When Nintendo revealed the Switch 2’s initial game line up earlier this month, some fans were surprised a new mainline 3D Mario platformer wasn’t part of the offering.

Nintendo served up Mario Kart World as the headlining launch title, while Mario’s oldest nemesis will return in Donkey Kong Bananza.

However, for now, there’s no news on a successor to the great 3D platformer Super Mario Odyssey, which was released as a launch title for the original Switch 2.

You get the sense one is inevitable though, and Nintendo has given us the first hint, courtesy of Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser who recently spoke to CNN.

“Stay tuned,” Bowser said, when asked about a new Mario game. “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 that can’t be considered a confirmation the next Mario game – with a lineage dating all the way back to the Nintendo Entertainment System’s Super Mario Bros. – is in development, it’s a pretty good sign.

The Switch 2 goes on sale on June 5 with a good line-up of new games, first-time Switch ports, original Switch games with upgrades for the new new consoles, and plenty more. However, there’ll be no new Mario game for now. Stay tuned…

Opinion

It does feel odd for a Nintendo to launch a new console without a Mario platformer leading the way. Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, Super Mario 64 taking us into the 3D realm, all launched with the console.

However, it’s hasn’t always been the case. Super Mario Galaxy was not a Wii launch title, but Super Mario U was available alongside the Wii U.

Even Super Mario Odyssey didn’t arrive until a few months into the Nintendo Switch’s lifespan. It looks like history will repeat itself this time