Nintendo is stirring excitement among fans with hints that a new 3D Mario game could be on the horizon, though we'll need to wait a bit longer for an official reveal. In a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser responded to the clamor for a new mainline Mario title. While he didn't confirm a direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest that fans won't have to wait too long for more news.
"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."
While Bowser's remarks don't guarantee an imminent announcement, they offer 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 titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and others, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was missing from the list.
The last major Mario release, Super Mario Odyssey, hit the shelves in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch launched. With nearly eight years having passed since then, fans have been eagerly anticipating a new flagship Mario game. While Donkey Kong Bananza may temporarily fill the gap, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 that many were hoping for. Given Mario's iconic status in Nintendo's extensive catalog, as Bowser pointed out, 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 keep an eye on Nintendo’s updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead of the console's launch on June 5, 2025. In the meantime, catch up on everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and check out our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.
