The Nintendo Switch 2 has been making headlines since the console-focused Direct on April 2nd, 2025. This is due to the specs of the console, the games announced for it, the high price point, and the various new features. These new features include voice chat, faster frame rates, and the ability to use the Joy-Con as mice, among others. This ability to use mouse controls with the new console provides the perfect opportunity for Nintendo to return to Mario Paint.

For those who might not be aware of or remember Mario Paint, it was a video game that was released way back on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was a Super Mario game, of course, but it wasn’t the usual platforming game that fans of the franchise are used to for the Italian plumber. Instead, it was a painting game, as the name suggests. Well, that’s mostly the case.

Players used a mouse that connected to their Super Nintendo in order to move the cursor and create their works of art. There were a variety of ways to create, which included painting in iconic images from other Mario games at the time, designing your own image on a blank canvas, and filling in pixel art. 

Surprisingly, though, it  wasn’t just visual art the game allowed players to make. There was also a game mode that had players using sound effects, some of which were bizarre, to make music. It was shockingly in depth for a music creator on the Super Nintendo of all systems. The game also included an action minigame that had the player’s mouse cursor turn into a flyswatter to battle waves of malicious insects. Not only was this an absolute blast, but it was fast-paced and even had boss fights.

Mario Paint was a unique game that was infinitely replayable, and offered a lot for the player to dive into. It’s rather surprising that Nintendo hasn’t attempted anything like it since, but this is likely due to them not wanting to make mice for their other consoles. Now that their next console, the Nintendo Switch 2, will be able to use mouse controls with their Joy-Con, it’s a perfect time to bring Mario Paint back.

With what the Switch 2 is capable of, it could include everything seen in the original game and still offer so much more. There could even be in-game coloring pages included that show off art from other Nintendo titles, with more being added over time. The potential ability to showcase your artwork online or on Nintendo’s new app could be a really fun idea too.

The Switch 2’s Joy-Cons having mouse controls opens up a lot of doors, and one of those doors needs to be a new Mario Paint. They’ve proven time and time again that old titles can be resurrected, and a Mario Paint return feels closer than ever.

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