It isn't a sequel to the best Mario game, but Nintendo announced Yoshi and the Mysterious Book for Switch 2 and it looks pretty good

Nintendo has announced 2D platformer Yoshi and the Mysterious Book for the Switch 2. It's coming in spring 2026.

Revealed at today's big Nintendo Direct September live show, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book initially appeared to be a new Yoshi's Island, as the trailer focuses on "the island where Yoshi and his friends live" and is part of the 40-year Super Mario Bros. anniversary.

Instead, Nintendo seems to be sticking with the modern arts and crafts theme that Yoshi games have developed, with The Mysterious Book featuring a distinct chunky aesthetic and offset animation style.

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We're swiftly introduced to a talking book named Mr. E, with chapters seemingly functioning as levels for Yoshi to investigate, not unlike the way Mario would leap into paintings in Super Mario 64.

There's a focus on discovering, cataloging, and even carrying creatures around levels to see how they interact with various elements. In another bit of Yoshi's Island baiting, a small flower critter rides on Yoshi's back exactly how Baby Mario used to. This flora-fauna can also make flower buds bloom in one chapter, for example, or become muddied when Yoshi splashes in puddles.

As you learn about the world and its inhabitants, it seems the titular book is filled out like a catalog. Certain sections or secrets can only be accessed through specific creatures, it seems, like some unassuming dandelion flowers that can break rocks with their roots.

Nintendo has shared little about the game outside its announcement trailer. We're still waiting on a precise release date and price. The last main Yoshi game, 2019's Yoshi's Crafted World, was (and still is) $59.99.

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