In a recent investor Q&A session, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa addressed growing speculation about the company’s upcoming Switch 2 launch lineup, notably confirming that a new 3D Mario title will not be among the console’s debut games. The absence of the beloved franchise—a staple of Nintendo’s past system launches—has sparked debate among fans and analysts about the Switch 2’s early appeal.
“While we understand the enthusiasm for a new 3D Mario adventure, we want to ensure that every title meets the high expectations of our players,” Furukawa stated. “This means taking the time necessary to refine gameplay, innovation, and storytelling.” The president emphasized that the decision was strategic, prioritizing quality over rushing to meet the Switch 2’s rumored holiday 2025 release window.
The news comes as Nintendo prepares to unveil its next-generation console, successor to the wildly popular Switch, which has sold over 140 million units since 2017. Historically, flagship titles like Super Mario Odyssey (2017) and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) have driven hardware sales at launch. This time, however, reports suggest the Switch 2 will debut with a mix of new IPs and refreshed entries in franchises like Mario Kart and Animal Crossing.
As reported by CNN, the Switch 2 is expected to retail at 100 increase from its predecessor—with a library of “15+ enhanced and original games” at launch. The higher price point and reliance on familiar, albeit updated, franchises have left some fans questioning the system’s initial value proposition.
“No 3D Mario at launch is a risk,” said industry analyst Lisa Chen of TechSpot Insights. “It’s Nintendo’s most iconic franchise, and it’s historically been a system-seller. That said, if they can leverage other heavy hitters like Zelda or surprise with a new hit, they might offset the gap.”
On social media, reactions have been mixed. While some fans expressed disappointment—“No Mario? Guess I’ll wait for a bundle,” tweeted @NintenFan94—others praised Nintendo’s restraint. “Remember Cyberpunk 2077? Delays suck, but I’d rather wait for a polished game,” Reddit user u/SwitchPro2025 commented.
Furukawa reassured investors that a “groundbreaking” 3D Mario project is in active development, with a teaser planned for early 2026. In the meantime, Nintendo aims to leverage its partnership with third-party studios to fill the lineup, including a Metroid Prime 4 relaunch and a Kingdom Hearts trilogy port.
Whether the Switch 2 can replicate its predecessor’s success remains to be seen, but Furukawa’s message was clear: “Our philosophy remains unchanged. We believe in creating joy through memorable experiences, not just meeting deadlines.”
For now, Mario fans may need to patient—but if history is any indication, the plumber’s next leap could be worth the wait.
