Gaming News
Super Mario 40th Anniversary and Switch 2 Speculation Over Missing 3D Mario
No new developments since Sep 9
Photo: Mao Batista, Pexels All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 5 events from Aug 5, 2025 to Sep 9, 2026, drawn from 4 sources.
“Next week, a double appointment for Nintendo/Zelda fans.”
via notebookcheck.net
Background
As Nintendo approaches major milestones for its flagship franchises, fans eagerly anticipate hardware and software reveals. The Super Mario 40th anniversary celebrations have brought various commemorative items, such as themed pin sets and collectible eShop gift card cases, to the US Nintendo Store.
At the same time, speculation has mounted concerning Nintendo's upcoming hardware and software lineup, particularly regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 and the potential rollout of a long-awaited new 3D Mario game. Despite various Direct broadcasts focusing on other properties like The Legend of Zelda, a new 3D Mario title has not been officially confirmed.
The timeline
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New Mario game rumored for Mario's 40th anniversary
According to a post by Nin10doland on YouTube, a new Mario game is rumored for Mario's 40th anniversary.[4]
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Super Mario 40th Anniversary eShop Card Released
Nintendo reportedly released a $100 eShop gift card housed in a limited-time collectible case on the US Nintendo Store to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game, following earlier releases of special anniversary pin sets.[2]
Screenshot of nintendolife.com, captured Sep 16, 2026. Source [2] -
Leaked 3D Mario Game Due in 2027
According to leaker malo392, a 3D Mario game is allegedly due to release in 2027.[3]
Screenshot of notebookcheck.net, captured Sep 16, 2026. Source [3] -
Nintendo Direct Broadcasts Announced
Nintendo reportedly announced a pair of Nintendo Direct broadcasts, including a dedicated Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary showcase and a general general Direct followed by a Nintendo Treehouse stream, which appeared to spark widespread speculation about the 2027 software slate.[1]
Screenshot of pk.ign.com, captured Sep 16, 2026. Source [1] -
Speculation on Long-Awaited 3D Mario Game
Reports noted that while upcoming Switch 2 titles like Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave and Nintendo Switch Sports Resort were reportedly anticipated, a long-awaited 3D Mario game appeared to remain far from assured as Nintendo had not yet confirmed its inclusion in the early slate.[1]
Our read of the evidence
Partly documented. All five timeline entries are based on secondary reports, with no primary source confirming a new 3D Mario game; the information comes from four different outlets, including YouTube, nintendolife.com, notebookcheck.net and pk.ign.com. Because the claims rely solely on these reports and no official Nintendo statement or primary source has been provided, the evidence is only partly documented.
Our rating counts evidence, not opinions about anyone: events confirmed by a primary source (the person's own post, their official site, a court or government record) weigh most, then how many independent outlets report the story.
Frequently asked
Was a new 3D Mario game announced for the 40th anniversary?
No official announcement or confirmation for a new 3D Mario game has been made by Nintendo for the 40th anniversary or the Switch 2 launch.
What merchandise has Nintendo released for the Super Mario 40th anniversary?
Nintendo has released special Super Mario 40th anniversary pin sets and a $100 eShop gift card featuring a themed collectible case on the US Nintendo Store.
More related drama (4)
Sources (4)
- pk.ign.com, Nintendo Confirms 2 Nintendo Direct Broadcasts for Next Week, Including a Dedicated Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Broadcast, Sep 4, 2026.
- nintendolife.com, Super Mario 40th Anniversary Gift Card & Collectible Case Now Available On Nintendo Store (US), Aug 5, 2026.
- notebookcheck.net.
- YouTube (original post), Aug 5, 2025.
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 5 dated events from 4 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Super Mario 40th Anniversary and Switch 2 Speculation Over Missing 3D Mario.”
GenZHype, 17 September 2026,
https://genzhype.com/gaming/super-mario-40th-anniversary-and-switch-2-speculation-over-missing-3d-mario/.