It’s been almost ten years since a brand new 3D Super Mario game was released, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next one. These games are usually huge successes for Nintendo, often considered foundational to the 3D platformer genre, so it’s safe to assume Nintendo is already developing a sequel to Odyssey.
Nintendo hasn’t revealed anything about the next 3D Super Mario game, not even the title. While many fans might expect a sequel to Odyssey, similar to how Super Mario Galaxy 2 followed the first Galaxy, I believe Nintendo could surprise us. They recently took a unique approach with Tears of the Kingdom, and a completely original Mario game could be even more innovative. If that’s the direction they take, there are a lot of exciting possibilities for what this next game could offer.
The Next 3D Mario Should Have a Great Hub World
One of the biggest letdowns in Super Mario Odyssey is the lack of a central hub world – those areas where you could explore and choose levels, like in Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. While those earlier hub worlds weren’t perfect (I actually think Super Mario 64‘s was the best!), they were much more engaging than just a loading screen, which is all Odyssey provides.
Unlike previous games, Super Mario Galaxy 2 doesn’t have a central hub world for choosing levels. This means the next 3D Mario game could change things up and bring back the hub world, ending a two-game trend of not including one.
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A well-designed central area can elevate a platforming game from good to truly exceptional. This is clearly demonstrated by Super Mario 64, where Princess Peach’s Castle isn’t just a connecting space, but a compelling level to explore at your own speed, fostering a real connection with the game. While later 3D Mario games haven’t quite captured that same magic, I believe the next installment has a great opportunity to do so by focusing on strong level design, a captivating atmosphere, and plenty of hidden secrets.
Mario Should Have More Things to Spend Coins On
Like the central hub worlds in many games, the in-game economy in the next 3D Mario game is a notable feature. A particularly clever addition in Odyssey is the shop, which lets players buy costumes and souvenirs using coins they earn while playing. Coins have long been a staple of Mario games, but Odyssey makes them more than just score or health boosts – they function as real in-game money.
In Super Mario Odyssey, collecting coins feels truly valuable, unlike in many other Mario games where they’re often unnecessary. Whatever direction the next 3D Mario game takes, it would be smart to keep this rewarding coin system. Imagine being able to use coins to buy individual clothing items – pants, shirts, shoes – instead of just full outfits. Or maybe the game could feature extra-challenging areas or quests that unlock only after you’ve collected a certain number of coins, giving players even more incentive to explore and gather them.
More Challenging Linear Challenges Would Make the Next 3D Mario More Satisfying
Playing Odyssey seriously brings back memories of Mario 64 and Sunshine. What really stands out is how open and free the levels are. Each world feels like this huge playground where you can basically make up your own challenges – trying to get around quickly or just looking cool while doing it. It’s like a super fun, cartoonish version of parkour!
While the game’s focus on freedom and exploration is admirable, it sometimes comes at the expense of classic, skill-based platforming. Compared to games like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Odyssey relies less on carefully designed levels that test your abilities and more on creative puzzles. These puzzles are enjoyable, and should definitely be included in future Mario games, but a mix of these open-ended areas with more traditional, challenging levels would create a more diverse and engaging experience.
A Better Endgame Than Super Mario Odyssey
One of the biggest frustrations in Super Mario Odyssey comes after you beat the main game. While Odyssey has an impressive 999 Power Moons to collect, most of them are found in ways that aren’t very fun or feel forced. For example, you can buy 119 Moons from shops, and many others are simply lying in plain sight or in very easy-to-reach places.
Collecting 1,000 Moons in Odyssey is a lot, and it’s understandable that not every one could be amazing. The game prioritizes quantity over quality, and it would be better to have fewer Moons – maybe around 500 – that are all genuinely interesting or fun to find. A future game could improve by finding a better balance between having a lot to collect and making each collectible worthwhile.
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2026-04-03 11:04