Excitement is building among fans as Nintendo hints at the possibility of a new 3D Mario game on the horizon. While nothing has been officially confirmed, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser's recent comments to CNN have sparked speculation and anticipation. Bowser, while not promising a direct follow-up to the acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey, suggested that fans might not have to wait too long to see more from the beloved franchise.

"Stay tuned," Bowser teased, pointing to Nintendo's extensive catalog of intellectual properties that are likely to make their way to future platforms. This statement, though vague, offers hope to those eager for a new Mario adventure, especially after the absence of a new 3D Mario game from the Nintendo Switch 2's launch lineup.

When Nintendo unveiled its next-generation hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World. However, the omission of a traditional 3D Mario platformer left many fans disappointed. The last major Mario title, Super Mario Odyssey, was released in October 2017, shortly after the original Switch's launch. With almost eight years having passed since then, the wait for a new flagship Mario game feels increasingly long.

Although titles like Donkey Kong Bananza may temporarily fill the gap, the absence of a Super Mario Odyssey 2 announcement has been keenly felt. Given Mario's iconic status within Nintendo's vast portfolio, it's almost certain that a new 3D Mario game will surface sooner rather than later.

As we await further announcements, you can stay updated with Nintendo’s Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead of its launch on June 5, 2025. In the meantime, explore everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and check out our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza to keep the excitement alive.