Super Mario Odyssey 2 or something new: 3D Mario may return in 2026

IGN argues that Nintendo’s recent release slate and media momentum could open space for a new mainline 3D Mario title in 2026, and the article notes The Super Mario Bros. Movie grossed over $1.3 billion at the box office.

Nintendo has released several major titles and updates in recent years, and IGN argues that this leaves room for a new mainline 3D Mario game in 2026. The piece recalls long gaps between past 3D Mario entries and highlights commercial and media factors that might encourage Nintendo to schedule a successor. It also points to a strong box-office showing for the first Mario film and the upcoming sequel as related momentum. The author frames these elements as reasons a next-gen 3D Mario could arrive this year. Key points: - The article notes Super Mario Odyssey arrived in 2017 and that the prior mainline 3D Mario was Super Mario Galaxy 2 in 2010. - The article reports that Super Mario Odyssey sold nearly 30 million copies. - The article states The Super Mario Bros. Movie grossed over $1.3 billion and that its sequel, The Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie, is scheduled to debut on April 3. - The article lists recent Nintendo releases and updates (including Super Mario Bros. Wonder in Fall 2023, Mario Kart as a Switch 2 launch title, Donkey Kong Bananza, Super Mario Party Jamboree, and an upcoming Animal Crossing update) as factors that have occupied the company’s slate. - The article cites an unnamed senior source saying Switch 2 sales lagged Switch 1 during the past holiday period in part because of an “absence of a major Western game.” Summary: The article suggests a new mainline 3D Mario release in 2026 would be a major global event with potential to influence system sales and Nintendo’s broader year. It emphasizes that these points are speculative and that Nintendo has not confirmed a successor in the piece. Undetermined at this time.