With No 3D Mario In Sight, Mario’s 40th Is A Bust For Switch 2 Owners
The September 2026 Nintendo Direct concluded without announcing a new 3D Mario game, disappointing fans hoping to cap off the franchise’s 40th anniversary with a major title for Switch 2. Despite earlier rumors and speculation from reliable leakers, Nintendo’s presentation featured no news of a new 3D Mario project.
The only Mario-related announcement was a free update to Mario Kart World, which adds SNES courses to both the Free Roam map in Versus mode. While appreciated by players, this update falls far short of expectations for a landmark anniversary celebration of gaming’s most iconic franchise.
Historically, new Nintendo consoles have received a new 3D Mario game relatively early in their lifecycle, establishing a pattern dating back to Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64. These titles have traditionally served as system sellers, showcasing each console’s capabilities. The absence of such a flagship title for Switch 2, even as Mario’s 40th-anniversary year draws to a close, represents a notable departure from Nintendo’s established playbook. Switch 2 owners specifically were left without the marquee launch title many anticipated, leaving questions about whether and when a new 3D Mario adventure might arrive.