Nintendo is stirring excitement among fans with hints that a new 3D Mario game might be on the horizon, but we'll need to keep our anticipation in check for a bit longer. In a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America's president, Doug Bowser, responded to the clamor for a new mainline Mario game. While he didn't confirm a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his words suggest that fans might not have to wait too long for more news.
"Stay tuned," Bowser advised. "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."
Although Bowser's remarks fall short of a definitive announcement, they offer a glimmer of hope to those disappointed by the absence of a new 3D Mario title in the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. When Nintendo unveiled its new hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased impressive titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and others. However, a traditional 3D Mario platformer was conspicuously missing.
The most recent flagship Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, hit the shelves in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch's debut. With nearly eight years having passed since the last major Mario release, games like Donkey Kong Bananza might temporarily satisfy fans, but many were hoping for a Super Mario Odyssey 2 announcement. Given Mario's iconic status in Nintendo's extensive catalog, as Bowser noted, it would be surprising not to see a new 3D Mario game announced in the near future.
As of now, a new mainline Mario adventure remains under wraps. While we await further updates, you can explore Nintendo’s updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here in anticipation of the console's launch on June 5, 2025. Additionally, you can delve into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and read our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.
