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Nintendo Teases New Mario Game for Switch 2, Assassin’s Creed Shadows Also Expected

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Nintendo has dropped a hint about a new Mario game coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, sparking excitement among fans. In a recent interview, Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, was asked about the next Mario installment and responded with a cryptic “stay tuned,” leaving fans eagerly awaiting more details. While many had speculated that the Switch 2 might launch alongside a new Mario title, such as a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, the company instead announced other first-party games for the upcoming console.

Bowser’s comments came during an interview with CNN, where he hinted that a new Mario game could be coming to the Switch 2 sooner than expected. “We have a long, long catalog, and a long list of (intellectual property) that I’m sure will make its way to the platform,” Bowser said. While Nintendo hasn’t yet disclosed all the first-party titles set for the Switch 2, the company recently showcased a few confirmed games in an April Direct presentation, building anticipation for the new console’s lineup.

The confirmed launch titles for the Switch 2 include Mario Kart World, an open-world racing game, and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, which serves as an interactive guide to the new console. These titles will be available on June 5, marking the official debut of the Switch 2. Following the launch, the next major first-party release is Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D action-platformer, which is set for release on July 17. Several other games, including Kirby Air Riders, Drag X Drive, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, are also slated for release in 2025.

With the Switch 2’s launch titles now confirmed, it seems likely that the long-awaited mainline Mario or Legend of Zelda games may not arrive this year. Instead, fans will have to wait for the next chapter in these iconic franchises, though Nintendo’s extensive catalog of games could still keep players engaged in the meantime. As Bowser mentioned, the company has much more in store for the Switch 2, including potential surprises for Mario fans in the near future.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Hits 1 Million Players on Launch Day, Ubisoft Announces

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Ubisoft’s latest release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has made an impressive debut by crossing over one million players across all platforms on its launch day, the company confirmed. This milestone was announced on March 20, the day the game was officially released for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X. Although Ubisoft has yet to reveal exact sales figures for the open-world action RPG, the announcement highlights the strong interest and excitement surrounding the title. The game is also available as part of the Ubisoft+ subscription service, further expanding its reach.

In a celebratory post on X (formerly Twitter), Ubisoft expressed its gratitude toward players, stating that the game had surpassed the one-million-player mark even before 4 PM on launch day. The company thanked the fans for their support and enthusiasm, adding that they were excited to begin the journey through Feudal Japan with their community. While the sales numbers remain undisclosed, this milestone speaks volumes about the game’s popularity, with players engaging across Steam, Ubisoft Connect, and console platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series S/X.

The success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on launch day is reflected in its strong performance on Steam, where it has topped the sales chart, indicating substantial demand. On SteamDB, the game reached a peak of 46,531 concurrent players within the first day of release. While this is a promising start, it’s worth noting that it pales in comparison to Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds, which reached one million concurrent players on launch day. Nevertheless, the positive reception and strong initial player count suggest that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has a bright future ahead, and more concrete sales data will emerge over the coming weeks.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows had been delayed twice before its final release in March 2025. Ubisoft, after the underwhelming performances of its previous releases—Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Star Wars Outlaws—opted to delay the game from its original November 2024 release to ensure it received the necessary polish. Given the initial player reception, it seems the delay was worthwhile, with the game generating significant excitement among fans of the series and newcomers alike. The next few weeks will likely provide a clearer picture of the game’s sales trajectory and its place in the broader Assassin’s Creed franchise.

Ubisoft at a Crossroads with the Upcoming Release of ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’

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Ubisoft is pinning its hopes on the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to recover from a series of financial setbacks, as the company grapples with declining revenue, a plummeting stock price, and growing takeover speculation. Set to launch on Thursday, the game represents a return to the Assassin’s Creed franchise, which has been a cornerstone of Ubisoft’s success. This comes after a string of disappointing releases, including Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Star Wars Outlaws, which have raised questions about Ubisoft’s strategy of licensing new intellectual properties (IPs) to drive its gaming portfolio.

The company’s financial struggles have been evident, with its stock falling over 40% last year, leading to increased scrutiny from both investors and analysts. The Ubisoft founding family, the Guillemots, who remain the largest shareholders, have even been in talks with major investors like Tencent regarding potential buyout options to retain control of the company. Ubisoft has declined to comment on ongoing speculation regarding the sale of its intellectual properties, but the pressure to perform with Assassin’s Creed Shadows is palpable.

However, the upcoming release has not been without controversy. The game has faced significant backlash on social media, including from high-profile figures such as Elon Musk, particularly over its diverse character roster. The controversy highlights the growing tensions around diversity in video games, which have become a hot-button issue in the U.S. following political shifts. The inclusion of Naoe, a stealthy female assassin, and Yasuke, an African samurai inspired by a real historical figure, has drawn mixed reactions, with some gamers expressing dissatisfaction over the game’s focus on representation.

Despite these challenges, Ubisoft is banking on Assassin’s Creed Shadows to reassert its dominance in the gaming industry. The game, set in feudal Japan—a fan-favorite setting for the franchise—features enhanced parkour and stealth mechanics, with a dual-character system designed to offer fresh gameplay while maintaining the core elements that made the series famous. Industry experts, like Jordan Van Andel, believe that while Ubisoft is not attempting to revolutionize the franchise, the company is hoping that its refined mechanics will resonate with both long-time fans and new players. The release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is seen as a critical moment for Ubisoft’s future, potentially determining the company’s ability to regain its footing in an increasingly competitive market.