The Ice Skating stage in Princess Peach: Showtime! took me by surprise in the best way possible. From the moment Peach glides onto the ice, the entire stage feels calm, elegant, and almost dreamlike. The soft lighting, shimmering ice, and flowing animations make this transformation feel less like a “level” and more like a performance.

Grace Over Speed: A Different Kind of Gameplay

Unlike faster, more chaotic stages, the Ice Skating transformation rewards control and rhythm rather than rushing. Peach moves smoothly across the ice, and every jump, spin, and pose feels intentional.

At first, the controls may feel slightly floaty, but once you embrace that gentle momentum, the stage becomes incredibly satisfying. It’s not about perfection; it’s about flow. When everything clicks, skating from one platform to the next feels almost cinematic.

What I really appreciated is how the game encourages you to slow down and enjoy the moment. This isn’t a stage you brute-force; it’s a stage you feel. This was also the stage I managed to get the most stars (for now).

Visuals That Feel Like a Winter Fairytale

Visually, the Ice Skating stage might be one of the most beautiful transformations in Princess Peach: Showtime!. The sparkling ice with its soft blue and lavender tones, along with the gentle snowfall create a magical winter setting that feels cozy.

Peach’s skating outfit fits the theme perfectly, and the animations (i.e. spins and poses) feel elegant and expressive. It genuinely feels like watching Peach perform on stage, not just clearing objectives.

If you enjoy aesthetic-focused gameplay, this stage is an absolute highlight.

Tips to Enjoy and Master the Ice Skating Stage

Here are a few tips that helped me enjoy the stage more (and avoid unnecessary slips):

1. Let Peach Glide, Don’t Fight the Momentum

Ice physics mean Peach keeps moving even after you stop pressing the stick. Let her glide naturally instead of forcing sharp turns.

2. Time Your Jumps Carefully

Jumping a split second later than usual often gives better distance and smoother landings on ice platforms.

3. Use Poses Strategically

When prompted, posing isn’t just for style — it often triggers progress, reveals collectibles, or enhances scoring.

4. Focus on Rhythm, Not Speed

Rushing usually leads to missed jumps. Treat the level like a dance, not a race.\

5. Replay for Flow

This is one of those stages that actually feels better on a second run, once you’re familiar with the movement.

How It Made Me Feel Compared to Other Stages

After playing louder, more demanding stages earlier on, the Ice Skating stage felt peaceful and refreshing. It doesn’t overwhelm you. Instead, it gently pulls you into its atmosphere.

Much like the Bakery stage, this transformation shines because it understands pacing. But while the bakery is cozy and cheerful, the ice skating level is elegant and calming, with a slightly emotional undertone. It’s the kind of stage where you finish and just sit there for a second, appreciating the experience.

Final Thoughts: A Beautiful Standout Stage

The Ice Skating stage in Princess Peach: Showtime! is more than just another transformation, it’s a reminder that games don’t always need high intensity to be memorable. Sometimes, all it takes is graceful movement, soothing visuals, and a moment to slow down.

If you enjoy aesthetic gameplay, gentle platforming, and immersive atmosphere, this stage is absolutely worth savouring. It’s elegant, quietly powerful, and one of the most visually stunning moments I’ve experienced so far on the Nintendo Switch.

I can’t wait to see how the remaining stages continue to surprise me.