Nintendo has been dropping hints that a new 3D Mario game might be on the horizon, but we'll need to wait a bit longer for the full reveal. In a recent CNN interview, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser responded to fans eager for a new mainline Mario game. While he didn't confirm a direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his words suggest that fans won't 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."
While Bowser's comments aren't a definitive announcement, they offer hope to those who were 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 exciting titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was notably missing.
It's been nearly eight years since the release of the last flagship Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, which launched just months after the original Switch. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza may help fill the gap, they're not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 that many fans were hoping for. Given Mario's significant role in Nintendo's vast catalog, as Bowser mentioned, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't appear soon.
As we await more details on a new mainline Mario adventure, you can stay updated with Nintendo’s Switch 2 pre-order schedule here, ahead of the console’s launch on June 5, 2025. Additionally, dive into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and check out our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.
