Nintendo is stirring excitement among fans with hints that a new 3D Mario game could be on the horizon. Although we haven't seen it yet, the anticipation is building, thanks to comments from Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser during a recent interview with CNN. While Bowser didn't confirm a direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his remarks 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."
While these comments fall short of a concrete announcement, they offer hope to those disappointed by the absence of a new 3D Mario title in the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. When Nintendo unveiled its next-generation hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased exciting titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, yet a traditional 3D Mario platformer was noticeably missing.
It's been nearly eight years since the last major Mario release, Super Mario Odyssey, which hit the shelves just months after the original Switch launched in October 2017. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza may serve as temporary distractions, many fans are eagerly awaiting news of a potential Super Mario Odyssey 2. Given Mario's significant role in Nintendo's vast catalog, as Bowser noted, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't appear in the near future.
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.
