Next 3D Mario Game Hints at ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’ Influence, But Nintendo Remains Tight-Lipped

The gaming world is buzzing with speculation about Nintendo’s next major 3D Mario title, and recent comments from a key developer suggest a surprising source of inspiration: Donkey Kong Bananza. While a direct imitation of the ape’s destructive playground isn’t on the cards, elements from the critically acclaimed Switch title are expected to subtly shape Mario’s next adventure. With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 now behind us, anticipation for a new flagship Mario game is reaching fever pitch.

The Evolution of 3D Mario: From ‘Odyssey’ to the Next Generation

Nintendo hasn’t officially announced a successor to the beloved 2017 title, Super Mario Odyssey, but a gap in this year’s holiday release schedule – with Pokémon Winds and Waves slated for 2027 – has fueled expectations that Mario will once again lead the charge. However, developers are intentionally downplaying progress, hinting that the next 3D Mario is still in its early stages.

Speaking at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), Kenta Motokura, director of Super Mario Odyssey and producer on Donkey Kong Bananza, revealed that ideas explored during the development of Bananza are already informing the direction of the next 3D Mario game. “Probably, we’ll see the same sort of phenomenon as we did when going from Super Mario Odyssey to Donkey Kong Bananza, where there were some ideas and development that acted as hints for the future developments of Donkey Kong Bananza,” Motokura told GamesRadar+.

The core connection between Odyssey and Bananza lies in their open-ended structure, encouraging players to explore expansive sandbox levels and collect a multitude of items – moons in Odyssey, bananas in Bananza. While Nintendo often iterates on established formulas, rarely delivering direct sequels (like Super Mario Galaxy 2), Motokura suggests the influence may extend beyond simple collection mechanics.

Crucially, Motokura emphasized that the destructive elements central to Donkey Kong Bananza won’t be replicated in the next 3D Mario. Nintendo aims to differentiate the two franchises, highlighting what makes each unique. “Certainly, you can have really fun experiences in Mario games and really fun experiences in Donkey Kong games. But we want to find the differences between those two IPs, and really bring that out, as variety for people to enjoy. And that goes to the style of play as well,” he explained.

The exact nature of this influence remains a mystery. However, Motokura’s comments also hint at a potentially slower development cycle. The creative overlap between the teams behind both games – including Motokura and director Wataru Tanaka – raises questions about Nintendo’s capacity to simultaneously develop two major titles. Could a separate team have been quietly working on the next Mario adventure alongside Donkey Kong Bananza?

For now, fans will have to rely on speculation and hope for a reveal at the next Nintendo Direct. The Switch 2’s launch lineup currently includes Yoshi And The Mysterious Book, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, and Splatoon Raiders.

What aspects of Donkey Kong Bananza do you hope to see translated into the next 3D Mario game? And how long are you willing to wait for Nintendo’s next flagship title?

Nintendo’s history demonstrates a commitment to innovation and surprise. While Donkey Kong Bananza may offer clues, the next 3D Mario is likely to deliver a fresh and unexpected experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Next 3D Mario Game