7 games like Princess Peach: Showtime to play on Switch

Princess Peach Showtime is putting our favourite pink princess back in the spotlight, and she's got a ton of outfits and transformations in the adventure game. But if you're looking for some similar games to play on the Switch, there's plenty that might be up your street.

The games I've included might be on here because they feature different transformations like Peach has, or simply because they're easy games suitable for younger gamers. Whether you're looking for something casual or an action-packed platformer with exciting power-ups, there's bound to be a title here for you.

Games like Princess Peach: Showtime

Super Mario Odyssey

• Release date: 2017
• Key features:
  • Loads of transformations/powers for Mario
  • Unique and exciting levels
  • Lots to collect and see

Despite releasing in the first year of the Nintendo Switch's lifespan, Super Mario Odyssey is still considered one of the very best games on the console. It's also a great game to try for anyone who's a fan of Princess Peach: Showtime's transformations, as Mario gets his own weird and wonderful transformations ranging from frogs and Goombas to a T-Rex.

If you're a platforming fan, it'll be hard to put this down after you've started it. It also has a ridiculous amount of things to collect, but luckily you don't need them all to beat the game. I loved playing this when it came out, and it easily holds up today.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

• Release date: 2022
• Key features:
  • Lots of wacky transformations
  • Simple but fun gameplay
  • Every level feels distinct

Kirby had a big comeback in 2022 with the Forgotten Land, a 3D platformer which re-introduced him to the world in a big way. This game is a huge step forward for the adorable pink blob, with gameplay reminiscent of Super Mario Odyssey and loads of awesome levels.

Kirby can transform into a car, a glider, and all sorts of other weird things on top of his usual abilities he gets by swallowing enemies. You can use fire and ice powers, slash enemies with a sword, or throw bombs by swallowing enemies with those powers. It's a pretty straightforward game that's suitable for newer players, but gets quite difficult when you get to certain boss fights.

Yoshi's Crafted World

• Release date: 2019
• Key features:
  • Very simple gameplay
  • Cute art style
  • Perfect for young players

Yoshi games are the ideal place for very young players to try their hand at some platforming. These games are stress-free and much easier than even Mario or Kirby these days - making them a good pick-up for first-time players.

Yoshi's Crafted World might be worth picking up for anyone looking for games for young kids or anyone who struggles with difficulty. The art style is super fun too, with a fully handcrafted world to explore.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

• Release date: 2023
• Key features:
  • Wondrous, transformative gameplay
  • Co-op mode
  • Playable characters including Peach and Daisy

This 2D platformer from 2023 might be Mario's best side-scrolling adventure yet. The 'Wonder' mechanic makes each and every level an exciting experience, with all kinds of crazy effects or transformations for Mario and friends. You never know what's going to happen when you pick up the Wonder Flower in each level.

It's also got co-op play so you can play with friends, and it's got a large cast of playable characters.

You can even play as Peach or Daisy if you like, and you can play the entire game as them even if you're playing solo. There's also Yoshi and Nabbit, who are perfect for players looking for an even easier time as they don't take damage in the game.

Super Mario RPG

• Release date: 2023
• Key features:
  • Turn-based battles
  • Puzzles and boss fights
  • Different playable characters including Peach

Finally, this is a bit of a different pick as it doesn't feature much platforming, with turn-based battles and a focus on storytelling instead. That said, it's another game that features Princess Peach as a playable character, and you can use her throughout a large portion of the adventure.

It's also pretty easy for the RPG genre, making it a great starting point for players who might not have tried one before. It's pretty funny, with goofy characters and engaging boss battles.

With a mercifully short runtime for an RPG, you won't be trying to complete it for 100+ hours, taking the average player about 15 hours to get through - though experienced players might breeze through it even quicker. Check out our thoughts in our review!

Rayman Legends

• Release date: 2017
• Key features:
  • 2D side-scrolling platformer
  • Wacky action and fun level design
  • Co-op with other players

The 2D Rayman games are some of the best out there, and Rayman Legends on Switch is the ultimate version of them. It combines loads of levels from Rayman Origins with the Rayman Legends set of levels to make for a big platforming package.

You can play the whole game in co-op too, and it's got a lot of awesome levels based on different fantasy settings. It's harder than a game like Showtime though, but still a great platformer to try.

Luigi's Mansion 3

• Release date: 2019
• Key features:
  • Loads of light-hearted spooks
  • Boss fights and creative level design
  • Goo-igi

Another great game in the Mario universe, except this time you'll be playing as his timid brother Luigi. He has a thing for catching ghosts, and this time he's stuck in a haunted hotel occupied by all kinds of weird spectres ranging from a ghostly gardener to a huge shark.

It's another excellent adventure by Nintendo, and it looks fantastic on Switch. It's got super creative gameplay utilising Luigi's 'goo' form, Gooigi, which sees you controlling two Luigis at once.