The Mysterious Case of Mario’s Absence: What’s Next for the Beloved Plumber?

The gaming world was abuzz when Nintendo announced its first batch of games for the upcoming Switch 2 console. However, one notable absence stood out – the iconic Mario franchise. Fans were left wondering where the beloved plumber was, aside from a brief appearance in Mario Kart. The silence was deafening, especially considering the last full-fledged Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, was released in 2017.

In a recent interview with CNET, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser shed some light on the situation. When asked about Mario’s whereabouts, Bowser simply said, “Stay tuned. You know, we have a long, long catalog, and a long list of (intellectual property) that I’m sure will make its way to the platform.” While this response didn’t provide a clear answer, it did hint at the possibility of new Mario content on the horizon.

The Donkey Kong Connection

Rumors have been circulating that Donkey Kong Bananza, a game rumored to be developed by the Super Mario Odyssey team, might be the key to unlocking Mario’s next adventure. If true, this would make sense, given the similarities in style and flair between the two games. However, this raises more questions than answers. If Donkey Kong Bananza is indeed a Mario game in disguise, what does this mean for the future of the franchise?

What’s Next for Mario?

While we can only speculate about Mario’s next move, it’s clear that Nintendo is committed to delivering a diverse range of games for the Switch 2. The console’s launch lineup includes Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Drag x Drive, Kirby Riders, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, among others. These titles will undoubtedly provide a Mario fix for fans, but it’s hard not to wonder when we’ll see a brand new 3D Mario game.

Actionable Insights

For fans eagerly awaiting Mario’s return, here are a few takeaways:

• Keep an eye on Donkey Kong Bananza – if it’s developed by the Super Mario Odyssey team, it could be a sign of things to come for Mario.
• The Switch 2 launch lineup offers a variety of games to keep you entertained, including Mario Kart World and other Nintendo exclusives.
• Nintendo has a long history of surprising fans with new game announcements, so stay tuned for potential Mario-related news in the future.

Conclusion

The absence of Mario from the Switch 2 announcement may have been a surprise, but it’s clear that Nintendo is committed to delivering a wide range of games for the console. While we may not have a definitive answer on Mario’s next move just yet, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities. As Bowser said, “Stay tuned” – and we will, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Mario’s adventures.