Pros and Cons of a Super Mario Odyssey Sequel for the Switch 2

With the imminent release of the Nintendo Switch 2, many fans are eagerly speculating about what the console’s debut games might include. A hot contender for this lineup is a new Super Mario game. It’s been quite a while—almost eight years—since the release of Super Mario Odyssey, and it rejuvenated the franchise with its innovative gameplay. Following such a popular title, any new 3D Mario release faces high expectations.

One possibility that has fans buzzing is the idea of a direct sequel to Super Mario Odyssey. This would be an interesting path, as Nintendo has rarely produced direct follow-ups for its 3D Mario games. The only notable exception was Super Mario Galaxy 2. With the arrival of new hardware, Nintendo might choose to explore entirely new concepts, but there’s undeniable appeal in revisiting and expanding on the Odyssey formula.

Super Mario Odyssey received praise for its creativity and gameplay but, according to some players, it didn’t offer as much content as previous titles like Super Mario Galaxy 2. Odyssey had just 17 levels that some critics felt lacked depth, especially when compared to its predecessor’s 49 levels. Certain levels, such as the imaginative Metro Kingdom, stood out, while others seemed simplistic and added little to the gameplay experience.

Players often found themselves yearning for more, as Odyssey’s ingenious design provided glimpses of untapped potential. Fans are hopeful that a sequel could explore these areas more extensively, building on the original’s exciting features and mechanics. By expanding its level design and focusing on standout elements like Cappy, a sequel could fully unleash the game’s potential and satisfy those eager for more exploration.

However, it’s important to consider the charm of Mario’s consistent transformation and adaptation. Super Mario has always thrived on innovation, and sometimes moving on to fresh concepts is more compelling than sticking with a known quantity. Super Mario Odyssey itself might not have existed if Nintendo had simply continued the Galaxy series. Thus, instead of sticking to proven formulas, it might be more beneficial for Nintendo to channel Odyssey’s spirit into creating something completely new.

The enduring secret of successful games often lies in ingenuity and fresh ideas rather than simply catering to expectations. Whether or not Nintendo chooses to revisit Odyssey, fans can trust that Mario’s future adventures—rooted in the creative vision of its developers—will continue to delight and surprise.