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

Nintendo is stirring excitement among fans with hints of a new 3D Mario game possibly on the horizon, but we'll need to be patient to see it come to fruition. During a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser responded to the clamor for a new mainline Mario title. Although he didn't confirm a direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest that fans might not have to wait much longer for more details.

"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 aren't a definitive announcement of a new 3D Mario game, they offer hope to those disappointed by its absence from the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. When Nintendo unveiled its next-generation hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased titles such as Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was notably missing.

The last major Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, was released in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch's debut. It's been almost eight years since, and while games like Donkey Kong Bananza might temporarily satisfy fans, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 many have been eagerly anticipating. Given Mario's significance in Nintendo's extensive catalog, as Bowser pointed out, 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 in anticipation of the console's launch on June 5, 2025. Additionally, dive into everything revealed during last week's Mario Kart World Direct and read our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.