Princess Peach#Critics

Princess Peach was preceded as Mario's romantic interest by a character named Pauline (originally named Lady) that appeared as the damsel in distress in Mario's first video game, Donkey Kong, in 1981. Mario's creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, wanted to use the characters Popeye, Bluto, and Olive Oyl from the Popeye cartoon as the main characters but failed to obtain the license, so he transformed them into Jumpman (Mario), Donkey Kong, and Pauline.{{Cite web |last=Tappin |first=Steve |date=2016-07-08 |title=It's on like Donkey Kong! The angry ape with an eye for the ladies is 35... |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/a8b73b92-bcde-40c9-b32e-23a0324e94cd |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=BBC Three |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107002116/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/a8b73b92-bcde-40c9-b32e-23a0324e94cd |url-status=live }} Donkey Kong established Pauline's role as the female character who is rescued by Mario and appears as the damsel in distress in subsequent games. With the arrival of the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Mario Bros., Pauline was replaced by Princess Peach.{{Cite web |last= |date=2017-06-18 |title=In Super Mario Odyssey Gaming's Original Damsel In Distress Might Finally Get Her Due |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/06/in-super-mario-odyssey-gamings-original-damsel-in-distress-might-finally-get-her-due/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Kotaku Australia |language=en-AU |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107002424/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/06/in-super-mario-odyssey-gamings-original-damsel-in-distress-might-finally-get-her-due/ |url-status=dead }} Miyamoto later said that Donkey Kong had been designed for arcades, which were frequented by male gamers, so Nintendo did not consider making a character that would be playable by girls.{{Cite web |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=2013-06-21 |title=Shigeru Miyamoto And The Damsel In Distress |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/06/shigeru-miyamoto-and-the-damsel-in-distress/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Kotaku Australia |language=en-AU |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107092507/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/06/shigeru-miyamoto-and-the-damsel-in-distress/ |url-status=dead }} Several characteristics of Princess Peach were introduced in the 1996 role-playing game Super Mario RPG, including her use of a parasol as a weapon and a sleep spell ability that inspired her Final Smash in the Super Smash Bros. series.{{Cite web |last=Cryer |first=Hirun |date=2023-07-03 |title=Super Mario RPG fans want you to remember that it shaped the modern Princess Peach |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/super-mario-rpg-fans-want-you-to-remember-that-it-shaped-the-modern-princess-peach/ |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210182626/https://www.gamesradar.com/super-mario-rpg-fans-want-you-to-remember-that-it-shaped-the-modern-princess-peach/ |url-status=live }}

Following the debut of Waluigi in Mario Tennis, an evil version of Peach named "Walupeach" was pitched by Shugo Takahashi, co-founder of Camelot Software Planning, but the concept was rejected by Miyamoto before seeing the design, saying that it would be "just like Doronjo" from the Yatterman anime series.{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=January 18, 2023 |title=Shigeru Miyamoto said no to a Wario-style Princess Peach |language=en |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/shigeru-miyamoto-said-no-to-a-wario-style-princess-peach |access-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209221248/https://www.eurogamer.net/shigeru-miyamoto-said-no-to-a-wario-style-princess-peach |url-status=live }} The design was pitched again by Waluigi's creator, Fumihide Aoki, for the 2004 video game Mario Power Tennis, but was rejected by Nintendo.{{Cite web |last=Stedman |first=Alex |date=2023-12-01 |title=Waluigi Creator Reveals Scrapped Design for 'Walpeach' in Mario Power Tennis |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/waluigi-creator-reveals-scrapped-design-for-walpeach-in-mario-power-tennis |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207170108/https://www.ign.com/articles/waluigi-creator-reveals-scrapped-design-for-walpeach-in-mario-power-tennis |url-status=live }}

Reflecting on Peach's role within the franchise, Miyamoto said that although Nintendo had intentionally kept her as a damsel in distress who is saved by Mario in the games, they had wanted to develop her into a more powerful princess in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.{{Cite web |last=Shanfield |first=Ethan |date=2023-04-04 |title=Mario Powers Up: How Nintendo Visionary Shigeru Miyamoto and Illumination's Chris Meledandri Plan to Super Smash Hollywood |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/features/super-mario-bros-movie-shigeru-miyamoto-interview-1235572488/ |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405004314/https://variety.com/2023/film/features/super-mario-bros-movie-shigeru-miyamoto-interview-1235572488/ |url-status=live }} He said that Peach was one of the characters in the film that evolved the most, as her role was changed from a princess that needs to be protected to one who fights for her kingdom.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-25 |title=マリオ映画公開記念！宮本茂さんインタビュー 制作の始まりから驚きの設定まで – ページ 2 |trans-title=Commemorating the release of the Mario movie! Interview with Shigeru Miyamoto, from the start of production to the surprising setting, page 2 |url=https://www.ndw.jp/mario-interview-230425/2/ |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Nintendo DREAM WEB |language=ja |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425155151/https://www.ndw.jp/mario-interview-230425/2/ |url-status=live }} After the release of the film in 2023, Peach's appearance was updated on the box art for Princess Peach: Showtime! to make her appear more angry and determined like her movie counterpart.{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=2023-10-12 |title=Princess Peach Box Art Updated to Look a Little More Like She Does in the Super Mario Bros. Movie |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/princess-peach-box-art-updated-to-look-a-little-more-like-she-does-in-the-super-mario-bros-movie |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217102635/https://www.ign.com/articles/princess-peach-box-art-updated-to-look-a-little-more-like-she-does-in-the-super-mario-bros-movie |url-status=live }}

File:Princess Peach Kotabe illustration.jpg|alt=Two illustrations of Princess Peach]]

Peach's initial appearance was drawn by Miyamoto, who later asked Yōichi Kotabe to redraw Peach with his instructions. He had asked Kotabe to draw her eyes to be "a little cat-like" and wanted her to look "stubborn, but a little cute".{{Cite web |last= |date=May 4, 2012 |title=Iwata Asks: The Birth of Bowser |url=https://www.gamezone.com/originals/iwata-asks-the-birth-of-bowser/ |access-date=November 12, 2022 |website=GameZone |language=en-US |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112055334/https://www.gamezone.com/originals/iwata-asks-the-birth-of-bowser/ |url-status=live }} A strategy guide titled How to Win at Super Mario Bros., which was published around the time of the first Super Mario Bros. game in 1985, depicted the princess as a human on its cover, but also with an alternative design featuring a mushroom head.{{Cite web |last=Radulovic |first=Petrana |date=2018-09-14 |title=Peachette: An Investigation |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/9/14/17860768/peachette-new-super-mario-bros-u-investigation |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=September 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924111850/https://www.polygon.com/2018/9/14/17860768/peachette-new-super-mario-bros-u-investigation |url-status=live }} Other merchandise designs created around the time of the first game depicted Peach with straight, long blonde hair wearing a red skirt, illustrating that her design was not finalized until later games.{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=2022-04-18 |title=Random: Princess Peach Could've Looked Very Different According To Early Merch |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/04/random-princess-peach-couldve-looked-very-different-according-to-early-merch |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105050619/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/04/random-princess-peach-couldve-looked-very-different-according-to-early-merch |url-status=live }}

When discussing Peach's design for Super Princess Peach, released in 2005, Miyamoto said that it was important for Peach to be "Peach-like", meaning that she evokes the "free optimism of a Princess." He explained that she was designed to convey an image of strength, rather than being protected by Mario, due to many Nintendo developers being used to a matriarchal figure at home.{{Cite web |last= |date=January 8, 2022 |title=Shigeru Miyamoto – Mario 20th Anniversary Interview |url=https://shmuplations.com/mario20th/ |access-date=December 9, 2023 |website=shmuplations |language=en-US |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209214231/https://shmuplations.com/mario20th/ |url-status=live }}

Miyamoto said that Peach's name came from associating princesses with girls, and when thinking about girls, he would think of pink.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-13 |title=宮本茂さんに聞く"マリオたちの名前の由来" |trans-title=Ask Shigeru Miyamoto about the origin of the names of Mario and his friends |url=https://www.ndw.jp/mario-220913-2/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Nintendo DREAM WEB |language=ja |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031101446/https://www.ndw.jp/mario-220913-2/ |url-status=live }} In Japan, Peach's name has always been {{Nihongo4|Princess Peach|ピーチ姫|Pīchi-Hime|Princess Peach}} since her debut in the original Super Mario Bros. in 1985. However, she was localized as "Princess Toadstool" in the English-language manual.{{Cite web |last=Franich |first=Darren |date=September 18, 2015 |title=Why Nintendo should make a 'Princess Peach' game |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/09/18/nintendo-super-mario-princess-game/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=EW.com |language=en |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211195327/https://ew.com/article/2015/09/18/nintendo-super-mario-princess-game/ |url-status=live }} The English version of Yoshi's Safari, released in 1993, contained the first usage of the name "Peach" in the Western world,{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Andrew |date=February 11, 2012 |title=Peripheral Visions - Feature |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/29204/virtual-console-most-wanted-peripheral-visions |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-date=August 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812073649/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/29204/virtual-console-most-wanted-peripheral-visions |url-status=live }} though she was called Princess Toadstool in Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, released in 1994.{{Cite news |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=June 19, 2016 |title=All hail Wario |language=en |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/all-hail-wario |access-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209194003/https://www.eurogamer.net/all-hail-wario |url-status=live }} In Super Mario 64, released in 1996, she uses both names in a letter addressed to Mario, signing it "Peach". From the 1996 game Mario Kart 64 onward, the name Peach is used in Western versions.{{Cite web |last=Claiborn |first=Samuel |date=December 17, 2010 |title=Princess Peach: A Visual History |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/12/17/princess-peach-a-visual-history |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205151615/https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/12/17/princess-peach-a-visual-history |url-status=live }}

Several voice actors have provided the English voice for Princess Peach. Since the 2007 Wii game Mario Strikers Charged, Peach has been voiced by Samantha Kelly.{{Cite web |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=2024-01-24 |title=Princess Peach's voice actor of 17 years confirms she hasn't been replaced for Showtime |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/princess-peachs-voice-actor-of-17-years-confirms-she-hasnt-been-recast-for-showtime/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=VGC |language=en-GB |archive-date=February 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218224615/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/princess-peachs-voice-actor-of-17-years-confirms-she-hasnt-been-recast-for-showtime/ |url-status=live }} She has also previously been voiced by Jen Taylor.{{Cite web |last=Corriea |first=Alexa Ray |date=2014-01-16 |title=Report: Cortana actress to voice Microsoft's Siri-like voice feature |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/1/16/5315036/report-cortana-actress-to-voice-microsofts-siri-like-voice-feature |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=February 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218225225/https://www.polygon.com/2014/1/16/5315036/report-cortana-actress-to-voice-microsofts-siri-like-voice-feature |url-status=live }} Her other voice actors include Jeannie Elias in The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, Tracey Moore in The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World, and Leslie Swan, a localization manager for Nintendo.{{Cite web |last=Milici |first=Lauren |date=2022-12-20 |title=The Super Mario Bros. Movie voice cast: who plays who? |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/super-mario-bros-movie-voice-cast-chris-pratt-seth-rogen/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214203455/https://www.gamesradar.com/super-mario-bros-movie-voice-cast-chris-pratt-seth-rogen/ |url-status=live }}

File:Peach emblem.svg

Peach is the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom and ruler of her subjects, known as Toads, a species of mushroom-like people.{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=2018-09-14 |title=But Seriously Who Is Peachette |url=https://kotaku.com/but-seriously-who-is-peachette-1829061920 |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217181648/https://kotaku.com/but-seriously-who-is-peachette-1829061920 |url-status=live }} Although she has appeared in a variety of outfits, Peach typically wears her pink princess dress with puffy sleeves combined with long white gloves.{{Cite web |last=Mills |first=Bobby |date=2023-10-15 |title=10 Best Princess Peach Outfits, Ranked |url=https://www.thegamer.com/princess-peach-outfits-ranked-best/ |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123150434/https://www.thegamer.com/princess-peach-outfits-ranked-best/ |url-status=live }} Her royal abode is a large castle with white walls and a red roof, adorned with a stained-glass portrait of the princess.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2015-07-13 |title=How Nintendo's most famous castle changed Mario forever |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/nintendos-most-famous-castle-mario/ |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213085055/https://www.gamesradar.com/nintendos-most-famous-castle-mario/ |url-status=live }} Peach is the daughter of the Mushroom King (also named King Toadstool), a character that appears in the Super Mario Bros. comics and is mentioned in the manual for the first Super Mario Bros. video game but has never appeared in the video games.{{Cite web |last=Escamilla |first=Chelsea |date=2023-04-10 |title=Why Peach Became A Princess Instead Of A Queen In Super Mario Bros. Movie |url=https://screenrant.com/super-mario-bros-movie-peach-princess-not-queen/ |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622175500/https://screenrant.com/super-mario-bros-movie-peach-princess-not-queen/ |url-status=live }} She is presented as one of the few humans in the kingdom, despite the Toads being the predominant race. Throughout the mainline series, the Mushroom Kingdom is under persistent attack from Bowser and his minions, and Peach's role is to be his kidnapping victim.{{Cite web |last=Hollander |first=Cooper |date=2012-08-13 |title=The Top 7... Most disturbing things about the Mushroom Kingdom |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-most-disturbing-things-about-mushroom-kingdom/ |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928013728/https://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-most-disturbing-things-about-mushroom-kingdom/ |url-status=live }} Her age has never been officially confirmed, but it varies between mid-teens and early twenties.{{Cite web |last=Geddo |first=Benedetta |date=March 7, 2022 |title=Some Days You Wake Up and Are Gripped by the Need To Know Just How Old Princess Peach Is |url=https://www.themarysue.com/how-old-is-princess-peach/ |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=The Mary Sue |language=en |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113223346/https://www.themarysue.com/how-old-is-princess-peach/ |url-status=live }}

Despite being the lead female character of the Mario franchise, Princess Peach has rarely been the protagonist of Mario video games.{{Cite web |title=Why Nintendo should make a 'Princess Peach' game |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/09/18/nintendo-super-mario-princess-game/ |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=EW.com |language=en |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225154641/https://ew.com/article/2015/09/18/nintendo-super-mario-princess-game/ |url-status=live }} Since the first Super Mario Bros. video game, she has repeatedly been the damsel in distress of the main series, typically appearing at the end of the game to reward Mario after successfully rescuing her. She is a playable character in various spin-off games and has wielded several weapons, including a frying pan and a parasol.{{Cite web |last=Carmichael |first=Stephanie |date=2014-10-03 |title=Super Smash Bros. History of Nintendo's Princess Peach |url=https://www.themarysue.com/princess-peach-heroine-history/ |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=The Mary Sue |language=en |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216111439/https://www.themarysue.com/princess-peach-heroine-history/ |url-status=live }} She also demonstrates magical powers, such as the ability to heal in Super Mario RPG.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Julia |date=2023-11-17 |title=Super Mario RPG best level up bonus stats |url=https://www.polygon.com/guides/23965564/super-mario-rpg-best-level-up-bonus-stats |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=December 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229232953/https://www.polygon.com/guides/23965564/super-mario-rpg-best-level-up-bonus-stats |url-status=live }} In the first Super Mario Bros. game, her white magic is the only way to undo the chaos caused by Bowser to the Mushroom Kingdom. Peach's relationship with Mario is a central element of the series, yet it remains ambiguous. Although Nintendo describes them as friends, suggestions of a romantic relationship between Peach and Mario recur throughout the series.{{Cite web |last=McMahon |first=James |date=2019-11-14 |title=It's-a complicated: A brief history of Mario and Princess Peach's on-off romance |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/its-a-complicated-a-brief-history-of-mario-and-princess-peachs-on-off-romance/ |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604003338/https://www.gamesradar.com/its-a-complicated-a-brief-history-of-mario-and-princess-peachs-on-off-romance/ |url-status=live }}

Peach made her debut as Princess Toadstool in the 1985 platform game Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The story involves Bowser (named King Koopa) kidnapping her and hiding her in one of eight dungeons, necessitating Mario and Luigi to find and rescue her.{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Philip |date=2013-09-13 |title=Review: Super Mario Bros. (Wii U eShop / NES) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/super_mario_bros_nes |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=October 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019152159/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/super_mario_bros_nes |url-status=live }} After navigating his way through eight worlds and defeating King Koopa over a pit of lava, Mario receives a "Thank you, Mario!" from the princess as a hero's reward.{{Cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Rus |date=2010-09-14 |title=IGN Presents: The History of Super Mario Bros. |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/14/ign-presents-the-history-of-super-mario-bros |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=February 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214150252/http://au.games.ign.com/articles/833/833615p1.html |url-status=live }} A sequel to the game was released in Japan in 1986 as Super Mario Bros. 2 and was eventually released in North America as part of Super Mario All-Stars in 1993, titled Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. Like its predecessor, the game involves Mario or Luigi attempting to rescue the princess from Bowser.{{Cite web |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |date=2014-03-16 |title=Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels hits Wii U Virtual Console |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/16/5514914/super-mario-bros-the-lost-levels-hits-wii-u-virtual-console |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516213422/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/16/5514914/super-mario-bros-the-lost-levels-hits-wii-u-virtual-console |url-status=live }} In 1988, the princess was upgraded to a playable character on the NES with the release of a second sequel titled Super Mario Bros. 2. As one of four playable characters in the game, she had the unique ability to float over obstacles. The game was made from a preexisting Japanese game named Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic to repurpose it for a Western audience; thus, Princess Toadstool was used in place of Lina, one of the characters in the Japanese version.{{Cite web |last=Carmichael |first=Stephanie |date=2014-10-03 |title=Super Smash Bros. History of Nintendo's Princess Peach |url=https://www.themarysue.com/princess-peach-heroine-history/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=The Mary Sue |language=en |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216111439/https://www.themarysue.com/princess-peach-heroine-history/ |url-status=live }} In the NES game Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988), Mario embarks on a quest to rescue seven kings from Bowser's Koopalings but eventually discovers that Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser.{{Cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Rus |date=2010-09-14 |title=IGN Presents: The History of Super Mario Bros. |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/14/ign-presents-the-history-of-super-mario-bros |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=February 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214150252/http://au.games.ign.com/articles/833/833615p1.html |url-status=live }} After Mario's quest to rescue the princess is complete, she rewards him with a joke and a dismissive "Bye bye".

Princess Toadstool returned as the kidnapped princess on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in Super Mario World (1990), which places Mario in a location called Dinosaur Land. Mario embarks on a quest that involves navigating through several locations to save Dinosaur Land from the Koopalings before rescuing the princess from Bowser.{{Cite web |last=O'Neill |first=Jamie |date=2019-09-21 |title=Review: Super Mario World - Phenomenal Platforming Perfection |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/snes/super_mario_world |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220213509/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/snes/super_mario_world |url-status=live }} The princess is again the victim of Bowser in the 3D platform game Super Mario 64 (1996), released on the Nintendo 64.{{Cite web |title=Super Mario 64 Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/super-mario-64-review/1900-2544714/ |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=February 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215023346/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/super-mario-64-review/1900-2544714/ |url-status=live }} The game begins with Mario receiving a letter from "Princess Toadstool, Peach", asking him to come to her castle as she has baked a cake for him.{{Cite web |last=Nguyen |first=Lisa |date=2019-02-16 |title=Super Mario: 25 Wild Revelations About Mario And Peach's Relationship Fans Didn't Realize |url=https://screenrant.com/super-mario-princess-peach-relationship-trivia/ |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113072031/https://screenrant.com/super-mario-princess-peach-relationship-trivia/ |url-status=live }} Peach's Castle acts as a hub world and contains paintings that Mario can use to enter various worlds to complete challenges in order to win stars. At the end of the game, he must finally face Bowser and save the princess.{{Cite web |last=Dillard |first=Corbie |date=2021-10-30 |title=Review: Super Mario 64 - The Best Launch Game Ever Made |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/n64/super-mario-64 |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220224838/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/n64/super-mario-64 |url-status=live }} After Bowser is defeated, the princess emerges from the stained-glass window that adorns the castle, having been held captive within its walls.{{Cite web |last=Howard |first=Bethany-May |date=2022-12-24 |title=Super Mario Odyssey Explains Peach's Castle's Iconic Stained Glass Window |url=https://www.cbr.com/super-mario-odyssey-peach-castle-window-nintendo/ |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101223657/https://www.cbr.com/super-mario-odyssey-peach-castle-window-nintendo/ |url-status=live }} In the GameCube title Super Mario Sunshine (2002), Mario, Peach, and some Toads take a holiday to Isle Delfino. Upon arrival, they find the tropical paradise is being polluted with paint by Shadow Mario, a mysterious doppelgänger of Mario.{{Cite magazine |last=Kamen |first=Matt |title=15 years on, Super Mario Sunshine still shines bright |language=en-GB |magazine=Wired UK |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/super-mario-sunshine-anniversary |access-date=2023-12-21 |issn=1357-0978 |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515131055/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/super-mario-sunshine-anniversary |url-status=live }} Shadow Mario is secretly Bowser's son, Bowser Jr., in disguise, and, after framing Mario for polluting the island, he kidnaps Peach. Bowser Jr. initially accuses the princess of being his mother, but after Mario defeats Bowser and rescues Peach, Bowser confirms that Peach is not Bowser Jr.'s mother.

New Super Mario Bros. (2006) returned the series to 2D platforming on the Nintendo DS. The game centers on Princess Peach being kidnapped by Bowser Jr. and Mario traveling through eight worlds to save her.{{Cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=16 May 2006 |title=New Super Mario Bros. Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/new-super-mario-bros-review/1900-6151365/ |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222161505/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/new-super-mario-bros-review/1900-6151365/ |url-status=live }} Peach initiates the events of the 2007 Wii game Super Mario Galaxy by asking Mario to come to her castle because there is something she would like to give him.{{Cite news |last=Robertson |first=Margaret |date=2007-11-05 |title=Super Mario Galaxy |language=en |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/super-mario-galaxy-review |access-date=2023-12-22 |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222181322/https://www.eurogamer.net/super-mario-galaxy-review |url-status=live }} The plot involves Bowser kidnapping Peach and transporting her castle into outer space. Mario's quest requires him to complete levels and collect 60 power stars before he can travel to the center of the universe to rescue the princess.{{Cite web |last=Dickens |first=Anthony |date=2007-11-12 |title=Review: Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wii/super_mario_galaxy |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222181911/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wii/super_mario_galaxy |url-status=live }} New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009) was the first 2D side-scrolling platform game in the series to introduce multiplayer, with up to four players choosing to play as Mario, Luigi, or two Toad variations.{{Cite web |last=Calvert |first=Darren |date=2015-09-07 |title=Mario History: New Super Mario Bros. Wii - 2009 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/09/mario_history_new_super_mario_bros_wii_-_2009 |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222164100/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/09/mario_history_new_super_mario_bros_wii_-_2009 |url-status=live }} Miyamoto said that Peach was not included as a playable character because her skirt would require special programming.{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2009-10-16 |title=Miyamoto on the New Mario |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/16/miyamoto-on-the-new-mario |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028175330/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/16/miyamoto-on-the-new-mario |url-status=live }} The game opens with the princess being kidnapped by Bowser and his minions, necessitating Mario and Luigi to rescue her.{{Cite web |last=Vary |first=Adam |date=17 November 2009 |title='New Super Mario Bros. Wii' review: Saving the princess is somehow still fun |url=https://ew.com/article/2009/11/17/new-super-mario-bros-wii-review-saving-the-princess-is-somehow-still-fun/ |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=EW.com |language=en |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222173207/https://ew.com/article/2009/11/17/new-super-mario-bros-wii-review-saving-the-princess-is-somehow-still-fun/ |url-status=live }} In 2010, Nintendo released a sequel to Super Mario Galaxy with a 3D platformer on the Wii titled Super Mario Galaxy 2. Like its predecessor, the game centers on Princess Peach being abducted by Bowser, requiring Mario to travel through various worlds to save her.{{Cite news |last=Schiesel |first=Seth |date=2010-05-24 |title=Back-Seat Jumpers Now Have Their Day |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/arts/television/25mario.html |access-date=2023-12-24 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218204537/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/arts/television/25mario.html |url-status=live }}

The Nintendo 3DS game Super Mario 3D Land (2011) begins with Bowser kidnapping Princess Peach at the outset. The player controls Mario as he navigates through eight worlds to rescue her, with each ending in a boss fight with one of Bowser's henchmen.{{Cite web |last=Goodman |first=Paul |date=2011-11-12 |title=Super Mario 3D Land Review |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/super-mario-3d-land-review/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=The Escapist |language=en-US |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224074239/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/super-mario-3d-land-review/ |url-status=live }} In New Super Mario Bros. 2 (2012), the Mushroom Kingdom is again under attack from Bowser and his Koopalings, who kidnap Peach.{{Cite web |last=George |first=Richard |date=2012-07-13 |title=A Tour of New Super Mario Bros. 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/13/a-tour-of-new-super-mario-bros-2 |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128153950/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/13/a-tour-of-new-super-mario-bros-2 |url-status=live }} The game involves Mario and Luigi traveling through platform levels, collecting coins, and fighting bosses to save the princess.{{Cite web |date=2012-08-19 |title=New Super Mario Bros. 2: The Kotaku Review |url=https://kotaku.com/new-super-mario-bros-2-the-kotaku-review-5934327 |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224115429/https://kotaku.com/new-super-mario-bros-2-the-kotaku-review-5934327 |url-status=live }} In Mario's 2012 Wii U debut, New Super Mario Bros. U, the action takes place in Dinosaur Land.{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=Dave |date=2012-11-27 |title=New Super Mario Bros. U: same princess, another castle |url=https://www.vg247.com/new-super-mario-bros-u-same-princess-another-castle |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224122244/https://www.vg247.com/new-super-mario-bros-u-same-princess-another-castle |url-status=live }} The plot involves Bowser and his Koopalings taking Princess Peach hostage and Mario and friends making their way to the center of Mushroom Kingdom to save her.{{Cite web |date=2019-01-22 |title=New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe review: Just Peachy |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/109483/new-super-mario-bros-u-deluxe-review-just-peachy |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=Shacknews |language=en |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804034529/https://www.shacknews.com/article/109483/new-super-mario-bros-u-deluxe-review-just-peachy |url-status=live }} The game offers multiplayer for up to four players, featuring Mario, Luigi, and two Toads as playable characters.{{Cite web |last=George |first=Richard |date=2012-06-05 |title=E3 2012: New Super Mario Bros. U - The Glory of the Flying Squirrel |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/05/e3-2011-new-super-mario-bros-u-the-glory-of-the-flying-squirrel |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224122837/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/05/e3-2011-new-super-mario-bros-u-the-glory-of-the-flying-squirrel |url-status=live }} The game's director, Masataka Takemoto, explained that Princess Peach was not included as a playable character because he wanted all of the characters to have the same moves as Mario, and Peach was not well suited for that.{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Andy |date=2012-11-26 |title=New Super Mario Bros. U Director Explains Why Peach Isn't A Playable Character |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/11/new_super_mario_bros_u_director_explains_why_peach_isnt_a_playable_character |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224121700/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/11/new_super_mario_bros_u_director_explains_why_peach_isnt_a_playable_character |url-status=live }}

Although not initially planned to appear in the 2013 Wii U video game Super Mario 3D World, Peach was suggested by producer Yoshiaki Koizumi. The game was the first in the mainline series since Super Mario Bros. 2 to feature her as a playable character. Koizumi thought she could offer a more competitive choice in multiplayer.{{Cite web |last=Riendeau |first=Danielle |date=2013-06-12 |title=Nintendo thinking on a different frequency with playable Princess Peach |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/6/12/4421244/nintendo-thinking-on-a-different-frequency-with-playable-princess |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=May 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510135029/https://www.polygon.com/2013/6/12/4421244/nintendo-thinking-on-a-different-frequency-with-playable-princess |url-status=live }} He also hoped that players would be able to play alongside their girlfriends or wives.{{Cite magazine |last=Peckham |first=Matt |date=June 14, 2013 |title=Exploring Super Mario 3D World with Its Development Team |language=en-US |magazine=Time |url=https://techland.time.com/2013/06/14/exploring-super-mario-3d-world-with-its-development-team/ |access-date=December 9, 2023 |issn=0040-781X |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209233702/https://techland.time.com/2013/06/14/exploring-super-mario-3d-world-with-its-development-team/ |url-status=live }} Peach has the ability to use her gown to float while jumping, allowing her to avoid gaps and other obstacles.{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Samantha |date=2021-02-02 |title=Super Mario 3D World characters: All characters and their skills |url=https://www.imore.com/super-mario-3d-world-characters-all-characters-and-their-skills |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=iMore |language=en |archive-date=September 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921085208/https://www.imore.com/super-mario-3d-world-characters-all-characters-and-their-skills |url-status=live }} She can use power-ups that provide various effects and boosts, such as the cat suit, which gives her the ability to crawl and climb walls like a cat.{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Colin |date=2013-10-24 |title=Super Mario 3D World: The Shigeru Miyamoto interview |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/10/24/5022354/super-mario-3d-world-the-shigeru-miyamoto-interview |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218201702/https://www.polygon.com/2013/10/24/5022354/super-mario-3d-world-the-shigeru-miyamoto-interview |url-status=live }} When Peach gets the Fire Flower power-up, she transforms into Fire Peach, where her dress changes from pink to the colors of Fire Flowers.{{Cite news |last=Elker |first=Jhaan |date=November 29, 2022 |title=In new trailer, the Mario franchise's supporting cast takes center stage |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/11/29/new-trailer-mario-franchises-supporting-cast-takes-center-stage/ |access-date=March 24, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en }} In the mobile game Super Mario Run (2016), Peach is one of several playable characters and is unlocked following the completion of the World Tour mode. The story of the World Tour mode involves Peach being kidnapped by Bowser. After she is unlocked, Peach can use her floaty jump ability during gameplay.{{Cite web |date=2017-03-23 |title=Super Mario Run character unlocks: Luigi, Yoshi, Peach, and more |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/98176/super-mario-run-character-unlocks-luigi-yoshi-peach-and-more |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Shacknews |language=en |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223200107/https://www.shacknews.com/article/98176/super-mario-run-character-unlocks-luigi-yoshi-peach-and-more |url-status=live }}

Peach begins the Nintendo Switch game Super Mario Odyssey (2017) being abducted by Bowser, who wants to marry her. She is confined to Bowser's flying boat, while Mario must travel the world to rescue her. At the end of the game, Bowser and Mario compete for Peach's affections, but she rejects them both, opting to travel the world on her own.{{Cite web |last=Loveridge |first=Sam |date=2017-11-30 |title=Who knew that Nintendo could transform Princess Peach into a modern woman after all these years? |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/super-mario-odyssey-ending-princess-peach/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220161034/https://www.gamesradar.com/super-mario-odyssey-ending-princess-peach/ |url-status=live }} In addition to her wedding dress, Peach wears a variety of outfits on her travels.{{Cite web |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=2017-11-06 |title=Check Out Princess Peach's Adorable Outfits from Super Mario Odyssey |url=https://www.vg247.com/check-out-princess-peachs-adorable-outfits-from-super-mario-odyssey |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220163814/https://www.vg247.com/check-out-princess-peachs-adorable-outfits-from-super-mario-odyssey |url-status=live }} Super Mario Maker 2 (2019) includes a story mode that tasks Mario with reconstructing Princess Peach's castle. By working through 100 courses, he can collect coins to pay for the construction of parts of the castle. When the castle is complete, Princess Peach allocates jobs via the Taskmaster, which unlocks wearable Mii outfits, including a Princess Peach Dress, Princess Peach Wig, and after completing all the tasks, a Princess Peach Tennis outfit.{{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Gavin |date=2021-08-11 |title=Super Mario Maker 2 Story Mode - How To Unlock Items, Characters, Mii Outfits And More |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/super-mario-maker-2-story-mode-how-to-unlock-items-characters-mii-outfits-and-more |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223085413/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/super-mario-maker-2-story-mode-how-to-unlock-items-characters-mii-outfits-and-more |url-status=live }} In Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023), Princess Peach is one of several playable characters alongside Mario, Luigi, and others. The game centers on their visit to the Flower Kingdom, which is disrupted when Bowser steals the Wonder Flower and transforms into a flying castle.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Andy |date=2023-10-18 |title='Super Mario Bros. Wonder' review: let's-a-go play this 2D delight |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/super-mario-bros-wonder-review-3516414 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223093442/https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/super-mario-bros-wonder-review-3516414 |url-status=live }}

Princess Toadstool's Castle Run, a game based on Super Mario Bros. 2, which was released in 1990 on the Nelsonic Game Watch, was the first game to feature Princess Toadstool as the sole playable character.{{Cite web|title=Portable Plumber: The Complete History of Mario in Handheld Games|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2011/11/portable-plumber-the-complete-history-of-mario-in-handheld-games/|access-date=December 12, 2020|website=Complex|archive-date=November 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110123345/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2011/11/portable-plumber-the-complete-history-of-mario-in-handheld-games/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2023-06-21 |title=Princess Peach is finally the star of the show in a new Switch game |url=https://www.polygon.com/23768532/princess-peach-2024-nintendo-switch-game |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622005459/https://www.polygon.com/23768532/princess-peach-2024-nintendo-switch-game |url-status=live }} In 1993, she appeared in Mario is Missing!, an educational game developed by The Software Toolworks.{{Cite web |last= |date=2015-08-16 |title=Actually, Mario Is Missing Was Awesome |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/08/actuallymario-is-missingwas-awesome/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Kotaku Australia |language=en-AU |archive-date=February 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218232744/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/08/actuallymario-is-missingwas-awesome/ |url-status=dead }}

Peach is a playable character in most Mario spin-offs, including Mario Sports games, where she is a recurring character. She is one of four playable characters that appear at the beginning of Mario Golf (1999).{{Cite web |last=Van Duyn |first=Marcel |date=2022-04-15 |title=Review: Mario Golf - Strait-Laced Fun On The Fairway |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/n64/mario-golf |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321202052/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/n64/mario-golf |url-status=live }} She is one of several playable characters appearing in Mario Tennis in 2000.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2000-06-28 |title=Inside Mario Tennis |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/28/inside-mario-tennis |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321202827/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/28/inside-mario-tennis |url-status=live }} In Mario Golf: Advance Tour (2004), Peach is one of the Mushroom Kingdom inhabitants against whom the player competes in story mode.{{Cite web |last=Lindemann |first=Jon |title=Mario Golf: Advance Tour Preview - Preview |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/3701/mario-golf-advance-tour-game-boy-advance |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321204030/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/3701/mario-golf-advance-tour-game-boy-advance |url-status=live }} In Mario Superstar Baseball (2005), she has a star move, which gives her the ability to obscure the ball with hearts.{{Cite news |last=Rossignol |first=Jim |date=2005-11-21 |title=Mario Superstar Baseball |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/r-mariobaseball-gc |access-date=2024-03-25 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114190648/https://www.eurogamer.net/r-mariobaseball-gc |url-status=live }} Peach is one of seven core characters that are playable in every game in the Mario Strikers series.{{Cite web |last=Ronaghan |first=Neal |title=Where The Eff Is Daisy?: The Curious Case of Mario Strikers Battle League's Roster - Editorial |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/60535/where-the-eff-is-daisy-the-curious-case-of-mario-strikers-battle-leagues-roster |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=Nintendo World Report}} In the soccer game Super Mario Strikers (2005), she is one of the team captains or strikers.{{Cite web |last=Sklens |first=Mike |title=Super Mario Strikers Review - Review |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4461/super-mario-strikers-gamecube |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-date=January 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103124739/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4461/super-mario-strikers-gamecube |url-status=live }} Peach is one of several Mario characters that can be selected to play for a team of three on the basketball court in Mario Hoops 3-on-3 (2006).{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=2006-06-19 |title=Hands-On Mario Hoops 3-on-3 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/19/hands-on-mario-hoops-3-on-3 |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822003247/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/19/hands-on-mario-hoops-3-on-3 |url-status=live }} In Mario Strikers Charged (2007), Peach is one of 12 team captains that can be selected for play.{{Cite web |title=Mario Strikers Charged Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-strikers-charged-review/1900-6175854/#google_vignette |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}} In Mario Strikers: Battle League (2022), Peach is one of the ten playable characters, each of whom can perform a unique move called a Hyper Strike. Peach's special move involves kicking the ball into a heart-shaped arch and temporarily stunning other characters.{{Cite web |last=Spear |first=Rebecca |date=2022-06-09 |title=Mario Strikers: Battle League tier list — Stats and best character to play as |url=https://www.imore.com/mario-strikers-battle-league-tier-list-best-character-play |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=iMore |language=en}} Alongside Mario and Sonic, Peach is one of 14 additional playable characters that appear in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (2007).{{Cite web |last=Dickens |first=Anthony |date=2007-11-19 |title=Review: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2007/11/mario_and_sonic_at_the_olympic_games_wii |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=June 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607065210/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2007/11/mario_and_sonic_at_the_olympic_games_wii |url-status=live }} In the baseball game Mario Super Sluggers (2008), Peach is one of the main characters that can be chosen for the player's team once before disappearing, unlike secondary characters who can be selected multiple times.{{Cite web |last=Kitts |first=Martin |date=2008-08-26 |title=Mario Super Sluggers review |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-super-sluggers-review/ |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210072128/https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-super-sluggers-review/ |url-status=live }} As well as being a playable character in Mario Golf: World Tour (2014), Peach also has a course named "Peach's Playground".{{Cite web |title=Review: Mario Golf: World Tour |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-mario-golf-world-tour/ |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210170417/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-mario-golf-world-tour/ |url-status=live }} She performs a special move in Mario Tennis Aces (2018), which involves spinning and leaping and finishing with a heart.{{Cite web |last=Lada |first=Jenni |date=2018-07-02 |title=Mario Tennis Aces Nails Its Characterizations |url=https://www.siliconera.com/mario-tennis-aces-nails-its-characterizations/ |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127192215/https://www.siliconera.com/mario-tennis-aces-nails-its-characterizations/ |url-status=live }}

She is a returning character in the kart racing game series Mario Kart and appears as one of eight playable characters in the first video game, Super Mario Kart (1992).{{Cite web |last=O'Neill |first=Jamie |date=2014-03-28 |title=Review: Super Mario Kart (Wii U eShop / SNES) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/super_mario_kart_snes |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=September 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927024341/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/super_mario_kart_snes |url-status=live }} A variation named Cat Peach was introduced as one of three playable characters in the first DLC pack for Mario Kart 8 in 2014.{{Cite magazine |last=Futter |first=Mike |title=[Update] Mario Kart 8 DLC, Including Link And 16 New Tracks, Confirmed For North America |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/08/26/nintendo-uk-website-details-mario-kart-8-dlc-including-link.aspx |access-date=2023-12-20 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220112024/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/08/26/nintendo-uk-website-details-mario-kart-8-dlc-including-link.aspx |url-status=live }} The game also debuted a variation named Pink Gold Peach.{{Cite web |last=Shapiro |first=Jake |date=2014-05-09 |title=Mario Kart Month: Mario Kart 8 Character Profiles: Koopalings Galore |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/05/mario_kart_month_mario_kart_8_character_profiles_koopalings_galore |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220112653/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/05/mario_kart_month_mario_kart_8_character_profiles_koopalings_galore |url-status=live }} Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a playable Peach, as well as Cat Peach, a baby version of Peach, and Pink Gold Peach.{{Cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=2023-09-25 |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Full Character Roster List |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/mario-kart-8-deluxe-full-character-roster-list |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220114517/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/mario-kart-8-deluxe-full-character-roster-list |url-status=live }} Mario Kart Tour increased the number of playable options and includes Cherub Baby Peach, Kimono Peach, Pink Gold Peach, Vacation Peach, and Wintertime Peach as alternate costumes.{{Cite web |last=Lada |first=Jenni |date=2020-01-29 |title=Mario Kart Tour Valentine's Tour Adds Cherub Baby Peach as a Driver |url=https://www.siliconera.com/mario-kart-tour-valentines-tour-adds-cherub-baby-peach-as-a-driver/ |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220110450/https://www.siliconera.com/mario-kart-tour-valentines-tour-adds-cherub-baby-peach-as-a-driver/ |url-status=live }}

In 1996, the princess appeared in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. She is one of the party members and the final character to join the team. In gameplay, she can use defensive and healing moves or attack with a weapon, such as a frying pan or parasol.{{Cite web |last=Carmichael |first=Stephanie |date=2014-10-03 |title=Super Smash Bros. History of Nintendo's Princess Peach |url=https://www.themarysue.com/princess-peach-heroine-history/ |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=The Mary Sue |language=en |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216111439/https://www.themarysue.com/princess-peach-heroine-history/ |url-status=live }} The game begins with the princess being kidnapped by Bowser, resulting in Mario setting off to rescue her.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Lucas M. |date=2008-09-02 |title=Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/02/super-mario-rpg-legend-of-the-seven-stars-review |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=September 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080903163233/http://wii.ign.com/articles/906/906945p1.html |url-status=live }} Although she was named Princess Toadstool in the original game, she was renamed Princess Peach in the 2023 remake released on the Nintendo Switch.{{Cite web |last=Kamen |first=Matt |date=2023-11-15 |title=Super Mario RPG |url=https://www.empireonline.com/gaming/reviews/super-mario-rpg/ |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Empire |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108205339/https://www.empireonline.com/gaming/reviews/super-mario-rpg/ |url-status=live }}

She has been a staple character of the Mario Party series since the first Mario Party, which was released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998. In the first game, she is one of six playable Nintendo characters that can be selected in a party of one to four players. One of the game's 2D board maps is named "Peach's Birthday Cake".{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Peer |date=1999-02-12 |title=Mario Party Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/02/12/mario-party |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616224134/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/02/12/mario-party |url-status=live }}

Peach appears in the Paper Mario series starting from the Paper Mario video game (2000). In the first game, she is kidnapped by Bowser after inviting Mario and Luigi to her castle for a party, requiring Mario to retrieve seven Star Spirits in order to rescue her. Players can play as Peach in sections of the game as she repeatedly attempts to escape the castle.{{Cite web |last=Fox |first=Kevin |date=3 December 2021 |title=Paper Mario Joins Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack's N64 Collection |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/paper-mario/paper-mario-joins-nintendo-switch-online-expansion |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Paste Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116212717/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/paper-mario/paper-mario-joins-nintendo-switch-online-expansion |url-status=live }} In Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004), Peach invites Mario to the town of Rogueport for a treasure hunt, but she is kidnapped and held in a fortress by the X-Nauts, leaving Mario to collect seven Crystal Stars while trying to find her. Players control Mario, but at the end of each of the eight chapters, the gameplay switches to Peach as she wanders around the fortress while attempting to escape.{{Cite web |date=2008-05-01 |title=The Memory Card .33: Peach dances with TEC |url=https://www.destructoid.com/the-memory-card-33-peach-dances-with-tec/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110184743/https://www.destructoid.com/the-memory-card-33-peach-dances-with-tec/ |url-status=live }} Peach is again kidnapped in Super Paper Mario (2007), in which Mario must set off to recover eight Pure Hearts in order to find her.{{Cite web |last=Wook |first=Kim |date=15 April 2007 |title=Videogame Review: Super Paper Mario |url=https://ew.com/article/2007/04/15/videogame-review-super-paper-mario/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=EW.com |language=en |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110194522/https://ew.com/article/2007/04/15/videogame-review-super-paper-mario/ |url-status=live }} During gameplay, Peach teams up with Mario as a playable character, where she can perform a floaty jump.{{Cite web |last=Dickens |first=Anthony |date=2007-04-15 |title=Review: Super Paper Mario (Wii) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wii/super_paper_mario |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810083149/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wii/super_paper_mario |url-status=live }} In Paper Mario: Sticker Star (2012), she and the Toads are enjoying a sticker festival in the Mushroom Kingdom until Bowser arrives to cause chaos, resulting in Mario collecting stickers to save the kingdom.{{Cite news |last=Stanton |first=Rich |date=2012-11-13 |title=Paper Mario: Sticker Star review |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/paper-mario-sticker-star-review |access-date=2024-01-24 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124230417/https://www.eurogamer.net/paper-mario-sticker-star-review |url-status=live }} In the 2016 follow-up game Paper Mario: Color Splash, Mario, Peach, and Toad are invited to Prism Island, which is being drained of color. When Peach is kidnapped, Mario and a paint bucket companion named Huey must save the island and Peach.{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Caty |date=2016-10-14 |title=Paper Mario: Color Splash review |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/10/14/13289136/paper-mario-color-splash-review-wii-u |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=May 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503090836/https://www.polygon.com/2016/10/14/13289136/paper-mario-color-splash-review-wii-u |url-status=live }} In Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020), Peach and the Toads are folded into origami versions by King Olly, so Mario and friends must fight to restore them.{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Jeffrey |date=2020-07-15 |title=Paper Mario: The Origami King is a cute game with ridiculously punishing combat |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2020/7/15/21324388/paper-mario-the-origami-king-review-nintendo-switch |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=February 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221215449/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2020/7/15/21324388/paper-mario-the-origami-king-review-nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}

In the role-playing video game series Mario & Luigi, Peach is a recurring character. In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003), Bowser recruits Mario and Luigi to help him restore Peach's voice after it was sucked up into a device by a mystery guest and replaced with speech that converts to explosives.{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2003-11-18 |title=Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/18/mario-luigi-superstar-saga-2 |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208000741/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/18/mario-luigi-superstar-saga-2 |url-status=live }} In the second entry, Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time (2005), the brothers must save Peach and the Mushroom Kingdom from being conquered by the evil Shroobs by traveling between the past and the present.{{Cite web |last=Torres |first=Ricardo |title=Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-and-luigi-partners-in-time-review/1900-6140551/ |date=November 28, 2005|access-date=2024-03-25 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202055845/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-and-luigi-partners-in-time-review/1900-6140551/ |url-status=live }} Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (2009) continues Mario and Luigi's efforts to save Peach after the villain Fawful tricks Bowser into eating a type of mushroom that causes him to inhale the Mushroom Kingdom, forcing the brothers to save Peach after being trapped inside Bowser's body.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2009-09-15 |title=Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story Review: A Fawful Good Time |url=https://kotaku.com/mario-luigi-bowsers-inside-story-review-a-fawful-go-453112495 |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131103049/https://kotaku.com/mario-luigi-bowsers-inside-story-review-a-fawful-go-453112495 |url-status=live }} In Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (2013), Mario and Luigi must work with a character named Prince Dreambert to save Peach after she is sucked through a portal into the dreamworld while staying on Pi'illo Island.{{Cite web |last=Koopman |first=Daan |title=Mario & Luigi: Dream Team Bros. Review - Review |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/34891/mario-n-luigi-dream-team-nintendo-3ds |date=July 11, 2013|access-date=2024-03-25 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906153927/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/34891/mario-n-luigi-dream-team-nintendo-3ds |url-status=live }} Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (2015) follows Mario and Luigi on a quest to save Peach after both she and her paper version are kidnapped by Bowser.{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |title=Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam Review - Review |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/41834/mario-n-luigi-paper-jam-3ds-review |date=January 25, 2016|access-date=2024-03-25 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315170851/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/41834/mario-n-luigi-paper-jam-3ds-review |url-status=live }} She is also set to appear in the upcoming Mario & Luigi: Brothership (2024).{{Cite web |last=McWhertor|first=Michael |title=A brand-new Mario & Luigi adventure is coming to Switch|url=https://www.polygon.com/24180950/mario-luigi-brothership-nintendo-switch-release-date|date=June 18, 2024|access-date=2024-03-20 |website=Polygon}}

Peach is the protagonist and playable character of Super Princess Peach (2005), a platform game with mechanics similar to Super Mario games.{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2006-02-23 |title=Super Princess Peach |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/02/23/super-princess-peach |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628201808/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/02/23/super-princess-peach |url-status=live }} Set on Vibe Island, the game begins with Bowser using the Vibe Scepter to capture Mario and Luigi, resulting in Princess Peach embarking on a quest to rescue them with the help of her talking umbrella, Perry. During the game, she must navigate levels, release captured Toads, and finally face Bowser. In gameplay, she can stomp on enemies and attack them using Perry in various ways. Peach's health is measured with a heart meter. She also has a Vibe meter, which governs her four emotions: joy, gloom, rage, and calm. Each emotion power provides a unique ability; joy powers her to float in a cyclone, gloom creates floods of tears, rage engulfs her in flames, and calm restores her health.{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Ryan |title=Super Princess Peach Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/super-princess-peach-review/1900-6144887/#google_vignette |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |date=February 27, 2006|archive-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012204227/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/super-princess-peach-review/1900-6144887/#google_vignette |url-status=live }}

Peach appears in two turn-based crossover games between the Mario and Ubisoft's Rabbids franchises. In Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, the player begins with three characters, one of which is Rabbid Peach, a Rabbid version of Peach, who has the ability to heal allies and perform a stylish dash, which can kill multiple enemies. After being unlocked at the end of World 2, Peach is also a playable character and carries a short-range shotgun called a boomshot and tosses grenades at enemies. She also has the ability to perform a healing jump to heal allies.{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Jeffrey |date=2017-09-01 |title=Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle character guide: How to find and unlock Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Rabbid Mario and Rabbid Peach |url=https://www.polygon.com/mario-rabbids-kingdom-battle-guide-walkthrough/2017/9/1/16240652/characters-find-unlock-mario-rabbid-peach-luigi-yoshi-weapons-skills |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315115901/https://www.polygon.com/mario-rabbids-kingdom-battle-guide-walkthrough/2017/9/1/16240652/characters-find-unlock-mario-rabbid-peach-luigi-yoshi-weapons-skills |url-status=live }} Peach and her Rabbid counterpart return along with other Nintendo characters in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Julian |date=2022-10-17 |title=Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope |url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/mario-rabbids-sparks-of-hope |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=TechRadar |language=en |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315120551/https://www.techradar.com/reviews/mario-rabbids-sparks-of-hope |url-status=live }}

In 2019, a variant named Dr. Peach was introduced as one of ten playable characters in the mobile puzzle game Dr. Mario World. Her special skill cleared a row of objects when her skill meter was full.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2019-07-08 |title=Dr. Mario World has some fun twists on a classic puzzler, with a few mobile game gotchas |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/8/20685996/dr-mario-world-android-ios-impressions |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=July 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719103229/https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/8/20685996/dr-mario-world-android-ios-impressions |url-status=live }} Another variant named Dr. Fire Peach was later added in 2020.{{Cite web |author=Sato|date=January 7, 2020|title=Dr. Mario World Adds Dr. Fire Mario and Dr. Fire Peach on January 9, 2020 |url=https://www.siliconera.com/dr-mario-world-adds-dr-fire-mario-and-dr-fire-peach-on-january-9-2020/ |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124234150/https://www.siliconera.com/dr-mario-world-adds-dr-fire-mario-and-dr-fire-peach-on-january-9-2020/ |url-status=live }}

Peach stars in the Nintendo Switch game Princess Peach: Showtime!, which was released March 22, 2024. With a focus on a theatrical theme, it centers around Peach saving Sparkle Theatre from the antagonist Grape and her minions, the Sour Bunch. With the help of Stella, the theater's guardian, she can change into various outfits with specific abilities. Her transformations include Swordfighter Peach, Patissier Peach, Kung Fu Peach, Detective Peach, Figure Skater Peach, Mermaid Peach, and Mighty Peach.{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=2024-02-14 |title=Princess Peach: Showtime! All Outfit Transformations - Every Costume Revealed So Far |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/princess-peach-showtime-all-outfit-transformations-every-costume-revealed-so-far |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214223006/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/princess-peach-showtime-all-outfit-transformations-every-costume-revealed-so-far |url-status=live }} The game is the first to feature Peach as the protagonist since the release of Super Princess Peach.{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=2023-09-14 |title=Princess Peach: Showtime! debuts on Nintendo Switch next year |url=https://www.theverge.com/23872851/princess-peach-showtime-nintendo-direct-trailer |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220160852/https://www.theverge.com/23872851/princess-peach-showtime-nintendo-direct-trailer |url-status=live }}

Peach is a playable character in the fighting game series Super Smash Bros. and has appeared in every game since being introduced in Super Smash Bros. Melee.{{Cite web |last=McElroy |first=Griffin |date=2013-09-12 |title=Princess Peach on the roster for new Super Smash Bros. |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/9/12/4722666/princess-peach-on-the-roster-for-new-super-smash-bros |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216003815/https://www.polygon.com/2013/9/12/4722666/princess-peach-on-the-roster-for-new-super-smash-bros |url-status=live }} Upon her debut in Melee, her moveset included the ability to float in the air and throw turnips at opponents.{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Miguel |date=18 May 2001 |title=E3 2001 Hands-onSuper Smash Bros. Melee |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2001-hands-onsuper-smash-bros-melee/1100-2761855/ |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220070024/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2001-hands-onsuper-smash-bros-melee/1100-2761855/ |url-status=live }} Super Smash Bros. Brawl introduced her final smash, Peach Blossom, which causes opponents to fall asleep and take damage.{{Cite web |last= |date=2008-01-18 |title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-brawl-10/ |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929062901/https://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-brawl-10/ |url-status=live }} In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, her fighting moves include using Toad as a shield, jumping upwards and using her parasol to float down, and her final smash, Peach Blossom.{{Cite web |last=Mejia |first=Ozzie |date=2019-03-04 |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Character Profiles: Peach |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/110275/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-profiles-peach |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Shacknews |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220073945/https://www.shacknews.com/article/110275/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-profiles-peach |url-status=live }} Peach is one of several playable Mario characters that appear alongside characters from the Dragon Quest series in Itadaki Street DS, a Monopoly-style board game published by Square Enix.{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=2007-05-13 |title=Hands On: Itadaki Street DS |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/13/hands-on-itadaki-street-ds |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315082751/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/13/hands-on-itadaki-street-ds |url-status=live }} In May 2016, a Super Mario Mash-Up Pack released as downloadable content for the Wii U edition of Minecraft featured Peach as one of 12 skins used as playable Nintendo characters. Peach's Castle was also recreated as a location in the game.{{Cite magazine |last=Kamen |first=Matt |title=Mario is coming to Minecraft (but only on Wii U) |url=https://www.wired.com/story/mario-minecraft-wii-u/ |access-date=2024-03-15 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028 |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315121526/https://www.wired.com/story/mario-minecraft-wii-u/ |url-status=live }} Peach has also made cameo appearances in non-Mario games. She is depicted in a painting in Hyrule Castle in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.{{Cite web |last=McDavid |first=Noel |date=2020-06-15 |title=The Legend of Zelda: 10 Mario References and Cameos You Might Have Missed |url=https://gamerant.com/the-legend-of-zelda-mario-references/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=August 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804124551/https://gamerant.com/the-legend-of-zelda-mario-references/ |url-status=live }} In The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, a character named Christine sends her picture to a letter writer named Mr. Write, but it is a portrait of Princess Peach.{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=2011-11-20 |title=Retrospective: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening |language=en |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/retrospective-the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-article |access-date=2023-12-11 |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211231523/https://www.eurogamer.net/retrospective-the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-article |url-status=live }} She features as a playable guest character alongside Mario and Luigi in the GameCube versions of the Electronic Arts games NBA Street V3 and SSX on Tour.{{Cite news |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=2005-01-06 |title=Cube NBA Street V3 to feature Nintendo characters |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news060105nbastreet |access-date=2024-02-18 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=February 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218201305/https://www.eurogamer.net/news060105nbastreet |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Espineli |first=Matt |date=14 September 2015 |title=15 Mario Cameos You Might've Missed |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/15-mario-cameos-you-mightve-missed/2900-315/#10 |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=February 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218201305/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/15-mario-cameos-you-mightve-missed/2900-315/#10 |url-status=live }}

In 1986, a Japanese anime film was produced titled Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach!. Written by Hideo Takayashiki and directed by Masami Hata, it was based on the events of the first Super Mario Bros. video game. The story involves Princess Peach escaping from the video game world into Mario's world before being captured and pulled back to the Mushroom Kingdom by King Koopa. Mario and Luigi are lured into the Mushroom Kingdom by a dog in order to save her.{{Cite web |last=Leston |first=Ryan |date=2022-04-18 |title=The Super Mario Bros. Anime From 1986 Has Been Restored In 4K |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/super-mario-bros-anime-1986-4k-restoration |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210174922/https://www.ign.com/articles/super-mario-bros-anime-1986-4k-restoration |url-status=live }}

In September 1989, Peach appeared in a children's TV show, The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, as an 8-bit sprite.{{Cite web |last=Wong|first=Kevin|date=March 13, 2024|title=A comprehensive visual history of Princess Peach|url=https://www.thepopverse.com/princess-peach-showtime-40-year-evolution-guide-visual-history |access-date=March 23, 2025 |website=Popverse|language=en}} She is voiced by Jeannie Elias in The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! and Tracey Moore in the two follow-up series The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World.{{Cite web |last=Milici |first=Lauren |date=2022-12-20 |title=The Super Mario Bros. Movie voice cast: who plays who? |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/super-mario-bros-movie-voice-cast-chris-pratt-seth-rogen/ |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214203455/https://www.gamesradar.com/super-mario-bros-movie-voice-cast-chris-pratt-seth-rogen/ |url-status=live }}

Throughout 1992, Peach (named Princess Toadstool) appeared in a comic titled Super Mario Adventures, which was serialized in Nintendo Power. The plot involves Bowser proposing marriage to her and threatening to turn her subjects to stone if she refuses. After Mario is turned to stone, she and her troops pursue Bowser down a pipe, but she is eventually captured by Bowser. Rather than remaining idle, she demonstrates resourcefulness in various ways, including tricking her way out of her cell, escaping from a window using a yellow cape, and popping out of a pizza box holding a bomb in an effort to save Mario.{{Cite web |last=Carmichael |first=Stephanie |date=2014-10-03 |title=The Secret Heroine of Video Games: Princess Peach |url=https://www.themarysue.com/princess-peach-heroine-history/ |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=The Mary Sue |language=en |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216111439/https://www.themarysue.com/princess-peach-heroine-history/ |url-status=live }}

Princess Peach is also prominently featured within Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood's immersive Super Nintendo World areas. A costume character meet-and-greet with her is located in her pavilion. The interactive "Power-Up Bands" feature a design based on her dress.{{Cite web |last=May |first=Rebecca April |date=February 24, 2023 |title=Everything 'Mario' fans need to know about the all-new Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios |url=https://www.nme.com/features/gaming-features/everything-mario-fans-need-to-know-about-the-all-new-super-nintendo-world-at-universal-studios-3404088 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211205124/https://www.nme.com/features/gaming-features/everything-mario-fans-need-to-know-about-the-all-new-super-nintendo-world-at-universal-studios-3404088 |url-status=live }}

File:Anya Taylor-Joy (29787630588) (cropped).jpg voices Princess Peach in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.]]

Peach is voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy in The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023).{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/chris-pratt-nintendo-direct-super-mario-bros-movie-cast-illumination-entertainment |title=Nintendo Direct: Chris Pratt Will Voice Mario in the Super Mario Bros. Movie |last=Murphy |first=J. Kim |work=IGN |date=September 23, 2021 |accessdate=September 24, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923223916/https://www.ign.com/articles/chris-pratt-nintendo-direct-super-mario-bros-movie-cast-illumination-entertainment |archivedate=September 23, 2021 |url-status=live}} Her casting, alongside the rest of the principal cast, was announced via a Nintendo Direct in September 2021.{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=September 23, 2021 |title=Chris Pratt is Mario in Nintendo's animated movie, coming December 21st, 2022 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/23/22690607/chris-pratt-mario-nintendo-illumination-animated-movie-december-2022-release-date-cast |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930142838/https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/23/22690607/chris-pratt-mario-nintendo-illumination-animated-movie-december-2022-release-date-cast |url-status=live }} In the film, Peach is Mario's guide and romantic interest, having been raised by the Toads from infancy in the Mushroom Kingdom.{{Cite web |last=Schaffstall |first=Katherine |date=April 10, 2023 |title='The Super Mario Bros. Movie': See Who Voices the Beloved Characters |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/super-mario-bros-movie-cast-voice-actors-guide/ |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211200109/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/super-mario-bros-movie-cast-voice-actors-guide/ |url-status=live }} Director Aaron Horvath said that Luigi became the victim Mario must save to substitute Peach's traditional role in video games as the damsel in distress so she can remain a strong monarch and protector of the Toads.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Brenna |date=March 3, 2023 |title=Why Super Mario Bros movie makes a major Princess Peach change |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a43182249/super-mario-movie-major-princess-peach-change/ |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414190658/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a43182249/super-mario-movie-major-princess-peach-change/ |url-status=live }} Taylor-Joy said that she was concerned before taking the role but that her portrayal of Peach as a strong, capable leader was "the way she was supposed to be."{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Matthew |date=March 30, 2023 |title=Anya Taylor-Joy on reimagining 'Super Mario Bros.' Princess Peach as she 'always' should have been |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/anya-taylor-joy-on-reimagining-princess-peach-for-new-film |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=SYFY Official Site |language=en-US |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210181132/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/anya-taylor-joy-on-reimagining-princess-peach-for-new-film |url-status=live }} A song from the film, which was titled "Peaches" and written and performed by Bowser voice actor Jack Black, was released in April 2023.{{Cite web |last=Egan |first=Toussaint |date=2023-04-19 |title=Jack Black's 'Peaches' from the Mario movie has entered the Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.polygon.com/23689495/jack-black-peaches-super-mario-bros-movie-billboard-hot-100 |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214104548/https://www.polygon.com/23689495/jack-black-peaches-super-mario-bros-movie-billboard-hot-100 |url-status=live }}

Peach has been merchandised across a range of official products, including plush toys and action figures.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-28 |title=Check Out Super Mario Odyssey's Wedding Style Plushies Set For Mario & Peach |url=https://www.siliconera.com/check-super-mario-odysseys-wedding-style-plushies-set-mario-peach/ |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216071219/https://www.siliconera.com/check-super-mario-odysseys-wedding-style-plushies-set-mario-peach/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Plant |first=Logan |date=2023-01-24 |title=The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Jakks Pacific Reveals New Toy Line |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-super-mario-bros-movie-jakks-pacific-reveals-new-toy-line |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216071220/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-super-mario-bros-movie-jakks-pacific-reveals-new-toy-line |url-status=live }} An amiibo of Peach wearing a pink gown was released for the Super Smash Bros. series in November 2014.{{Cite web |last=Dickens |first=Anthony |date=2023-11-03 |title=All amiibo List - Every Animal Crossing, Zelda, Smash Bros., Metroid, Mario amiibo |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/all-amiibo-list-every-animal-crossing-zelda-smash-bros-metroid-mario-amiibo |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214235811/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/all-amiibo-list-every-animal-crossing-zelda-smash-bros-metroid-mario-amiibo |url-status=live }} In 2015, another version was released as part of a set of Super Mario amiibo.{{Cite web |last=Graeber |first=Brendan |date=2015-03-10 |title=Unboxing and Comparing the Super Mario Series Amiibo |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/10/unboxing-and-comparing-the-super-mario-series-amiibo |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218215602/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/10/unboxing-and-comparing-the-super-mario-series-amiibo |url-status=live }} In 2017, a set of themed amiibo was released for Super Mario Odyssey, including an amiibo of Peach wearing a wedding outfit.{{Cite web |last=Pereira |first=Chris |date=20 October 2017 |title=Super Mario Odyssey's Peach Amiibo Puts Mario In A Wedding Dress, Apparently |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-odysseys-peach-amiibo-puts-mario-in-a-/1100-6454233/ |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214234659/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-odysseys-peach-amiibo-puts-mario-in-a-/1100-6454233/ |url-status=live }} A limited edition double pack featuring Cat Peach alongside Cat Mario was released for Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury in February 2021.{{Cite news |last=Pickard |first=James |date=2020-09-16 |title=Cat Mario and Cat Peach amiibo are now available to pre-order |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/cat-mario-amiibo-cat-peach-amiibo-pre-order |access-date=2024-02-14 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218215059/https://www.eurogamer.net/cat-mario-amiibo-cat-peach-amiibo-pre-order |url-status=live }} In December 2014, a rare legless Peach amiibo resulting from a factory defect achieved a Guinness World Record for being the most expensive amiibo figure.{{Cite web |title=Most expensive amiibo figure |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/417875-most-expensive-amiibo-figure |website=Guinness World Records |access-date=February 15, 2024 |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223123143/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/417875-most-expensive-amiibo-figure |url-status=live }} Peach's color scheme and crown motif have been used to market themed controllers, including a pink Wii Remote Plus controller in 2014 and a pastel pink Joy-Con for the Switch in 2024.{{Cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=2014-04-15 |title=Nintendo Announces a Charming New Princess Peach Wii Remote Plus |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/04/nintendo_announces_a_charming_new_princess_peach_wii_remote_plus |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201130529/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/04/nintendo_announces_a_charming_new_princess_peach_wii_remote_plus |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Bitner |first=Jon |title=Pastel Pink Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Preorders Live At Walmart, Sold Out At Amazon |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-launching-limited-edition-pastel-pink-joy-con-alongside-princess-peach-showtime/1100-6520534/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215075649/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-launching-limited-edition-pastel-pink-joy-con-alongside-princess-peach-showtime/1100-6520534/ |url-status=live }} She has also been featured in other licensed Mario products, including as an interactive figure in the Lego Super Mario range and as a Hot Wheels collectible.{{Cite web |last=Leston |first=Ryan |date=2022-03-10 |title=LEGO Peach Joins the LEGO Mario Universe |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/lego-peach-joins-the-lego-mario-universe |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218145743/https://www.ign.com/articles/lego-peach-joins-the-lego-mario-universe |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Elfring |first=Mat |title=Mario Kart's Pink Gold Peach Is Coming To SDCC As Exclusive Hot Wheels Collectible |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-karts-pink-gold-peach-is-coming-to-sdcc-as-exclusive-hot-wheels-collectible/1100-6505531/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218213830/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-karts-pink-gold-peach-is-coming-to-sdcc-as-exclusive-hot-wheels-collectible/1100-6505531/ |url-status=live }}

Sam Loveridge of Digital Spy described Peach as one of the most iconic female game characters of all time, naming her an icon that transcends gaming and commenting that she "acts as one of Nintendo's main mascots on a worldwide scale."{{Cite web |last=Loveridge |first=Sam |date=August 8, 2016 |title=Most iconic female game characters of all time, ranked |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a803948/most-iconic-female-game-characters-of-all-time-ranked/ |access-date=December 10, 2023 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408210049/https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a803948/most-iconic-female-game-characters-of-all-time-ranked/ |url-status=live }} SyFy also described Peach as one of the "greatest video game heroines of all time" for being a tough female character that "embraces the power of being a high femme."{{Cite web|author=Fangrrls Staff|date=January 30, 2019|title=The greatest video game heroines of all time|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/the-greatest-video-game-heroines-of-all-time|access-date=December 12, 2020|website=SYFY WIRE|language=en|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310131356/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/the-greatest-video-game-heroines-of-all-time|url-status=dead}} Alyse Knorr, writer for Kotaku, noted that Peach is one of many examples of the damsel in distress trope that recurs throughout history, commenting that she is such a damsel cliché that she mainly existed as a plot device rather than as an individual character and that her role was to provide Mario with a reason to exist.{{Cite web |last=Knorr |first=Alyse |date=November 14, 2018 |title=How Princess Peach's Story Draws On 2000 Years Of Women In Peril |url=https://kotaku.com/how-princess-peachs-story-draws-on-2000-years-of-women-1830342699 |access-date=December 10, 2023 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=December 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094309/https://kotaku.com/how-princess-peachs-story-draws-on-2000-years-of-women-1830342699 |url-status=live }} Feminist organization Sister Namibia was critical of the fact that Peach always needed to be rescued, reasoning that "it propagates that women are helpless and in constant need of saving" and "[she] serves quite literally as a trophy for the completion of Mario's quest. She is ultimately just another object or reward for Mario to use."{{cite book |last1=Junge |first1=Inger |title=Women not allowed in tech-no-geek & gaming culture |publisher=Sister Namibia |access-date=May 12, 2022 |url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA335923718&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=10269126&p=AONE&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7Eec8a3533 |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512140958/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA335923718&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=10269126&p=AONE&sw=w&userGroupName=anon~ec8a3533 |url-status=live }} Mike Fahey of Kotaku created a "victimization record" for Princess Peach that detailed her many kidnappings within the series, commenting, "There are few women with more kidnappings under their belt than her royal mushroom highness".{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Mike |date=November 13, 2009 |title=Thank You Mario, But Our Princess Is In Another Game, Getting Kidnapped Again |url=https://kotaku.com/thank-you-mario-but-our-princess-is-in-another-game-g-5403956 |access-date=December 21, 2023 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218204936/https://kotaku.com/thank-you-mario-but-our-princess-is-in-another-game-g-5403956 |url-status=live }} In an article about the impact of princesses on girls, Peggy Orenstein of The New York Times said that she loved Peach but noted that "her peachiness did nothing to upset the apple cart of expectation". She considered Peach to be an ideal postfeminist solution by "the melding of old and new standards."{{cite news|title=What's Wrong with Cinderella|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/magazine/24princess.t.html?pagewanted=5&ei=5088&en=8e5a1ac1332a802c&ex=1324616400&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss|work=The New York Times|access-date=August 20, 2009|date=December 24, 2006|first=Peggy|last=Orenstein|archive-date=April 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423190301/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/magazine/24princess.t.html?pagewanted=5&ei=5088&en=8e5a1ac1332a802c&ex=1324616400&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss|url-status=live}}

Josh Straub of Game Informer cited the repeated failure to find the princess in the first Super Mario Bros. game as one of the most memorable moments in gaming history, stating that reaching the end of a world and being told by a Toad, "But our princess is in another castle!" was a "method of torture" that forced the player to face another round of platforming.{{Cite magazine |last=Straub |first=Josh |title=Moments: Failing To Find Peach |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/08/22/moments-failing-to-find-peach.aspx |access-date=December 18, 2023 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218171013/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/08/22/moments-failing-to-find-peach.aspx |url-status=live }} Peter Tieryas, writer of Kotaku, considered Peach to be the best character in Super Mario Bros. 2 and emphasized that her floating ability was the first of Nintendo's solutions for fine-tuning jumping in platform games.{{Cite web|last=Tieryas|first=Peter|title=Princess Peach Was The Best Character In Super Mario Bros. 2|url=https://kotaku.com/princess-peach-was-the-best-character-in-super-mario-br-1837423671|access-date=December 12, 2020|website=Kotaku|date=August 24, 2019|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224174241/https://kotaku.com/princess-peach-was-the-best-character-in-super-mario-br-1837423671|url-status=live}} Matt Kamen of Wired appreciated the plot of Super Mario Sunshine for having "a bit more impetus to a game than 'rescue Peach (again){{'"}} and felt that this offered more depth and personality to the characters.{{Cite magazine |last=Kamen |first=Matt |date=October 15, 2017 |title=15 years on, Super Mario Sunshine still shines bright |language=en-GB |magazine=Wired UK |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/super-mario-sunshine-anniversary |access-date=December 21, 2023 |issn=1357-0978 |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515131055/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/super-mario-sunshine-anniversary |url-status=live }} Video Games Chronicle{{'}}s Chris Scullion said that Peach's starring role in Super Princess Peach should have been a turning point for the character but ended up as "an average platformer with a questionable central mechanic" by focusing on her "getting emotional".{{Cite web |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=December 26, 2023 |title=2024 Preview: Princess Peach Showtime could be Mario's most important transformation |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/2024-preview-princess-peach-showtime-could-be-marios-most-important-transformation/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |website=VGC |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107082327/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/2024-preview-princess-peach-showtime-could-be-marios-most-important-transformation/ |url-status=live }} In his review of Super Princess Peach, Mark Bozon of IGN thought that Peach's emotion powers and use of coins to shop were "borderline insulting" and seemed like "a girls game made by guys."{{Cite web |last=Bozon |first=Mark |date=February 1, 2006 |title=Hands-On: Super Princess Peach |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/02/01/hands-on-super-princess-peach |access-date=December 10, 2023 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007025852/http://ds.ign.com/articles/685/685051p1.html |url-status=live }} Mike Sholars of Kotaku felt that the introduction of Rosalina in Super Mario Galaxy impacted the Super Mario series so that it no longer needed to rely on the concept of saving the princess and enabled Peach to be more than a plot device.{{Cite web |last=Sholars |first=Mike |date=January 1, 2021 |title=Princess Peach Floated So Rosalina Could Fly |url=https://kotaku.com/princess-peach-floated-so-rosalina-could-fly-1845970718 |access-date=December 20, 2023 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722183232/https://kotaku.com/princess-peach-floated-so-rosalina-could-fly-1845970718 |url-status=live }}

Bryan Vore of Game Informer praised Super Mario 3D World for being the first game in 25 years of the mainline series since Super Mario Bros. 2 to include Peach as a playable character, saying that it demonstrated Nintendo's willingness to change the formula.{{Cite magazine |last=Vore |first=Bryan |date=November 22, 2013 |title=Super Mario 3D World Review - Multiplayer Mania Enters The Third Dimension |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/super_mario_3d_world/b/wii_u/archive/2013/11/19/super-mario-3d-world-review-game-informer.aspx |access-date=December 21, 2023 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221122815/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/super_mario_3d_world/b/wii_u/archive/2013/11/19/super-mario-3d-world-review-game-informer.aspx |url-status=live }} Chris Suellentrop, writer for The New York Times, opined that Super Mario Run was not a family-friendly game due to its "stale, retrograde gender stereotypes" and said that Nintendo had failed to update Super Mario for a contemporary audience by beginning the game with Princess Peach being a hostage.{{Cite news |last=Suellentrop |first=Chris |date=December 22, 2016 |title=Opinion {{!}} Super Mario Run's Not-So-Super Gender Politics |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/22/opinion/super-mario-runs-not-so-super-gender-politics.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120090629/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/22/opinion/super-mario-runs-not-so-super-gender-politics.html |url-status=live }} Sam Loveridge of GamesRadar+ felt that in Super Mario Odyssey, Nintendo "was playing him from the start" by beginning the game with Peach being abducted by Bowser and ending it with a scene in which she rejects the romantic advances of both Bowser and Mario. He commented that Peach "shrugs off all those years of being the damsel in distress to forge her own path in the world as a single woman" and that in doing so, Nintendo was clearly recognizing its female fanbase. Rebekah Valentine of IGN said that Princess Peach: Showtime! was the opportunity to see Peach "defined only by herself" rather than by Mario.{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=September 15, 2023 |title=I Hope Princess Peach: Showtime! Doesn't Have a Whiff of Mario in it |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/i-hope-princess-peach-showtime-doesnt-have-a-whiff-of-mario-in-it |access-date=December 16, 2023 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216001329/https://www.ign.com/articles/i-hope-princess-peach-showtime-doesnt-have-a-whiff-of-mario-in-it |url-status=live }} Following the game's release, Tom Regan of The Guardian found the game to be disappointing and considered it to be "patronising" to its "capable heroine" and a wasted opportunity to celebrate the princess.{{Cite news |last=Regan |first=Tom |date=2024-03-22 |title=Princess Peach: Showtime review – a paper-thin performance |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2024/mar/22/princess-peach-showtime-review-nintendo-switch |access-date=2024-03-24 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=March 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322144134/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2024/mar/22/princess-peach-showtime-review-nintendo-switch |url-status=live }} Conversely, Polygon, IGN, and Nintendo Life all responded positively and considered it to be the spotlight she deserved.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=2024-03-21 |title=Princess Peach: Showtime! is everything I wanted in a game as a little girl |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/24099786/princess-peach-showtime-nintendo-switch-review |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321123601/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/24099786/princess-peach-showtime-nintendo-switch-review |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Plant |first=Logan |date=2024-03-21 |title=Princess Peach: Showtime! Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/princess-peach-showtime-review |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321120134/https://www.ign.com/articles/princess-peach-showtime-review |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=O'Reilly |first=PJ |date=2024-03-21 |title=Review: Princess Peach: Showtime! (Switch) - Peach Breaks A Leg In A High-Class Production |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/princess-peach-showtime |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321112031/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/princess-peach-showtime |url-status=live }} Ashley Bardhan of Eurogamer said that, rather than casting Peach in her usual role of Bowser's victim, the game made her a "girl with some agency" and thought that her future was "no longer doomed with dead-end kidnapping" but now had limitless potential.{{Cite news |last=Bardhan |first=Ashley |date=2024-03-21 |title=Princess Peach: Showtime! review - the damsel in distress becomes an RPG queen |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/princess-peach-showtime-review |access-date=2024-03-24 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321115318/https://www.eurogamer.net/princess-peach-showtime-review |url-status=live }}

Los Angeles Times writer Tracy Brown said that Peach started out as an unappealing character due to being simply a princess waiting to be rescued but was given more personality in later games. She further remarked that The Super Mario Bros. Movie incarnation had subverted her characteristics by depicting an empowered ruler who is capable of engaging in battle and protecting her subjects without it being at the expense of her femininity.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Tracy |date=April 6, 2023 |title=Princess Peach started out as a boring damsel in distress. Times have changed |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-04-06/super-mario-bros-princess-peach-feminine-damsel-distress |access-date=December 10, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210181001/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-04-06/super-mario-bros-princess-peach-feminine-damsel-distress |url-status=live }} Christian Holub of Entertainment Weekly responded positively to Peach's characterization in the film, calling her "a female protagonist for the Rey generation" but also a relatable character for older players.{{Cite web |last=Holub |first=Christian |date=April 4, 2023 |title='The Super Mario Bros Movie' is a faithful adaptation that often feels like a cutscene |url=https://ew.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |website=EW.com |language=en |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219232839/https://ew.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review/ |url-status=live }} Hope Bellingham, writer of GamesRadar+, appreciated her active role in the story, describing her as "the brains behind the operation", even though Mario has the starring role.{{Cite web |last=Bellingham |first=Hope |date=November 30, 2022 |title=The Super Mario Movie version of Peach is a badass |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-super-mario-movie-version-of-peach-is-a-badass/ |access-date=December 20, 2023 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128154051/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-super-mario-movie-version-of-peach-is-a-badass/ |url-status=live }} By contrast, Julia Glassman of The Mary Sue considered her film incarnation to be a common sexist trope where the badass female character must step aside for an average male by supporting and training him rather than taking the lead.{{Cite web |last=Glassman |first=Julia |date=April 14, 2023 |title=Peach's Character in 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Is an All-Too-Common Sexist Trope |url=https://www.themarysue.com/peachs-character-in-the-super-mario-bros-movie-is-an-all-too-common-sexist-trope/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |website=The Mary Sue |language=en |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210182053/https://www.themarysue.com/peachs-character-in-the-super-mario-bros-movie-is-an-all-too-common-sexist-trope/ |url-status=live }} Gene Park, writer of The Washington Post, felt that Peach had been empowered long before her movie incarnation due to being "the most visible woman in video games, having appeared in more titles than any fictional woman in the medium", and hoped that the movie would finally transform her image in the public consciousness.{{Cite news |last=Park |first=Gene |date=April 6, 2023 |title=Analysis {{!}} Princess Peach powers up from distressed damsel to wartime general |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2023/04/07/super-mario-bros-princess-peach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716130000/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2023/04/07/super-mario-bros-princess-peach/ |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |access-date=January 30, 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} Logan Plant of IGN described Peach as "one of Nintendo's most iconic characters" and felt that Nintendo was finally giving her the attention she deserved in film and video games.{{Cite web |last=Plant |first=Logan |date=March 10, 2024 |title=It May Be Mario Day But it's Finally Princess Peach's Year |url=https://sea.ign.com/princess-peach-switch/213167/opinion/it-may-be-mario-day-but-its-finally-princess-peachs-year |access-date=March 11, 2024 |website=IGN Southeast Asia |language=en-sg|archive-date=March 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311023400/https://sea.ign.com/princess-peach-switch/213167/opinion/it-may-be-mario-day-but-its-finally-princess-peachs-year |url-status=live }}

Peach has been described as one of the greatest video game characters by game websites and publications, including the 2011 version of the Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition and GameSpot, which described her as "arguably the most famous woman in video game history".{{Cite magazine |last=Marchiafava |first=Jeff |title=Guinness Names Top 50 Video Game Characters Of All Time |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/16/guinness-names-top-50-video-game-characters-of-all-time.aspx |date=February 16, 2011 |access-date=February 19, 2024 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=January 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121053547/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/16/guinness-names-top-50-video-game-characters-of-all-time.aspx |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|last1=Watts|first1=Steve|last2=Gurwin|first2=Gabe|title=The Best Nintendo Characters Of All Time|url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-nintendo-characters-of-all-time/2900-4858/#17|date=September 26, 2023|access-date=February 19, 2024|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|archive-date=November 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130200943/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-nintendo-characters-of-all-time/2900-4858/#17|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Ryan|first=Joal|title=30 best female video game characters, ranked|url=https://www.cnet.com/pictures/20-best-female-video-game-characters-ever-ranked/3/|date=October 13, 2016|access-date=February 19, 2024|website=CNET|language=en|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219082804/https://www.cnet.com/pictures/20-best-female-video-game-characters-ever-ranked/3/|url-status=live}} Time named Peach as one of the most influential video game characters of all time, describing her as the "quintessential damsel in distress", but noted that Nintendo had improved her status over time by making her a playable character and introducing her in other game series like Super Smash Bros. Peach was cited as being an influence on other video game developers creating strong female protagonists.{{Cite magazine |last1=Eadicicco |first1=Lisa|last2=Fitzpatrick |first2=Alex|last3=Peckham|first3=Matt|date=June 30, 2017 |title=The 15 Most Influential Video Game Characters of All Time |url=https://time.com/4836507/influential-video-game-characters/ |access-date=December 10, 2023 |magazine=Time |language=en |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206120912/https://time.com/4836507/influential-video-game-characters/ |url-status=live }} Tracey John, writing for Time, commented that Peach's repeated abductions had become a running joke and a pop culture reference.{{Cite magazine |last=John |first=Tracey |date=November 16, 2009 |title=The Princess Is In Another Freakin' Castle? |language=en-US |magazine=Time |url=https://techland.time.com/2009/11/16/the-princess-is-in-another-freakin-castle/ |access-date=December 10, 2023 |issn=0040-781X |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210230412/https://techland.time.com/2009/11/16/the-princess-is-in-another-freakin-castle/ |url-status=live }} In 2018, a short comic, "The Super Crown's some spicy new Mario lore", on DeviantArt and Twitter transformed Bowser into a monstrously sinister female resembling Peach that fans named Bowsette, which inspired numerous works of fan art.{{Cite web|last=Kent|first=Emma|date=September 24, 2018|title=Nintendo fans are splicing Bowser with Peach and now Bowsette is trending|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/bowsette-is-trending-on-twitter|access-date=May 4, 2022|website=Eurogamer|archive-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504161928/https://www.eurogamer.net/bowsette-is-trending-on-twitter|url-status=live}} In May 2021, in an episode of Saturday Night Live, Grimes dressed as Princess Peach, while host Elon Musk starred as Wario in a sketch in which he was put on trial for murdering Mario in a kart race.{{cite magazine |last1=Kreps |first1=Daniel |title=See Grimes as Princess Peach, Elon Musk as Wario in 'SNL' Mario Murder Trial Sketch |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/grimes-princess-peach-elon-musk-wario-snl-1167150/ |access-date=May 10, 2021 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=May 9, 2021 |archive-date=May 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509231429/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/grimes-princess-peach-elon-musk-wario-snl-1167150/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Itzkoff |first1=Dave |title=Elon Musk Hosts a Mother's Day Episode of 'Saturday Night Live' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/09/arts/television/elon-musk-snl.html |access-date=May 10, 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=May 9, 2021 |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/09/arts/television/elon-musk-snl.html |url-status=live }}

{{Notelist}}

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• {{Official website|name=Princess Peach}} on Play Nintendo

{{Mario franchise}}

{{Super Smash Bros.}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Peach, Princess}}

Category:Animated human characters

Category:Fantasy film characters

Category:Female characters in animated films

Category:Female characters in animated television series

Category:Female characters in video games

Category:Fictional female sportspeople

Category:Mario (franchise) characters

Category:Princess characters in video games

Category:Role-playing video game characters

Category:Shapeshifter characters in video games

Category:Super Smash Bros. fighters

Category:Video game characters introduced in 1985

Category:Fictional hostages and kidnapped people

Category:Video game characters who use magic