Bayonetta’s Nintendo Costumes: How PlatinumGames Brought Iconic Characters to Wii U

In 2014, PlatinumGames delivered a standout experience for Nintendo fans with their port of the original Bayonetta to the Wii U.

Not only did the critically acclaimed action game receive a technical upgrade for Nintendo’s hardware, but it also came packed with exclusive Nintendo-themed costumes, adding fresh appeal to the already celebrated title.

With Bayonetta’s ability to don outfits inspired by Princess Peach, Daisy, Link from The Legend of Zelda, and Samus Aran from Metroid, fans were treated to a unique crossover that blended fast-paced action with iconic references recognizable to any longtime Nintendo enthusiast.

PlatinumGames approached these costume integrations with both reverence and creativity.

According to a detailed post from lead designer Yong-Hee Cho on the official PlatinumGames blog, the process of marrying Bayonetta’s distinct style with the beloved characters from the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond was no small feat.

Cho described how the initial request from director Hideki Kamiya—to have Bayonetta appear in a Princess Peach costume—was met with both excitement and apprehension due to the characters’ strikingly different identities.

"Bringing Bayonetta and Princess Peach together in one design felt like combining day and night," Cho explained.

Ultimately, his strategy began with creating a detailed, standard illustration of Bayonetta, providing a reliable base for layering new costume concepts. The development team didn’t stop at aesthetics—each costume came with its own set of gameplay changes.

For example, Bayonetta’s Princess Peach and Daisy outfits swapped out her trademark combo finishers in favor of Bowser’s colossal limbs, while the Link costume introduced a timed block ability using a miniature Hyrule Shield.

The Samus Aran costume didn’t just replicate the classic look; it also allowed Bayonetta to wield an arm cannon reminiscent of the Metroid protagonist.

Kamiya encouraged the team to remain as faithful as possible to each original character, even down to small details such as the inclusion of a Mario-themed charm on the Peach costume. By the time Bayonetta launched on the Wii U in October 2014, these Nintendo-themed costumes had become a celebrated highlight of the port.

The game was well-received by critics and fans alike for its inventive features and seamless integration of Nintendo icons.

PlatinumGames’ work on Bayonetta’s costumes exemplifies their dedication to fan service, thoughtful design, and collaboration with Nintendo properties.

Their achievements with Bayonetta have continued to cement PlatinumGames’ reputation as one of the most innovative developers for Nintendo hardware platforms.

For more insights into Bayonetta’s unique development history and the creative minds at PlatinumGames, fans can visit the official PlatinumGames website and stay tuned to Nintendo Directs for future collaborations.

The memorable costumes remain a testament to how third-party games on platforms like Wii U and Nintendo Switch can celebrate the heritage of Nintendo while forging their own legacy.

PlatinumGames Hideki Kamiya Yong-Hee Cho Bayonetta Nintendo Wii U Princess Peach Link Samus Aran