Mariohas been Nintendo’s mascot for decades, starring in many of the company’s most popular games, and mainlineMariotitles tend to be some of the biggest system sellers. Classic 2D platformers and 3D adventures starring Mario and spin-offs likeMario Karthave all played an important role in Nintendo’s success. While a new console isn’t always accompanied by the immediate release of aMarioplatformer, it usually tends to at least appear as a promise on the horizon.
Ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the possibility of a future 3DMariogame was a major source of anticipation. LikeMario Odyssey’s tease in the 2017 presentation for the original Switch, a 3DMarioplatformer would have been the perfect way to showcase the Switch 2. Instead,the launch lineup leans heavily on upgraded versions of older games.
There Won’t Be A New 3D Super Mario Launching Alongside The Switch 2
No New Super Mario Game Is Shocking And Disappointing
While there were someneat reveals for the Switch 2,I was hoping to at least get a glimpse of a new3D Super Mariogame. I was left disappointed when there was no mention of one, and I’m sure I’m not the only fan who was underwhelmed. Nintendo built its reputation onMario, so skipping a 3D platformer at launch feels like an odd choice.
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While the original Switch didn’t have a 3DMariogame right at launch, it had a huge exclusive inThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,and it briefly teased gameplay snippets ofSuper Mario Odysseyfor later that year.A new3D Mariocould have served a similar role for the Switch 2, giving players a big single-player adventure to look forward to. Instead, theNintendo Switch 2 launch lineupis mostly ports and upgrades of older gamesalong with a few new reveals, making it feel less exciting than the previous launch. It also makes thehigher price seem less justified.
As of July 06, 2025,Super Mario Odysseyhad sold 29.04 million copies, ranking it among the best-selling games on the Switch.
While Nintendo may have something in the works, launching the Switch 2 without a flagship3D Mariogame makes the console’s debut feel incomplete. This isn’t the first time Nintendo has launched a system without aMarioplatformer, butgiven how successfulSuper Mario Odysseywas, it’s surprising that there isn’t a follow-up ready for release.
Super Mario Odyssey Released 8 Years Ago
It’s Been Awhile Since We’ve Gotten A Mainline Mario Game
Super Mario Odysseywas one of the biggest hits on the Nintendo Switch, but it didn’t launch with the console. The Switch came out in March 2017,whileOdysseyarrived in October. The wait wasn’t too long,and players hadThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildto keep them busy in the meantime.
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Even thoughMariodidn’t show up on day one,Odysseywas worth it. It introduced Cappy, new gameplay mechanics, and large open worlds to explore, giving3D Marioa fresh feel. It quickly became one of the most loved games in the series, proving that Nintendo could still bring new ideas to its biggest character.
Super Mario Odysseyincludes a multiplayer mode and supports virtual reality with the Nintendo Labo kit.
Now, eight years later, fans are still waiting for the next big3D Mariogame. Nintendo has released remasters and spin-offs, but there hasn’t been a real follow-up toOdyssey. With how long it’s been,the lack of a newMarioplatformer for the Switch 2’s launch stands out even more. Some fans hoped for anOdysseysequel, while others just wanted something new. Instead, there’s nothing, at least for now.
Nintendo’s decision to focus on other titles at launch instead of givingMariothe spotlight could be a gamble. WhileMario Kart Worldwill undoubtedly sell well, it’s not the same as a fully-fledged 3D platforming adventure. With the Switch 2 now officially unveiled,fans will have to wait even longer for a newMariogame, and that wait is already feeling too long.
Without a3D Mariogame,the Switch 2’s launch feels a little underwhelming.Breath of the Wildcarried the original Switch early on, andOdysseyfollowed soon after to keep the excitement going. Without a big, must-have game at launch, the Switch 2 may not generate the same buzz.
The Switch 2 Launch Lineup Is A Bit Disappointing
There Aren’t Enough New Games Launching With The Switch 2
At launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 will only have one major first-party game:Mario Kart World. While a newMario Kartis exciting and helps carry theMariotorch without a new platformer, it’s disappointing that there isn’t more. Most of the other launch games are just ports or upgraded versions of older titles,like enhanced editions ofBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom.
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Compared to the original Switch launch, the difference is clear. While games like1-2-Switchdidn’t make incredible waves at the Switch reveal event in 2017, reveals of games likeARMS, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, andShin Megami Tensei Vfleshed out a particularly interesting lineup. Not everything was slated for launch, but the glimpse at an exciting year in the making offered a lot to look forward to.
The Switch 2, however, leans too much on upgrades and re-releases. WhileMario Kart Worldis exciting,it doesn’t make up for the lack of a new3D Marioor another big first-party title likeZeldaorAnimal Crossing. Nintendo had a chance to launch the Switch 2 with more than justMario Kart, but instead, the lineup feels underwhelming.
More games will come later, likeDonkey Kong Bananza,and the Switch 2 will likely have plenty of great titles over time. Yet, right now, the launch lineup feels incomplete without a new 3DMarioplatformer. For a company known for strong console launches, the Switch 2’s day-one games and the slate revealed for the year so far don’t quite meet expectations.
