Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase 07/31/2025 Highlights

The Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase promised a 25-minute deep dive into third-party titles for the Nintendo Switch 1 & 2. While the event delivered a respectable slate of games, it fell short of generating the excitement fans had hoped for.

The presentation was marred by a lack of big new announcements and exclusives, though it featured mostly ports and updates on games we already knew were coming. There were also glaring absences (Hollow Knight: Silksong, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Hades 2), leaving many feeling underwhelmed. The showcase had potential but failed to fill the runtime with exciting reveals. However, there were plenty of highlights sprinkled throughout to look forward to.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

A fresh action RPG from Team Asano, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales brings stunning HD-2D visuals to the Switch 2. Set in the beleaguered Kingdom of Huther, players follow adventurer Elliot and his fairy companion Faie as they explore a beast-infested continent. The game blends intuitive action combat with strategic fairy abilities, offering a promising new IP.

Heavily inspired by The Legend of Zelda, it incorporates sword strikes, bombs, and arrows, alongside a fairy companion reminiscent of Navi, though it emphasizes action over puzzle-solving. A demo for The Adventures of Elliot is available on the Nintendo eShop, and launches in 2026.

Octopath Traveler 0

Building on its beloved predecessors, Octopath Traveler 0 is a prequel set for release on December 4, 2025. Announced during the showcase, this title revisits the beloved HD-2D aesthetic, combining retro sprites with modern 3D environments. As a prequel to Champions of the Continent, it promises to expand the lore of Orsterra.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Revealed alongside the Switch 2 announcement, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a canonical prequel to Tears of the Kingdom. Developed by Koei Tecmo, this hack-and-slash title features Princess Zelda and Rauru battling enemies in a fresh narrative set for a winter release. The trailer showcased a more narrative focus, on top of the Dynasty Warriors-style gameplay.

Monster Hunter Stories 3

Capcom’s Monster Hunter Stories 3 continues the beloved monster-collecting RPG series, bringing its charming turn-based combat to the Switch 2. Announced with a 2025 release window, the game builds on the success of its predecessors, offering new Monsties and a richly detailed world.

Borderlands 4

Gearbox Software’s Borderlands 4 marks a fitting return to Nintendo’s ecosystem, bringing its chaotic, co-op looter-shooter gameplay to the Nintendo Switch 2. Set for October 3rd, 2025, three weeks after other platforms, this port promises a fully open-world Borderlands experience on the go.

Cronos: The New Dawn

A new IP from Bloober Team after the success of Silent Hill 2 Remake, Cronos: The New Dawn intrigued viewers with its sci-fi horror reminiscent of Dead Space. The game features mysteries to uncover and multiple endings, adding replayability. Slated for early September 5th, 2025, the Cronos looks to be a must-play for horror fans.

NBA Bounce

NBA Bounce from Outright Games brings arcade-style basketball to the Nintendo Switch 1 & 2. With a Fall 2025 release, it provides a much-needed revival of the NBA Jam-style fun that’s been missing in modern sports games.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead to a Full Direct

The July 2025 Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase had enough games that piqued interest, but not enough to make the show exciting from start to finish. The absence of heavy hitters and exclusives, coupled with a reliance on late ports, leaves some disappointment. Yet, highlights like The Adventures of Elliot, Octopath Traveler 0, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment provide excitement for the future.

However, the real thrill lies ahead. With Tokyo Game Show on the horizon in September, anticipation is building for a full Direct featuring the company’s first-party lineup. This showcase may not have been the best, but it sets the stage for what could be a great September Nintendo Direct.