Highlights
- The Nintendo Entertainment System introduced iconic couples like Mario and Princess Peach, who share a special bond that has captivated fans for decades.
- In The Legend of Zelda, Link’s sole purpose is to save Princess Zelda, implying a romance between the two, although their relationship remains unofficial.
- Ninja Gaiden features the unlikely couple of CIA agent Irene and ninja Ryu, with Irene choosing to be with Ryu instead of completing her mission to kill him.
The Nintendo Entertainment System is iconic for a variety of reasons. Not only did this console feature an abundance of revolutionary games, but it also started some new franchises that Nintendo fans still love and play today. It was first released in Japan in 1985 and the rest is history. From playing as two Italian plumbers in Super Mario Bros. to saving Hyrule from Ganon in The Legend of Zelda, there was a game for everyone.
The Nintendo Entertainment System era didn’t have as many complex storylines or detailed character development as the games of today, however, some incorporated romantic elements. There were notable couples – some forgotten, and some iconic!
1 Mario And Princess Peach
Super Mario Bros (1985)
Mario and Princess Peach come from two worlds: One is a working-class plumber and the other is a monarch in charge of ruling the Mushroom Kingdom. Although they come from completely different backgrounds and never officially become an item, the iconic Nintendo couple share a special bond that has captivated the hearts of fans for decades.
Princess Peach was the original damsel in distress in Super Mario Bros. The evil King Bowser came out from his army of Goombas, Spinies, Flying Koopas, and other creatures to abduct the Princess. While Peach is held captive by Bowser, she sends letters and power-ups to Mario in the hopes that he’ll save her.
2 Link And Zelda
The Legend Of Zelda (1987)
The Legend of Zelda
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy Advance, 3DS, Wii, Wii U
- Released
- November 15, 1987
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EAD
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
Although Link has been connected to many women throughout The Legend of Zelda series, he has always been drawn to one particular princess. In the iconic 1987 game, Zelda is captured by Ganon and commands her nursemaid to find someone who is able to save her and her kingdom. The nursemaid finds Link wandering the land and pleads with him for help. From then on, it becomes Link’s sole purpose to save Zelda.
It’s always been implied that there is a romance blossoming between Link and Zelda. However, they’re yet to make their relationship official.
3 Ryu And Irene
Ninja Gaiden (1989)
One is a CIA agent and the other is a ninja, making them one of Nintendo’s more unlikely couples. They meet in Ninja Gaiden with Irene shooting Ryu in the head with a tranquilizer dart – sweet love! With that being said, Irene becomes quite the damsel in distress, with Ryu ordered to save her. At the end of the game, she abandons her mission to kill Ryu and chooses to be with him instead. Sweet love.
4 Locke And Rachel
Final Fantasy 6 (1994)
Final Fantasy 6
- Platform(s)
- SNES, Android, iOS, Game Boy Advance, PC, PS1, PS4, Switch
- Released
- October 11, 1994
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- RPG
In Final Fantasy 6, it is revealed in Locke’s past that he was in love with a girl named Rachel, and they couldn’t be together because her father never approved of him. They go treasure hunting to get her an engagement ring but Rachel falls and suffers amnesia in the process of saving his life. He later learned that Rachel was killed in an empire raid but found a way to preserve her body.
Locke then develops a personality for protecting women as he couldn’t save Rachel but becomes torn between developing love for a new woman, Celeste, and staying true to Rachel, who at this point is barely alive.
5 Psaro And Rose
Dragon Quest 4 (1990)
Psaro is a demon and the central antagonist in Dragon Quest 4. He’s held a grudge against humans ever since he lost his lover, Rose. She was attacked by them for the ruby tears she shed. He protected her by keeping her in a chamber within a tower that he kept far away from humankind and could only be accessed by playing a flute. He made frequent visits to Rose and told her his plans to destroy humanity, but she wanted both demons and humans to coexist.
Many fans of Dragon Quest 4 agree that Psaro’s reasoning for his anger is romantic. However, he’s still just a cold-hearted villain.
6 Mickey And Minnie Mouse
Mickey Mousecapade (1987)
Mickey Mousecapade, a 1987 classic, features Mickey and Minnie on a journey to rescue Alice from Alice in Wonderland. Through various obstacles and challenges, they experience a fun house, an ocean, a forest, a pirate ship, and a castle to get to the damsel in distress.
With a lot of obstacles along the way, it’s the perfect platformer to take in a romance that most Disney fans can’t help but love. The two mice are one of the more obvious romances on the NES but they’re worth the mention nonetheless.
7 Sir Cucumber And Princess Tomato
Princess Tomato In The Salad Kingdom (1988)
Released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988, Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom is set in a vegetable world where Sir Cucumber is tasked with rescuing Princess Tomato who has been kidnapped by the evil Minister Pumpkin. Although the adventure game features another damsel in distress scenario, it also has romantic elements.
The romantic relationship between Sir Cucumber and Princess Tomato is never confirmed, however, risking the character’s life in order to save a distressed princess could be interpreted as a grand romantic gesture.
