New 3D Mario Game Rumored as Nintendo Direct Double Showcase Approaches
Nintendo fans may want to keep a close eye on September 8 and September 9, as two Nintendo Direct presentations are reportedly lined up with major announcements on the horizon. The first showcase is expected to focus heavily on The Legend of Zelda, celebrating the franchise’s 40th anniversary and potentially offering a deeper look at the rumored remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
That leaves the second Nintendo Direct as the more mysterious event, and speculation is already building around what Nintendo could reveal for the Switch 2. According to a leaker with a growing track record, several unannounced first-party projects are currently in development, including a new 3D Mario game.
The latest rumors come from an online user known as malo392, who has gained attention for accurately hinting at Nintendo-related announcements before they became official. Earlier in 2026, the user posted a list of unrevealed Switch 2 games in the comments section of a YouTube video. At the time, the claims did not attract much attention, but several of the titles later appeared to line up with Nintendo’s confirmed plans.
Among the projects previously mentioned were a classic Star Fox release and the rumored Ocarina of Time remake. Both became more believable after Nintendo-related announcements in the following months, giving the leaker’s older comments renewed attention from fans.
More recently, malo392 returned with another cryptic hint, suggesting that Nintendo and Zelda fans should expect a “double appointment” the following week. With Nintendo Direct events now reportedly scheduled for September 8 and 9, many believe the comment was pointing directly to these presentations.
The biggest topic drawing attention is the possibility of a new 3D Mario game for Switch 2. According to the earlier leak, the next major 3D Mario title may be planned for 2027. While that does not guarantee a full reveal during the September 9 showcase, Nintendo could still use the event to tease the project, show a brief trailer, or confirm that a new Mario adventure is in development.
A new 3D Mario game would be a major moment for Nintendo. Super Mario Odyssey launched in 2017 and remains one of the most beloved games on the original Switch. Nearly a decade later, fans are eager to see how Nintendo will evolve Mario’s 3D formula on more powerful hardware. With the Switch 2 expected to support larger worlds, improved visuals, and more ambitious gameplay systems, expectations for Mario’s next adventure are already extremely high.
Another name appearing in the rumor cycle is Wario Land. The leak suggests that a new Wario Land game could also be targeting 2027. If true, this would mark a long-awaited return for Wario’s traditional platforming series. The last major side-scrolling Wario Land game, Wario Land: Shake It!, was released in 2008. Since then, the character has mainly appeared in the WarioWare series, including WarioWare: Move It! in 2023.
A new Wario Land game on Switch 2 could give Nintendo another strong platformer outside of the main Mario series. The franchise is known for its treasure hunting, physical comedy, puzzle-platforming, and Wario’s chaotic personality, making it a strong candidate for revival.
The same rumored list also mentions an original Star Fox game for Switch 2, which could be another exciting possibility for longtime Nintendo players. The Star Fox franchise has been quiet for years, and a new entry designed specifically for Nintendo’s next-generation console would likely draw significant attention.
Another possible reveal is a Super Metroid remake. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the idea of Nintendo revisiting one of the most influential 2D action-adventure games ever made would be enough to generate major buzz. With Metroid Prime 4 also keeping the franchise in the spotlight, a Super Metroid remake could help strengthen Nintendo’s lineup even further.
For now, none of these rumored projects should be treated as confirmed until Nintendo makes an official announcement. Still, the timing of the September Nintendo Direct presentations has created the perfect environment for speculation. Between Zelda’s anniversary, the possible Ocarina of Time remake, new Switch 2 software, and rumors of a fresh 3D Mario game, the next round of Nintendo news could be one of the most exciting of the year.
If Nintendo is ready to show what comes next for Switch 2, September 9 may be the presentation to watch. Whether it brings a new Mario reveal, a Wario Land comeback, Star Fox, Metroid, or something completely unexpected, fans have plenty of reasons to be excited.
