The Nintendo rumor mill just got a serious upgrade. During a recent episode of the AttackTheBacklog podcast, well-known Nintendo insider Nash Weedle shared some juicy details that have the gaming community buzzing. According to multiple sources, a new Nintendo Direct is expected to drop in the third week of February or around March, and more importantly, a brand new 3D Mario game is reportedly set to launch in 2026 as Nintendo’s big flagship title for the year.
This isn’t just wishful thinking from fans who’ve been waiting nearly a decade since Super Mario Odyssey. Nash Weedle claims he’s heard from multiple sources that Mario 3D is locked in for this year and will be Nintendo’s headliner. The timing makes sense too, considering Nintendo’s 3D Mario team has been mysteriously quiet, with many key developers conspicuously absent from recent projects.
When’s the Next Nintendo Direct
The podcast host inquired about Nintendo’s plans following the recent Partner Showcase, and Nash Weedle didn’t disappoint. He mentioned hearing about another Nintendo Direct potentially happening during the third week of February or possibly stretching into March. This aligns with what other insiders like NateTheHate have been saying, though there’s some conflicting information floating around.
The Reddit gaming community has been dissecting every word. One user noted they’ve come across three references pointing to February, two mentioning March, and four suggesting a timeframe between April and June. It’s a mixed bag, but the February window seems to be getting the most traction among insiders. Some fans remain skeptical though, with many saying they won’t believe anything until more credible leakers like Nate himself verify the claims.
What to Expect from Nintendo in 2026
Beyond the 3D Mario announcement, Nash Weedle’s podcast appearance touched on several other Nintendo plans for the year. He suggested 2026 will feature a mix of smaller Nintendo IPs before the big Mario game drops, likely during the holiday season to give the Switch 2 a major boost as it enters its second year on the market.
There’s also been chatter about a significant Monolith Soft project. The studio behind Xenoblade Chronicles has been working closely with Nintendo on Zelda titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo has even expressed interest in having Monolith Soft take a more central role in creating a unique Zelda series title going forward. Whether this ties into what Nash Weedle has been hearing remains to be seen.
The Credibility Question
Nash Weedle’s track record as a leaker has been a topic of debate in gaming circles. Some Reddit users jokingly place him around tier 8 or 9 in terms of reliability, with one commenter suggesting he should face a ban. The skepticism isn’t entirely unwarranted, as he’s made predictions in the past that didn’t pan out exactly as claimed.
That said, Nash Weedle has correctly called some Nintendo announcements before, including details about Kingdom Hearts Integrum and various Direct timings. He’s become a regular guest on AttackTheBacklog, where he shares insider information and engages with the Nintendo community through Q&A sessions in both English and Spanish.
What This Means for Switch 2
If these rumors hold water, 2026 could be a massive year for Nintendo. The Switch 2 launched with Mario Kart World, which received solid reviews but criticism for its empty open world. A new 3D Mario platformer would give the console the killer app it needs to really take off, especially considering how beloved Super Mario Odyssey remains nearly nine years after its release.
The 30th anniversary of Pokemon also falls in 2026, with next-generation Pokemon games widely anticipated for a holiday release. Combined with a new Mario title and potentially a major Monolith Soft project, Nintendo’s lineup could rival some of its strongest years. The company has been relatively quiet about its 2026 plans so far, making these leaks all the more tantalizing for fans hungry for information.
Community Reaction and Expectations
The gaming community’s response has been a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. Many fans have expressed frustration with starting the year with just a Partner Showcase, hoping they won’t have to wait until June for a proper Nintendo Direct. The idea of getting substantial news in February or March has renewed hope, though some are tempering expectations.
AttackTheBacklog’s audience seems particularly invested in these rumors. The podcast has become a go-to source for Nintendo speculation, with Nash Weedle appearing regularly to share what he’s hearing behind the scenes. The recent episode has already generated significant discussion across Reddit, YouTube, and Twitter, with fans analyzing every detail and comparing notes with other leakers.
FAQs
Who is Nash Weedle?
Nash Weedle is a Nintendo insider and leaker who frequently appears on the AttackTheBacklog podcast to share rumors and information about upcoming Nintendo announcements, games, and Direct presentations. His track record has been mixed, but he’s gained a following in the Nintendo community.
When is the next Nintendo Direct happening?
According to Nash Weedle’s sources, a Nintendo Direct could happen during the third week of February 2026 or possibly around March. Other insiders have suggested early February for a Partner Showcase, with a full Direct potentially coming later.
Is a new 3D Mario game really coming in 2026?
Nash Weedle claims multiple sources have told him that a new 3D Mario game is planned for 2026 and will be Nintendo’s flagship title for the year. However, this remains unconfirmed by Nintendo, and no official announcement has been made yet.
What is the AttackTheBacklog podcast?
AttackTheBacklog is a gaming podcast that frequently covers Nintendo news, rumors, and speculation. The show regularly features Nintendo insiders like Nash Weedle and has become popular among fans looking for the latest leaks and industry information.
How reliable are Nash Weedle’s leaks?
Nash Weedle’s reliability is debated within the gaming community. While he’s correctly predicted some Nintendo announcements in the past, he’s also made claims that didn’t materialize. Many fans consider his information worth noting but recommend waiting for corroboration from more established leakers.
What other Nintendo games are rumored for 2026?
Besides the 3D Mario game, rumors suggest a new Monolith Soft project, next-generation Pokemon games for the franchise’s 30th anniversary, significant Mario Kart World DLC, and various smaller Nintendo IP releases throughout the year.
Will the 3D Mario game be shown at the February Direct?
No leaker has explicitly claimed the 3D Mario game will be shown in February. The expectation is that it will be revealed at some point in 2026 for a holiday release, but the exact announcement timing remains unclear.
Conclusion
Whether Nash Weedle’s latest claims pan out or not, there’s no denying that Nintendo fans are hungry for news about what’s coming to Switch 2 in 2026. The possibility of a new 3D Mario game has been on everyone’s mind since the console launched, and if these rumors prove accurate, we might not have to wait much longer to see what Nintendo’s legendary platformer team has been cooking up. Keep your eyes peeled for any official announcements in the coming weeks, and as always with leaks and rumors, take everything with a healthy grain of salt until Nintendo makes it official.