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

Nintendo is dropping hints that a new 3D Mario game might be just around the corner, but we'll have to wait for the official reveal. In a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser addressed the fan demand for a new mainline Mario game. While he didn't confirm a direct follow-up to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest that fans might not have to wait too long to see more of what's in store.

“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.”

Although Bowser's words fall short of a concrete announcement, they offer a glimmer of hope for those disappointed by the absence of a new 3D Mario game 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, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was notably missing.

The last major Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, hit the shelves in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch's launch. That means it's been nearly eight years since the last big Mario release. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza might help bridge the gap, they're not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 that many fans were hoping for. Given Mario's iconic status within Nintendo's vast catalog, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't surface soon.

As we await further news on a new mainline Mario adventure, you can stay updated by checking out Nintendo’s revised 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.