67
Princess Peach: Showtime! had the potential to be much more than it is. It’s upsetting that it’s so simple and easy, and feels like a waste of the sheer amount of creativity that went into the concept of the theater, plays, and costumes. It’s that creativity that’s preventing me from giving this game a lower score. But on the merits of its gameplay alone (and the fact that it’s not a very long game — I completed it in about 15 hours), this isn’t Nintendo’s strongest showing.
75
It took 20 years for Peach to be the main character in her own game again, the last one dating back to 2005 and we were on Nintendo DS. Times have changed, as have morals and Nintendo has understood this well with Princess Peach Showtime, which also stands out from Mario by moving away from the classic platformer. Here, it is more of an adventure designed to highlight the many abilities of the character, capable of changing outfits as well as gameplay, all surrounded by a perfectly crafted theater theme. Ninja, swordsman, mermaid, detective, superhero, pastry chef, skater or downright kung fu expert, we move from one style to another with great pleasure, even if the absence of challenge risks making the players wince the most seasoned. In any case, the game is clearly intended for younger people, those who will be less demanding and will not complain about the sometimes incomprehensible framerate drops.
70
It's an experience that delivers just enough, plays on automatic and doesn't quite do a fine job of making itself a memorable video game. It's not a bad start by any means for a new sub-franchise, but it would be ideal if Nintendo decided to bet heavily on the character regardless of how well this game sells and that we already have a sequel in development. Time will tell how committed the Big N is to this cause.
6
Right off the bat I was surprised that there was essentially no story, compared to another Mario spinoff based on one character, Luigi’s Mansion. The game is also piss easy. Now, I don’t mind games being easy if there is an engaging experience behind it, but this game reuses the same gimmicks many many times. The level design is also basically just a walking forward simulator. One thing I did like tho is the boss fights as they were quite clever, but due to their easiness they play more like puzzles than fights. Game is also too short for the price, but realistically I was only able to do about 70% of the levels before I got bored anyway, they really do stretch those 8 gimmicks thin. Overall, not a bad game, but it’s definitely one of Nintendo’s most underwhelming releases to date, especially when you compare it to some of their higher quality spinoffs
7
Princess Peach Showtime is a creative and charming game that finally gives Peach her own spotlight, and it succeeds most in its presentation and originality. The theater setting is easily the standout feature, with every level feeling like a live stage performance complete with rotating sets, props, and a constant spotlight that gives the game a unique identity. The variety of transformations keeps the experience fresh, allowing Peach to take on multiple roles with different gameplay styles, and the overall charm and personality of the game make it easy to enjoy, especially for a more casual or younger audience. The boss fights also stand out as some of the more engaging moments, showing flashes of what the game could have been if it pushed its ideas **** the same time, the game is held back by its overly simple gameplay, which rarely evolves beyond its basic mechanics. While the variety is appreciated, many of the transformations feel underdeveloped and don’t reach their full potential, with some sections controlling poorly or lacking depth. The lack of challenge makes the experience feel too safe, and there’s little incentive to master any of the mechanics. Replay value is also a weak point, as going back to collect missed items feels tedious due to long levels and unskippable segments. On top of that, performance issues such as frame drops and inconsistent visuals take away from the overall polish, especially when compared to other Nintendo titles on the same system.Overall, Princess Peach Showtime is a fun and visually creative experience that benefits heavily from its presentation and variety, but it falls short of greatness due to shallow gameplay, limited depth, and technical shortcomings. It’s a solid game for its intended audience, but it leaves noticeable room for improvement.
8
It's everything a female gamer could have asked for. Beautiful dresses, tons of customisation, pretty mechanics, superpowers and movements. However, it is quite short. Also, it leans more towards the easy-to-play side for beginners, although it does have its difficult boss fights.
Princess Peach: Showtime!
Released On:
Mar 22, 2024
Metascore
Mixed or Average
74
User score
Mixed or Average
6.8
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
74
57% Positive
66 Reviews
66 Reviews
41% Mixed
48 Reviews
48 Reviews
2% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Mar 21, 2024
100
Peach’s foray onto the stage is is full of whimsy and many moments of sheer joy, just as 2023's Super Mario Wonder is, but the difference is that this is Peach’s game – and hers alone. Despite the Sour Bunch trying to sully the Sparkle Theater’s reputation, Princess Peach is here - as a Cowgirl, Ninja, Detective, and so forth - to put a stop to that. And she puts on a wonderful, replayable, empowering performance while doing so.
Apr 8, 2024
80
Princess Peach Showtime is a nice break away from our favourite plumber and his brother and while I enjoyed this as an older gamer, it definitely does have a more younger gamer appeal. Even so, it’s quite a clever premise and if you’re looking for something a little different, check out the demo via the Nintendo store and if you like it, Princess Peach Showtime might be the fun you’re looking for.
User score
Mixed or Average
6.8
47% Positive
134 Ratings
134 Ratings
33% Mixed
94 Ratings
94 Ratings
19% Negative
55 Ratings
55 Ratings
Jul 24, 2025
10
Incredible comeback - incredible graphics and lots of charisma in this long-awaited game
Apr 3, 2025
10
Very solid game perfect for young kids and cozy adults. Has a cute customization and dress up aspect too!
Mar 21, 2024
80
Nintendo should, by all means, take what it’s learnt from Princess Peach: Showtime! and expand upon it, but it shouldn't fall into the trap of keeping her, or indeed any of its other female characters, confined to dress changing antics only. Peach deserves more backstory – more freedom from Mario – so that she can become as lauded as the likes of Lara Croft, albeit in her own, unique way. Pretty in pink is Princess Peach’s opening number, but for the show to truly go on, she needs to be allowed to broaden her horizons. Princess Peach: Showtime! is a fantastic first step, now all Nintendo needs to do is embrace the era that’s on the cusp of dawning.
Apr 2, 2024
75
Princess Peach: Showtime! closely follows the footsteps of its predecessor, Super Princess Peach. While it provides a unique opportunity to play with a beloved Nintendo character, the entire adventure remains overshadowed by the more well crafted Mario games.
Mar 27, 2024
70
Princess Peach: Showtime! feels like a safe release from Nintendo, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing: it’s fun, it’s inventive, and it looks wonderful. Its quirky level designs and Peach’s range of fancy costumes will no doubt put a smile on your face but ultimately, there’s little more here than that — a pretty, if shallow, Nintendo adventure that’s best played in 30-minute bursts.
May 17, 2024
67
Princess Peach: Showtime! had the potential to be much more than it is. It’s upsetting that it’s so simple and easy, and feels like a waste of the sheer amount of creativity that went into the concept of the theater, plays, and costumes. It’s that creativity that’s preventing me from giving this game a lower score. But on the merits of its gameplay alone (and the fact that it’s not a very long game — I completed it in about 15 hours), this isn’t Nintendo’s strongest showing.
Mar 22, 2024
40
Despite the enjoyable premise and high production values, Peach’s long-awaited star turn feels disappointingly patronising, one-dimensional and forgettable – the polar opposite of the Super Mario Bros film’s capable heroine. As the Nintendo Switch enters its twilight years, this was the perfect moment to give the Mushroom Kingdom monarch the celebration she so thoroughly deserved. Yet where Kirby received a Mario-worthy, Iliad-esque epic in Forgotten Land, this is more akin to a flimsy pop-up book.
Sep 30, 2024
10
Loved the game. It has an amazing ending and is a really fun game. I want the amiibos.
Mar 29, 2026
7
Princess Peach Showtime is a creative and charming game that finally gives Peach her own spotlight, and it succeeds most in its presentation and originality. The theater setting is easily the standout feature, with every level feeling like a live stage performance complete with rotating sets, props, and a constant spotlight that gives the game a unique identity. The variety of transformations keeps the experience fresh, allowing Peach to take on multiple roles with different gameplay styles, and the overall charm and personality of the game make it easy to enjoy, especially for a more casual or younger audience. The boss fights also stand out as some of the more engaging moments, showing flashes of what the game could have been if it pushed its ideas **** the same time, the game is held back by its overly simple gameplay, which rarely evolves beyond its basic mechanics. While the variety is appreciated, many of the transformations feel underdeveloped and don’t reach their full potential, with some sections controlling poorly or lacking depth. The lack of challenge makes the experience feel too safe, and there’s little incentive to master any of the mechanics. Replay value is also a weak point, as going back to collect missed items feels tedious due to long levels and unskippable segments. On top of that, performance issues such as frame drops and inconsistent visuals take away from the overall polish, especially when compared to other Nintendo titles on the same system.Overall, Princess Peach Showtime is a fun and visually creative experience that benefits heavily from its presentation and variety, but it falls short of greatness due to shallow gameplay, limited depth, and technical shortcomings. It’s a solid game for its intended audience, but it leaves noticeable room for improvement.
Sep 29, 2025
7
I like Princess Peach as a own game but is kind of mid, because some level were great, mid, and 1 is bad, and there's some there's some bugs, so i give a mid game but the bosses were great
Feb 26, 2025
4
Visually, this game is quite a treat and aside from my daughter enjoying watching me play it, I myself didn't find much fun to be had. Sure the varied mechanics for each play make for a microsmic gaming experience for Peach to delve into numerous game genres but the mechanics were so painfully simplistic it felt boring and un-stimulating to play through. I wish I could say it was fun but I just wasn't very entertained and felt the game was overall bland and frustrating to play.
Nov 28, 2024
4
Un juego bastante malo, sencillo, mediocre y conformista. Que solo se salva por su apartado artístico y una que otra mecánica de los trajes.
SummaryPrincess Peach must save the play as she takes the spotlight in her very own action game. Princess Peach and some loyal Toads are about to enjoy a performance at the Sparkle Theater when the wicked Grape and the Sour Bunch bust on the scene to flip the script! These bad actors kidnap the stars of each play, terrorize the other cast and c... Read More
Rated E +10for Everyone +10
