Nintendo is stirring excitement among fans with hints that a new 3D Mario game could be on the horizon, although we'll need to stay patient for an official reveal. In a recent CNN interview, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser responded to the clamor for a new mainline Mario title. While he didn't confirm a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest that fans might not have to wait much longer for more details.
"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." Although this isn't a direct confirmation, it offers hope to those disappointed by the absence of a new 3D Mario game in the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. When Nintendo unveiled its new hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased exciting titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, yet a traditional 3D Mario platformer was conspicuously missing.
The most recent flagship Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, was released in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch's launch. That means it's been nearly eight years since the last major Mario release. While Donkey Kong Bananza might help bridge the gap, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 that many fans were eagerly anticipating. Given Mario's pivotal role in Nintendo's extensive catalog, as mentioned by Bowser, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't emerge sooner rather than later.
As we await further announcements, you can keep up with Nintendo’s updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead of the console's launch on June 5, 2025. Meanwhile, dive into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and check out our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.
