For the first time in a quarter of a century, players can take control of Princess Peach. The move signals a fresh turn for the franchise, inviting fans to see Peach leading adventures rather than awaiting rescue. Her recent appearances in spin offs have kept her in the spotlight, but this marks a new era where she can chart her own course within a main Nintendo adventure. The buzz around this shift is loud among longtime fans and observers of the E3 show.
At this year9s E3, Nintendo laid out its upcoming lineup, including a Mario RPG described as SUPER MARIO 3D WORLD for the Wii U. The presentation suggested a blend of classic platforming energy with role playing depth, letting players choose to play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, or Peach as they tackle a fresh world. The description hints at turn based elements or action RPG mechanics intertwined with real time movement, a fusion that could reframe expectations for the series. The audience saw a trailer that teased co op play and competitive modes, inviting friends to join in the journey. [Nintendo E3 press release]
Each character arrives with a distinctive set of abilities that influence how a team approaches puzzles, exploration, and combat. Players can switch roles to adapt to different challenges, whether racing through a level, solving a riddle, or battling foes. In addition to individual skills, every character can transform into a cat form that can charm rivals, climb walls, and scratch its way to an advantage. This familiar power up seen in other Mario games receives a fresh context here, expanding team strategies and adding a dash of whimsy to the action. [Nintendo press material]
Even though Peach has appeared as a playable character in spin offs such as Mario Kart and Mario Golf, this marks her first playable role in a main Mario RPG since 1988
Super Mario Bros 2. The historical note frames the change as meaningful for fans who have long awaited Peach0s direct leadership in an RPG setting. The shift reverses the usual rescue arc and places Peach in the hot seat, steering a cast of iconic characters through peril and discovery. For players who grew up with Peach as a secondary figure, the new game offers a chance to see her take charge in a narrative rich, strategy-forward adventure. [Nintendo overview]
Nintendo also highlighted a broader slate for both the Wii U and the handheld line. The show highlighted Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker HD, Mario Kart 8, and Wii Party U for the Wii U. For the 3DS, Pokemon X and Pokemon Y and The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds head the lineup. In a surprising move, Nintendo announced that Super Smash Bros would be released for both the Wii U and the 3DS, expanding cross platform play and tournament reach. The announcements underscored Nintendo9s commitment to a diverse catalog spanning action, adventure, party games, and role-playing experiences, with Peach0s inclusion serving as a bridge between classic franchises and new ideas. [Nintendo press briefing]