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

Nintendo is stirring excitement among fans with hints that a new 3D Mario game might be on the horizon, though we'll need to wait a bit longer to get a glimpse. 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 direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, 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."

Although Bowser's words fall short of a definitive announcement, they offer a glimmer of hope for those disappointed by the absence of a new 3D Mario game in the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. When Nintendo unveiled its sequel to the hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was noticeably missing.

The last major Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, was released in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch hit the market. That means it's been nearly eight years since the last big Mario release. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza might help bridge the gap, they're not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 that many fans were hoping for. However, given Mario's iconic status within Nintendo's vast catalog, as Bowser mentioned, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't appear sooner rather than later.

For now, a new 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. You can also dive into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and read our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.