Nintendo, the developer behind one of the world’s most beloved video game characters, Mario from Super Mario, has finally addressed the nature of his relationship with Princess Peach.

On 23 July, Nintendo posted a brief statement on the Nintendo Today app saying, "Princess Peach and Mario are good friends and help each other out whenever they can."

Mario is the iconic character known as the Italian plumber living in the Mushroom Kingdom. He is famous for rescuing Princess Peach, the elegant ruler of the kingdom, after she is repeatedly kidnapped by Bowser—the King of the Koopas who wants to make her his queen.

The statement quickly spread online and caught the attention of gamers, many of whom were disappointed by what netizens jokingly called “being friend-zoned for 40 years.”