Everything We Know About The Next 3d Mario Game

The next 3D Mario game is an unannounced Nintendo Switch 2 title that fans have been anticipating for nearly 8 years since Super Mario Odyssey’s release in 2017.

As Nintendo’s flagship franchise, this upcoming Mario game represents one of gaming’s most anticipated releases. With the Switch 2 launching on June 5, 2025, the pressure is on Nintendo to deliver a system-seller that lives up to the legacy of 3D Mario classics.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from official Nintendo statements to credible rumors, providing a complete picture of what we can expect from the next chapter in Mario’s 3D adventures.

Official Nintendo Statements on Next 3D Mario (2025)

Nintendo has remained characteristically tight-lipped about specific details, but key officials have provided some insight into their thinking.

“Stay tuned.”

– Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, when asked about 3D Mario on Switch 2

During the April 2, 2025 Nintendo Direct focused on Switch 2, Bowser acknowledged fans’ enthusiasm for a new 3D Mario game while emphasizing Nintendo’s “long catalog of intellectual property.”

This careful approach aligns with Nintendo’s typical strategy of building anticipation through strategic teases rather than early announcements. The company has consistently demonstrated that they prefer to announce games closer to their release windows.

Nintendo Switch 2: The Perfect Platform

The Nintendo Switch 2 provides an ideal foundation for the next 3D Mario game with its enhanced hardware capabilities. The new console features 4K resolution when docked, 1080p handheld gaming, and 256GB of internal storage.

These technical improvements could enable larger, more detailed worlds than previously possible. The Switch 2’s increased processing power might support more complex physics systems, dynamic environments, and seamless loading between areas.

While the Switch 2 launch lineup includes titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World from the Odyssey development team, the absence of a 3D Mario game at launch has disappointed many fans. However, this strategic positioning could mean Nintendo is preparing something exceptional for a later release window.

Credible Rumors and Industry Speculation (2025)

While official information remains limited, several credible rumors have emerged from Nintendo insiders with established track records.

This movie connection theory gains credibility considering the massive success of the 2023 film and its upcoming sequel in April 2026. Nintendo often cross-promotes their major properties during anniversary years.

Another persistent rumor suggests an open-world design similar to Bowser’s Fury, the experimental 2021 Mario title that tested seamless world exploration. This direction would align with industry trends and fan expectations for innovation.

Development team analysis indicates that the core Super Mario Odyssey team is currently working on Donkey Kong Bananza, suggesting the 3D Mario project may be handled by a different group or is in earlier development stages.

Historical Context: Mario’s 3D Evolution

Understanding the next 3D Mario game requires looking at the franchise’s evolution. The eight-year gap since Super Mario Odyssey represents the longest wait between mainline 3D Mario entries in Nintendo’s history.

This historical pattern suggests Nintendo typically releases 3D Mario games every 3-6 years. The current 8-year gap breaks this pattern, indicating either significant development challenges or an exceptionally ambitious project.

The 30th anniversary of Super Mario 64 in 2026 presents a perfect opportunity for Nintendo to celebrate with a groundbreaking new entry that could revolutionize the franchise once again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking Forward

While Nintendo remains silent on specific details, all signs point to 2025 as the likely announcement window for the next 3D Mario game. The April Nintendo Direct would provide the perfect platform for such a reveal.

Given the historical development patterns and the current circumstances, fans should expect something truly ambitious. Whether it embraces open-world design, movie-inspired content, or entirely new concepts, Nintendo understands the significance of this release.

The next 3D Mario game isn’t just another entry in a beloved franchise – it’s a statement about Nintendo’s creative direction and the Switch 2’s capabilities. After nearly a decade of waiting, expectations are understandably high.