Princess Peach: The iconic ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom

1092 mots | Temps de lecture : 5 minute(s)

Princess Peach Toadstool , better known as Peach , is one of the most iconic female figures in video game history. Ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom , she embodies a unique combination of grace , bravery , and leadership . Long relegated to the role of “ damsel in distress ,” Peach has reinvented herself to become a true heroine , admired for her quiet strength and regal charisma .

Origins and creation

Peach made her first appearance in 1985's Super Mario Bros. , created by Shigeru Miyamoto . She is inspired by fairy tale princesses , but also by the heroines of shōjo manga . Her original Japanese name is Peach, but in the West, she was initially called Princess Toadstool until the release of Super Mario 64 (1996), which definitively unified her name worldwide.

Her initial mission was to embody the ultimate goal of Mario 's quest. But over time, she became an active player in the Mario universe, gifted with humor , magic , and a personality of her own .

Physical characteristics and emblems

Peach is immediately recognizable thanks to:

• Her pink dress , her white gloves and her crown set with rubies and sapphires.
• Her wavy blond hair and her soft but expressive face.
• His magic umbrella , used for fighting or gliding , often named Perry in some games.

She is also surrounded by loyal servants , notably the Toads and the venerable Toadsworth , who has watched over her since her youth.

From captive to heroine: a major evolution

While Peach was long captured by Bowser in platform games, Nintendo has gradually expanded her role:

• Super Princess Peach (2005) – She becomes Mario 's savior, using her emotions (joy, sadness, anger, serenity) as tactical powers.
• Super Mario 3D World – Peach is playable from the start, with her famous floating ability.
• Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door – She communicates with a supercomputer who falls in love with her, in a funny and touching storyline.
• Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga – Victim of voice theft, she remains at the heart of the plot, and her fake version becomes a comic relief.

Princess Peach: Showtime! – Full Light

Released in 2024 on Nintendo Switch , Princess Peach: Showtime! gives Peach a starring role in a colorful adventure. She plays several roles within a magical play: Peach the fencer , Peach the ninja , Peach the pastry chef , Peach the detective … Each transformation gives her new skills .

The game marks an important step for the character: she is the central actress in a living world, without the presence of Mario, confirming her ability to hold a complete adventure on her own .

Peach in spin-offs and multiplayer games

• Mario Kart – Fast, maneuverable and iconic , it is playable in all games.
• Mario Party – Always present, often referred to as “lucky” or “dangerously lucky”.
• Mario Tennis / Golf / Strikers – His style is often balanced : precise, technical and elegant.
• Super Smash Bros. – Since Melee , Peach has imposed her unique style between delicacy and power .

Relationships with other characters

• Mario – Their relationship is marked by deep affection , but Nintendo deliberately keeps their romantic status unclear.
• Luigi – Peach treats him with respect and kindness , encouraging him in his adventures.
• Bowser – He keeps kidnapping her, but his clumsy “ love ” sometimes becomes comical, especially in Paper Mario or the 2023 movie.
• Daisy – Her best friend , more extroverted, with whom she forms a close-knit duo in sports games.

A female video game icon

Peach is often cited as one of the major female symbols in video game culture. While her early roles were passive , she is now considered:

• A leader : active leader of the Mushroom Kingdom , respected by all.
• A fighter : capable of defending herself, especially in Smash Bros.
• An inspirational figure : featured in merchandising, amusement parks, fan art, and cosplay.

Peach in the Super Mario Bros. movie (2023)

In The Super Mario Bros. Movie , Peach is not captured: she guides Mario through the Mushroom Kingdom , helps him progress, and battles Bowser herself. Voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy , she is portrayed as strategic , combative , and independent . This change in tone was widely applauded by audiences, who saw it as a modernization faithful to the character's evolution in the games.

Anecdotes and little-known facts

• In Super Mario RPG (1996), Peach is a playable character with powerful healing abilities.
• She has an evil twin named Shadow Peach in some Japanese spin-off games not released internationally.
• She is one of the few characters to have a playable castle in multiple games ( Mario 64, Paper Mario, Mario Party ).
• Her first name " Peach " reflects the softness and roundness of her design.

Why is Peach so popular?

• Balance between gentleness and strength: she is caring, but never backs down in the face of danger.
• Inimitable style : dress, crown, umbrella… an instantly recognizable design.
• Ability to evolve : from passive princess to actress of her own destiny.

Conclusion

Princess Peach isn't just a simple pretext for Mario 's quest: she's a pillar of the Super Mario universe, a strong , charismatic and independent character. Throughout the ages, she has been able to renew herself and show that even in a pink dress, you can lead a kingdom, triumph over ghosts or Koopas, and remain an unforgettable icon of video games .