Nintendo Clarifies Mario and Peach’s Relationship: 'Good Friends' Statement Addresses Longstanding Fan Speculation

Nintendo Clarifies Mario and Peach’s Relationship: 'Good Friends' Statement Addresses Longstanding Fan Speculation Nintendo has provided an official position regarding the relationship between its iconic characters, Mario and Princess Peach.

For decades, fans of the Super Mario franchise have speculated about the nature of Mario and Peach’s bond, fueled by countless in-game moments and storylines spanning nearly 40 years.

Now, through a recent message delivered via the official Nintendo Today app, the company has set the record straight on one of gaming’s most enduring debates. The statement, shared in the Nintendo Today app earlier this week, reads: “Princess Peach and Mario are good friends and help each other out whenever they can.” This message marks one of the few times Nintendo has directly commented on the personal dynamics between the two characters, who are often framed as a couple in popular culture and fan discussions. The Mario and Peach connection has long been a subject of interest for fans and critics alike, especially given their close interactions in numerous titles across multiple Nintendo platforms.

While the original Super Mario Bros.

series prioritized action and platforming gameplay over narrative depth, later releases introduced subtle elements hinting at a possible romantic link.

For instance, in Super Mario Sunshine (Nintendo GameCube, 2002), Mario and Peach embark on a vacation together, sparking theories about their relationship beyond hero and princess.

Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo Switch, 2017) takes this further: the game’s conclusion sees Mario trying to propose to Peach, only to be joined by Bowser in a humorous twist that still leaves their relationship status ambiguous. Despite these suggestive moments, Nintendo has never formally declared Mario and Peach as a couple in official canon.

The company’s latest clarification further emphasizes the family-friendly ethos that defines its software.

"It’s important to us that all Super Mario games remain approachable and enjoyable for players of all ages," a Nintendo representative stated in similar communications.

By defining Mario and Peach as supportive friends, Nintendo helps ensure the games’ stories remain accessible and relatable, especially for younger players who may not focus on romantic subplots. The Super Mario franchise remains one of the gaming industry’s most successful IPs, boasting sales of over 380 million units worldwide across standalone titles, spinoffs, and remakes.

Super Mario Odyssey alone has sold more than 26 million copies on the Nintendo Switch eShop and in physical retail since its 2017 release, further solidifying Mario’s enduring popularity.

Nintendo’s commitment to accessible storytelling and timeless gameplay has been a significant contributor to its continued success. In summary, Nintendo’s official statement puts to rest years of fan theories regarding Mario and Peach, reflecting the company’s consistent focus on broad appeal and inclusivity.

As the Super Mario series evolves on current platforms like the Nintendo Switch—and with more titles likely to come—fans can look forward to new adventures grounded in the characters’ legendary friendship.

Peach Nintendo Mario Super Mario Nintendo Today app Nintendo Today Princess Peach Super Mario Sunshine Super Mario Odyssey