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

Nintendo has sparked excitement among fans with hints that a new 3D Mario game might be on the horizon. In a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser addressed the longing for a new mainline Mario entry. While he didn't confirm a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest that fans might not have to wait too long to see more from the beloved franchise.

"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 remarks fall short of a definitive 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 new hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and others, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was notably missing.

The last flagship Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, was released in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch's launch. With nearly eight years having passed since then, fans have been eagerly anticipating a follow-up. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza may help bridge the gap, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 many were hoping for. Given Mario's significant role in Nintendo's extensive catalog, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't appear soon.

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 the console's 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.