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

Nintendo has sparked excitement among fans with hints that a new 3D Mario game could be on the horizon, though we'll need to remain patient for an official reveal. In a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America's president, Doug Bowser, addressed the clamor for a new mainline Mario game. While he didn't confirm a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest 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."

Though Bowser's remarks fall short of a concrete announcement, they offer hope to those disappointed by the absence of a new 3D Mario title in the Nintendo Switch 2's launch lineup. When Nintendo unveiled its new hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased impressive titles such as Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World. However, a traditional 3D Mario platformer was notably missing.

The most recent flagship Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, launched in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch debuted. This means it's been nearly eight years since the last major Mario release. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza might help bridge the gap, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 many fans were hoping for. Given Mario's significant role in Nintendo's expansive catalog, as Bowser mentioned, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't appear soon.

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