Nintendo just changed everything we thought we knew about Mario and Peach’s relationship

The recent release of Mario Kart World for the Switch 2 has fans of the popular series once again speculating on the relationship between Mario and Princess Peach, but according to an official statement from Nintendo, the two are just "good friends." Mario Kart World players and fans of the franchise as a whole are reacting to the shocking confirmation across social media, with many expressing doubt in Nintendo's claim.

Love for Mario has persisted since the first titles featuring the character hit the scene in the 1980s, with the plumber serving as Nintendo's mascot and inspiring hundreds of games, films, and even theme park attractions. The release of 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie majorly boosted Nintendo Switch sales globally, and the film even earned a Guinness World Record for the highest-grossing film based on a video game, grossing over $1 billion at the box office. As support for the titular plumber and his friends continues to be a driving force in gaming, longtime fans have often operated under the idea that Mario and Princess Peach are in a romantic relationship. Unfortunately, Nintendo has just shot down that idea to the shock and sorrow of the fandom.

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In a new post on the Nintendo Today app (shared by KirPinkFury on Twitter), Nintendo states that "Princess Peach and Mario are good friends and help each other out whenever they can." Comments from fans have ranged from disbelief to pure anger, with many expressing pity for Mario, who they claim has been "friend-zoned" after saving Princess Peach dozens of times in the past. Others are coping with the news by stating that the best romantic relationships are those in which both parties are good friends. While Mario and Princess Peach have seen their designs changed many times over the years, the pair's relationship has remained one of the most beloved aspects of the series, and fans are invited to interpret Nintendo's words however they like.

According to Nintendo, Princess Peach and Mario Are Just ‘Good Friends'

Releasing as a day-one title on the Switch 2, Mario Kart World has seen impressive sales, selling over 1 million copies in its first month in Japan alone and nearly 900,000 physical units in the US. While reviews for the title have largely been positive, Mario Kart World was recently review bombed following the release of the game's Version 1.1.2 update, with the patch making it more difficult to avoid Intermission races when entering an online VS Race via the "Random" option. Intermission races haven't been popular with players, and Nintendo has faced continued backlash over their inclusion.

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Earlier this year, a new rumor indicated that a 3D Mario game for the Switch 2 was in development. This title will reportedly feature levels inspired by The Super Mario Bros. Movie, though Nintendo has offered no official confirmation just yet. A Nintendo Direct may still take place before the end of July, so fans should keep an eye out for more information.