In a surprise announcement during today’s Nintendo Direct, the gaming giant officially revealed *Super Mario Odyssey 2*, the long-awaited sequel to the acclaimed 2017 platformer. Slated for a 2025 release exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, the game will continue the globe-trotting adventures of Mario and his sentient hat companion, Cappy, introducing new kingdoms, mechanics, and cross-character gameplay.
Following speculation that began after a cryptic teaser earlier this year, today’s reveal featured a two-minute gameplay trailer showcasing vibrant new kingdoms that range from a futuristic neon metropolis to a lush, jungled dinosaur valley. The trailer also highlighted new power-up abilities, including a grappling hook hat transformation and collaborative actions with Luigi, who appears to be a playable character in certain segments for the very first time in the *Odyssey* series.
Nintendo confirmed that *Super Mario Odyssey 2* will retain the freeform sandbox-style level design that defined its predecessor, while also offering “more expansive and interconnected environments,” suggesting potential open-world elements. Longtime series producer Yoshiaki Koizumi took the stage in a brief video segment to say, “We’ve listened carefully to fans’ dreams for Mario’s next big adventure, and we want *Odyssey 2* to be both a thrilling return and a bold evolution.”
With the Switch reaching the twilight of its lifecycle and rumors of a successor console on the horizon, fans speculated that *Odyssey 2* might be held back for next-gen hardware. However, Nintendo confirmed it will launch on the current Switch system, with performance optimizations and cloud save support included at launch.
The game’s reveal has already ignited a wave of excitement across social media, trending worldwide within minutes under #Odyssey2. Fans and industry insiders alike are applauding the sequel’s ambitious scope and Nintendo’s commitment to innovation within its flagship franchise.
While no exact release date has been provided, *Super Mario Odyssey 2* is expected to launch in “early 2025,” according to Nintendo’s press release. More details are promised during a dedicated Direct later this year. For now, Mario fans everywhere can celebrate the official return of one of Nintendo’s most beloved adventures.