Former Nintendo executives are sounding the alarm: a new 3D Mario adventure on the rumored Switch 2 might be further off than fans hope. The unexpected culprit? Donkey Kong. While a new Donkey Kong game is exciting for many, industry veterans suggest it could significantly impact the development timeline for Nintendo’s flagship 3D platformer, potentially leaving fans waiting years. This concern stems from Nintendo’s established development practices and the perceived allocation of key creative resources.
Key Takeaways:
- Former Nintendo executives fear a new 3D Mario for Switch 2 could face significant delays.
- The upcoming Donkey Kong game is seen as a potential reason for this extended wait.
- Nintendo often dedicates its top talent, including Shigeru Miyamoto, to one major project at a time.
- The last mainline 3D Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, launched in 2017.
- Nintendo’s EPD team, responsible for 3D Mario, is also likely involved in other key projects.
- The “Donkey Kong Problem” highlights potential resource allocation challenges within Nintendo.
The Weight of Expectation: A New Console, A Missing Mario
The video game world is buzzing with whispers of the Nintendo Switch 2, a successor to the wildly successful Nintendo Switch, which has sold over 141.32 million units worldwide as of March 31, 2024. With a new console comes the anticipation of groundbreaking launch titles, and for many, a new 3D Mario game sits at the top of that wish list. Super Mario Odyssey, released in October 2017 for the original Switch, redefined open-world platforming and garnered critical acclaim, selling over 28.16 million copies by March 2024. Its success naturally builds immense pressure for its successor.
However, recent comments from former Nintendo staff paint a less optimistic picture for those eager to jump into Mario’s next big 3D adventure soon after the Switch 2’s potential release. They point to an unannounced, but widely rumored, Donkey Kong game as a significant factor in this potential delay. This isn’t just about another game in the pipeline; it’s about the strategic allocation of Nintendo’s most valuable creative assets.
Resource Scarcity: Miyamoto and the EPD Team
Nintendo’s internal development structure is renowned for its meticulous approach and dedication to quality. A core tenet of this success is the strategic deployment of its key figures and development teams. At the heart of Nintendo’s creative output is Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary creator of Mario, Donkey Kong, and Zelda, among many others. Miyamoto often takes a hands-on role, or at least a significant supervisory one, in the development of Nintendo’s tentpole franchises.
Former Nintendo of America marketing manager Kit Ellis and senior product marketing manager Zachary Ryan, both now co-hosts of the popular Kit & Krysta Podcast, have discussed this very issue. They believe that Miyamoto, known for his singular focus on major projects, is currently deeply involved with the upcoming Donkey Kong title. “When you think of the A-team, the people who are in charge of these big flagship projects, those tend to be the Miyamoto projects,” Ellis remarked on a recent podcast episode. “He’s probably only working on one or two things at a time, maybe three, but like, one or two main ones.”
The implication is clear: if Miyamoto’s primary focus is on Donkey Kong, his direct involvement in a new 3D Mario game would be limited, or the project would simply not begin in earnest until Donkey Kong ships. This isn’t just about Miyamoto, though. Nintendo’s internal Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD) division is responsible for many of Nintendo’s highest-profile titles, including the 3D Mario series. The EPD team is a powerhouse, but even a powerhouse has finite resources. They are likely also working on other major titles, possibly even a new Mario Kart or other foundational Nintendo experiences for the Switch 2’s launch window. Splitting such an elite team between multiple massive projects, especially those requiring groundbreaking innovation, is a complex balancing act.
The Donkey Kong Effect: A History of Parallel Development
The Donkey Kong series has a rich history within Nintendo’s portfolio, dating back to 1981. While often developed by external studios like Rare (for the Donkey Kong Country series) or Retro Studios (Donkey Kong Country Returns and Tropical Freeze), the rumored new Donkey Kong game is believed to be an internal Nintendo EPD project. This internal development significantly changes the equation for resource allocation.
Consider the development cycles of past Nintendo blockbusters. While different teams within EPD can work concurrently, the most creatively ambitious and high-profile projects often command significant attention from the division’s leadership, including Miyamoto. For instance, after Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010), the 3D Mario team pivoted to Super Mario 3D Land (2011) and Super Mario 3D World (2013) before embarking on Super Mario Odyssey. Each of these projects, while distinct, occupied a significant portion of the team’s capacity.
If the internal Donkey Kong game is truly a new flagship title aiming to elevate the series to new heights, it would demand substantial creative energy and personnel. This commitment would naturally delay the initiation or full-scale development of another equally ambitious project, such as a new 3D Mario. It’s a matter of priority and bandwidth. Nintendo simply does not rush its premier titles, nor does it typically dilute its top talent across too many concurrent, large-scale endeavors.
The Wait for Innovation: A Pattern of Patience
Nintendo has a history of making fans wait for significant leaps in its flagship franchises. The gap between Super Mario Sunshine (2002) and Super Mario Galaxy (2007) was five years. The wait for Super Mario Odyssey was six years after Super Mario 3D World. While these gaps often coincided with new console launches or significant technological advancements, they also reflect the time and effort required to innovate within a beloved series. A new 3D Mario for the Switch 2 would not just be a graphical upgrade; it would likely aim to introduce novel gameplay mechanics, expansive new worlds, and potentially even new ways to interact with the console itself.
If the Switch 2 launches in 2025, and a new Donkey Kong game is a launch or near-launch title, a new 3D Mario might not see the light of day until 2027 or even 2028. This would mean a 10-year gap since Super Mario Odyssey, a significant stretch for one of Nintendo’s most iconic characters. This extended wait isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it often results in a more polished and revolutionary product. However, for impatient fans, it can feel like an eternity.
The Broader Implications for the Switch 2 Launch Lineup
The potential delay of a new 3D Mario game also has broader implications for the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch lineup. Every console launch needs a killer app, a system seller that demonstrates the new hardware’s capabilities and justifies its purchase. While a new Donkey Kong game, especially an internally developed one, could serve this purpose, a new 3D Mario title often carries more weight for a broad audience.
Nintendo will undoubtedly have other titles ready. A new Mario Kart is almost a certainty for a new console, given its consistent sales performance and broad appeal (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sold over 61.97 million units by March 2024). There will also likely be new Zelda titles, Pokémon games, and other established franchises. However, the absence of a new 3D Mario could still be felt by those who view it as the ultimate showcase for Nintendo’s creative prowess.
The decision to prioritize Donkey Kong, if that is indeed the case, speaks volumes about Nintendo’s confidence in that franchise and its potential to stand as a tentpole title. It suggests that Nintendo sees significant creative and commercial potential in this new iteration of Donkey Kong, enough to potentially sideline, or at least delay, its most famous mascot’s next major 3D outing.
While the prospect of a long wait for a new 3D Mario is disheartening for some, it’s a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to quality over speed. The company rarely releases games that feel rushed or incomplete. If a new Donkey Kong game is consuming significant resources, it’s likely because Nintendo believes it can deliver a truly special experience.
Ultimately, fans will have to exercise patience. The wait for a new 3D Mario on Switch 2 might be longer than anticipated, but if history is any guide, it will likely be worth it. The “Donkey Kong Problem” is less a problem and more a strategic choice by a company that understands the value of focused development and the meticulous crafting of its most beloved worlds.
FAQ
Q1: Why do former Nintendo executives believe the Donkey Kong game will delay a new 3D Mario?
A1: They suggest that Nintendo’s top creative talent, including Shigeru Miyamoto, typically focuses on one or two major projects at a time. If Miyamoto and the core EPD team are heavily involved in the rumored new Donkey Kong game, it would naturally delay the full-scale development of a new 3D Mario.
Q2: Has Nintendo ever delayed a major Mario game due to other projects?
A2: While not explicitly “delayed,” Nintendo often has significant gaps between its mainline 3D Mario titles, often spanning five to six years or more. These gaps are used for focused development on other key franchises or entirely new projects, alongside the iterative development of Mario.
Q3: What is the Nintendo EPD team?
A3: EPD stands for Entertainment Planning & Development. It is Nintendo’s largest internal development division, responsible for many of the company’s highest-profile games, including the 3D Mario, Zelda, and Animal Crossing series.
Q4: When was the last mainline 3D Mario game released?
A4: The last mainline 3D Mario game was Super Mario Odyssey, released in October 2017 for the Nintendo Switch.
Q5: Will the potential delay of 3D Mario impact the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch?
A5: While a new 3D Mario is a highly anticipated title, Nintendo typically launches new consoles with a strong lineup of games from various franchises, including Mario Kart and Zelda. A new Donkey Kong game, if it’s a major internal project, could serve as a significant launch title.
