Summary
TheSuper Mariofranchise is one of the most recognizable names in video game history. For over thirty years, Nintendo has been producingSuper Mariogames for a plethora of consoles and creating some of the most distinct and memorable characters in the world. Whether they’re spinoffs, multiplayer free-for-alls, or canonical linear adventures, there is no shortage ofMariogames.
RELATED:Best 2D Super Mario Games, Ranked
Peach has been an absolute staple of theMariofranchise since she appeared in 1985’sSuper Mario Bros.Whether Mario is chasing her across the Mushroom Kingdom or racing her in a variety of tracks, it’s safe to say thatMariowouldn’t be what it is today without thepresence of this pink princess. Throughout the years, her contributions have varied immensely. With theannouncement ofPrincess Peach: Showtime- the first Peach-led console game in over ten years - it’s important to remember the vast amount of games that really let players become acquainted with Princess Toadstool herself.
10Mario Golf Series
Mario Golfhas been a popularMariomultiplayer game for several decades, with seven main installments. All main titles in this franchise - aside fromNES Open Tournament GoldandMario Golfon the Game Boy Color - have had Peach as a playable character.
Mario Golf’scontinued production throughout the last twenty years is a testament to how fun and family-friendly these games are. Although some players may find them lacking in difference, any golf lovers will have a great time completing the vast catalog ofMario-themed courses and going up against familiar faces.
9Mario and Sonic Olympic Games Series
TheMario and Sonicseries has been a pillar of every Olympic Games since 2007. Each game includes a range of Olympic sports that various characters from theMarioandSonicuniverses compete in. This was a massive crossover and the first ever one between these two recognizable franchises.
There are six main installments in this series, and every single one of them features Princess Peach as a playable character. Often seen wearing various sporting outfits in her signature pink color, Peach’s stats are typically high for speed and skill, making her best for running or technical events.
8Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopeis another crossover game featuring Nintendo’sMariocharacters and Ubisoft’sRabbids.Sparks of Hopeis the second game in theMario +Rabbidsseries and was released on Nintendo Switch in 2022. The original game does a great job of setting up the crossover, butSparks of Hopeis the perfect silly, fun game forMariofans.
Not only does it feature aplayable Princess Peach, but it also has a Rabbid Peach dressed in a fabulous blonde wig and pink outfit. BothMario + Rabbidsgames feature these lovable characters and are a great example of howMariodoesn’t really feel likeMariowithout Peach.
7Mario Party Series
TheMario Partyseries might be one of the most infamous titles in thefranchise, mainly due to its hilarity and luck-based process.Mario Partyis afantastic multiplayer party gamedesigned for several people in a casual environment. It is one of the most family-friendly titles in the franchise and is highly accessible to everyone for its unserious nature and easy mechanics.
Princess Peach has been available as a playable character since the very firstMario Partyin 1998. There are twelve titles in the series, and although there’s often no real advantage to choosing one character over another, in certain games, there are benefits to picking Peach. For example, inSuper Mario Party,Peach’s dice block features multiple 4’s, which can be very useful for those times when players are aiming for a specific spot.
6Super Smash Bros. Series
TheSuper Smash Bros.series has become a massive title in thefranchise. Each game has cultivated a huge following in its own right, and dozens ofSmashtournaments are held all over the world every year.Super Smash Bros.combines some of Nintendo’s - and later, other developers' - best-known characters in a free-for-all fighting game.
RELATED:Best Nintendo Switch Fighting Games, Ranked
Peach has been holding her own against a whole slew of characters sinceSuper Smash Bros. Melee -one of manyMariogames made for Nintendo GameCube. She’s still featured inSmashgames today, a classic name among newer faces like Isabelle fromAnimal Crossingand Steve fromMinecraft. Peach’s attacks vary depending on the game, but she is most well known for her aerial abilities and her moves that callback to classicMariogames.
5Super Mario Bros. 2
Super Mario Bros 2is the second everSuper Mariogame and the first mainMariogame to include Peach as a playable character. Peach is almost exclusively featured in spin-offMariogames after this but does find her way back to a few main titles. It was first released for the NES in 1988 and has been ported to several major Nintendo systems since the Wii.
Super Mario Bros. 2features Peach as an important playable character, equipped with her signature floating jump. However, her other stats, like speed and power, are relatively low, apparently compensating for the benefits given via her aerial skills.
4Mario Kart Series
Mario Kartis indisputably the most well-known name in the entire franchise. With its continued release on Nintendo consoles, its success on the Wii solidified it as a family-friendly, universally loved game. The very firstMario Kartwas released in 1992 on the SNES, designed to have simple controls. There is no console version ofMario Kartthat does not feature a multiplayer game mode, highlighting itsemphasis on social gaming.
Peach has been playable inMario Kartsince the very first installment, where she could play alongside Yoshi. Peach has typically always had good acceleration stats and was usually classified as a lightweight. In later games, where the choice of kart began to have more emphasis on stats, Peach became well-known for her iconic biker suit.
3Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Super Mario RPGwas the first RPG-style installment in theMariofranchise and was widely acclaimed by critics both at the time and in the modern day. It features turn-based combat, reminiscent of other popular contemporary RPG games likeChrono TriggerandFinal Fantasy. It stays loyal to the light-hearted nature ofMariogames while branching into new mechanics.
Princess Peach does not join Mario’s party until much later in the game, making her a less prominent playable character. Even though it’s great to see Peach as a playable character, her skills are noticeably lacking offensive capabilities. Although Peach is often marketed as gentle and loving, her healing/defensive build can be a little disappointing to Peach fans.
2Paper Mario Series
ThePaper Mariogames have gathered a large fan base throughout the years, and their RPG-style gameplay has made them very popular amongMariofans who aren’t inclined toward the standard platformers. Its unique art style and detailed story offer a great opportunity tolearn beloved characters.
Peach can be played in the first three mainPaper Mariogames:Paper Mario,The Thousand-Year Door,andSuper Paper Mario.Unfortunately, her gameplay is fairly limited in the first two games since players only control Peach during end-of-chapter interludes. She doesn’t really do any fighting untilSuper Paper Mario, where she’s equipped with her trusty parasol.
1Super Princess Peach
As the onlyMarioconsole game to feature Princess Peach as its protagonist,Super Princess Peachis a much-needed, very fun game. Released on the Nintendo DS in 2005,Super Princess Peachflips the roles and has Peach rescuing Mario, Luigi, and Toad from Bowser.
This Princess Peach is tough and resourceful, and for 2005, isn’t a terrible example of a female-led game. Although, in terms of difficulty, some players may find it on the easier end, it does use a new ‘vibe’ mechanic, which adds variety. The story is charming, and it’s nice to play through the eyes of a new character. Paired up with Perry - a magical umbrella - Peach will take on familiar foes like Boos, Bob-ombs, and Piranha Plants on her quest to rescue Mario.
