Nintendo is teasing that a new 3D Mario game may be just around the corner, but we’ll have to wait to see it.
Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser addressed cries for another mainline Mario entry during a recent interview with CNN. While he stopped short of promising that there is indeed a follow-up to Super Mario Odyssey on the way, it sounds like it’s not the kind of thing fans will have to wait too long to see more of.
“Stay tuned,” Bowser said. “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.”
Bowser’s comments are far from confirmation that a new 3D Mario game will be announced soon, but it’s at least something for those who were confused to see a new entry omitted from the Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup. When Nintendo officially unveiled its hybrid console sequel earlier this month, it pulled back the curtain on standout titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and more – but a more traditional 3D Mario platformer was nowhere to be found.
The last true flagship Mario game arrived in October 2017, just a few months removed from the launch of the original Switch. It means it’s been nearly eight years since the last big Mario game released, and although something like Donkey Kong Bananza may help fill the void in the meantime, it’s not quite the Super Mario Odyssey 2 announcement many were hoping to see. Still, there’s no doubt that Nintendo’s platforming plumber is an important part of that vast catalog Bowser mentioned, so if anything, it would be more of a shock to not see a new 3D Mario game show up sooner rather than later.
For now, a new mainline Mario adventure has yet to be revealed. While we wait for updates, you can check out Nintendo’s updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead of the console’s launch come June 5, 2025. You can also read up on everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct as well as our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
