KYOTO, JAPAN – The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 has reached new heights following the positive reception of the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct. However, according to former Nintendo personnel, fans may face a prolonged wait for a new 3D Mario game on the console.
Immediate Impact
The recent announcement of Donkey Kong Bananza has captivated audiences, with many speculating that Nintendo’s elite development team, Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD), is behind the project. Known for creating iconic titles such as Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, EPD’s involvement has led some to believe that the release of a new 3D Mario game might be delayed.
Key Details Emerge
Former Nintendo staffers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang have weighed in on the speculation, suggesting that if EPD is indeed developing Donkey Kong Bananza, it could push back the timeline for a 3D Mario release. Ellis remarked, “That team is incredible; nobody’s disputing the quality, but they are not fast, they are not prolific, they are not pumping out games.”
“We might just be waiting for a good long time before we get the next 3D Mario game.” – Kit Ellis
Industry Response
Yang echoed Ellis’s sentiments, predicting a potential four to five-year wait for Mario’s 3D debut on Switch 2. This would place the release in the mid-to-late generation of the console’s lifecycle. Yang speculates that Nintendo’s silence on the development team is strategic, aiming to avoid disappointing fans eager for a new Mario adventure.
Background Context
Nintendo has a history of collaborating with external studios for its major titles, with companies like Bandai Namco frequently contributing. The Donkey Kong franchise itself has seen various iterations by different developers. UK-based Rare rebooted the character in 1994, and more recently, Retro Studios revitalized Donkey Kong on the Wii and Wii U.
By the Numbers
Donkey Kong Bananza is set to launch on July 17th for the Nintendo Switch 2.
What Comes Next
As the gaming community eagerly awaits further announcements from Nintendo, the focus remains on the potential impact of EPD’s involvement in Donkey Kong Bananza. The timing is particularly significant as the gaming giant balances fan expectations with strategic development cycles.
According to sources familiar with Nintendo’s operations, the company is likely to maintain its tradition of quality over speed, ensuring that both Donkey Kong Bananza and any future 3D Mario titles meet the high standards set by their predecessors.
Meanwhile, industry experts warn that the extended development timeline could affect consumer expectations and market dynamics for the Nintendo Switch 2. As fans speculate on the future of Nintendo’s flagship franchises, the gaming world waits with bated breath for official confirmations and updates.
