Switch 2: The End of an Era for Super Mario

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is breaking with tradition by launching without a new Super Mario game featuring the well-loved voice of Charles Martinet. Since the release of the Nintendo 64, every main console has debuted with Martinet bringing Mario to life. As we look forward to the Switch 2 hitting shelves in the next six months, Nintendo has shared glimpses of its next-gen console along with some intriguing features of its new Joy-Con controllers. Additionally, fans can anticipate a fresh Mario Kart installment, with more details expected during a special Switch 2 Direct broadcast scheduled for April 2.

Although a new 3D Super Mario game hasn’t been officially announced, many are confident it will eventually arrive on the Switch 2. Historically, every major Nintendo console from the N64 onward has been graced with a new installment in the 3D Super Mario series, so it seems unlikely the Switch 2 would skip this trend. While rumors swirl around the nature of the next game, one concrete fact stands out—the absence of Charles Martinet as Mario’s voice. Instead, following the end of the Switch 1 era, Kevin Afghani took over the role, voicing Mario and Luigi in 2023’s Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

This transition underscores the end of a significant era for Nintendo. The decision to continue with Afghani rather than reverting back to Martinet suggests a new direction for the franchise. Despite this shift, fans can still enjoy Martinet’s classic performances through the Switch 2’s backward compatibility and the extensive retro game library offered by Switch Online. This means that even without new games, Martinet’s legacy remains accessible.

As for the new 3D Super Mario game, buzz suggests it will adopt an open-world format, potentially taking cues from The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Some speculate that players might traverse a virtual Brooklyn, New York. While these rumors are yet to be confirmed, we’re hoping for more insights during the April 2 Switch 2 Direct.

There’s undoubtedly some nostalgia wrapped up in saying goodbye to Martinet as Mario’s voice. However, Afghani’s portrayal has garnered positive feedback, offering a fresh take that’s been warmly received. As Nintendo evolves, both familiar voices and new adventures await us in the Switch 2 era. So, while we’re curious about what’s to come, we’re also excited for the innovative experiences this new chapter promises to bring.