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5 Cosmic Reasons Why Super Mario Galaxy 3 Still Hasn't Launched (And What Nintendo Is Planning Instead)

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The question "Will there be a *Super Mario Galaxy 3*?" remains one of the most enduring and frustrating mysteries in the gaming world, especially as we approach the end of 2025. While the original *Super Mario Galaxy* and its sequel, *Super Mario Galaxy 2*, are hailed as masterpieces of the 3D platformer genre, Nintendo has consistently chosen to move in a new direction rather than deliver a direct third installment. The latest information from late 2025 suggests that the answer is still a firm 'No' for a game, but the *Super Mario Galaxy* universe is far from dormant, with Nintendo's focus currently split between a massive cinematic project and the development of the next-generation 3D Mario game.

The long silence since the groundbreaking *Super Mario Odyssey* has led to rampant speculation. The reality, however, is a fascinating mix of creative philosophy, studio restructuring, and a surprising new venture into cinema. Here is the definitive, up-to-date breakdown of why *Super Mario Galaxy 3* is not in development and what is coming next from the minds at Nintendo EPD Tokyo.

The Real Reason for the Wait: EPD Tokyo’s New Mission

The primary factor determining the fate of *Super Mario Galaxy 3* lies with the development team itself: Nintendo EPD Tokyo (formerly EAD Tokyo). This is the elite studio responsible for creating *Super Mario Galaxy*, *Super Mario Galaxy 2*, *Super Mario 3D World*, and *Super Mario Odyssey*. Their philosophy, championed by key figures like Shigeru Miyamoto and Yoshiaki Koizumi, has always been to introduce a new, revolutionary gameplay mechanic with each mainline 3D Mario title, making a direct sequel like *Galaxy 3* less likely.

1. Nintendo’s "New Concept" Philosophy

Nintendo's 3D Mario history shows a clear pattern of reinvention. *Super Mario 64* introduced 3D movement, *Super Mario Sunshine* featured the F.L.U.D.D. backpack, *Super Mario Galaxy* brought gravity mechanics, and *Super Mario Odyssey* introduced the capture mechanic with Cappy. A direct sequel like *Galaxy 3* would, by definition, reuse the core gravity-based gameplay, which runs counter to the studio's desire to "challenge Mario Galaxy with a new 3D title."

  • Super Mario 64: Freedom of 3D Movement
  • Super Mario Sunshine: F.L.U.D.D. (Water-based traversal)
  • Super Mario Galaxy: Gravity and Spherical Worlds
  • Super Mario Odyssey: Cappy (Capture mechanic)

2. The EPD Tokyo Studio Split and the Donkey Kong Project

The most significant and recent development explaining the long wait is the known restructuring within Nintendo EPD Tokyo. The team, which was responsible for *Odyssey*, has reportedly been split into dedicated sub-teams. One team is focused on the next mainline 3D Mario game, while another is working on a major, new project: a 3D *Donkey Kong* game.

This new 3D *Donkey Kong* title, rumored to be called *Donkey Kong Bananza*, is a massive undertaking. Redirecting a significant portion of the core 3D Mario development talent to establish a new 3D platforming pillar for the *Donkey Kong* IP naturally extends the development time for the next Mario adventure. This split confirms that the studio's resources are not solely dedicated to a new Mario game, let alone a *Galaxy* sequel.

The Cosmic Twist: Why We’re Getting a Movie, Not a Game

The reason the term "Super Mario Galaxy" is dominating the news in late 2025 is not a game announcement, but a major cinematic project. This is the freshest and most definitive piece of information related to the franchise name.

3. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is Confirmed

Nintendo, in partnership with Illumination, is developing a sequel to the highly successful 2023 *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*. This sequel has been officially confirmed as *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*, scheduled for theatrical release on April 3, 2026. This announcement has effectively shifted the focus of the *Galaxy* IP from the video game division to the film division for the immediate future.

Key details about the film, as of late 2025, include:

  • Release Date: April 3, 2026.
  • Plot Details: The film will center on Mario traveling into space, where he will encounter the iconic characters Rosalina and the Luma star-creatures. Bowser Jr. is rumored to be a primary antagonist in the plot.
  • Casting: Many of the original voice actors, including Chris Pratt (Mario) and Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach), are reprising their roles.
  • Promotion: A dedicated Nintendo Direct focused entirely on the movie is scheduled for November 12, 2025, suggesting the project is nearing completion.

The development of a major motion picture based on the *Galaxy* universe is a clear indicator that Nintendo is leveraging the brand's popularity in a non-gaming format, making a parallel game release highly unlikely.

The Future of 3D Mario: Galaxy’s Style vs. Odyssey’s Sandbox

While *Super Mario Galaxy 3* may not be happening, the next mainline 3D Mario game is undoubtedly in development. It is widely speculated to be a launch or early system seller for Nintendo's next-generation console, often referred to as the "Switch 2." This new title is the true answer to the question of what EPD Tokyo is working on.

4. The Next 3D Mario Game and the Nintendo Switch 2

The gap between *Super Mario Odyssey* (2017) and the next major 3D Mario title is the longest in the franchise's history. With the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to launch in the near future, the next Mario game is almost certainly being designed to take full advantage of the new console's capabilities, including improved graphics, higher frame rates, and potentially unique controller features.

The key debate among fans and industry insiders is which gameplay style the new game will adopt:

  • The Sandbox Style (Odyssey): This style offers large, open-ended worlds (like the Metro Kingdom) with a focus on exploration, collecting Power Moons, and utilizing unique mechanics like Cappy. Many rumors suggest the next game could be even more open-world, possibly inspired by the tiered, massive scale of *The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom*.
  • The Linear Style (Galaxy/3D World): This style focuses on tight, inventive level design with a clear beginning and end, often using a world map structure. A return to this format would be the closest thing to a spiritual successor to *Galaxy*, re-introducing gravity puzzles and unique planetoids.

Given Nintendo's pattern of alternating between linear and sandbox styles (*Sunshine* (Sandbox) followed by *Galaxy* (Linear), followed by *Odyssey* (Sandbox)), some analysts predict a return to a more structured, linear, or "mission-based" format for the next title, which would satisfy the demand for the *Galaxy* style of platforming without being a direct sequel. The game is likely targeting a late 2025 or 2026 release window.

5. The Possibility of a Super Mario Galaxy 2 Remastered

While a brand-new *Galaxy 3* game is unlikely, one possibility that could satisfy the demand for more cosmic platforming is a dedicated remaster or re-release. *Super Mario Galaxy* was included in the limited *Super Mario 3D All-Stars* collection, but *Super Mario Galaxy 2* was notably absent.

Rumors persist that Nintendo could release a standalone, enhanced remaster of *Super Mario Galaxy 2* for the Nintendo Switch or its successor. This would be a perfect way to bridge the gap between major releases, capitalize on the hype from *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*, and give fans the content they crave without requiring EPD Tokyo to divert resources from their next major original project.

Conclusion: The Galaxy is Still Expanding

The answer to "will there be a *Super Mario Galaxy 3*?" remains 'No' for a game, but the *Galaxy* universe is more relevant than ever. Nintendo's creative philosophy demands a new concept, which is why EPD Tokyo is focused on the next, revolutionary 3D Mario game for the Switch 2, while simultaneously developing a major 3D *Donkey Kong* title. The immediate future of the *Galaxy* brand is on the silver screen with the highly anticipated *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie* in 2026. Fans should look forward to a new era of 3D Mario that will either refine the sandbox model or introduce a completely new, gravity-defying mechanic that will surpass the legacy of the *Galaxy* series.

5 Cosmic Reasons Why Super Mario Galaxy 3 Still Hasn't Launched (And What Nintendo Is Planning Instead)
will there be a mario galaxy 3
will there be a mario galaxy 3

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