Does Donkey Kong Alleviate the Need for 3D Mario?
When you think about the lifespans of a console, there are only a few things you are ever guaranteed. If we go back console generations, we know that 3D Mario games are generally a once-per-generation experience. We had Super Mario 64 on Nintendo 64, Super Mario Sunshine on Nintendo GameCube, two Super Mario Galaxy games on Wii, and a Super Mario Odyssey on Nintendo Switch. With Donkey Kong Bananza getting wonderful scores – including a 10/10 from us – how long can we now wait for a new 3D Mario game?
As much as I want a brand new 3D Mario, we are only two months into a new console generation. Even if a new Mario is released within the next 12 months, there is a potential the next few months could be disappointing.
There is an argument to make that getting a Mario out now leaves room for another Mario 4-5 years from now, and if I thought that was likely – it did happen on Wii! – I would be jonesing for a new Mario right now.
But we just got a banger, and Nintendo is steadying themselves after a somewhat lackluster start to the generation with Mario Kart World. How Nintendo handles the next 12-24 months will likely be driven by console sales. Weak sales long term might make Nintendo push larger franchises like Super Mario, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, and others. I get it, I want killer games every couple months too, but I’d rather Nintendo look towards a strong 8-10 year run with Nintendo Switch 2.
So what could Nintendo release in the next 12-24 months that would be absolute hits? I’m thinking they should consider a new Animal Crossing, a new Paper Mario (although a Paper The Legend of Zelda would be phenomenal), and of course, a brand new 3D Super Mario experience. I’m sure somewhere in the pipeline Nintendo already has a new 2D/3D Mario game in the works, as a follow-up to Super Mario Wonder. And I’m also sure Nintendo has a new Mario Sports title in the mix, whether that’s the next Mario Golf, or trying to resurrect games like Super Mario Baseball.
Either way, there is a lot Nintendo could do in the next 12-24 months. The question is, will they?
Article By Adam Roffel
