lava pools but phenomenal interior designs.

==Appearances==
===''Super Mario'' series===
====''Super Mario Bros.'' / ''Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels''====
Bowser's Castle first appears in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' at the end of World 8. In the level 8-3, Mario battles Bowser's forces outside of the castle, which can be seen in the background; in World 8-4, Mario ventures into the castle itself, where he battles and defeats Bowser in order to save Princess Peach. It is similar in ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]'', except that it appears in world D-3 and D-4 instead, while a castle located in the sky is found in World 8-4.

====''Super Mario Bros. 3''====
[[File:BowserCastle-SMA4.gif|frame|right]]
In ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', Bowser's Castle (as well as Bowser himself) is not seen until the very end of the [[Bowser's Castle (World)|Dark Land]]. The mentioned castle is one of the longest levels in the game. Bowser is fought at the end of the castle, and [[Princess Peach]] is freed. The map icon was modified in ''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' so that it is animated.

====''Super Mario World''====
{{main|Front Door}}
{{main|Back Door}}
In ''[[Super Mario World]]'', Bowser's Castle is found in the [[Valley of Bowser]]. There are two ways of entering the castle, and many ways to reach the end of the level. There are two main corridors where Mario or Luigi will have to choose one of four possible doors. The player can also reach the Castle by using the [[Star Road]] that leads them to the front gate, bypassing the rest of the Valley of Bowser entirely. To get to the back gate, the player had to find the secondary exit in [[Valley of Bowser 2]] and go through [[Valley Fortress]]. This takes the player straight to [[Back Door]], skipping most of the level.

====''New Super Mario Bros.''====
[[File:Bowsercastlensmb.png|thumb|left|Bowser's Castle in ''New Super Mario Bros.''.]]
[[File:NSMB0.png|thumb|right|[[Mario]] fighting [[Bowser]] and [[Bowser Jr.]] in Bowser's Castle.]]
[[File:NewSuperMarioBros-World8-BowsersCastle.png|thumb|left|Map of Bowser's Castle.]]
In ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'', Bowser's Castle is relatively similar-looking to the one in ''[[Super Mario World]]''. It is found rising out of a lake of lava and is at the end of a twelve-level-long path. Once inside, Mario and Luigi will encounter [[Thwomp]]s, [[Dry Bones]], [[Rocket Engine]]s, as well as [[Podoboo]]s. The ? Switches in the castle have an unusual effect; once pressed, the room (or at least the gravity of the room) will flip upside down (including the player, enemies and items). The second part of the castle is a looping room, similar to Worlds 4-4 and 7-4 of ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', with lots of lava, a single [[Podoboo]], and a single [[Podoboo Cog]]. Once the final boss door is reached at the castle's end, the Player will have to battle both [[Bowser Jr.]] and [[Bowser]].
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====''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''====
{{main|World 8-Bowser's Castle (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)}}
[[File:Bowsercastlensmbwii.png|thumb|200px|Bowser's Castle in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''.]]
[[File:BCastle.png|thumb|left|200px|Bowser's Castle about to flatten Bowser and the six [[Koopalings]].]]
[[File:Bowser's Castle Sprite.png|frame|left]]
[[Bowser]] is again fought in his castle in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''. The characters go through three parts: The first is a normal side-scrolling area with lava, [[Podoboo]]s, and [[Podoboo Cog]]s. The second part is a vertical area with draining lava which auto-scrolls downwards, more Podoboo Cogs and some [[Dry Bones]] trying to stop Mario. The third is Bowser's lair. In the final battle, [[Kamek]] casts a spell to make the Bowser grow [[Super Bowser|massive]], and he chases Mario and the rest of the characters through his castle.

Later after the final battle, Bowser and the six Koopalings around him are flattened by the castle as it falls over. Because [[Larry Koopa]] and [[Bowser Jr.]] were standing farther away from the Castle's it's unclear if they were clear of the Castle's crash or not. 
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====''Super Mario 3D Land''====
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|width=240
|image1=BowsercastleSM3DL.png
|image2=Bowsercastle2DL2.png
|footer=Bowser's first castle and second castle as seen in ''Super Mario 3D Land''.
}}
Bowser has two castles in ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'', both located in the eighth world. The first castle is the World 8 Castle, its appearance is similar to castles of previous titles, as well as previous castle levels in the game. At the end of the castle Mario fights Bowser and defeats him by pressing the switch at the end of the bridge, causing Bowser to sink in the lava below. Mario makes his way to Peach (which can previously be seen in the level using a pair of [[binoculars]]), only to discover it's just a cardboard cutout. Bowser then appears with Peach in hand, and flees to his larger castle, which is the true Bowser's Castle.

The real Bowser's Castle differs from previous castle levels, as Mario spends much of it riding Bonecoasters. Mario then reaches a cannon which launches him to a tower with another cannon on it, which Mario uses to reach Bowser's tower. Mario then walks to the big red door and enters. Peach is tied to the flagpole, but before Mario can rescue her, Bowser falls from above and attempts to crush Mario, which causes the floor to collapse, and the final battle begins. Bowser attacks Mario with fireballs, spiked balls, and barrels as Mario makes his way up the castle until they reach the second bridge. Mario tricks Bowser into clearing the path to the switch, which Mario presses, causing the bridge to collapse and Bowser to fall. However, as Mario continues to make his way up the castle, Bowser returns and pursues Mario, breathing purple flames which jet towards Mario, until they reach the final bridge, in which Bowser chases Mario until Mario reaches the final switch, which he presses, once again causing the bridge to explode, sending Bowser falling into the lava. Mario then rescues Peach and they head back home. 

After completing the Special Worlds, Bowser kidnaps Peach again, and Mario must return to his castle to defeat him and save Peach once again.

====''New Super Mario Bros. 2''====
{{Main|World 6-Bowser's Castle (New Super Mario Bros. 2)}}
[[File:NSMB2 World 6 Bowser Castle.png|thumb|left|200px|Bowser's Castle in World 6 as seen in ''New Super Mario Bros. 2''.]]
[[File:NSMB2-Bowser_Castle_Course_Icon.png|frame|left]]
Bowser's Castle reappears in [[World 6 (New Super Mario Bros. 2)|World 6]] of ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]''. Like in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'', Mario and Luigi face Bowser twice at the end of the castle.
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===DIC Cartoons===
====''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!''====
In ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'', King Koopa owns a wide range of castles, ranging from fortresses, towers and even an ice palace; most often at the end of an episode, the featured castle of King Koopa would be destroyed, and if not, would likely not be seen again. Unlike the games, the various castles seen in ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!'' lack the abundance of traps that would normally appear in a castle owned by Bowser.

====''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3''====
[[File:BowsersCastleSMB3Toon.jpg|thumb|left|Castle Koopa as seen in ''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3''.]]
''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' migrates away from the concept of King Koopa owning several castles and, instead, he only owns one castle, located in [[Dark Land]]. This castle is referred by the name "Castle Koopa" and "Koopa Castle". Castle Koopa largely resembles its game counterpart, with Bowser's image engraved on it, though it's blue in color and lacks towers. Castle Koopa also possesses a large hall filled with portraits, as well as bedrooms for the [[Koopalings]] and a laboratory most often used by [[Ludwig Von Koopa|Kooky von Koopa]].

====''Super Mario World'' television series====
[[File:BowsersCastleSMWToon.jpg|thumb|right|The Neon Castle from the ''Super Mario World'' cartoon.]]
In ''[[Super Mario World (television series)|Super Mario World]]'', Neon Castle is featured as the main base and home for Bowser and the Koopalings. Apparently located in a lava filled wasteland, Neon Castle lack the amount of towers its game counterpart possesses, only having one; Neon Castle also possesses a rectangular shape and, like the Japanese version of ''Super Mario World'', has "KOOPA" flashing in neon lights on its front, instead of "BOWSER". Like its game counterpart, Neon Castle possesses a large amount of traps, such as [[Ball 'n' Chain]]s, lava, fire-breathing statues, as well as various kinds of minions. In the episode [[Mama Luigi]], Mario refers to it as Bowser's "'''Coney Island Disco Palace'''".

===''Mario is Missing!''===
[[File:Mario Captured.gif|thumb|left|Bowser's Castle in ''Mario is Missing!''.]]
Bowser's Castle is the main setting of the game ''[[Mario is Missing!]]'', but instead of being located in the Koopa Kingdom, like in the other games, this castle is located in [[Antarctica]]. The castle is also the main setting for the game ''[[Mario's Time Machine]]'', except this time it's located in an unknown area.

===''Super Mario Adventures''===
In ''[[Super Mario Adventures]]'', Bowser's Castle is only seen near the end of the comic, and is portrayed as a large fortress, having many spike-covered towers and a large great hall, capable of holding several hundred different creatures. Catacombs and a lava filled chamber inhabited by [[Blargg]]s are also depicted in this version of Bowser's Castle.
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===''Mario Kart'' series===
{{main|Bowser's Castle (course)}}
Bowser's Castle has appeared in every ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' game to date. In ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', there is a different course of the castle in every Cup except the [[Special Cup]]. [[Bowser Castle 1]] appears in the [[Mushroom Cup]], [[Bowser Castle 2]] appears in the [[Flower Cup]], and [[Bowser Castle 3]] in the [[Star Cup]]. ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' features all of the courses from ''Super Mario Kart'', so they appear in that game as well. Also the ''Paper Mario'' castle makes a cameo appearance in the Rainbow Road track. ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' features a Bowser's Castle course in the [[Star Cup]]. In 50cc mode, there is one Thwomp, in 100cc mode, there are two, and in 150cc and Extra modes, there are three Thwomps right before turn 4. ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' has its own Bowser's Castle courses, but it also has a [[Bowser Castle 4|fourth]] one. ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' and the later games of the series have a Bowser Castle course in the [[Special Cup]]. It also features Bowser Castle 2 from ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' ([[Banana Cup]] section) in ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' as well as the same Bowser Castle from ''Mario Kart 64'' ([[Lightning Cup]]) and Bowser Castle 3 from ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' ([[Leaf Cup]] section) in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' as the retro courses. Every version of the course features the same dangers: lava, Thwomps, and dangerous jumps.

===''Yoshi'' series===
====''Yoshi's Safari''====
Bowser's Castle is the last level in the final area in ''[[Yoshi's Safari]]'', which is the [[Dark Realm]] of [[Jewelry Land]]. After being defeated, Bowser retreats.

====''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island''====
{{main|King Bowser's Castle}}
[[File:BowsersCastleSMW2.png|thumb|left|Yoshi in the level King Bowser's Castle in ''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island''.]]
In ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]'' and its remake ''[[Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3]]'', Bowser's Castle is located in [[Koopa Kingdom]]. The last level takes place here, and it requires the player to go into one of four random doors. Afterward, a giant playroom for [[Baby Bowser]] is discovered inside. After defeating Baby Bowser, Kamek will come by and make him extremely large. The player fights on the top of the castle which, throughout the battle, is slowly destroyed. The castle is later entirely destroyed after the final battle.

====''Yoshi's Story''====
In ''[[Yoshi's Story]]'', Baby Bowser's Castle is split into four different areas: [[Mecha Castle]], [[Lift Castle]], [[Ghost Castle]], and [[Magma Castle]]. No matter what part of the castle Yoshi decides to go to, he will always meet up with Baby Bowser. The outside of the castle will also be seen whenever one of the Yoshis gets defeated, captured, and brought to the castle, along with when [[White Shy Guy]] retrieves one. It is also seen in the ending sequence when Baby Bowser's minions carry him away.
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====''Yoshi's Island DS''====
{{main|At Last, Bowser's Castle!}}
[[File:At Last, Bowser's Castle!.png|thumb|Yoshi inside Bowser's Castle in ''Yoshi's Island DS''.]]
In ''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]'', Kamek with Bowser travels back to the past searching for the seven Star Children so they can rule the universe. Bowser takes over the castle of his younger self. After Baby Bowser is defeated, Bowser himself is faced. When he is defeated the first time, Kamek makes Bowser gigantic and destroys the castle in the battle.

===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''===
[[File:VistaHillSMRPG.png|thumb|left|Mario gazing at Bowser's Keep on Vista Hill in ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''.]]
{{SMRPG map}}
During the events of ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'', Bowser's Keep is isolated on a mountain of red, jagged rocks. The keep rests on the largest rock, which, in fact, resembles Bowser himself. The castle can only be accessed by a long bridge that connects to the faraway [[Vista Hill]]. The halls of Bowser's Keep are lined with statues of Hammer Brothers and Bowser. The castle is originally guarded by [[Terrapin]] soldiers. Additionally, molten lava flows through the keep in several areas. Fortunately, several bridges allow access across the lava. Unfortunately, the bridges are wooden, and as such, will eventually collapse in a room filled with lava. In fact, one bridge breaks right after Mario walks across it. Later, this bridge is replaced with hovering [[Donut Block]]s. The castle is also filled with ornate chandeliers. Mario and Bowser actually duel on the top of these chandeliers.

Bowser's Keep is also the [[Smithy Gang]]'s base of operations on [[Mushroom World]]. During the beginning of [[Smithy]]'s invasion, the gigantic sword [[Exor]] crashes into the keep. Since Exor is the gateway to Smithy's dimension, the soldiers of the Smithy Gang have an easy time taking control of the castle. In fact, many of Bowser's soldiers defect or run away instead of fighting. Eventually, the Smithy Gang claims the castle as their own. Additionally, Exor destroys the bridge connecting Bowser's Keep to the outside world. As such, the castle can only be accessed by flying vehicles.

Before the fight against Magikoopa, there will be 6 doors to choose from, though only 4 doors are required. There are 2 action courses, 2 battle courses, and 2 puzzle courses. The following doors have the following courses and prizes:

*Door 1: Battle Course- Reward: [[Drill Claw]]
*Door 2: Puzzle Course- Reward: [[Rock Candy]]
*Door 3: Battle Course- Reward: [[Star Gun]]
*Door 4: Action Course- Reward: [[Sonic Cymbals]]
*Door 5: Puzzle Course- Reward: Rock Candy
*Door 6: Action Course- Reward: [[Super Slap]]

;Enemies
*[[Tub-O-Troopa]]
*[[Terra Cotta]]
*[[Bahamutt]]
*[[Big Bertha]]
*[[Chester]]
*[[Forkies]]
*[[Dry Bones]]
*[[Malakoopa]]
*[[Star Cruster]]
*[[Gu Goomba]]
*[[Magikoopa]] (Boss)
*[[Boomer (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)|Boomer]] (Boss)
*[[Exor]] (Boss)

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===''Paper Mario'' series===
====''Paper Mario''====

{{PM map}}
[[File:PM Bowserscastle.png|thumb|left|x100px]]
In ''[[Paper Mario]]'', a new Bowser's Castle is secretly built right underneath [[Princess Peach's Castle]], and Bowser lifts it into the sky, kidnapping Princess Peach, along with her castle. The power used to lift the whole castle into the sky is the [[Star Spirits]]' and the [[Star Rod (Paper Mario)|Star Rod's]] power, both of which Bowser had stolen from [[Star Haven]]. In the end, Mario manages to take back the Star Rod and destroy Bowser's Castle while saving Princess Peach (and her castle). In this game, Bowser's Castle looks bigger than Peach's.

;Enemies
*[[Koopatrol]]
*[[Hammer Bro.]]
*[[Magikoopa]]
*[[Bony Beetle]]
*[[Bombshell Bill]]
*[[Bombshell Bill Blaster|B. Bill Blaster]]
*[[Dry Bones]]
*[[Anti Guy]] x3 (Optional Battle)
*[[Duplighost]]
*[[Jr. Troopa]] (Boss)
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====''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''====

[[File:Bowser'sCastlePM2.png|thumb|right|Bowser's Castle in ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''.]]
In ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', Bowser's Castle doesn't play a major role, as only the outside and a hallway are seen. Its appearance is mainly to show [[Kammy Koopa]] explaining to Bowser what happened to the Princess.

====''Super Paper Mario''====

[[File:SPM Bowsers Castle.PNG|thumb|left|Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Count Bleck and the Koopa Troop in Bowser's Castle in ''Super Paper Mario''.]]
In ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', the castle has an equally minimal role, as it is where [[Count Bleck]] kidnaps the entire [[Koopa Clan]], and [[Tippi]] takes Mario to [[Flipside]]. This is the exact same castle seen in ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''. However, in [[The Bitlands]], Bowser found a set of several smaller castles, where several of his minions were located. After Mario destroyed them, and defeated the Koopa King, the Princess convinced him to join them on their quest.

====''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''====
{{main|Bowser's Sky Castle}}
Like in the first ''Paper Mario'', Bowser's castle is the final area in ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]''. It was initially disguised as a cliffhead. However, after Mario collected all of the Royal Stickers, he managed to reveal via paperization the true form of the cliff. Nonetheless, Bowser had his castle levitated to the sky as a means to deter Mario's advance on it shortly thereafter, although he nonetheless managed to arrive there via a [[Wiggler (Paper Mario: Sticker Star)|Flutter]] that Mario befriended. Mario later fought and vanquished Kamek in this castle, and later defeated Bowser (who was currently using the sixth Royal Sticker after he accidentially obtained it).
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===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
====''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''====
[[File:MLSSBC.PNG|thumb|left|The floating castle from ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''.]]
[[File:Bowser landing.png|thumb|right|Bowser's ground castle.]]
[[File:Castleinterior.png|thumb|right|The interior of the castle.]]
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', [[Bowletta]] uses Bowser's Castle to attack the [[Beanbean Kingdom]]. This castle can fly, breathe fire, and it looks like a statue of Bowser. On the castle's "hands" there are tower tops. Mario, Luigi, and [[Prince Peasley]] go there with [[Blablanadon]] near the end of the game to stop [[Bowletta]]. The castle is the final world of the game. In the castle, the Mario Bros. have to get through many challenges and fight each of the [[Koopalings]] (some with [[Time Bob-omb]]s) in their room in order to open the next area until they make it to [[Fawful]]. After the fight, the Mario Bros. get to the throne room where Bowletta resided. They fought Bowletta, but she then swallows the Bros., making them fight [[Cackletta]]'s spirit inside Bowletta's stomach. After the Mario Bros., Peasley, and Blablanadon escape the castle, a time bomb planted by Prince Peasley blows the castle up, and the remains crash into the [[Oho Ocean]]. This flying castle design is reused in ''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]'', and is somewhat similar to the one featured in ''[[Paper Mario]]''.

The ground version of Bowser's Castle appears in the credits, when the [[Toad Express]] drops the present through its roof.

;Enemies
*[[Boo]]
*[[Bowletta]] (final boss)
*[[Chomp Bro.]]
*[[False Bowser]]
*[[Fawful]] (boss)
*[[Gunner Guy]]
*[[Hammer Bro.]]
*[[Iggy Koopa]] (boss)
*[[Larry Koopa]] (boss)
*[[Lemmy Koopa]] (boss)
*[[Ludwig von Koopa]] (boss)
*[[Magikoopa]]
*[[Morton Koopa Jr.]] (boss)
*[[Roto Disc]]
*[[Roy Koopa]] (boss)
*[[Sniper Bill]]
*[[Wendy O. Koopa]] (boss)
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====''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time''====

{{M&LPIT map}}
[[File:BabyBowser Castle.PNG|thumb|left|Baby Bowser's Castle seen in ''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time''.]]
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]'', the castle is called '''Baby Bowser's Castle''', since the Mario Bros. visit it in the past. The four heroes get to see a little of [[Baby Bowser]]'s castle. The four Bros. practically reunite and start their adventure together there. [[Baby Bowser]] is never seen inside the castle during the entire game. There is also a [[Time Hole]] here which links to [[Peach's Castle]] in the present. Oddly, the castle on the map in the presents looks exactly the same as the one in the past, so it still looks like Baby Bowser.

;Enemies
*[[Goomba]]
*[[Boo]]
*[[Boom Guy]]
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====''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story''====

{{bisenemy
|title='''''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story|Bowser's Inside Story]]'' Enemy'''
|image=[[File:Bowsercastlebis.PNG]]
|location=[[Dimble Wood]]
|hp=535
|power=80
|defense=52
|speed=23
|experience=380
|coins=200
|items=[[Star Candy]]
|gear=None
|related=None
}}
[[File:Bowser's Castle Map.png|thumb|left|Map]]
[[File:Bowser's_Castle18.PNG|thumb|left|Bowser Castle shortly before Fawful sacked it.]]
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'', Bowser Castle is taken over by [[Fawful]]. Control of operating the castle is given to [[Midbus]]. After Bowser helps to fire a [[Banzai Bill]] at his own castle (taken over by this time), Midbus commands the castle to elevate, dogding the Banzai Bill and then to land on top of Bowser. Mario and Luigi must travel to Bowser's adrenaline gland and cause Bowser to grow big enough to fight his castle. In battle, the Castle's main attack is a flying ram. Its main tactic is opening its entrance doors and releasing Spinies, which prevent Bowser from punching. After the castle is in ruin, Midbus retreats and the castle is moved back to its original resting place. Later, Bowser attempts to gain access to the castle, however Midbus commands it to hover out of Bowser's reach. After wandering to the opposite side of the area, Midbus fires a giant cannonball at Bowser, who after building up energy courtesy to Mario and Luigi, throws it back at the castle, damaging it badly enough to force it to land. Bowser then gains access to his castle, where he discovers that not only had Fawful brainwashed his minions, but had also turned the castle into a [[Fawful Theater|theater]]. In the meantime, Bowser decides to see the show Fawful puts on. Fawful had, however, tricked him into a VIP chair, which fires Bowser onto the stage, getting him stuck in a forced fight against Midbus.

After Bowser beats Midbus, Bowser is forced to eat a "victory feast" that Boos feed him. Later, he gets so fat from all his force-fed food that he gets stuck in the floor. After a strange hand grabs Princess Peach, Bowser falls through the floor, lands on a treadmill, and catches on fire. Then, Bowser gets thrown into the [[Tunnel]] by lit up Bob-ombs.

Later in the game, Bowser must return here to look for the second Star Cure, which he had stolen before the events of the game. However, Fawful had blocked up the path to his treasure stash and Bowser must push a Fawful statue off the castle balcony to break the barrier. However, his former minions begin to push against the statue too, trying to save the statue and push Bowser off the balcony. Mario and Luigi then must help Bowser push the statue. finally Bowser manages to go underground and get to his treasure vault, but the [[Monty Bros.]] that had helped Bowser get to underground Toad Town earlier are now working for Fawful, and are moving all of the treasure from the vault in the [[Fawful Express]].

Curiously, the castle has a cold-storage vault, in which a large part of, if not the entire [[Shroob]] invasion force, is kept frozen, along with [[Elder Princess Shroob|their]] [[Princess Shroob| princesses]].

;Enemies
{{M&LBIS map}}
*[[Midbus]] (boss)
*[[Jailgoon]]
*[[Sniffle Thwomp]]
*[[Fawful Express]] (boss)
*[[Magifoofa]]
*[[Fawful Guy]]
*[[Shroob]]s (optional boss)

===''Mario Pinball Land''===
[[File:MPL_Bowesr's_Castle.jpg|thumb|The main foyer of Bowser's Castle in ''Mario Pinball Land''.]]
Bowser's Castle is the last place [[Mario]] has to go in ''[[Mario Pinball Land]]''. After using the [[Star Key]]s to open the gate, Mario goes into the main foyer (where another [[Air Cannon]] and [[Toad's Tent]] was located). Players have the option to explore the other rooms in the castle, where Mario will end up fighting all the bosses again (after clearing the room of the other nasties), or go through the [[Star Door]] in the middle of the foyer and face [[Bowser]]. Bowser's arena is quite small, as all the other levels are, but the Koopa King himself proves to be quite tricky. Bowser wanders around the room until he finds a spot to jump on. His landing causes the flippers to get stuck for a few seconds, rendering Mario vulnerable to be sent out. Every time Mario hits Bowser while walking causes him to rebound to another part of the room. Hitting Bowser while standing stops him from doing his jump. The only way to injure Bowser, however, is to spin the gears on the wall to raise the chained [[Thwomp]]s upward, and then hit the [[! Switch]] in the back of the room. This makes the Thwomps fall on the ground, causing Bowser to fall backwards, leaving Mario to bash him. Mario does this three times, but instead of beating him, Bowser curls up, acting like a giant pinball. It's then the flipper's job to keep Mario from falling out while bashing Bowser into the wall enough to send him flying out of the castle. This leaves Mario saving [[Princess Peach]], and they both go back to [[The Fun Fair]] to enjoy the rest of the day.

===''Super Princess Peach''===
As ''[[Super Princess Peach]]'' takes place on [[Vibe Island]], rather than the Mushroom Kingdom, the castle itself is not seen during the events of the game. However, Bowser built [[Bowser's Villa|a villa]] there, which is considered to be another castle.

===''Mario Hoops 3-on-3''===
[[File:Bowser_Castle1.PNG|thumb|Bowser Castle in ''Mario Hoops 3-on-3''.]]
Bowser's Castle appears as a basketball court in ''[[Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]''. The court has lots of dangers, such as [[Thwomp]]s occasionally appearing out of [[? Panel]]s. Also, [[Podoboo]]s launch up from the lava, and if any players touch them, they run around uncontrollably and on fire. [[Bomb (species)|Bombs]] do the same as well, but these ones are bigger. The music heard in this court is a remix of the Bowser's Castle theme from ''Super Mario Bros.''.
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===''Fortune Street'' series===
====''Itadaki Street DS''====
[[File:BowsercastleDS.PNG|thumb|150px|left|Bowser's Castle in ''Itadaki Street DS''.]]
Bowser's Castle also appears as a stage in ''[[Itadaki Street DS]]'', along with other stages from the ''Mario'' and ''Dragon Quest'' series. This Bowser's Castle is based on the one from ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]''.
{{br}}

====''Fortune Street''====
[[File:ISWii18.png|thumb|right|Bowser's Castle as it appears in ''Fortune Street''.]]
Bowser's Castle appears in the ''Itadaki Street DS'' sequel ''[[Fortune Street]]'' as an unlockable board map. Its appearance is similar to that of the previous game. There are doors on the top of the bigger section of land and one on the very top of the smaller section of land. The players can use these doors to navigate through the board. The doors bring players to the same spot each time they go through them. In ''Tour'' mode, the player has to play against Peach, Stella, and Bowser while also coming in first to beat the board and unlock a new one.

===''Mario & Sonic'' series===
Bowser's Castle appears in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]'' as a location in [[Dream Ice Hockey]]. It also appears in [[Dream Figure Skating]] as the second stage to be faced. It consists of a giant stone Bowser head. There is also a lot of lava around the dream event.

===''Mario Sports Mix''===
{{MSM-infobox
|title=Bowser's Castle
|image=[[File:MSM Bowserscastle Dodgeball.png|260px]]
|description=
|sports=[[Basketball]], [[Hockey]], [[Volleyball]], [[Dodgeball]]
}}
Bowser's Castle is one of the fourteen courts of ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'' and appears in all of the sports for the players to compete in. In volleyball and dodgeball, there are [[Podoboo]]s which spring from the court, and the limit of the two camps can displace which advantages one team has compared to the other one. In basketball, it is the same except for the absence of limits in the court. For Dodgeball, when players get knocked out, the center line will shift so that the losing team has more room to work with. For Volleyball, the leading team gets more room, but the losing team will be safe from all Podoboos; the Podoboos will pop up at the center of the Volleyball court.
{{br}}

====Gallery====
<center><gallery>
File:BowserCastle-Basketball-3vs3-MarioSportsMix.png|A 3-on-3 Basketball match.
File:BowserCastle-Hockey-3vs3-MarioSportsMix.png|A 3-on-3 Hockey match.
File:BowserCastle-Volleyball-2vs2-MarioSportsMix.png|A 2-on-2 Volleyball match.
File:BowserCastle-Volleyball-3vs3-MarioSportsMix.png|A 3-on-3 Volleyball match.
File:BowserCastle-Dodgeball-3vs3-MarioSportsMix.png|A 3-on-3 Dodgeball match.
</gallery></center>

===''Mario Tennis Open''===
[[File:BowsercastleMTO.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An overview of the court.]]
Bowser's Castle returns as a tennis court in the game ''[[Mario Tennis Open]]'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. It is a stone court built over a boiling lava landscape. [[Mecha Koopa]]s can be seen on the sidelines as spectators. A refereeing [[Toad]] is seen sitting in a cage outside the castle itself, where the normal referee's throne is. This court is where the [[Shell Cup]] takes place in Tournament mode. The music for this court is a remixed version of Bowser's theme from ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' and the Bowser Battle theme from ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''.

'''Court Stats:'''
*'''Ball Speed:''' Fast
*'''Bounce:''' Strong
{{br|right}}

;In-game description
''"Bowser's fiery court built on boiling magma."''

==Area Tattles==
*It's Bowser's Castle. This appears to be the hangar for Bowser's vehicles.
*Boy! Bowser's Castle. Talk about your basic eerie atmosphere, huh? Oh... I'm nervous and excited at the same time. We're headed for the [[Bowser|final fight]] at last!
*Are we still outside the castle or what? Let's hurry through here. OK, [[Mario]]?
*I've gotta hand it to him, Bowser's Castle is amazing! Such creative use of lava flows! It's just like that [[Mt. Lavalava|volcano]]!
*It's a covered hallway in Bowser's Castle. It doesn't look like anythings amiss in here. Let's press on, Mario.
*Look at the size of that stone Bowser face! He's pretty scary looking. That face gives me the creeps, Mario.
*It's an underground prison cell, Mario. Are you sure you can find the way back to where we were before?
*I wonder where all this lava comes from. Don't you think it's odd?
*Lava, lava, lava! There's such a thing as too much lava, that's for sure. Mario, are you all right in this heat? Boy, it's hot! This adventure has just been one extreme or the other.
*The only way to cross the lava is to have somebody carry us. If we could find a way to cool the lava off, we could probably walk on it, though. And if we have to pass through lava flows, we can have Bow hide us from danger.
*Here's the source of the lava. It's miserably hot when it's flowing. It's not so bad when it's cooled off, though.
*Now we're cooking! I mean, now we're not cooking! It's still hot, but not, you know, burning hot.
*You know, walking on newly hardened lava is not exactly something that your average Goomba gets to experience.
*The lava seems to have hardened as it cooled off.
*There's a treasure chest. Things are looking up. The lava has even cooled.
*It seems to be a cave. Are we below the castle? It's so dark. They must have had problems setting up lights down here. What a pain for us.
*It seems to be a cave. Are we below the castle? It's so dark. How long can this darkness possibly last?
*Ah! We're back inside Bowser's Castle. There's a stone pedestal with Bowser's face carved on it. What poor taste! What an egomaniac! If we push that thing, what do you think will happen?
*It's a hall in Bowser's Castle. I wonder where it leads. We have to hurry! And yet, we should also be careful.
*These stairs aren't lighted very well, are they? I wonder how deep below ground they go. Bowser should really look into some ambient lighting.
*This is a prison cell where Toads are being held. You know... There are Toads here...and beds... It's kind of like a Toad House! Do you think that I'm just an incurable optimist? Well, what's wrong with that?
*Here's the storage room for Bowser's Castle. It looks like one of his subjects is selling his stuff. Ha ha!
*It's a covered hallway. I can sum up the decorating in two words: pure Bowser! Such dark colors and drab lighting! What terrible taste!
*I'm sure Bowser's going to be surprised. I'm sure he'd never believe that we could make it this far. I can't wait to see the expression on his face.
*If Bombette were about three times bigger, we could just blow all these walls up. It would certainly let us move through these areas a lot faster. But that's probably not a good idea. It would be far too dangerous.
*We're somewhere inside Bowser's Castle. This hall is quite large. It also looks quite fortified. I wonder if there's anything good around here? An attack item, maybe?
*Look at all these carvings of Bowser's ugly mug. It's really shameless! I guess he thinks he's cool. Hey, incidentally, about those stone pedestals... Some move and some don't, so check 'em all out.
*Whoa! This corridor has much lower ceilings, huh? I guess I had gotten used to really high ceilings.
*In case you don't know by now, some of these Bowser pedestals can be pushed and others can't. In many cases, you can push them from either the right or left side. I wonder where I heard that?
*This is a hidden passage. It's a bit dark, huh? That's all right. I can sense that something good's in here.
*Some of these Bowser pedestals can be pushed and others can't. In many cases, you can push them from either the right or left sides. If they move, you can be sure they're covering a hidden passage.
*See! A hidden passage. This one doesn't seem to be hiding anything interesting.
*...Nothing. This room's just a dead end. How worthless. Let's go back to the room where the pedestals are and check 'em out!
*This hidden passage looks promising, doesn't it? It must lead somewhere... You know, I hope we're going in the right direction. I feel kind of disoriented.
*We've certainly seen many kinds of treasure on our adventures, haven't we, Mario? There's one that I would value above all others, though. I would keep it in the safest place I know... Mario, please give me your autograph!!
*Again with the Bowser faces! I'm sick of looking at his ugly mug! Let's find the real Bowser and show him who's boss! And then I can meet Princess Peach!
*It's the outside of Bowser's Castle. Even the outside feels gross and ominous. Maybe he wasn't so bad until he moved here. Living in such a dank place isn't good for the soul.
*How many halls have we been through? I wonder what this one leads to... To Bowser's room? Maybe?
*Know what this reminds me of? A ghost story! This would make the perfect setting for a freaky ghost story! We could have Bow and her friends play the scary parts. Remind me to do that some time back at Toad Town!
*It's a prison cell within Bowser's Castle. A lot of Toads are here. It's a bit strange... Why would Bowser ever need this many prison cells? Do you think there are that many prisoners?
*I think we've already come really far. But we're not at Bowser's room yet. Where could he be? This place is so complicated! That Bowser... I really don't like him!
*"I smell treasure!" Isn't that a good Kolorado imitation? Mario? Wasn't that right on? I wonder what Kolorado's doing?
*It's a covered hallway in Bowser's Castle. There's no place to hide around here, that's for sure. Not that we need one, Mario! Who'd hide? Not me!
*Do you think those windows open to outside or to the inner part of the castle? I'm getting totally turned around in here. This castle really is huge.
*It's a room without a window. It also has a chandelier with no lights in it. I'm getting the feeling that Bowser is really going for the dark, gothic look in here. Maybe he hates bright lights.
*All the torches hanging over there... Doesn't their pattern strike you as sort of suspicious? It's almost as if there's a hidden meaning there. What do you say we try to remember it?
*I think we keep passing through the same room. Do you think, perhaps, that somebody's messing with us? Well, it's a waste of time to just keep running around with no clue about what we're doing. It's kind of like what happened in Forever Forest. Say...those torches might hold a clue for us.
*This is a corridor of sorts. I guess it's more like an elevated skyway, though. If a guy were afraid of heights, his legs would probably tremble and he'd probably freak out. Gulp!
*You know, if I were designing a castle, I wouldn't put in so many corridors. Well, whatever. You can't expect Bowser to have good taste. 
*This room is one big ego massage for Bowser. I wish we could crush all these statues to dust.
*Stairs again! Do you think Princess Peach's Castle is at the top of 'em? We're almost there, Mario! I can feel it! Onward! The princess awaits!

==''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time'' Maps==
<center><gallery perrow=5>
File:BabyCastleMap1.png|<center>Baby Bowser's Castle Area 1
File:BabyCastleMap2.png|<center>Baby Bowser's Castle Area 2
File:BabyCastleMap3.png|<center>Baby Bowser's Castle Area 3
</gallery></center>

==Gallery==
===Pictures===
<gallery>
SMB3 Bowserscastle.png|''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
TAOSMB3 Kastle Koopa concept art.png|''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' concept art
Bowser's Castle (SMW).png|''[[Super Mario World]]''
Bowser's Castle (YS).png|''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]''
Bowser's Castle (MLSS).png|''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]''
Bowser's Castle (YIDS).png|''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]''
Bowser's Castle (NSMBWii).png|''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''
</gallery>

===Sceneries===
<gallery>
Bowser's Castle - Inside (SMB3).png|''Super Mario Bros. 3'' (SNES)
</gallery>

==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=クッパ{{hover|城|じょう}}<br>''Kuppa Jō''<br>クッパ{{hover|迷宮|めいきゅう}}<ref name=FE2>''Super Mario RPG'' Final Edition, page 2.</ref><br>''Kuppa Meikyū''<br>クッパキャッスル <small>(''Mario Kart'' series since ''Mario Kart 64'')</small><br>''Kuppa Kyassuru''
|JapM=Bowser's Castle<br><br>Bowser's Maze (6 door courses in ''Super Mario RPG''); rendered "The Trial Course" in the Shogakukan guide<ref name=FE2/><br><br>Bowser Castle
|ChiS=酷霸王城堡
|ChiSR=Kùbàwáng Chéngbǎo
|ChiSM=Bowser Castle
|ChiT=庫巴城堡
|ChiTR=Kùbā Chéngbǎo
|ChiTM=Bowser Castle
|Dut=Bowsers Kasteel
|DutM=Bowser's Castle
|Fra=Château de Bowser
|FraM=Bowser's Castle
|Ger=Bowsers Festung
|GerM=Bowser's Fortress
|Ita=Castello di Bowser
|ItaM=Bowser's Castle
|Kor=쿠파 성
|KorR=Kupa Seong
|KorM=Bowser Castle
|Por=Castelo do Bowser
|PorM=Bowser's Castle
|Rom=Castelul Koopa <small>(''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'')</small><br>Palatul disco de pe Coney Island <small>(''Super Mario World'' television series, referred to as such by Mario in "Mama Luigi")</small><br>Castelul de Neon al Regelui Koopa <small>(''Super Mario World'' television series, referred to as such by Luigi in "Mama Luigi")</small>
|RomM=Castle Koopa<br>The Disco Palace on Coney Island<br>King Koopa's Neon Castle
|Rus=Замок Боузера
|RusR=Zamok Bouzera
|RusM=Bowser's Castle
|Spa=Castillo de Bowser<br>Koopa Castillo de Neón <small>(''Super Mario World'' animated series)</small>
|SpaM=Bowser's Castle<br>Neon Koopa Castle
}}

==Trivia==
[[File:MKSC.png|right|thumb|The ''Paper Mario'' castle in the background from ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''.]]
*Bowser's Castle from ''Paper Mario'' made a cameo appearance in the ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' course [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Super Circuit)|Rainbow Road]].
*In both ''[[Nintendo Comics System]]'' and ''[[Nintendo Adventure Books]]'', Bowser's Castle was infrequently seen, and was shown to have a labyrinth like construction, possessing various passages, bridges and doorways.
*In ''[[Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour]]'', a course known as the [[Bowser Badlands]] is located near Bowser's Castle.
*Despite being referred to as "Bowser's Castle" in ''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island'', the castle in that game is actually owned by Kamek, since in ''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island'', Bowser is just a [[Baby Bowser|baby]] & therefore the Koopa Troop is led by the [[Magikoopa]].

==References==
<references/>

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[[Category:Bowser's castles|*]]
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