Reports circulating in gaming media suggest that Nintendo may present another Nintendo Direct-style broadcast during the third week of February 2026. Nintendo has not confirmed any such event.
Coverage from outlets including GamingBible and MyNintendoNews highlights claims from independent insiders who suggest a Direct could arrive during the third week of February. These reports reference commentary from individuals such as Nash Weedle and contributors to the Attack The Backlog podcast. According to those reports, a general Nintendo Direct might take place during that window and could include new first-party announcements, potentially including the next 3D Mario title.
Some outlets caution that the individuals cited in these rumors have mixed track records. None of the claims have been supported by official statements from Nintendo.
3D Mario Rumors
Several rumor reports have specifically linked a potential 3D Mario reveal to the alleged February presentation. One podcast-related source cited by multiple outlets reportedly claimed that if a Direct does take place during the third week of February, it could include a tease for the next 3D Mario title.
A screenshot from Super Mario RPG (2023), Nintendo
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The timing of these rumors has drawn added attention because the last fully original 3D Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, launched on Nintendo Switch in October 2017. That release came nearly nine years ago, and the gap will reach a full decade in 2027 if Nintendo doesn’t release another mainline 3D installment before then.
Nintendo did later release Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury in 2021. While the package featured substantial new content in Bowser’s Fury, it was still built on the foundation of a 2013 Wii U title rather than serving as a completely new standalone 3D entry.
As a result, the extended stretch since Odyssey has continued to fuel speculation about when Nintendo may finally unveil its next mainline 3D Mario project.
What Is a Nintendo Direct?
Nintendo Direct is the name Nintendo uses for its online video presentations that provide updates on upcoming games, hardware, and related projects. The company introduced the format in 2011 as a way to communicate announcements directly to viewers through pre-recorded broadcasts distributed online.
Mario Party Superstars (2021), Nintendo
There are several types of Directs. A general Nintendo Direct focuses largely on first-party titles and major announcements, while a Partner Showcase highlights third-party developers. Nintendo typically announces these presentations only a few days before they air. Because the company provides limited advance notice, rumors about potential Direct dates often circulate before any official confirmation appears.
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