Where Is the Next 3D Mario for Switch?

Mario is missing—or at least his next big 3D adventure is. After four games on Switch 2, Nintendo still hasn’t launched a new mainline 3D Mario. Is Nintendo moving in a new direction or simply taking its time crafting something extraordinary?

Why Has Nintendo Not Released a New 3D Mario Yet?

It’s been a year since the Switch 2 launched, and Mario’s absence from the mainline 3D platformer spotlight has everyone talking. Though Mario-themed titles and spin-offs have appeared, the traditional 3D Mario experience remains notably absent. This silence is unprecedented, considering Nintendo’s history of delivering a new 3D Mario or at least announcing one close to a console’s launch.

Donkey Kong Bonanza has served as a kind of stand-in for Mario, developed by many of the same team members. But it’s clearly a different creature altogether, focused more on Donkey Kong than Mario—even if some fans see it as a proxy for Mario’s gap year.

Two Teams or One? What’s Happening Behind the Scenes

Insiders suggest that those working on Donkey Kong Bonanza aren’t the full Mario team. This implies another group could be quietly shaping the next 3D Mario game. Nintendo’s corporate playbook seems to be leaning into synergy, especially with recent Mario Galaxy collaborations tied to the upcoming Mario movie.

This strategy loosely connects games like Mario Tennis Galaxy and the Starfox remake with Mario’s cinematic return. It’s a savvy move, bordering on building a momentum wave that could propel Mario’s next big leap.

Is Mario Galaxy the Future or Just Marketing Noise?

Mario is celebrating his 40th anniversary, yet the focus feels oddly skewed towards Mario Galaxy, a series barely 20 years old. Between re-releases and tie-ins, it feels more like a Galaxy revival than a packed Mario celebration. Could this be hinting at the next big Mario game returning to the Galaxy universe?

Fans are divided. Some seek fresh experiences, wary of a third Mario Galaxy installment. Others point out how Nintendo blended innovation and nostalgia in Mario Odyssey, itself a love letter to Mario 64 gameplay, which suggests untapped potential in revisiting Galaxy with new mechanics on powerful hardware.

What Could a New Mario Galaxy Look Like?

Imagine adding moving planets, portals, or even a jetpack to the charming gravity mechanics Mario Galaxy mastered. The possibilities are vast—expanding levels beyond stationary worlds, blending new physics and creative puzzles, and even mixing open-world elements like Bowser’s Fury explored in 3D World.

The conversation also drifts toward a fully realised Toad Town—a living kingdom bustling with life, power-ups, and secrets—a Mario world to truly explore. Nintendo’s knack for evolution and experimentation across genres suggests that the next Mario could be both familiar and groundbreaking.

Could Nostalgia Spark a Mario 64 Remake or Expansion?

Remakes can be polarizing, but a beautifully updated Mario 64, perhaps with expanded levels, new co-op features, or evolved gameplay, holds immense allure. The idea of a “Master Quest”—a remix or sequel that feels fresh yet faithful—resonates with fans craving both novelty and nostalgia.

Bringing in multiple characters, enhanced battle modes, or even a more immersive open-world experience that connects worlds like Odyssey did is another tantalising possibility. Nintendo’s history of design boldness means none of these ideas seems out of reach.

When Will the Next 3D Mario Arrive?

With so much speculation, the big question remains when the next 3D Mario will drop. Predictions range from an announcement within the next year to a possible push to 2028—an unusually long wait by Nintendo standards. Whatever form it takes, fans hope it surpasses the lofty expectations set by Odyssey.

One thing is clear: Mario fans want innovation, depth, and a captivating world that justifies this long hiatus. Whether through a Galaxy sequel, a grand open-world Mario, or a fresh take on a beloved classic, the next chapter is bound to inspire excitement and curiosity.