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

Nintendo has been dropping hints that a new 3D Mario game could be on the horizon, but fans will need to wait a bit longer to get a glimpse. In a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America's president, Doug Bowser, responded to fans' longing for a new mainline Mario game. Although he didn't confirm a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, Bowser's comments suggest that fans might not have to wait too long for more information.

"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 Bowser's words don't guarantee an imminent announcement of a new 3D Mario game, they offer some hope to those who were disappointed by its absence from the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. Earlier this month, Nintendo unveiled its new hybrid console and revealed exciting titles such as Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World. However, a traditional 3D Mario platformer was conspicuously missing.

The last major Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, was released in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch's launch. It's been almost eight years since then, and although games like Donkey Kong Bananza may temporarily fill the gap, they aren't quite the Super Mario Odyssey 2 that many fans were hoping for. Given the importance of Mario in Nintendo's extensive catalog, as Bowser mentioned, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't surface in the near future.

For now, the next mainline Mario adventure remains under wraps. As we await further updates, you can check out Nintendo's updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead of the console's launch on June 5, 2025. Additionally, you can read about everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.