Nintendo is dropping hints that fans might not have to wait much longer for a new 3D Mario game, though they're keeping the details under wraps for now. In a recent CNN interview, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser responded to the clamor for a new mainline Mario game. While he didn't confirm a direct follow-up to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest that an announcement could be on the horizon.
"Stay tuned," Bowser advised. "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."
Though Bowser's remarks fall short of a definitive announcement, they provide a glimmer of hope for fans disappointed by the absence of a new 3D Mario title 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, Mario Kart World, and others, but a traditional 3D Mario platformer was conspicuously missing.
The most recent flagship Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, launched in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch hit the market. It's been nearly eight years since the last major Mario release, and while games like Donkey Kong Bananza might help tide fans over, many were hoping for a Super Mario Odyssey 2 announcement. Given Mario's significance in Nintendo's extensive catalog, as mentioned by Bowser, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't surface soon.
For now, the wait for a new mainline Mario adventure continues. In the meantime, you can keep up with Nintendo's updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead of the console's launch on June 5, 2025. You can also delve into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and read our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.
