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, though we'll need to hold tight for an official reveal. During a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America's president, Doug Bowser, responded to fans' clamor for another mainline Mario game. While he didn't confirm a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his words suggest that fans won't have to wait too long to get more details.

"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 comments don't guarantee an imminent 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 new hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and others, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was conspicuously missing.

The last major Mario release, Super Mario Odyssey, hit shelves in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch launched. It's been nearly eight years since then, and while games like Donkey Kong Bananza may temporarily fill the gap, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 many were hoping for. Given Mario's significance in Nintendo's extensive catalog, as Bowser noted, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't surface soon.

As of now, no new mainline Mario adventure has been officially announced. While we await further updates, you can keep an eye on Nintendo's updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here before the console launches on June 5, 2025. Additionally, delve into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and explore our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.