Mario Paint Might Return on Nintendo Switch 2 — Rumors and Hints Explained

A new rumor is stirring excitement among retro gaming fans: the beloved Super Nintendo title Mario Paint might be making a comeback on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Originally launched in 1992, Mario Paint wasn’t a typical platformer — instead, it offered players a creative sandbox powered by the SNES Mouse. Users could draw, animate, and compose music using 15 quirky instruments, all within the whimsical world of Mario.

Though unconventional, Mario Paint became one of the SNES’s best-selling titles and remains a cult classic. Its influence can be felt in later Nintendo projects like EarthBound and the WarioWare series, and it’s been subtly referenced in modern games like Super Mario Odyssey and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Even today, dedicated fans continue using its tools to recreate music tracks — including surprisingly good renditions of themes like the one from Succession.

Hints from Nintendo: A Comeback in the Works?

Nintendo recently released a new batch of Switch Online profile icons celebrating retro consoles and accessories. Among them is a notable throwback: the SNES Mouse icon. As reported by Nintendo Life, this detail reignited speculation that Nintendo could be preparing to reintroduce mouse-compatible SNES titles to its Switch Online library — with Mario Paint being the most likely candidate.

Although Mario Paint has never seen an official re-release and its few sequels were Japan-exclusive, there’s precedent for spiritual successors. Super Mario Maker, originally designed as a sequel to Mario Paint, eventually evolved into a dedicated level editor and achieved great success on the Wii U and Switch.

Why the Switch 2 Could Be the Perfect Platform

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 may offer the ideal environment for Mario Paint to thrive once more. Its upgraded Joy-Con controllers reportedly include mouse-like functionality, making them well-suited for creative applications. While the SNES Mouse icon could simply be a nostalgic nod, many fans see it as a clue pointing toward a revival.

For now, one thing is certain: Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will be able to unlock the SNES Mouse icon from June 3 to June 10 as part of the “Nintendo Classics” Wave 3 release.