Nintendo is hinting that a new 3D Mario game might be on the horizon, but we'll have to wait for the full reveal. In a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser responded to fans' longing for another mainline Mario game. Although he didn't confirm a direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, Bowser suggested that fans won't have to wait much longer for more news.
"Stay tuned," Bowser said. "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 don't guarantee an imminent announcement, they provide some hope for 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 exciting titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was notably missing.
The last major Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, was released in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch's launch. It's been nearly eight years since then, and while games like Donkey Kong Bananza may temporarily fill the gap, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 that many fans were hoping for. Given Mario's significance in Nintendo's extensive catalog, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't appear soon.
As we await further updates on a new mainline Mario adventure, you can check out Nintendo’s updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead 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 explore our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.
