Nintendo is dropping hints that a new 3D Mario game could be on the horizon, but fans will need to keep their excitement in check for a bit longer. During a recent interview with CNN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser addressed the clamor for a new mainline Mario title. While he didn't outright confirm a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest that fans won't have to wait indefinitely to see more.

"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."

While Bowser's words fall short of a concrete announcement, they provide 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 exciting titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World. However, a traditional 3D Mario platformer was notably missing from the lineup.

It's been nearly eight years since the last major Mario release, Super Mario Odyssey, which launched just months after the original Switch. While games like Donkey Kong Bananza might tide fans over, it's not the Super Mario Odyssey 2 many were eagerly anticipating. Given Mario's iconic status within Nintendo's extensive catalog, it would be surprising if a new 3D Mario adventure didn't surface soon.

As we await further news on a new mainline Mario adventure, 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. 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.