Before releasing a new 3D Mario game, Nintendo may keep the project under wraps for as long as possible to avoid potential delays with the release date. The prolonged development cycle of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has already caused frustration among players.

Expectations and Announcement Strategy

With every Nintendo Direct event, fans hope for at least a hint of a new 3D Mario game. The last major installment in the series, Super Mario Odyssey, was released in 2017, and since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting a sequel. However, announcing a release date too early can lead to disappointment if the project encounters delays.

Extended Development and Impact on Interest

Recent discussions have noted that lengthy development cycles are typical for major Nintendo projects for the Switch and Switch 2 platforms, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. After the developer switch to Retro Studios in 2019, the game is now scheduled for release only in December 2025. Holiday sales have shown that the project has not become a major driver for console sales. Even successful Zelda titles, including Tears of the Kingdom, have not always launched on schedule. Creating innovative gameplay makes it difficult to predict potential challenges in advance, increasing the risk of delays.

Changes in the Information Landscape

With the rise of digital media, publishers no longer need to showcase games long before release as they did in the era of print magazines. Now, companies can launch large-scale marketing campaigns closer to the product’s launch, allowing them to maintain audience interest for longer.

Current Status and Prospects

At present, Nintendo has not officially confirmed the development of a new 3D Mario game. Part of the team that worked on Super Mario Odyssey is currently focused on the Donkey Kong Bananza project, which may have affected the timeline for creating a new game for Switch 2. Nevertheless, after Odyssey, which is now nine years old, a sequel is considered inevitable. One possible way to attract attention could be the premiere of The Super Mario Galaxy movie in April.

Future Plans

Ideally, the new Mario game could be released in time for the 2026 holiday season. Another Nintendo Direct event is expected in the coming months, which is worth keeping an eye on. Given the high level of audience interest, fans are likely to stay tuned to the project through the end of the year.