Not many characters are as legendary as Nintendo's Mario. With decades of games in the Super Mario Bros. franchise and a big-budget movie on the way, it's fair to say that the mustachioed plumber is one of gaming's most recognizable figures, and it doesn't look like he's planning on retiring his iconic red cap any time soon. While there have been numerous spin-offs and other gaming collaborations, there hasn't been a proper mainline Super Mario title since 2017's platformer Super Mario Odyssey, so it's about time for Nintendo to discuss what's next for the sprightly hero.
With a series as well-known and beloved as Super Mario, it's inevitable that speculation will be rife regarding any new games in the works. It's hard to imagine Nintendo not having another Super Mario title in the pipeline, and since Super Mario Odyssey's release the gaming community has been speculating about what a follow-up title could look like. Thanks to recent rumors, the hype around the next Super Mario game seems to be picking up speed once more.
A New Super Mario Game In Development
Rumors have been circulating for years about a new Super Mario game, especially in the absence of any official confirmation from Nintendo. With the studio currently busy ahead of the launch of both The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Pikmin 4 later this year and a number of other highly-anticipated titles on the horizon, it's not a surprise that news of another Super Mario game isn't forthcoming. However, that doesn't mean that one isn't on the way.
Back in 2021, talk of an up-and-coming Mario game was sparked after a job advertisement was posted by NDcube, a developer and subsidiary of Nintendo. However, this turned out to be Mario Party Superstars, which was then released later in the same year, and not a platformer like some fans had hoped. Interest was roused once again with more recent rumors after a regular Nintendo leaker claimed they had new details about an apparent upcoming title.
Zippo, a leaker known for their Nintendo content, claimed in a blog post that was released at the end of last year that not only was a new Super Mario game on the horizon, but it would be a 2D title in the style of earlier entries. Other claims from Zippo included news that the next Super Mario game would include four playable characters instead of just the titular plumber, and players would have the choice to play as series regulars Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad. The game has reportedly been in the works for three years and is close to finishing its development cycle, with an aim at launching either in 2023 or 2024.
Not all of Zippo's predictions have come true in the past, so it's unclear how seriously gamers should take this. Additional rumors that future Super Mario games will incorporate the upcoming movie's designs seem fairly credible, however, if Nintendo is hoping to create a more unified brand. Making a return to Super Mario's 2D platforming roots could be a welcome hit of nostalgia for fans, although its artstyle will apparently surprise players and the game will supposedly also involve online multiplayer. There's even speculation that Foreman Spike, a lesser-known character from Wrecking Crew, will be making a reappearance, but gamers might have a while to wait before all these rumors can be put to bed.
A new Super Mario Bros. game is rumored to be in development for the Nintendo Switch.