Is the Next 3D Mario Game Farther Away Than We Think?
The recent buzz surrounding the potential release of a 3D Donkey Kong title on the Nintendo Switch 2 has ignited fervent speculation among gamers and industry analysts. But what does this excitement mean for fans eagerly anticipating the next 3D Mario adventure? Could we be in for a longer wait than expected?
The Donkey Kong Bananza & the EPD Factor
Donkey Kong Bananza, the rumored next 3D installment for the platform, has garnered considerable positive attention. Much of this anticipation stems from speculation that Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD), Nintendo’s powerhouse development team, is behind the project. EPD is the studio responsible for critically acclaimed titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Super Mario Odyssey. This association naturally leads to high expectations.
Former Nintendo marketing leads, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, have offered their insights on the Nintendo Life podcast, suggesting EPD’s involvement with the Donkey Kong title. This mirrors rumors reported as early as 2021, painting a clearer picture.
The “EPD Pace”: A Double-Edged Sword
If EPD is indeed handling the new Donkey Kong game, Ellis and Yang believe it could mean a more extended wait for the next 3D Mario installment. The team is renowned for its exceptional quality and dedication to crafting memorable experiences, but this comes at the cost of time. Their development cycles are often significantly longer than those of other Nintendo studios.
Yang estimates that fans might be waiting between four to five years before seeing Mario’s next big 3D adventure on the Switch 2. This timeframe aligns with a mid-to-late-generation release for the console. Such a timeline isn’t necessarily negative; it means Nintendo is likely prioritizing a polished and innovative experience.
The History of Collaboration and External Studios
Nintendo often collaborates with external studios. Bandai Namco, for example, frequently contributes to some of Nintendo’s biggest projects. The Donkey Kong franchise also has a history of relying on external development. Rare, now part of Microsoft, famously rebooted the character with Donkey Kong Country in 1994, and Retro Studios breathed new life into the series on the Wii and Wii U.
This approach allows Nintendo to manage resources strategically, ensuring a diverse portfolio of high-quality games without overburdening its internal teams. For example, partnering with another studio could free up EPD to focus on Mario’s next big leap.
Why the Delay Could Be a Good Thing
While the extended wait for a new 3D Mario title might be disappointing for some, there are several potential benefits. Nintendo has a reputation for delivering polished, innovative experiences, and a longer development cycle often allows for greater attention to detail, improved gameplay mechanics, and more ambitious world-building. The extra time could result in a more revolutionary Mario game, potentially making the wait worthwhile. Also, a later release means the game would likely take full advantage of the Switch 2’s capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the next 3D Mario be on the Switch 2?
Most likely, yes. Given the Switch 2’s anticipated release and EPD’s development timeline, it is very likely.
Who is likely to be developing the next 3D Mario game?
While not officially confirmed, speculation strongly points to Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD), the team behind Super Mario Odyssey.
How long could we be waiting for the next 3D Mario?
Based on industry insights, we could be waiting four to five years from now.
Why would Nintendo take so long?
The development cycle of EPD is longer, but the games tend to be of very high quality, so it could be to offer a complete experience.
Are you excited about the prospect of a new 3D Donkey Kong and Mario game on the Switch 2? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other articles about Nintendo and the Switch 2.
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