Nintendo intends to keep details about its new Princess Peach-centered Super Mario spin-off game under wraps until "a later date," but a new theory may reveal what it has in store. Most of the theory is centered around the setting seen in the Princess Peach game trailer.
Debuting in 1985 like most core elements of the franchise, Princess Peach is best known as the damsel in distress of the Super Mario games, although some entries have given her more to do. Most notably, 2006 saw the release of Super Princess Peach, which sees Bowser change up his usual plans and kidnap the Mario Bros., forcing Peach to be the sole hero for once. The game is considered a hidden gem among the DS library, and some fans have hoped for a follow-up. In the June 2023 Nintendo Direct, Nintendo finally granted their wish, but didn't show off much of this new game, aside from its stage-like setting and a mysterious outfit-changing panel.
First established in 2009, GameXplain has become a popular face among gaming publications, known for analyzing new video game trailers and coming up with theories. In a recent 40-second TikTok, it decided to theorize what the new Peach game might be about. GameXplain's guess is that the game might be inspired by 1991's Beauty and the Beast. That film notably continued Disney's trend of giving its princesses more agency, and with Nintendo showcasing a willingness to do that with its other Direct announcements, this theory doesn't seem too far-fetched.
As proof, GameXplain noted the similarities in the town square's design to the one from that movie, alongside the detail of Peach wearing a ribbon in her ponytail much like Belle did. It also highlights the castle set seen later in the trailer, which is shown to be covered with thorns, noting how thorns were also a common motif in the film. It finally ended the theory with the idea of Bowser being a handsome prince who was merely transformed into a turtle monster, hinting at his potential role in this obvious stage play. Nintendo has fleshed out Bowser multiple times before, including the recent Super Mario Bros. Movie, so this idea would be right in line with the pattern if true.
Regardless of what transpires in this new title, it should be interesting to see Peach receive her second solo game after close to twenty years. The move also makes sense given her characterization from The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and given that movie's success, perhaps Nintendo just wants to keep running with what worked on the big screen and unify the brand.
The new Peach-centric Super Mario game is set to debut on Nintendo Switch sometime in 2024.
