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The upcoming Switch 2 will mark a notable change for Nintendo: it’s the first console since the N64 that won’t launch with a new Super Mario game featuring the iconic voice of Charles Martinet. This new Nintendo console, expected to hit the market in the next half-year, introduces some innovative tweaks to its Joy-Con controllers and promises fresh titles, including a new Mario Kart game. Those excitedly awaiting more details will want to tune into the Switch 2 Direct happening on April 2.
Speculation is high that Nintendo will eventually debut a new 3D Super Mario game for the Switch 2. Historically, each major console since the N64 has boasted a 3D Super Mario installment, so it seems improbable that the Switch 2 would break this tradition. However, an interesting twist is that this would be the first time the game might not feature Charles Martinet’s voice, a change that’s been in the works since Kevin Afghani took over the roles of Mario and Luigi in the 2023 release, Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
All of this signifies that the Switch 2 ushers in a new chapter for Nintendo fans, with Kevin Afghani likely to continue his role in the upcoming 3D Super Mario game. Although some fans are understandably nostalgic about Martinet stepping back, Afghani’s performance has earned plenty of accolades.
Nonetheless, Charles Martinet’s voice will still resonate on the Switch 2 through its backward compatibility with older games and the extensive Switch Online service, which offers a library of retro titles. In these, Martinet’s beloved renditions of Mario, Luigi, and other characters will continue to charm players.
Rumors about the new 3D Mario game suggest it could feature an open-world design, taking inspiration from The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with Brooklyn, New York, as a key setting. While it remains to be seen if these whispers hold any truth, the April 2 Switch 2 Direct might finally shed some light.
As Nintendo gears up for this era, Switch 2 promises not only to build on its gaming legacy but also to chart a course into exciting new territories.
