The Koopalings were originally intended to be Bowser's children, as was mentioned in Japanese "Super Mario Bros. 3" instruction books as well as early materials. Subsequent official sources also confirmed that they were his offspring. This portrayal was generally accepted by both Japanese and western gamers and media for a long time. After Bowser Jr. was introduced, the Koopalings went on a six-year hiatus after "", only to return (now referred to as "Bowser's minions") in the Japanese and European versions of "New Super Mario Bros. Wii". There has been confusion on whether the Koopalings are still considered Bowser's children or not, with Shigeru Miyamoto confirming during an interview in 2012 that "our current story is that the seven Koopalings are not Bowser's children. Bowser's only child is Bowser Jr., and we do not know who the mother is." According to the North American website for "New Super Mario Bros. U", the Koopalings are also siblings.