The gaming world is abuzz with anticipation for the next 3D Mario adventure. It’s been a considerable wait since 2017’s Super Mario Odyssey, marking the longest gap between original 3D Mario titles. While re-releases like Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury and Super Mario 3D All-Stars have helped tide fans over, the craving for a brand-new 3D experience remains strong. Recent rumors surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch may offer clues about when we can finally expect to jump back into the Mushroom Kingdom.
Rumors Point to Post-Launch Release
While an official announcement remains elusive, rumors suggest a new 3D Mario game is indeed in development for the Nintendo Switch 2. However, these same rumors indicate that the game won’t be a launch title. The rumored Switch 2 launch date is March 3rd, with Mario Kart 9 supposedly taking the spotlight. This leaves fans wondering when the new 3D Mario game will actually arrive. Looking back at the Nintendo Switch’s launch and release schedule provides some potential answers.
Parallels to the Nintendo Switch Launch
The Nintendo Switch launched in 2017 with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as its flagship title, followed by Super Mario Odyssey in October for the holiday season. This strategy proved successful, giving the console two major releases to propel sales throughout the year. A similar pattern could be emerging with the Switch 2. If Mario Kart 9 fills the launch title role, a holiday 2025 release for the 3D Mario game would make strategic sense, mirroring the Odyssey launch window.
Alternative Release Window
Another possibility arises from the April 2017 release of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch, just a month after the console’s launch. If Mario Kart 9 is indeed a Switch 2 launch title, a similar post-launch slot could be reserved for the new 3D Mario game. This would provide another major release soon after launch, maintaining momentum and providing another incentive for early adoption.
Maintaining Momentum Through Strategic Releases
Nintendo likely aims for a consistent stream of high-profile releases throughout 2025 to drive Switch 2 sales. If the 3D Mario game isn’t ready for launch, a holiday release seems most likely, mirroring the successful strategy employed with Super Mario Odyssey. However, a slightly earlier release window following the launch, akin to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe‘s arrival, remains a possibility.
Conclusion: Speculation and Anticipation
While rumors and speculation abound, concrete details remain scarce. It’s important to approach these predictions with caution. However, historical precedent and industry analysis suggest that a new 3D Mario adventure is on the horizon, likely arriving sometime after the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch. Whether it’s a holiday blockbuster or an early post-launch surprise, the anticipation continues to build.
