Excitement is building among Mario fans as Nintendo hints at the possibility of a new 3D Mario game on the horizon. In a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser addressed the fanbase's longing for a new mainline Mario entry. While he didn't confirm a direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest that fans won't have to wait too long for more news.

"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 these words fall short of a definitive announcement, they offer hope to 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 impressive titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, but fans were left wondering about the next installment in the iconic 3D Mario series.

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, the anticipation for a new game is palpable. While titles like Donkey Kong Bananza may temporarily satisfy gamers, many are still eager for a Super Mario Odyssey 2 announcement. Given Mario's significance in Nintendo's extensive catalog, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario game didn't appear in the near future.

As we await further updates, you can keep an eye on Nintendo's updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead of the console's launch on June 5, 2025. Additionally, dive into everything revealed during last week's Mario Kart World Direct and check out our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza to stay engaged with Nintendo's latest offerings.