As the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches its second year, the console has seen a wide array of beloved Nintendo franchises receive new titles or significant ports. From Donkey Kong to Link and even Samus Aran, nearly every major Nintendo mascot has had a spotlight on the new hardware. However, a conspicuous absence remains: Mario himself.
Despite the influx of games for the Switch 2, including a surprise announcement for Metroid Ravenous and a remake of Ocarina of Time, there has been no word on a new mainline Mario game. While Super Mario Bros. Wonder received a Switch 2 upgrade and Mario Kart World is nominally a Mario title, these do not represent the flagship 3D Mario adventures historically synonymous with new Nintendo hardware launches. Even the Donkey Kong Bananza, developed by the 3D Mario team, featured a different character.
This is a departure from Nintendo's established pattern. Historically, major 3D Mario titles have been integral to the launch of new home consoles. Super Mario 64 launched with the Nintendo 64, Super Mario Sunshine arrived nine months after the GameCube, Super Mario Galaxy followed 12 months after the Wii, and Super Mario 3D World launched a year after the Wii U. Even the Nintendo Switch saw Super Mario Odyssey release just seven months after its debut.
The current drought of new 3D Mario content for the Switch 2 is the longest since the character first transitioned to polygons with Super Mario 64. While Nintendo has focused on revamping existing titles and launching other major franchises, the absence of a new Mario adventure leaves a significant gap.
Fans are left to wonder about the status of Nintendo's primary mascot. While it's possible a major title is being developed and simply hasn't been revealed, the lack of even a teaser or announcement is unusual. Some speculate that Nintendo may be waiting to avoid overshadowing other significant releases, such as the Ocarina of Time remake, potentially delaying a Mario reveal until next year. Nevertheless, the Switch 2 is widely considered incomplete without the presence of its signature star.
