Nintendo has been dropping hints that a new 3D Mario game might be on the horizon, though fans will need to stay patient for an official reveal. In a recent CNN interview, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser responded to the growing demand for another mainline Mario game. 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 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."

Although Bowser's remarks don't guarantee an imminent 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 next-gen hybrid console earlier this month, it showcased titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, 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 hit the market. That's nearly eight years without a major 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 extensive catalog, as Bowser mentioned, 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. While we anticipate further updates, you can explore Nintendo's updated Switch 2 pre-order schedule here ahead of its launch on June 5, 2025. Additionally, delve into everything revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and read our hands-on thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza.