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

Excitement is building among Nintendo fans as rumors swirl about a new 3D Mario game on the horizon. While nothing has been officially confirmed, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser has hinted at exciting developments during a recent interview with CNN. Although he didn't explicitly promise a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his words suggest that fans might not have to wait too long to see what's next for Mario.

"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 Bowser's comments are not a definitive announcement, they provide a glimmer of hope for those who were disappointed by the absence of a new 3D Mario title in the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. When Nintendo unveiled its latest hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased impressive titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was notably missing.

It's been nearly eight years since the last major Mario release, Super Mario Odyssey, which launched just months after the original Switch in October 2017. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza may temporarily fill the void, many fans are eagerly awaiting a true sequel to Super Mario Odyssey. Given Mario's iconic status within Nintendo's vast catalog, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't appear sooner rather than later.

As we await further announcements, you can stay updated by checking Nintendo’s Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead of the console's launch on June 5, 2025. In the meantime, dive into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and read our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.