Nintendo’s Platformer Strategy - Let Donkey Kong + Kirby Headline

One thing I really love about Nintendo right now is how they’re rotating the spotlight between their lesser major franchises.

Nintendo didn’t launch with a Mario 3D platformer and didn’t have one ready in year one like they did with OG Switch.

Donkey Kong got a brand-new, Nintendo-developed 3D platformer at the Switch 2 launch. Kirby is getting a brand-new 3D platformer in Spring 2027. Meanwhile, Mario is still sitting right there, just chillin’ in the background and staying relevant with a free Super Mario Odyssey update, re-releases of the Galaxy games, and a Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder… all while letting Kirby and Donkey Kong shine for the moment

And honestly, I think that’s a really smart strategy.

Donkey Kong Had His Moment

Around the launch of the Switch 2, Nintendo gave Donkey Kong a major push with Donkey Kong Bananza. Donkey Kong was front and center, and it felt like Nintendo was reminding everyone that this franchise can absolutely carry a major 3D adventure at launch.

And now, Kirby is getting his turn.

Nintendo just closed its latest Direct with a brand-new Kirby platformer, Kirby and the World Beyond, that looks BIG. From what we’ve seen, it appears to be taking Kirby into a much more expansive, open-world direction. I know Kirby fandom are very excited about this game!

But what I really appreciate is that Nintendo hasn’t simply said, “Okay, Mario is on the bench until his next game.”

Nope.

They’re keeping Mario relevant the entire time.

Don't Forget About Mario

Think about everything Nintendo has been doing with Mario around the Switch 2 era.

When The Super Mario Galaxy Movie came around, Nintendo brought Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 back into the spotlight, including Switch 2 enhancements. Super Mario Odyssey also received a free Switch 2 update, giving one of the Switch's biggest games another reason to revisit it. Then Nintendo continues to rotate Mario's back catalog onto Nintendo Switch Online. We're getting Super Mario Sunshine on NSO, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder has also received a Switch 2 update.

And that's the point.

Nintendo doesn't need to release a brand-new Mario game right now to keep Mario relevant. They can pull something from the back catalog, give it an update, tie it into a movie, add it to Nintendo Switch Online, or simply remind everyone that these games are sitting there waiting to be played.

Mario never really leaves the conversation.

And I think that's brilliant.

Let Donkey Kong and Kirby Shine

What's especially cool is that Nintendo doesn't seem afraid to let its other platforming characters have their moment.

Donkey Kong gets Bananza.

Kirby visits the World Beyond.

Meanwhile, Mario is still everywhere.

That's a much healthier way to manage these franchises than constantly having them compete against each other.

Nintendo can essentially say:

“Hey, enjoy Donkey Kong right now. Enjoy Kirby. Mario isn't going anywhere.”

And then, when the time is right, Nintendo will unveil a brand new Mario adventure.

Because we know a new 3D Mario is coming eventually. Nintendo doesn't have to rush it. They can spend these years keeping Mario fresh through his existing games, movies, NSO releases, updates and Switch 2 enhancements while Donkey Kong and Kirby get their opportunities to shine.

And when Nintendo finally pulls the curtain back on the next major Mario adventure, we’ll be there ready to go.

For now, let Donkey Kong cook. Let Kirby cook. And keep Mario simmering in the background.

Then we’ll get that brand-new Mario game when Nintendo is ready.