The first Super Mario Bros. video game gave the Mario brothers a simple goal: save the Princess. Saving Princess Toadstool, who would later be known to North American audiences as Princess Peach, would be their goal for decades. The brothers managed to navigate their ways through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Peach.

Mario and Peach's relationship has remained the same for years, but fans' feelings on the pair have changed. Many believe that the only way they could keep this act up is by being in a long-term relationship. It was the only rationalization fans saw that Mario would keep trying to save Peach. Luigi was often left out as "player two" in advertising and the games themselves.

Peach and Mario have only grown closer over the years. What began as a simple story of rescue has evolved into something more. Some fans started to look forward to a new Super Mario Bros. installment to see how their relationship would change. The most recent game on the Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Odyssey, brought new life into their relationship and those who have become entangled in their romance.

The relationship between the Nintendo characters has greatly changed since their debut. With so many games being released over the past few decades, it's easy to miss a few key details in their love affair. We've compiled a list of some of the most unusual facts you may have missed between the plumber and his toadstool princess. Before you continue, there are several spoilers throughout the list.

Nintendo Made Their Relationship Status Clear

Many fans have believed Princess Peach and Mario were more than friends but wanted confirmation from Nintendo.

Nintendo has never stated their relationship status in the main games, only on promotional material.

They are named the "Cutest Couple" in Mario Party 5, but some fans missed this title. Nintendo has many international locations, which have confirmed them as a couple on social media. Nintendo of America states that their love story began "in another castle." A special LINE messenger sticker released by Nintendo also has the pair sitting together on a bench, surrounded by hearts.

Is She A Toad In Disguise?

According to the Super Mario Bros. Super Show, the Mario brothers are plumbers living in New York. They seem like normal humans until they're transported into the Mushroom Kingdom. There, they meet Princess Peach, who has the appearance of a human. Peach may be a different species.

In Mario Superstar Baseball, Lakitu states Toadsworth is Peach's grandfather, making many believe that she wasn't human. Fans have speculated that Peach may be of the Toad species, or it may simply be a difference in localization. It doesn't matter to Mario if Peach is human or Toad. He considers her a close friend.

Peach May Already Be A Mother

Princess Peach may have already been in a relationship before Mario appeared. Bowser has continued to steal Peach for decades. While fans believe Peach never had feelings for him, this may be false.

Peach may only be angry at Bowser and using Mario to sort out their issues.

Super Mario Sunshine introduces players to Bowser Jr. He calls Peach his "Mama" which shocks and confuses her. She has to think about if he is her son. Bowser Jr. later admits that he knows Peach isn't his mother, which makes Peach's reaction to the news unusual.

She's Not Single

Princess Peach has been seen as Mario's romantic interest for decades. She has been showing more hints of her feelings, but they're not as obvious as Mario.

In the Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyushutsu Dai Sakusen! animated film, it's revealed that Peach already has a boyfriend, the Prince of the Flower Kingdom. They're shown as a couple in love at the end of the series, but it's possible they broke up. After the end of the film, we haven't seen the Prince of Flowers again.

She Was Almost Queen Bowser

Bowser wants to take over the Mushroom Kingdom at any cost. He has planned it not only in the video game series but spin-off comics. Bowser has gone so far as to try and hypnotize her to complete the ceremony.

By marrying Peach, the Koopa will become King of the Mushroom Kingdom. Luckily for Peach, Mario and Luigi always come to her rescue. If the Mario brothers and her friends are unavailable, Peach has been capable of saving herself from an unwanted marriage.

Did He Break a Lady’s Heart?

The first Donkey Kong game starred Jumpman, a hero believed to be Mario. Jumpman strived to save his girlfriend, Lady or Pauline, from the clutches of Donkey Kong. Almost a decade later, Jumpman seemed to have evolved into Mario, but Pauline was nowhere to be found.

Fans believe that Mario left Pauline because he fell for Princess Peach instead. Pauline becomes mayor of New Donk City and is a popular singer. Mario and Pauline have remained good friends, even though he's trying to win Peach's heart.

The Sacrifice Was Worth It

Mario and Luigi have always starred in the Super Mario Bros. games together. They were always available as co-op partners so gamers could play with friends. Mario is primarily seen in advertising rescuing Peach, so Luigi has to sit on the sidelines.

Luigi may have repressed his feelings for Princess Peach.

Mario Power Tennis shows Luigi romantically interested in Peach during her victory scene. He may have quickly discovered that she only feelings for Mario. Not wanting to stand in Mario's way, Luigi has remained on friendly terms with Peach ever since.

She Always Stays in Touch

Super Princess Peach

Peach was sending letters to Mario as soon as Super Mario Bros 3. It's the primary way she contacts him. In Super Mario 64, her letters have become more personalized. She invites Mario to her castle, writing him a message that states “Dear Mario, please come to the castle. I've baked a cake for you. Yours truly, Princess Toadstool, Peach.”

Peach's letters could also contain 1-Ups and other bonus items to aid Mario on his journey. She always does her best to remain in contact with her close friend.

Her Actions Are The Same

Fans had often speculated that Peach and Mario are in a close relationship, even before Mario's feelings were made evident in Super Mario Odyssey. They tried to prove this by showing Peach kissing Mario on the nose or on his hat as a reward for saving her.

Unfortunately, these scenes are the same when Luigi is involved. Peach gives Luigi the same speech of gratitude along with a kiss on the nose. Mario's reward from Peach may not be so special after all.

Mario Was The Wrong Brother

Princess Peach is not the only member of royalty in the Super Mario Bros. games. Princess Daisy is one of her closest friends. Fans were curious about the identity of one of the newcomers: Princess Rosalina.

Some believed Rosalina had features that were closer to Peach and Luigi, making the new Princess their future daughter.

Rosalina's gown is an aqua green color, which is closer to Luigi's trademark color palate. Rosalina isn't related to Luigi or Peach, but some still believe it proves that Mario may not be the one for Peach.

She Gets Jealous, Too

Mario was disappointed after Princess Peach turned him down in the most recent Super Mario game. Though heartbroken, he would leap to rescue her from harm. Peach may appear to be more reserved about her feelings.

The Japanese comic Super Mario Kun shows that Peach gets jealous, too. Mario gives Princess Daisy a little more attention than Peach likes. She becomes so jealous that she throws a mushroom at Mario. Daisy is shocked at Peach's reaction. Mario quickly realizes that he shouldn't ignore Peach when a new Princess enters the room.

Peach Can’t Hide Her Jealousy

There's no doubt that Mario has gone through tough situations to rescue Peach. He always drops what he's doing to aid her. The only time Mario is seen getting upset is when it involves his enemies. He never gets angry at Peach.

The same doesn't go for Peach. She's often seen getting annoyed at him, especially at the end of Super Mario Odyssey. Peach doesn't stay angry at Mario for long. They've been through too much together for her to abandon him.

They Make Time for Each Other

Mario and Luigi are rarely seen without each other. As the Super Mario Bros. series progressed, we began to see more of Mario and Peach together without Luigi. The pair is seen going on vacation in Super Mario Sunshine.

Luigi isn't invited to Isle Delfino, but that may be a good thing. Luigi wasn't forced to get involved with another one of Bowser's sinister plans. Mario was quick to help. After rescuing Peach from another stealing attempt by Bowser and his minions, Mario and Peach share a long vacation together at Sirena Beach.

Oblivious To Their Feelings

For decades, fans have believed that Mario and Peach were a couple. This only became more obvious as the series progressed. The spin-off games often feature the pair working together on a team. Luigi isn't left behind. The green-themed brother teams up with his love interest, Daisy.

In Super Mario Galaxy, Rosalina quickly realizes Mario and Peach are more than just friends.

Rosalina refers to Mario as Peach's "Special One." The games go so far as to have characters recommend special spots for the couple to go on dates together.

Peach Almost Gave Up

Mario has had feelings for Peach for years. His romantic feelings motivate him to rescue Peach from Bowser time after time. At the end of Super Mario Odyssey, Peach becomes frustrated by Mario's advances on her. Mario and Bowser both try to convince her to pick them. She refuses both of them and walks back to the ship without them.

Many fans believed Peach was prepared to leave Mario there. She was so upset that she almost headed back to the Mushroom Kingdom without him.

Mario Is Spoiled With Baked Treats

Peach is an excellent athlete, a competent fighter, and a skilled baker. Peach has baked cakes for Mario throughout the series. The first proof of her baking skill was in Super Mario 64 when she invited Mario to the castle for cake.

After rescuing her from Bowser, she fulfills her promise by baking him a cake as thanks. She would again send him a cake at the end of Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story to express her thanks for saving her.

Not Always Teammates

Mario risks everything to save Princess Peach in multiple games. Peach is powerful, but Bowser comes up with elaborate plans to take over the Mushroom Kingdom. Peach has even had to rescue Mario and Luigi in the Super Princess Peach series.

There are few games in the main series where the couple teams up.

The first game where Mario and Peach work together for a common goal is Super Mario Bros 2. Peach isn't a playable character in the main series again until Super Mario 3D World, 25 years after SMB2.

One Reward For Everyone

Saving Princess Peach is a full-time job. Mario doesn't mind. After his journey is complete, Peach rewards him with a kiss on the nose. This may seem special, especially to those who believe they're in a relationship, but it's her go-to reward.

Princess Peach has also kissed Luigi on the nose as a reward. She may not think of the gesture as romantic, but a reward to express her gratitude. Mario and Luigi don't complain. They're happy to free their friend and the reward is more than enough.

Does Mario Lack Imagination?

Paper Mario is the first time we've seen Mario intend to take Peach out on a date. Their vacations together may seem like dates, but often include Toadsworth or Luigi. There are not many opportunities for them to date when Bowser could strike at any moment. A Toad tells Mario that he should take Peach on a date to Shooting Star Summit, north of Peach's castle. It's a beautiful place with one of the best views in the Kingdom. Mario had no idea that it would be a great place for a date until a Toad told him.

He Always Takes Time To Help

Bowser takes his time planning his schemes but acts quickly to abduct Princess Peach. She often has little time to ask Mario for help. Many times, Mario is helpless as he watches Bowser take Peach away. Mario doesn't sit and plan out his next move.

Mario quickly takes action to rescue his Princess.

It explains why every level has a time limit. Nintendo doesn't want gamers to sit by as Peach sits in Bowser's dungeon. They want players to rescue her as quickly as possible.