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

Nintendo has been dropping hints that a new 3D Mario game might be on the horizon, but fans will need to wait a bit longer for an official reveal. In a recent CNN interview, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser addressed the fanbase's longing for another mainline Mario title. While he didn't confirm a direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest that fans won't have to wait too long to see more from the beloved franchise.

"Stay tuned," Bowser advised, hinting at Nintendo's extensive catalog of intellectual property that could soon find its way to their platforms. Although these remarks fall short of a concrete announcement, they offer hope to those who were 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 exciting titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was noticeably missing. The last major Mario release, Super Mario Odyssey, hit the shelves in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch launched. This means it's been nearly eight years since fans last experienced a flagship Mario game. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza might temporarily fill the gap, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 many were hoping for. However, given Mario's significance in Nintendo's vast catalog, a new 3D Mario game seems almost inevitable in the near future.

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