First-party games were a big deal in the September 2023 Nintendo Direct, and one of the most surprising ones was Princess Peach: Showtime! This upcoming game is a platformer where Princess Peach is the main character instead of being the one who needs rescuing.
It looks like Princess Peach: Showtime! will be more fun and exciting compared to Super Princess Peach, a game from 2005 where Peach was the main character but received criticism for being too simple. Here’s what we know about Princess Peach: Showtime! so far.
Princess Peach: Showtime! Release Date
Princess Peach: Showtime! is coming to the Nintendo Switch on March 22, 2024. You can already order it online on the Nintendo store or get a physical copy from stores.
The official Nintendo of America Twitter account confirms the release date of Princess Peach: Showtime!
Peach and guardian Stella take the spotlight to save the Sparkle Theater—and the day—when Princess Peach: Showtime! releases for #NintendoSwitch on March 22, 2024. #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/0yixBeKqEQ
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 14, 2023
Princess Peach: Showtime! Trailer
In June 2023, Nintendo showed a short teaser about the Princess Peach game, highlighting its dramatic side. Then, in September 2023, they revealed the game’s official name and showed a new trailer that showed Princess Peach changing into different roles like a chef and a swordfighter.
Princess Peach: Showtime! Gameplay
Based on its trailer, Princess Peach: Showtime! Appears to offer a diverse range of gameplay experiences, although its primary focus lies in the platforming genre. In the game’s narrative, Stella bestows upon Princess Peach her enchanted ribbon, which doubles as a versatile weapon for combating foes and dismantling obstacles, all while ensuring Peach’s hair remains out of her line of sight.
As Peach embarks on her journey within the theater, she encounters various costumes inspired by different theatrical productions, each conferring upon her unique and transformative abilities. The trailer prominently showcases Peach donning costumes that transform her into a lithe swordswoman, a skilled baker, a proficient martial artist, and a cunning detective. Take a look at our guide about Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos.
Each change of attire not only imparts new skills to Peach but also introduces a distinct gameplay style. For instance, when Peach assumes the role of a swordfighter, her platforming prowess is elevated with enhanced moves, while the detective outfit empowers her to unravel mysteries at puzzle-centric levels.
The baker’s attire presents players with a delightful cake-decorating mini-game, reminiscent of the festivities found in a Mario Party stage rather than a conventional platformer. Lastly, the martial artist costume equips Peach to engage in one-on-one duels that demand precision and strategic blocking.
Princess Peach: Showtime! Story
While storylines have typically taken a backseat in Mario platformers, it appears that Princess Peach: Showtime! is set to place a greater emphasis on its narrative. In the trailer, the game kicks off as Princess Peach embarks on a visit to her local Sparkle Theater to enjoy a play.
However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she discovers that a new antagonist named Grape has seized control of the theater, accompanied by a charming gang known as the Sour Bunch. During her theater adventure, she crosses paths with Stella, the star-shaped guardian of Sparkle Theater, who becomes her ally on this journey.
Princess Peach: Showtime! Unfolds as Peach and Stella work together to reclaim the theater, all while striving to make it in time for a captivating performance. The game’s theatrical premise lends a unique flavor to Princess Peach: Showtime! as its levels are set against the backdrop of Sparkle Theater’s captivating shows.
Background elements seamlessly blend into the stage design, evoking the artistic aesthetics reminiscent of Paper Mario. This innovative storytelling approach also promises to introduce engaging gameplay mechanics that promise to infuse diversity into Princess Peach: Showtime!
