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, but fans will need to wait a bit longer to get a glimpse of it. During a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser addressed the clamor for another mainline Mario title. While he didn't confirm a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest that fans won't have to wait too long to see more.

"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 remarks don't guarantee an imminent announcement, they offer hope to those disappointed by the absence of a new 3D Mario game in the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. When Nintendo unveiled its hybrid console sequel earlier this month, it showcased titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and more—but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was missing from the reveal.

The last major Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, launched in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch hit the market. It's been nearly eight years since then, and while games like Donkey Kong Bananza might temporarily fill the gap, they aren't the Super Mario Odyssey 2 that many fans are eagerly anticipating. Given Mario's significance in Nintendo's extensive catalog, as Bowser mentioned, it would be surprising not to see a new 3D Mario game surface soon.

For now, a new mainline Mario adventure remains unannounced. While we 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, dive into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and check out our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.