The upcoming Nintendo title will mark the first time in over a decade that the focus shifts to the iconic princess from Super Mario Bros.
In a matter of a few months, Princess Peach: Showtime! will finally provide fans with a standalone game centered around Peach, breaking away from her typical role as a side character in various Super Mario Bros. titles. The anticipation is high, especially considering the last time we received a solo Peach game was back in 2005, and that one was criticized for being somewhat shallow and lacking depth. The upcoming action-adventure game for Nintendo Switch is set to release in March, creating a buzz of curiosity surrounding its content and, notably, the variety of outfit changes Princess Peach will undergo throughout the gaming experience (and there are quite a few).
A comprehensive preview of Princess Peach: Showtime! was unveiled during a Nintendo Direct in September 2023, offering eager fans a detailed glimpse into the highly anticipated game. Additionally, it was revealed more recently that the Nintendo Switch will receive special edition flower-pink Joy-Cons to commemorate the game’s release. As excitement continues to build, there’s a desire for additional information about this upcoming Peach-centered game. Let’s delve into what else we know about this highly anticipated release.
Princess Peach: Showtime! release date and Joy-Cons
Princess Peach: Get ready for the spotlight! Launching on March 22, 2024, Showtime! is coming to the Nintendo Switch. Secure your copy by pre-ordering from the Nintendo Switch eShop or other retailers. Additionally, exclusive left and right pastel-pink Joy-Cons will be available, a departure from the previous offering where one controller was yellow and the other pink.
Princess Peach: Showtime! trailer
During the September 2023 Nintendo Direct, viewers got their initial glimpse of Princess Peach: Showtime! through a trailer. The trailer opens with Princess Peach and a group of Toads making their way to the Sparkle Theater for a play. However, just as the curtains are about to rise, the villains Grape and the Sour Bunch arrive, causing chaos and disrupting the show. Princess Peach, along with the theater’s guardian, a floating star named Stella, must thwart their plans. The trailer showcases how Peach and Stella collaborate in the game, with Peach utilizing Stella’s ribbon-like extensions to access distant objects or fend off enemies.
Yet, the central gameplay feature isn’t solely the partnership between Peach and Stella; instead, it revolves around Peach’s array of Sailor Moon-inspired transformations. With each transformation, Peach’s attire changes, granting her unique abilities. This aspect of the game is reminiscent of Barbie’s diverse wardrobe and skill sets.
Princess Peach: Showtime! setting and story
Based on the information provided, it seems that the theater setting will play a significant role in both the narrative and gameplay mechanics of Princess Peach: Showtime! As Peach and Stella endeavor to reclaim the theater from Grape and the Sour Bunch, the stage itself will undergo dynamic shifts and transformations, mirroring the changes seen in the story. These transformations will also tie into Peach’s various outfit changes, which are likely to inspire cosplay enthusiasts well into 2024 and beyond.
However, beyond these aspects, there’s still some uncertainty about the storyline. Was Peach attending a show solo, seeking a break from Mario? Was she contemplating a career in acting? Or perhaps, is she the theater’s most prominent patron or benefactor? These questions leave much room for speculation regarding Peach’s motivations and involvement in the theater’s affairs.
Princess Peach: Showtime! transformations
So far, across the two Princess Peach: Showtime! trailers, Princess Peach has showcased an impressive array of transformations, each accompanied by its unique set of abilities. Here’s a rundown of the transformations revealed thus far:
- Ninja Peach: Agile and swift, Peach wields dual kunai for dashing forward and slashing enemies. She can also summon fake grass for stealth purposes.
- Cowgirl Peach: Mounted on a horse and equipped with a lasso, Peach exudes the spirit of the Wild West, complete with chaps for added flair.
- Swordfighter Peach: Armed with a slender sword, Peach engages in hack-and-slash combat with finesse, topped off with a feathered cap for style.
- Detective Peach: Utilizing her magnifying glass for sleuthing, Peach investigates clues and gathers testimony from other characters, aided by her trusty notebook.
- Patisserie Peach: Sporting a chef’s hat, Peach showcases her culinary skills, baking and decorating cakes with precision and flair.
- Kung Fu Peach: Demonstrating grace and agility, Peach executes high jumps and spins around poles, delivering powerful kicks to adversaries.
It remains uncertain whether these transformations represent the full extent of Princess Peach’s abilities in Showtime!, or if Nintendo has more surprises in store for players.
Princess Peach: Showtime! gameplay
While Princess Peach: Showtime! deviates from the traditional format of Super Mario Bros. games, it seems that the emphasis in this upcoming title will primarily be on platforming elements, with Peach’s transformations altering the ways players can navigate through levels. Notably, Princess Peach: Showtime! is designed as a single-player experience.
Set to launch on March 22, 2024, for the Nintendo Switch, Princess Peach: Showtime! will be available for $60.
