A thought occurred to me me today - in most platforming based Mario games, Luigi can do everything that Mario can do, except he can jump higher. On paper, this should prove to be an advantage in any scenario that involves jumping. Now, a higher jump also means wonkier controls, and his relatively unwieldy nature is a valid concern, but assuming that a player could control them both equally well, doesn't this make Luigi strictly better than Mario gameplay-wise? 

the only one I remember luigi jumps higher in was mario bros 2; what are some other ones?

Yes.  Luigi trumps Mario gameplay-wise, as a character and as a villain. 

In Mario 2 he jumped higher... but he did those weird kicky, floaty legs. I preferred Toad or Peach on that game (random).

He's not as big as a whore as Mario.

There is a certain stigma to Luigi though...

Duh

In super mario galaxies he was faster than mario. nuff said.
 
also galaxies, as in both of them.

If we considering Mario Bros 2, the one in Japan. Mario had much more control when ladning and stopping while Luigi jumped higher, so they are equal with their own strength and weakness.

Luigi is... an ostracized member of the Nintendo family, well after you know what happened.

Gameplay-wise I think Luigi wins out in the Mario games but falls a bit short of Mario's abilities in the Super Smash Bros. games.

Luigi is awesome, he deserves way more spotlight (cliche right?) and I hope he gets some soon!

" Luigi jumps higher but also has less traction, so he slides around more and I think he's a little slower.  One's not necessarily better than the other, just comes down to whoever you prefer.  Of course, you can choose based on whether you like red or green more, which is why I've always liked Mario more since red's my favorite color. "

I find it interesting that despite Luigi being a better jumper, other characters continue to regard Mario as if he's the best jumper in the world. Has Mario somehow managed to keep Luigi's skills hidden from the general public?

Mario is best.  He can fly through SPACE while Luigi waits to be saved on Ghost Planets!  

" @ShadowKing7 said:

" Luigi jumps higher but also has less traction, so he slides around more and I think he's a little slower.  One's not necessarily better than the other, just comes down to whoever you prefer.  Of course, you can choose based on whether you like red or green more, which is why I've always liked Mario more since red's my favorite color. "

Yep. "

Luigi saves Mario from a haunted mansion. He's also taller, and in better shape.