Nintendo Hints at New 3D Mario for Switch 2: 'Stay Tuned'

Nintendo fans have been buzzing with excitement over the possibility of a new 3D Mario game being on the horizon. In a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser hinted at the potential for a new mainline Mario entry, though he stopped short of confirming a follow-up to the beloved Super Mario Odyssey. His advice? "Stay tuned." He further 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 comments don't serve as a definitive announcement, they provide a glimmer of hope for fans who were disappointed not to see a new 3D Mario title included in the launch lineup for the Nintendo Switch 2. 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 absent.

It's been nearly eight years since the last flagship Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, released in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch's launch. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza might temporarily fill the void, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 that many fans were eagerly anticipating. 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 surface in the near future.

As we await further news on a new mainline Mario adventure, you can stay updated with Nintendo's Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead of its launch on June 5, 2025. In the meantime, dive into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and explore our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.