Super Mario RPG Sequel Aspirations: Chihiro Fujioka Expresses Interest Ahead of Retirement

Super Mario RPG is widely recognized as a landmark collaboration between Nintendo and Square, first released in 1996 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

Blending turn-based combat, unique humor, and the beloved Mario universe, the game has enjoyed enduring popularity among fans and continues to influence role-playing games on Nintendo platforms.

Over recent months, renewed attention has focused on the possibility of a Super Mario RPG sequel, following compelling comments from Chihiro Fujioka, a co-director and key creative force behind the original title. During a recent Infendo Radio podcast episode, Fujioka addressed the enduring fan demand for a new entry in the series.

In a statement that quickly resonated with both the Nintendo community and game developers, Fujioka noted that creating a true Super Mario RPG sequel has been a personal ambition, one he hopes to fulfill before retiring from the industry.

His remarks underscore the lasting impact of Super Mario RPG on the gaming landscape, highlighting the unique blend of Nintendo’s first-party properties with classic Japanese RPG design that set the standard for later crossover titles. Super Mario RPG launched on the SNES in North America in May 1996, becoming one of the best-selling RPGs on the platform and earning critical acclaim for its accessible gameplay, innovative mechanics, and narrative charm.

The game was subsequently re-released on the Wii Virtual Console in 2008 and the Wii U Virtual Console in 2016, and it remains a favorite on today’s Nintendo Switch due to robust support for retro gaming via the eShop and Nintendo Switch Online service. Fujioka’s career spans several decades, including partnerships with Sonic Powered and AlphaDream, the latter of which developed the acclaimed Mario & Luigi series.

These spin-offs built upon Super Mario RPG's legacy, blending humor and fast-paced combat for a new generation on handheld platforms.

The discussion of a new sequel underlines the ongoing popularity of RPG elements within Nintendo’s core franchises and the adaptability of the Mario brand on modern consoles like the Nintendo Switch. As the gaming industry continues to celebrate milestones of iconic franchises, calls for a Super Mario RPG sequel showcase the demand for legacy content on new hardware.

Today, the title is frequently featured in discussions around Nintendo Direct presentations and remains a staple among retro game enthusiasts.

While Nintendo has yet to officially announce any plans for a direct sequel, Fujioka’s comments reignite both fan excitement and industry conversation about the future of RPG innovation within the Mario universe. For the latest Super Mario RPG updates, developer interviews, and Nintendo Switch news, stay connected through trusted sources and official Nintendo platforms.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Mario Switch Super Mario Super Mario RPG Chihiro Fujioka Infendo Radio