After much anticipation and a slew of rumors, the Nintendo Switch 2 finally had its comprehensive reveal. While the Direct presentation showcased several exciting first-party titles, including Kirby’s Air Riders and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, many fans were left disappointed by the lack of a new Mario game—particularly after the phenomenal reception of Super Mario Odyssey on the original Switch. The absence of significant Mario-related announcements, aside from Mario Kart Wonder, came as a shock to those looking for a new flagship 3D Mario experience.
In addition to the missing Mario title, viewers noted a reduced emphasis on the cozy, indie games that previously thrived on the original Switch. As the focus has shifted towards showcasing the advanced hardware capabilities of the Switch 2, there’s a risk of alienating the core audience that has cherished these lifestyle gaming experiences. While it remains unclear when Nintendo will redirect its attention to first-party franchises, the temporary absence of Mario may open up opportunities for other beloved Nintendo characters to step into the spotlight.
Spotlight on Diverse Nintendo Characters with Switch 2
Diverse Gameplay: A New Experience from the Get-Go
In a similar vein to how Link featured prominently in the launch title for the original Switch, the absence of a major Mario game may allow other Nintendo characters to shine. Although Mario Kart World can technically be categorized as a 3D Mario game, its primary focus lies on innovative gameplay mechanics and an extensive roster of characters, rather than on a single protagonist.
Notably, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild faced overshadowing from the buzz surrounding Super Mario Odyssey, despite its revolutionary gameplay design. Although still regarded as one of the top experiences on the Switch, titles lacking similar blockbuster status often struggle to maintain relevance in the gaming landscape. Fortunately, upcoming major releases like the multiplayer sequel to Kirby Air Ride promise to deliver excitement, even if the lineup is less extensive than fans might hope for.
Donkey Kong Bananza: A Spiritual Successor to Mario Odyssey
A Unique Experience for Enthusiasts of Mario’s Groundbreaking Adventure
Among the notable reveals during the Switch 2 Direct, one title that stands out is Donkey Kong Bananza. Even as a casual fan of the Donkey Kong series, I’m excited to see how this new entry seems poised to encapsulate the charm and engaging designs found in Super Mario Odyssey, while also offering a fresh perspective. Featuring stunning graphics and a unique art style, Donkey Kong Bananza undoubtedly exudes personality.
Despite lacking the same level of mainstream success as the Mario franchise, the Donkey Kong series has built a reputation for its inventive level design, memorable characters, and phenomenal music. Leveraging the recently revamped look of Donkey Kong, as seen in the initial Mario Kart World trailer, the beloved ape now displays more cartoonish expression, perfectly suiting the high-speed action and exploration elements showcased in the game.
While Donkey Kong Bananza may feature more linear level designs and exciting new boss encounters, it appears to retain collection elements reminiscent of Mario’s adventures, such as gathering shining fruits instead of traditional Stars or Moons. This nod to the classic Donkey Kong 64 is promising, and if executed properly, could avoid some of the more monotonous aspects of that game.
This upcoming release marks Donkey Kong’s return after a lengthy hiatus of over ten years filled with remasters and re-releases since Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze in 2014. Rather than mimicking Mario’s exploratory style in Odyssey, Donkey Kong’s ability to break through barriers offers a distinct gameplay mechanic, signaling an intriguing new direction for the franchise’s latest title. I eagerly anticipate how this installment will unfold and differentiate itself from its counterparts.
Is Nintendo Holding Off on the Next Mario Game for an Exclusive Reveal?
Anticipating an Exciting Announcement Down the Line
As the Switch 2 Direct heavily emphasized new features like backward compatibility and enhanced chat capabilities, there was limited time to delve into the revealed titles. Even anticipated games like Hollow Knight: Silksong received minimal attention during the presentation, which raises the possibility that Nintendo is strategically reserving exciting announcements, such as a new 3D Mario game or a direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, for a separate event.
Revealing a new Mario game within the packed schedule of the Direct might overshadow other significant announcements. Its delay could serve as a pivotal focal point for future marketing efforts. Given the mixed reception regarding the Switch 2’s price increase, Nintendo will likely need to unveil standout titles like a new Mario installment to reinforce the console’s value ahead of its launch.