One of the questions regarding the Nintendo Switch, aside from "when a new console is going to be announced?", is generally in regard to the volume of first party software will keep the hybrid healthy. Revealed during the June 21st Nintendo Direct, the first new Super Mario platform game following his previous 3D venture, Super Mario Odyssey, sees Mario and his friends returning to 2D. This will be the first side-scrolling Super Mario title since Wii U's New Super Mario Bros. U in 2012. The Super Mario Maker games notwithstanding.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder looks rather par for the course when it comes to the time-tested formula of platform gaming, it does look like it's sporting some tricks with physics. Mario, Luigi, Toad, Peach, and Daisy are confirmed playable in this co-op adventure, will more of their friends be on the way? 

"Wonder" is an oblique name, but perhaps it's a means to return to surprising fans, as the franchise has aimed to do over the decades. Some new tricks are on display, like the use of the signature Mario cap to glide, and power-ups that affect the environment rather than augment Mario and his friends' ability to solve obstacles. For the time being, upgrades like the Fire Flower and/or a means to fly, like a Tanuki suit, feather, or propeller hat, aren't the prominent means of progression. At the very end, Mario becomes an elephant! This reminds me of the Cat Suit powerup from Super Mario 3D World and the ability to control the T-Rex in the aforementioned Mario Odyssey.  

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is coming to the Nintendo Switch October 20th, 2023.