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Nintendo President comments on the lack of a 3D Mario Switch 2 launch title

Super Mario Odyssey on Nintendo Switch 2 (Image source: Nintendo of America with edits)
Super Mario Odyssey on Nintendo Switch 2 (Image source: Nintendo of America with edits)
Not all Nintendo loyalists have a need for speed. Mario Kart World may not satisfy audiences expecting Switch 2 launch titles to include a 3D Mario platformer. With no Super Mario Odyssey 2 in sight, Nintendo is relying on the kart racer and third-party games.

The number of Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles is impressive, boosted by popular third-party games. Still, some gamers are bemoaning the lack of a 3D Mario adventure. It's been eight years since the debut of Super Mario Odyssey for the Switch, with no sequel announced. When recently asked about a future Mario game, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser gave fans hope. At the same time, he believes the variety of Switch 2 games will entertain players for the foreseeable future.

CNN questioned Bowser about why there had been no mention of a Mario platformer. He responded by asking Nintendo supporters to "stay tuned." He hinted that although there are more than enough Switch 2 games, the famous plumber will be a mainstay on the new handheld.

Super Mario Odyssey on Nintendo Switch (Image source: Nintendo of America)
Super Mario Odyssey on Nintendo Switch (Image source: Nintendo of America)
Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2 (Image source: Nintendo of America)
Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2 (Image source: Nintendo of America)

When it became apparent that Mario Kart World would headline the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, not all analysts approved. Former Nintendo PR Manager Krysta Yang thought focusing on the kart racer was a mistake. On the Kit & Krysta podcast, she argued that Nintendo should feature a 3D open-world title that takes advantage of upgraded Switch 2 specs. An obvious example is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which convinced many Wii U gamers to purchase the original Switch.

After seeing the full reveal of Switch 2 launch titles, Yang eventually appreciated the diversity of options. Even if Mario Kart World doesn't offer a 120 fps option, its off-road gameplay adds new dimensions to the previous racing titles. Nevertheless, Donkey Kong Bananza will have to fill the void of a 3D platformer when it releases on July 17th. More than 20 games will appear with the Switch 2 on June 5th. That said, third-party titles dominate a slim collection of Nintendo offerings.

Sadly, Bowser wasn't specific about when Super Mario Odyssey 2 or another 3D Mario game may surface on the Switch 2. Until its inevitable arrival, gamers will have to challenge Mario on the racetrack.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2025 04 > Nintendo President comments on the lack of a 3D Mario Switch 2 launch title
Adam Corsetti, 2025-04-21 (Update: 2025-04-22)