Excitement is building among fans as Nintendo hints at the possibility of a new 3D Mario game on the horizon. Although we're still in the dark about specifics, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser recently spoke with CNN, stirring anticipation without making any solid promises. When asked about a sequel to the acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey, Bowser hinted at Nintendo's rich catalog and suggested that fans won't have to wait too long to see what's next.
"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 fall short of a definitive announcement, they offer a glimmer of hope for those disappointed by the absence of a new 3D Mario title in the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. At the recent unveiling of their hybrid console sequel, Nintendo showcased exciting titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, but fans were left wanting for a traditional 3D Mario platformer.
It's been nearly eight years since the release of the last major Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, which launched just months after the original Switch. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza might tide fans over, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 many have been eagerly awaiting. Given Mario's iconic status within Nintendo's extensive library, as Bowser pointed out, it would be surprising not to see a new 3D Mario adventure announced in the near future.
As we await further news on a new mainline Mario adventure, you can keep up to date with Nintendo's latest by checking out the updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead of the console’s launch on June 5, 2025. For more insights, dive into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and read our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.
