Get ready, Mario fans! Nintendo has sparked excitement by teasing a potential new 3D Mario game, saying it might be closer than we think. But if you're eager to see it, you'll need to be patient.

"Stay tuned!" said Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America. "We have a long, long catalog and a ton of beloved franchises that will surely find a home on our new platform." While these comments are not a direct confirmation of an imminent Mario announcement, they definitely give us hope.

At the recent unveiling of the highly anticipated Switch 2, fans were initially disappointed to see that no new 3D Mario title was included in the launch lineup. While titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World were showcased, many were left wondering where Mario's next big platformer was hiding.

The last significant flagship Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, hit stores back in October 2017, just a few months after the launch of the original Switch. It’s been nearly eight years since we've had a brand new mainline Mario adventure, and while Donkey Kong Bananza promises fun, it’s not the Super Mario Odyssey sequel that die-hard fans have been dreaming of.

Given how integral Mario is to Nintendo's identity, it would come as a shock if a new 3D Mario game doesn't surface soon. Fans are undoubtedly eager for fresh adventures with their favorite mustachioed plumber.

So, while we await official news, be sure to check out Nintendo's updated pre-order schedule for the Switch 2, launching June 5, 2025. Also, catch up on all the exciting reveals from last week’s Mario Kart World Direct and get our fresh take on Donkey Kong Bananza!