Former Nintendo employees think new 3D Mario game could follow The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Fans tuned in to the recent Nintendo Direct, hoping to hear news about a 3D Mario game. While a Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 compilation debuted, an upcoming movie with a similar title took the spotlight. However, former Nintendo employees Kit & Krysta believe Super Mario Galaxy 3 could arrive after the film hits theaters.

The current podcasters provided insight into how Nintendo has sought to tie movies and games together. Previously, Nintendo films and games were developed separately. The result was often a lack of cohesiveness in character portrayal. Even in theme parks, visitors encountered a Donkey Kong design that differed from the gorilla in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

More recently, gamers saw the Donkey Kong from the film reappear in Donkey Kong Bananza. As it turns out, Nintendo executive Yoshiaki Koizumi had requested a new design during the development of the Switch 2 game. The company has also added outside board members like Illumination Entertainment CEO Chris Meledandri. Nintendo is seeking more cohesiveness when presenting its different properties.

Kit & Krysta speculate that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie could foreshadow a new Mario title. They point to the film's surprising title as signaling a change in direction. Based on earlier rumors, fans had anticipated the name Super Mario World. Instead, Nintendo is revisiting the galactic theme of the Wii and Wii U titles.

When Nintendo may launch another 3D Mario

The latest Super Mario Galaxy Switch and Switch 2 remaster builds excitement ahead of the next film’s April release date. Still, the YouTubers don’t think 2026 will end without a new 3D Mario game. One possibility is that Super Mario Galaxy 3 arrives by the next holiday season. At that time, the movie may be enjoying a second life as a popular streaming attraction, as with The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Players shouldn’t expect the Switch 2 game to be an interactive version of the film. Storylines and voice actors may differ, but fans will discover enough similarities to connect the two.

Of course, Kit & Krysta don’t have any firm evidence that Super Mario Galaxy 3 is even in the works. Nevertheless, with Super Mario Odyssey now eight years old, another 3D platformer seems inevitable.