Nintendo is stirring excitement among fans with hints that a new 3D Mario game might be on the horizon, though we'll need to be 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 game. Although he didn't confirm a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments 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 these comments don't guarantee an imminent announcement of a new 3D Mario game, they offer hope to those disappointed by its absence from the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. When Nintendo unveiled its sequel to the hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and others, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was noticeably missing.
It's been nearly eight years since the release of the last flagship Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, in October 2017, just months after the original Switch launched. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza may temporarily fill the gap, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 that many fans eagerly anticipated. Given Mario's significant role in Nintendo's extensive catalog, as mentioned by Bowser, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't surface soon.
As we await further updates on a new mainline Mario adventure, you can explore Nintendo’s updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here before the console's launch on June 5, 2025. Additionally, delve into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and check out our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.
