Gameplay for Peggle Nights has remained similar to the original game, although additional types of style shots, such as off the wall, have been added.

Pre-release revelations of Peggle Nights were limited to an interview with PopCap founder Jason Kapalka published by Rock, Paper, Shotgun on January 30, 2008; he revealed it would be a "pretty straightforward 'sequel'" to Peggle, "with the primary points of appeal being dozens and dozens of new levels, one additional power-up/Peggle master, and some new kinds of challenges."

The Xbox Live Arcade version of Peggle received Nights content in the form of a downloadable expansion for the game on November 18, 2009.

[b] PopMatters writer Thomas Cross was concerned that the lack of newness wouldn't help the Peggle series' chances of staying relevant,[24] while Gamezebo suggested gamers would be "downright disappointed" if they expected more.

"[23] On the other hand, Joe Blyth of Eurogamer called the levels "a little disappointing," particularly criticizing the "inaccessible boxiness" of the Renfield stages.

[14] A couple of reviewers particularly spotlighted Tula's story for its emotional engagement,[14] Steve Hogarty of GamesRadar+ writing that "few games approach such subject matter, and fewer still with such gravitas.

[23] However, Thomas found the story "meaningless" to the experience,[24] and Steve Hogarty of GamesRadar+ felt it hindered the gameplay's quality: "Pegs are sculpted more closely around background artwork, and the art itself threads narrative through the progression of levels.