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

Nintendo is dropping hints that a new 3D Mario game could be on the horizon, though we’ll need to wait a bit longer for the full reveal. In a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser addressed the clamor for a new mainline Mario game. While he didn't confirm a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey outright, 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 fans who were 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 exciting titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and others—but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was conspicuously missing.

The last major Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, launched in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch debuted. It's been nearly eight years since then, and although games like Donkey Kong Bananza can help bridge the gap, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 that many fans were eagerly anticipating. Yet, given Mario's pivotal role in Nintendo's extensive catalog, it would be surprising not to see a new 3D Mario game emerge sooner rather than later.

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 check out our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.