Who is the Nintendo Princess? A Deep Dive into the Royal Ranks
The question of “who is the Nintendo Princess?” isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While many instantly think of Princess Peach, the regal ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, Nintendo’s vast universe boasts a diverse array of princesses, each with unique stories, personalities, and roles. This article will explore the prominent princesses in Nintendo’s lore, examining their individual characteristics and their place within the broader Nintendo landscape. While Princess Peach remains a cornerstone of the Mario franchise and often the first princess that comes to mind, understanding the other regal figures expands our appreciation for Nintendo’s rich storytelling.
The Reigning Monarchs
Princess Peach: The Heart of the Mushroom Kingdom
Perhaps the most recognizable Nintendo princess, Princess Peach, originally known as Princess Toadstool, first appeared in Super Mario Bros. (1985). From her iconic pink dress to her kind demeanor, Peach is the quintessential damsel in distress, often finding herself captured by Bowser, requiring Mario to embark on heroic rescue missions. However, Peach is not just a passive figure. She actively rules the Mushroom Kingdom, often demonstrating her own resourcefulness and courage.
Despite being frequently kidnapped, Peach’s character has developed over the years. She’s shown to be a capable athlete, a talented kart racer, and even a skilled fighter in games like Super Smash Bros. While her exact age is unconfirmed, hints within the games and The Super Mario Bros. Movie suggest she’s approximately 23 years old. Peach’s relationship with Mario is a central theme, often depicted as romantic, although Nintendo has never officially confirmed a formal relationship.
Princess Daisy: The Tomboy of Sarasaland
Princess Daisy of Sarasaland is another significant figure in the Mario franchise. Known for her tomboyish nature and vibrant orange attire, Daisy debuted in Super Mario Land (1989). She’s often depicted as the lively counterpart to Peach’s more reserved demeanor. Daisy is known as Luigi’s girlfriend, establishing a parallel relationship dynamic similar to Mario and Peach. She’s athletic and adventurous and is a prominent figure in various Mario spin-off titles, particularly the sports and party games. Unlike Peach, Daisy is less prone to being captured, highlighting her independent and strong personality.
Princess Rosalina: The Cosmic Guardian
Princess Rosalina, first introduced in Super Mario Galaxy, is arguably the most mysterious princess within the Mario universe. She is the protector of the cosmos and the adoptive mother of the Lumas. With her long, flowing blonde hair and elegant blue gown, Rosalina stands apart from Peach and Daisy in terms of aesthetic and character. Rosalina’s backstory is poignant; a girl who lost her mother, she now guides the Lumas and oversees the stars. Her connection to the Mario world is more cosmic and less earthly than Peach and Daisy. There was a development idea to have her related to Peach, but it was dropped, although it does explain the design similarities. Unlike the other princesses, Rosalina does not have a boyfriend.
Other Notable Princesses
While Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina are the most well-known, other characters within Nintendo’s wider catalog are also worthy of mention, although they do not often appear in the Mario Universe. Princess Zelda of the Legend of Zelda series is another iconic female character, though she is featured in a completely different Nintendo series. She is often associated with wisdom and is instrumental to Link’s heroic journey. Likewise, characters such as Palutena, from Kid Icarus, are also highly influential. The term ‘Nintendo Princess’ primarily refers to those within the Mario franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nintendo Princesses
1. Who is the most popular Nintendo princess?
While all three have strong fanbases, Princess Peach often ranks as the most popular Nintendo princess due to her long history as a central character in the Mario series.
2. Who is Luigi’s girlfriend?
Princess Daisy is Luigi’s girlfriend.
3. Who is Rosalina’s boyfriend?
Rosalina is the only major princess in the Mario series without a boyfriend. There have been fan theories, but Nintendo has officially denied any romantic pairing for her.
4. Who are the three princesses in the Mario series?
The three main princesses are Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina.
5. Is Rosalina related to Peach?
In early development, there was contemplation about making Rosalina related to Peach, however, it did not make it into the final story. This is the reason for the design similarities.
6. Is Rosalina a girl Mario?
Rosalina is not a “girl Mario”. She has her own, unique and complex backstory as a traveler.
7. Is Rosalina Peach’s mother?
No, Rosalina is not Peach’s mother, although they considered having them be related.
8. Who is Yoshi’s girlfriend?
Birdo is often depicted as being romantically involved with Yoshi.
9. Are Peach and Mario dating?
Nintendo has never explicitly stated that Mario and Peach are dating in the main games. They are often romantically portrayed in promotional material, but are on good terms. They were named “Cutest Couple” in Mario Party 5, but there’s no formal relationship stated.
10. Who is Luigi’s evil rival?
Waluigi is Luigi’s self-proclaimed rival.
11. How old is Peach?
While never definitively confirmed in the games, hints suggest Peach is approximately 23 years old.
12. Who is the prettiest Mario princess?
This is subjective, however, many fans find Rosalina to be the most beautiful princess for her unique design and more celestial appearance.
13. Who is Peach’s dad?
King Toadstool is the seldom-seen ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom and Princess Peach’s father.
14. Does Mario love Peach or Daisy?
Mario’s romantic interest is consistently Princess Peach, while Luigi is paired with Daisy.
15. Did Mario marry Peach?
No, Mario and Princess Peach did not get married. They are not in an official relationship and after Mario proposed to her at the end of Super Mario Odyssey, she rejected it.
Conclusion
The Nintendo princess landscape is populated by more than just the ever-popular Princess Peach. With the inclusion of Princess Daisy, the spirited tomboy, and Princess Rosalina, the celestial guardian, Nintendo has crafted a diverse range of royal figures. They each bring their unique personalities and storylines into the vibrant world of Nintendo games. While Princess Peach will always be a cornerstone, the other princesses have equally established themselves as iconic characters within the world of gaming.