Next 3D Mario: Level-Based or Sandbox - Nintendo Switch 2 Forum

UpsideDownRowlet · 2026-06-05T01:35:49+00:00

So while everyone has the next 3D Mario on their minds as they unrealistically expect it'll appear at the next General Direct, I'm curious what kind of style of 3D Mario people are hoping for when it does come, probably not in this Direct. Historically, 3D Mario's have adhered to one of two styles: level-based (Galaxy 1+2, 3D Land/World) and sandbox (64, Sunshine, Odyssey, Bowser's Fury, Bananza* Mario-Adjacent ). More likely than not, the next 3D Mario will belong to one of these styles, unless they have a massive surprise up their sleeve. Personally, I'm hoping for a level-based game. I think Bananza suffices as an excellent sandbox game for Switch 2, and that's not even mentioning that the Switch already got 2 original sandbox games with Odyssey and BF. What Switch didn't get was a Mario/Mario-adjacent level-based platformer, so I definitely would like to see that gameplay style used for the next new 3D Mario. On that note, I also wouldn't want this game to be a sequel to a pre-existing 3D Mario (no Galaxy 3, no 3D erm... bigger World; that said I could be tempted by a 3D sequel to Wonder). Curious to hear what you all think!

Topic: Next 3D Mario: Level-Based or Sandbox

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westman98
1 hour ago

I think it'll be an open world sandbox, where all of the "levels" are interconnected into a single world map. Each "level" is structured like a kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey (or a layer in Donkey Kong Bananza).

I dont think Nintendo will allow for total freedom in 3D Mario like in Zelda BOTW/TOTK, so the final level/boss will be inaccessible until certain requirements are met (unlocked all levels/kingdoms, acquired enough stars/moons/etc).

westman98

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