In a surprising twist for Nintendo fans, speculation is mounting that the much-anticipated 3D Mario game for the upcoming Switch 2 console may face significant delays. This comes on the heels of the overwhelmingly positive reception to the recent announcement of Donkey Kong Bananza, a title that has captured the attention of gamers worldwide.
The speculation was fueled by comments from Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, former senior staffers at Nintendo, who suggested that Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD) team might be behind the new Donkey Kong project. This team is renowned for its work on major titles such as Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Super Mario Odyssey. If true, this could mean a longer wait for Mario’s next 3D adventure.
EPD’s Involvement: A Double-Edged Sword?
Ellis, reflecting on the capabilities of the EPD team, stated,
“We might just be waiting for a good long time before we get the next 3D Mario game. That team is incredible; nobody’s disputing the quality, [but] they are not fast, they are not prolific, they are not pumping out games.”
This sentiment echoes a broader understanding within the gaming community that while EPD’s projects are often groundbreaking, they are also time-consuming.
Yang further elaborated on this point, suggesting that the delay could extend to four or five years, positioning Mario’s 3D debut on Switch 2 as a mid-to-late generation release. She speculated that Nintendo might be withholding announcements about the development team to manage expectations among fans eagerly awaiting a new Mario title.
Historical Context and Development Patterns
Nintendo has a history of collaborating with external studios for its flagship titles. Bandai Namco, for instance, has been a frequent partner. Additionally, the Donkey Kong franchise itself has seen contributions from various developers over the years. UK-based Rare, now owned by Microsoft, famously rebooted Donkey Kong in 1994, while Retro Studios revitalized the character on the Wii and Wii U.
These collaborations highlight Nintendo’s strategy of leveraging diverse creative talents to breathe new life into its beloved franchises. However, the choice to potentially assign EPD to Donkey Kong Bananza could signal a strategic pivot, prioritizing the Donkey Kong series over Mario in the immediate term.
Implications for the Gaming Community
The potential delay of a new 3D Mario game raises questions about Nintendo’s broader strategy for the Switch 2. With Donkey Kong Bananza set to launch on July 17th, industry analysts are keenly observing how this will affect the console’s lineup and sales trajectory.
According to sources within the gaming industry, Nintendo’s decision could be a calculated move to diversify its portfolio and strengthen other franchises. However, it also poses a risk of alienating a segment of its fanbase that has long awaited a new Mario adventure.
Looking Ahead
As the gaming community digests this news, the focus will likely shift to how Nintendo plans to balance its development resources between its iconic franchises. While fans may be disappointed by the potential delay, the promise of a high-quality Donkey Kong game offers a silver lining.
Ultimately, the success of Donkey Kong Bananza could set the stage for future Nintendo titles, including the next 3D Mario. As always, the gaming giant remains tight-lipped about its internal processes, leaving fans to speculate and anticipate what lies ahead for the Switch 2.
