The last original mainline title in theSuper Mariofranchise came all the way back in 2017 withSuper Mario Odyssey, which revolutionized the series format for the Nintendo Switch. Since then, the only mainlineMariotitles to be released have been games likeSuper Mario Maker 2or remakes likeSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury.
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However, the time for a brand-newMariotitle should be on the way sooner rather than later. This new game could improve on the innovations fromSuper Mario Odyssey, while also adding many new mechanics that fans loved from previous entries in the franchise. These mechanics would definitely exciteMariofans if Nintendo included them in the next title.
10Movement Techniques
Obviously, speedrunners love to take advantage of Mario’s various movement capabilities to exploit the game’s glitches and complete it as fast as they can. However, some of these movements also becomedefining aspects of the game’s controls. For instance,Super Mario 64introduced aspects like the long jump and the triple jump.
However, otherSuper Mariogames have even innovated on this concept that dates back to the series' first title on NES.Super Mario Galaxyintroduced the spin jump as a mechanic specific to that series, which many fans would be delighted to see return. Some of Mario’s other movement options have included slides, rolls, and the side somersault.
9Iconic Power-Ups
Of course, it wouldn’t be aMariogame without power-ups like the Fire Flower, Mushroom, or Power Star. However, power-ups are often what setsMariogames apart from each other, especially when games are centered around access to one or two unique abilities. Some recurring power-ups in the series include the Super Leaf and Boomerang Flower.
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However, many other power-ups from the series only appeared once, but have become among Mario’s most popular abilities. For instance, there’s the Super Bell, which turns Mario and his allies into their cat personas inSuper Mario 3D World. Similar power-ups include Bee Mario fromSuper Mario Galaxy, or the Double Cherry, which creates a copy of Mario.
8Cappy’s Abilities
Super Mario Odysseyintroduced Cappy, who takes on the appearance of Mario’s signature hat and becomes his main ally in the game. When partnered with Cappy, Mario is able to perform a variety of unique attacks, using him as a platform between long distances, or slinging him around Mario in a circle that takes out overwhelming enemies.
However, Cappy also allows Mario to capture various enemies and objects, transporting Mario’s consciousness into them. For certain levels, Power Moons can only be accessed when Mario captures the right enemy,from Goombas to a sleeping T-Rex. It may be an ambitious ask, but keeping Cappy for Mario’s next adventure would delight fans.
7The Return Of F.L.U.D.D.
Additionally, Cappy’s not the only ally of Mario who fans may want to see return. F.L.U.D.D. served as Mario’s companion in the fan-favoriteSuper Mario Sunshinefor GameCube, dispensing a stream of water soMario could help clean goo from Isle Delfino. Additionally, Professor E. Gadd designed several nozzle attachments to utilize different abilities.
Sadly,Super Mario Sunshineis the only mainline appearance of the lovable F.L.U.D.D. At the end of the game, F.L.U.D.D. appeared to die, although Peach had the Toads repair it and reunite it with Mario at the game’s ending, though F.L.U.D.D. never returned. However, the device still appears as one of Mario’s special moves in theSuper Smash Brosseries.
6Flying Mario
There have been several iterations of Flying Mario across the franchise, usually involving various power-ups players could attain. Though it first appeared in the 2D games in the form of Raccoon Mario or Cape Mario,Super Mario 64introduced the feature of the Flying Cap, which would let Mario sail across the map for a limited amount of time.
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The Flying Cap was later replaced inSuper Mario Galaxywith the Red Star, which gave Mario a sweet red-and-black design to his iconic outfit. Though other games, likeNew Super Mario Bros. U, have introduced Flying Squirrel Mario to glide across levels, it’d be cool to utilize a power-up like Flying Mario in a level fromSuper Mario Odyssey.
5Teaming Up With Yoshi
There doesn’t exist a true fan of theSuper Mariofranchise who doesn’t loveYoshi, Mario’s frequent companion. The character first debuted inSuper Mario Worldfor the SNES, and later returned in titles likeSuper Mario Sunshine,Super Mario Galaxy 2, andNew Super Mario Bros Wii. Recently, Yoshi could be captured by Mario in a bonus level inOdyssey.
It’s pretty clear that throwing Yoshi into the mix for a newMariogame would be a great benefit to fans. Plus, fans would be excited to see what power-ups they can give Yoshi via fruits or berries. WhileSuper Mario Galaxy 2featured some pretty unique Yoshi power-ups, the simplicity of different-colored juices fromSunshinewould be nostalgic too.
4Riding Plessie
A highlight ofSuper Mario 3D Worldand its Switch remake are levels where Mario and his allies get to ride Plessie, a Yoshi-like dinosaur. Not only is the character extremely cute, but the levels are a nice shake-up from the usual format of levels in the game. However, Plessie serves an even bigger role in theBowser’s Furyexpansion in the Switch port.
In the add-on levels, Mario can transform Plessie into Giga Cat Plessie, imbuing it with the powers of the Super Bell. This Cat Plessie is how Mario is finally able to defeat Giant Bowser, so fans would likely hope tokeep the character around for future games. If anything, the levels would continue to invoke memories of the slide levels fromSuper Mario 64.
3Co-Op Modes
Super Mario 3D Worldwas the first 3D title in the series to allow for four simultaneous players at the same time. The playable characters call back toSuper Mario Bros 2on NES, consisting of Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Blue Toad. Given the innovations ofSuper Mario Odyssey, it would be interesting to see co-op become a feature of a game like that.
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However, many fans would likely enjoy seeing a more diverse roster of playable characters than3D World, which also included Rosalina for those who complete the game. Adding in playable characters from former 3D Mario games, like Yoshi or Wario would be fun, as would adding in a completely new character like Nabbit inNew Super Luigi U.
2Kart Racing
Kart racing has been a mainstay of theSuper MariofranchisesinceSuper Mario Karton the SNES. The franchise has become one of Nintendo’s most popular spin-off series, continuing onto the Nintendo Switch withMario Kart 8 Deluxe, and even onto smartphones withMario Kart Tour. However, the gameplay has yet to transition to a mainlineMariogame.
However, kart racing could make for a great mini-game or special level in a future 3DMariotitle. Particularly with games likeSuper Mario Odyssey, the idea of getting to race a kart around an expansive area like New Donk City could be thrilling for many fans of Nintendo’s franchises. EvenThe Legend of Zeldaseems to be adding it to its next title.
1Open World Levels
Super Mario Odysseywas unique for theMariofranchisefor adding levels that broke from the typical franchise format. In areas like New Donk City or Tostarena, players could navigate a lush and expansive level with lots to discover beyond the necessary Power Moons. However, other levels in the title contained more linear designs familiar to the series.
Hopefully, the next mainlineMariotitle will take the expansive level design fromSuper Mario Odyssey’s best levels and make those the norm. Getting aMariogame that resembles titles likeBreath of the WildorSonic Frontierswould be the innovation the series may need over 40 years into its inception, giving players the most bang for their buck.
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