Highlights from the Nintendo Direct!
Nintendo had a lot to say in this edition of the Nintendo Direct, so much so, in fact, that they are planning another later in September. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This edition of the Direct covered everything from anticipated celebrations of Super Mario Bros’ 40th anniversary, Switch 2 games, movie confirmation, and game releases. Let’s dive into the highlights of what was announced!
The Anniversary
Super Mario Bros was originally released on Famicom on September 13, 1985, making this year its 40th anniversary. For a large portion of the gamer demographic, that iconic mustache and voice have been gracing our screens since we started gaming, and that’s worth celebrating! During the direct, creator Shigeru Miyamoto announced that Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 games will launch on the Nintendo Switch system on October 2, and revealed the title of the next movie, The Super Mario Galaxy, which is coming to screens April 3rd, 2026. If you feel like celebrating in person, visitors to the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan, will also have access to a 40th anniversary light display, a new ticket design for a limited time, and be able to see a range of Super Mario illustrations and pixel art.
Big Announcements
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is coming this December, and audiences got a teaser of what’s to come with a stormy trailer showing Samus with some fancy moves on a stylish motorcycle called “Vi-O-La” along with some varied combat action. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will also be getting amiibo, including Samus and Vi-O-La on November 6 and the "enigmatic bounty hunter" Sylux on December 4, as well as a Visual Retrospective book on October 28 and with concept drawings, behind-the-scenes illustrations, and more.
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave
Closing out the direct was a treat for RPG fans, featuring a new trailer for Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave. The plot hints at an ancient Roman colosseum vibe revolving around characters that have each entered the arena for their own personal reasons, and introduces a new character, Cai, who is fighting for the life of their father. The game is set to release sometime in 2026.
Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC
Launching on the day of the direct, Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC adds much more for the player to do. Emerald Rush mode is a challenge option that challenges players to mine as many Emeralds as fast as possible for Void Kong as an employee of Void Company. Mini-goals stop the timer if the player fails to complete them, fossils that unlock perks, Banandium Gems to power up DK with "different skills," and more.
Pokemon Pokopia
A new cozy farming sim enters the market, featuring a Ditto that looks like a human who meets Pokémon that teach you different skills needed to build your farm. Bulbasaur teaches you moves like Leafage to make grass grow. Water Gun will water your grass, Scyther can teach you how to cut things, and Hitmonchan can teach you how to punch. For those interested in nestling in and tending to your farm, this will launch sometime in 2026.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
This brand new game releases in the spring of 2026 and features our friend Yoshi as he helps a new character, Mr. E. This character is a book that falls from the sky and can't see what's written inside of him. Each new discovery in the world is written down inside Mr. E as you traverse the world. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book looks to be an artistic and jolly platformer with an aesthetic that seems to be inspired by watercolor illustrations often seen in picture books. I might venture to say this one is aimed at a younger audience, but that’s not to say adults can’t enjoy the vivid aesthetic too!
Virtual Boy
What’s that? A nifty little Nintendo charcoal grill? Nope! It’s Nintendo recreating a model of Virtual Boy that players can buy and insert their Switch into to play 14 games over time, like Mario's Tennis, Galactic Pinball, and Teleroboxer on February 17th, 2026. The Virtual Boy will cost $99.99, and the Cardboard model will cost $24.99.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
On November 6th, 2026, it’s time to carve out some gaming time alone OR with a buddy and play Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment! Players have the option to play as Zelda, Rauru, Sonia, a Korok, and more as they use weapons, Zonai devices with elemental effects, and Sync Strikes in combat. Players also have the option to use GameShare, meaning two can play on their own Switch, even if only one owns the game!
Hades 2
After some time in early access on PC, Hades 2 is getting a release date for Switch 2, and the wait is almost over! The game launches on Switch 2 on September 25th of this year, digitally and on November 2nd physically. Play as the Princess of the Underworld and wield many powerful weapons like the Moonstone Axe, the Sister Blades, and Witch's Staff -just to name a few! If you want to continue the adventure between PC and the Switch, the game will support cross-save.
Resident Evil Requiem
Gamers were in for a treat in the form of a new trailer and release date for the ninth game in the franchise, Resident Evil Requiem, during the direct. The game follows Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst. Her backstory ties to a tragic event at a hotel — the same hotel where her mother, Alyssa Ashcroft, died eight years earlier. It’s coming to Switch 2 on February 27th, along with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
Another one for the cozy crowd! Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream comes out for Switch 2 in the spring of 2026. Players will create, customize, and interact with their Mii creations on a small island where they can learn about, care for, and entertain their Mii. I can’t wait to see everyone’s creations!
That’s all for the main highlights, but there were plenty more goodies during the full direct. Check it out here if you want to see the whole thing! What was your favorite news from the direct? Let me know!
