The Super Mario franchise has become a very basic institution in gaming since the 1980s. Among the most beloved and iconic series in the medium, an important note is that it remains. We seemed to have done quite well overall, I thought, in musing over 2024 and beyond; thus, we wonder what could be next for Mario and his friends in the Mushroom Kingdom. With the recent successes that Nintendo pulled off for this legendary franchise in the realms of both software and hardware, the possibilities for the future of this legendary franchise are virtually infinite.
Mario’s Evolution
Before we see what is coming next, it would be wise to acknowledge what has happened over the past few years in the Super Mario series. A good deal has taken place regarding Mario in the previous years. Back in 2017, Super Mario Odyssey was released on the Nintendo Switch platform. It was accompanied by major critical success because of its innovative gameplay, huge open world to be explored, and featuring the good old regular 3D platforming roots of Mario. More than 25 million copies of the game have been sold, making it one of the best-selling titles for the Switch console.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars, released in 2020, saw the classic Mario games—Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy—appear on the Switch for the first time. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, the 2021 release, furthers the cause for Mario in pole position on the Switch by blending the design philosophy of traditional levels with an experimental, open-world mode.
Besides this, the success of the Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 marked the expansion of Mario into other forms of entertainment media, breaking box office records and further growing his cultural relevance.
What Could Be Next in 2024?
One of the highest anticipated possibilities for 2024 is a 3D Mario game. It has now been almost seven years since Super Mario Odyssey, and the fans are just dying to get a sequel. There’s no confirmation yet, but rumors have been wild that Nintendo is secretly working on a new title that could build upon Odyssey’s mechanics, or make Mario go in a completely different direction.
Considering the history that Nintendo has of re-inventing the formula behind Mario in every new release, it is quite likely that a new 3D Mario will feature new gameplay elements, unique worlds, and maybe even an approach of a new angle to story-telling. Cart timing would be perfect, and the successor to Nintendo Switch will likely arrive around the same time as the release of the flagship Mario.
More Spin-Offs
While the main series Mario games do tend to hog the spotlight, it’s a good idea to give attention as well to the other games in the series. There are new entries in big offshoot franchises like Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Paper Mario possibly on the way in 2024.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has done very well on the switch, but there are rumors of Mario Kart 9 in development, that 2024 is going to be the year when we see a new one. Another great Paper Mario might just be in the works, perhaps building on the mechanics of Paper Mario: The Origami King with deeper RPG elements and an even wider story.
Besides, Mario + Rabbids has established the success of brand cross-overs with other franchises, still making way for a valid approach. There could be more such crossover titles or entirely new spinoffs, each opting for different gameplay styles and genres.
Expanding Mario’s Universe Beyond Games
The success of the Super Mario Bros. Movie shows that there is more to Mario than just a video game character’s cultural phenomenon that transcends man-made borders. This further opens all possible doors to expanding the Mario universe even more into many other channels.
It’s a no-brainer after the success of the Super Mario Bros. Movie that there should be a sequel. But other avenues could be animated series, comic books, or a live-action adaptation. Something like The Mandalorian or The Last of Us shows that this notion of serialized storytelling could be ideal for the video game franchise.
Furthermore, Nintendo can leverage its theme park projects. Super Nintendo World has already performed tremendously well in Japan, and further expansions are already in the works across the globe, including in the United States. New attractions, rides, and experiences featuring Mario would continue his trend in the real world.
Re-releasing Classic Games
Another option might be the return of the classic Mario titles, either as remakes or by re-release. The sales of Super Mario 3D All-Stars have proven that there is still a strong interest in these older titles, and this is an avenue through which Nintendo could continue to bring the history of the Mario series to modern gaming platforms.
A good candidate for a remake would be Super Mario Galaxy 2, which was noticeably absent in 3D All-Stars. On the other hand, there is a possibility that Nintendo will look to remakes of classic 2D games, much like it did with Link’s Awakening for The Legend of Zelda series.
The Future of Mario
One thing is for sure as we look toward 2024 and beyond: Mario will be one of the most important figures in gaming. Nintendo has demonstrated over the years how it can keep Mario innovative with new titles, spin-offs, and cross-media expansion while maintaining the storied legacy of the character.
The balance of innovation and nostalgia is there in every game within the Super Mario series. Fans probably expect something more; new adventures pushing the boundaries of what a Mario game can be, while at the same time keeping those classic elements that made the franchise great in the first place. The future of Super Mario is as bright as ever could be with the number of possibilities ahead.
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