Nintendo is dropping hints that a new 3D Mario game could be on the horizon, but we'll need to exercise a bit of patience before getting a glimpse of it. During a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser responded to fans' longing for another mainline Mario entry. While he didn't confirm a direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest that fans won't have to wait too long to see more from the beloved franchise.
"Stay tuned," Bowser teased. "You know, we have a long, long catalog, and a long list of (intellectual property) that I’m sure will make its way to the platform."
While Bowser's remarks fall short of an official announcement, they offer a glimmer of hope for those disappointed by the absence of a new 3D Mario game in the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. Earlier this month, Nintendo unveiled its next-generation hybrid console, showcasing titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, among others. However, fans were left wanting when no traditional 3D Mario platformer was included in the reveal.
It's been nearly eight years since the last flagship Mario title, Super Mario Odyssey, launched in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch hit the market. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza might help bridge the gap, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 announcement many fans were hoping for. Given Mario's iconic status within Nintendo's extensive catalog, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario adventure didn't surface in the near future.
As we eagerly await more news on a new mainline Mario adventure, you can keep up to date with Nintendo's updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here in anticipation of the console's launch on June 5, 2025. In the meantime, delve into everything revealed during last week's Mario Kart World Direct, and don't miss our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.
