What Nintendo console would be complete without a Mario title? Certainly not the 3DS.
Announced at the Game Developers Conference in February this year, Mario's next outing is being developed by the team behind Super Mario Galaxy 2. Four screenshots were unveiled along with the announcement, showing what looks to be a cross between the 3D platforming style of Super Mario 64 and the classic 2D games.

This game will be the first 3D Mario title to feature the titular plumber in his standard “Mario” form, that is, having not eaten a Super Mushroom and become Super Mario. From this we can deduce that Mushrooms will most likely appear as a standard power-up. Strangely, a screenshot shows this small Mario not wearing a hat for reasons unknown just yet. Series staples such as ? Blocks, bricks, coins, Goombas, Paragoombas and Piranha Plants were also shown. 

Most notably, however, is the logo that was revealed for the game as well. While the title is as of yet tentatively shown as simply “Super Mario”, the O was shown to have a rounded tail protruding from it in much the same shape and style as the Raccoon Mario tail seen on the logo of Super Mario Bros. 3, way back on the NES. When questioned about it, Shigeru Miyamoto simply said “it is what you think it is,” but maintained that the meaning and purpose of the tail will be fully revealed at E3.

Whether this means simply the appearance of Raccoon Mario, the Tanooki Suit (which also granted the ability to turn into an invulnerable statue), or both, is still unconfirmed.

GameStop had posted a placeholder release date of August 3 in USA, but where this information came from is unknown and the date is likely to change.

This game, as well as a possibly altered title (one can assume will be Super Mario 3D), has been promised to be playable at E3. We can expect a release date and perhaps a trailer video to show as well.