Liputan6.com, Jakarta After nearly four decades of speculation, Nintendo has finally spoken clearly about the nature of Mario and Princess Peach's relationship—and it’s not what long-time fans might expect.
Through an update in the Nintendo Today! app, the gaming giant confirmed that Mario and Peach are not a couple, but rather “good friends who help each other out whenever they can.”
This official clarification brings an end to years of playful ambiguity and fan theories surrounding the iconic duo.
This announcement comes as a surprise to many fans who have witnessed repeated scenes of Peach kissing Mario, party games referring to them as the “cutest couple,” and even Mario’s apparent proposal at the end of Super Mario Odyssey.
Despite these moments, Nintendo insists that the two share a close, supportive friendship rather than a romantic relationship.
The decision follows a trend from Nintendo to keep the relationships between its leading male and female characters ambiguous or platonic, echoing similar statements about characters like Link and Zelda.
Nintendo’s Clarification: The Statement That Changed Everything
Nintendo’s exact words in the Nintendo Today! application were concise but impactful:
“Princess Peach and Mario are good friends and help each other out whenever they can.”
This statement has sparked widespread discussion across gaming communities and media outlets.
While Nintendo has previously left the status of their relationship open to interpretation, this is the first time the company has taken a firm stance in officially describing their bond as purely platonic.
Despite years of in-game moments—such as Peach giving Mario kisses or calling him “her hero”—Nintendo is now making it clear that their connection does not go beyond friendship.
A History of Hints, Teases, and Assumptions
Since Super Mario Bros. launched in 1985, the dynamic between Mario and Princess Peach has fueled countless assumptions.
From the opening cutscenes where Mario rescues Peach from Bowser to the affectionate gestures seen in Super Mario Odyssey, many fans believed they were witnessing a romantic relationship unfold.
Titles like Mario Party 5 even described them as the “cutest couple,” while promotional materials over the years hinted at a deeper bond.
However, Nintendo has historically avoided cementing any specific romance in its main franchises.
This approach is also seen in the Legend of Zelda series, where Link and Zelda share an emotionally complex relationship but remain officially unromantic.
The company’s decision to keep things vague may be rooted in a desire for creative flexibility and universal appeal across age groups.
Why Now? Understanding Nintendo’s Timing
Nintendo’s decision to clarify Mario and Peach’s relationship in 2025 comes at an interesting time.
With the buzz surrounding Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 and a potential sequel to the Super Mario Bros. Movie in development, the company may be looking to establish narrative boundaries moving forward.
By stating definitively that Mario and Peach are just friends, Nintendo might be aiming to simplify character arcs and avoid complicating future stories with romantic subplots.
Additionally, as the gaming industry continues to grow globally, the pressure for clarity in character relationships has increased.
Fans want to know where their favorite characters stand, not just in terms of abilities, but also in personal development.
This clarification may be Nintendo’s way of aligning with this modern storytelling trend while keeping their characters open for new interpretations.
Do you think this is the best decision made by Nintendo to clarify Mario and Princess Peach relationship?