Nintendo has long captivated gamers with its flagship character, Mario, and recent discussions surrounding the future of the franchise suggest that a new 3D Mario game may be on the horizon. Following the success of Super Mario Odyssey, which was released in 2017, fans have been eagerly awaiting a successor. As the gaming world anticipates the next mainline 3D entry, various factors indicate that the wait may finally be nearing its end.
The gap between major 3D Mario titles is significant, with Super Mario Galaxy 2 launching in 2010 and the franchise’s most recent mainline entry, Odyssey, coming seven years later. Fast forward to 2026, and it has now been over eight years since gamers have seen a new 3D Mario game. There was hope that a new title would be announced during the 40th anniversary celebrations of Super Mario Bros. in Fall 2025, but the occasion passed with a re-release of Super Mario Galaxy instead of a highly anticipated sequel.
The landscape of Nintendo’s releases further supports the argument for a new 3D Mario game. Many of Nintendo’s major franchises have already seen new installments or updates, leaving little room for other significant titles this year. The recent release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder in Fall 2023, and the launch of Mario Kart with the Switch 2, have filled the gaps in their lineup. With Tears of the Kingdom having been released just two and a half years ago, the next Zelda adventure is still years away. Other beloved franchises like Animal Crossing and Super Smash Bros. seem unlikely to deliver new titles in the near future, making a big 3D Mario release a notable possibility.
The last major 3D Mario game, Odyssey, achieved remarkable commercial success, selling nearly 30 million copies. This figure underscores the potential for strong sales for a new title, especially with the launch of the Switch 2, which is designed to attract a large audience. With the recent release of Donkey Kong Bananza and Super Mario Party Jamboree, Nintendo has utilized many of its major franchises, leaving fans speculating on what a new 3D Mario game could mean for sales and console adoption.
Another compelling factor is the success of the animated film, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which has become the highest-grossing video game movie ever, earning over $1.3 billion at the box office. The upcoming sequel, The Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie, set to debut on April 3, 2026, presents a unique marketing opportunity for Nintendo. Capitalizing on the film’s success with a new 3D Mario game could potentially lead to a wave of demand that mirrors the film’s box office performance. With projections suggesting that a new entry could sell 25 million copies, Nintendo stands to gain substantially in both revenue and console sales.
Despite previous predictions that a new game would arrive sooner, the ongoing wait has sparked optimism that the next major 3D Mario game could be confirmed soon. The potential timeline indicates that 2026 might be the year fans finally see a new installment, which would mark a decade since the last mainline entry if delayed further. This extended gap raises questions about Nintendo’s strategy and the implications for its dedicated fanbase.
As anticipation builds, the gaming community is left wondering what the next title will entail. Will it be Super Mario Odyssey 2, or will Nintendo opt for an entirely new concept? Historically, Nintendo has favored new adventures in Mario’s 3D era, suggesting that a fresh take on the franchise is likely. As fans eagerly await the next announcement, they can only hope that their patience will be rewarded with another groundbreaking entry in the iconic series.
