Nintendo Direct 09/12/2025 Round-up

The first major Nintendo Direct following the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 has landed, delivering a hefty dose of excitement with substantial first-party and third-party announcements. Featuring over 40 reveals and trailers, this presentation not only celebrated milestones but also teased a promising future for Nintendo‘s ecosystem. Let’s dive into the highlights.

Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary

Nintendo marked the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.—which first launched in Japan on September 13, 1985—with an array of titles and special activities. Fans visiting the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto can enjoy a captivating light display, updated ticket designs, and exclusive Super Mario illustrations and pixel art. Here are the announcements from this dedicated section of the Direct:

• The Super Mario Galaxy Movie teaser: The sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie is slated for a worldwide release on April 3, 2026. While the teaser is brief and keeps the plot under wraps, it’s an effective hype-builder that leaves fans eager for more details.

• Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Collection: Bringing the iconic Wii classics Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 2, 2025, this collection boasts enhanced resolution, an improved UI, flexible controls, an in-game music player, and fresh Storybook content. A free update enables 4K support on Switch 2. This release perfectly ties into the upcoming movie by bundling the titular games, complemented by two new amiibo figures and a physical edition of Rosalina’s Storybook.

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park: Launching in Spring 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, this long-awaited expansion of the 2D platformer introduces more experiences coming to the Flower Kingdom. Enjoy a variety of attractions in the Bellabel Park plaza that let you team up with (or work against) friends and family. Collect the most coins, run and hide in Phanto Tag, work together to pass a Bob-omb to the goal, and more! This Nintendo Switch 2 Edition adds even more content and enhancements as well; stay tuned for additional info in the future. A physical Talking Flower accessory was also announced.

• Mario Tennis Fever: Arriving on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2026, this latest Mario Tennis installment brings new slide and dive mechanics, 30 unique Fever Rackets featuring special abilities, a variety of modes at launch, and a roster of 38 playable characters (the most in series history). The Adventure mode showcased Mario and friends being transformed into babies and now must defeat monsters to return to normal.

• Yoshi and the Mysterious Book: Set for a spring 2026 release on Nintendo Switch 2, this brand-new platforming adventure stars Yoshi in a world teeming with quirky creatures. Standing out as the highlight of the anniversary announcements, it boasts a stunning art style that evokes the charm of Yoshi’s Story, positioning it as a spiritual successor that’s sure to delight fans.

The Rest of the Nintendo Direct Announcements

The Direct didn’t stop at Mario; it rolled out a diverse lineup of first-party updates and third-party gems, showcasing strong support for the Switch family.

Capcom Announces Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection – Set to Take Over Wave World in 2026!

Announced in the Japanese version of the Nintendo Direct, get ready for a blast from the past, the action RPG series from 2006 is making a comeback! In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Mega Man Star Force™ franchise, all seven games from the three mainline Mega Man Star Force titles are coming together to form the ultimate Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection in 2026!

Titles in Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection include:

• Mega Man Star Force™ Pegasus
• Mega Man Star Force™ Leo
• Mega Man Star Force™ Dragon
• Mega Man Star Force™ 2 Zerker x Ninja
• Mega Man Star Force™ 2 Zerker x Saurian
• Mega Man Star Force™ 3 Black Ace
• Mega Man Star Force™ 3 Red Joker

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection will launch in 2026 on Nintendo Switch. Stay tuned for more updates on the official Mega Man X page as Capcom brings the Mega Man Star Force series to a new generation of heroes!

• Storm Lancers: Step into Cryptica and master swift swordplay, nimble evasions, and fluid acrobatics in this 2D side-scrolling roguelike adventure. Explore a living, alien planet, travel to its fractured cor,e and fix all of reality before it collapses. Adventure alone or with a friend in two-player couch co-op and fight through merciless enemies and terrifying bosses across five ever-shifting biomes in a vibrant world inspired by ’80s sci-fi anime. Storm Lancers launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch later today.

• Dinkum: Hitting Nintendo Switch on November 9, 2025, this multiplayer farming life sim draws inspiration from the Australian Outback. Letting players farm, forage, mine, craft, raise animals, and collaborate with up to four friends. It feels perfectly suited to the platform, blending cozy simulation with social elements.

• POPUCOM: Save a mysterious planet in this co-op game for up to four players! As an adventurer, you’re summoned to an unknown planet to embark on a puzzle-solving, fantastical adventure where color plays a crucial role. Face enemies and overcome challenges with color-switching abilities, match-3 shooting, and more. With plenty of engaging battles, puzzles, and minigames, you can gear up for fun when POPUCOM launches on Nintendo Switch this holiday.

• Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream: On a small island floating in the sea, Mii characters live their own carefree lives. You’re in charge of this island, so create anyone you’d like to live here as Mii characters, like ones based on friends, family, and even yourself! Then, choose their personality and voice, and help your Mii characters enjoy their island life however they see fit. You can see what’s on their minds, help them solve problems, watch them interact, cultivate their friendship,s and more. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream launches on Nintendo Switch in spring 2026. As one of my most anticipated first-party titles, the brief glimpse we got was awesome—though I do wish the release was sooner, I’m just grateful it exists and can’t wait to dive in.

• Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection: Experience the legendary origins of the Mortal Kombat franchise with a library of classic games from the ’90s and 2000s, including arcade, console, and handheld versions. Unlock hidden secrets at the touch of a button, engage in online play battles enhanced by rollback netcode, and play with friends with GameShare support. Also included is an interactive documentary chronicling the series’ history, featuring rare concept art, archival video footage, and exclusive interviews. Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection launches on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch Oct. 30. Physical versions of the game will be available Dec. 12.

• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE: The inaugural part of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy lands on Nintendo Switch 2 on January 22, 2026. Separately, Final Fantasy‘s X account has confirmed the full trilogy’s arrival on the platform, with the final installment likely releasing day-and-date across PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Switch 2—a major win for series fans.

• Lynked: Banner of the Spark: Fusing the action of a roguelite with the charm of a life sim, play solo or team up with up to two friends against swarms of robot foes, then use their parts and other resources to create a place for others to call home. Launches today on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

• Hades II – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Debuting digitally on September 25, 2025, and physically on November 12, 2025, as a console exclusive for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. As the Princess of the Underworld, you’ll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world and vanquish the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you. Experience the game at 120 fps in TV mode on Nintendo Switch 2, and enjoy cross-save compatibility between Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and the PC version. The sequel to the roguelike that revolutionized the genre is finally right around the corner.

• Kirby Air Riders: Kirby & Warp Star, and Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star – launch the same day as the game on Nov. 20 (amiibo sold separately). Tap them to summon Figure Players in-game that you can train and level up. You can even swap riders just like in the game to choose your rider and machine. Look out for Kirby Air Riders amiibo updates in the future. That’s not all: A second Kirby Air Riders Direct, hosted by Mr. Sakurai, is coming in the future.

• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment: Battle hordes of enemies alongside your allies and pair up with them to unleash mighty Sync Strikes. Strategically deploy Zonai devices with water, wind, or other effects to change the flow of combat. Fight alongside a friend in split-screen co-op, or use GameShare to play together on two separate systems if one player has the game. Uncover the canonical events only glimpsed in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game when Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on Nov. 6, 2025.

• Dragon Quest VII Reimagined: Rediscover a tale of plucky companions brimming with joy and heartbreak as you discover the truth behind why your kingdom is the only remaining island in the world. The game features a new art style that blends diorama visuals with Akira Toriyama’s iconic character designs, as well as a streamlined main story, Moonlighting system that allows two vocations to be equipped at once, and more. Experience a timeless classic in a whole new way when Dragon Quest VII Reimagined launches on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch Feb. 5, 2026.

• Nintendo Switch Online – Virtual Boy: In a jaw-dropping twist, Virtual Boy titles like Mario’s Tennis, Galactic Pinball, and Teleroboxer join Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on February 17, 2026, accompanied by a physical shell and an affordable cardboard alternative. This was the Direct’s biggest surprise, one that caught everyone off guard.

• FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE: Twin sisters Mio and Mayu Amakura find themselves lost in a village that has vanished from the map in this revival of the Japanese horror adventure. Featuring chilling effects and atmosphere, players will control Mio, the younger twin sister, who can feel the presence of spirits. Pacify ghosts with the Camera Obscura and explore abandoned buildings shrouded in darkness, with remade exploration and combat elements. FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE launches on Nintendo Switch 2 in early 2026.

• Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Announcements: One Piece Pirate Warriors 4, Overcooked 2, Stardew Valley, and Human Fall Flat: These fan-favorite games receive enhanced editions tailored for the new hardware.

• Power Wash Simulator 2: Relax as you uncover more of Muckingham’s mysteries in this shiny new entry in the clean-’em-up series, featuring grimy locations to venture into and 38 jobs. With improved visuals, variety in cleaning, and new tools and supplies, wash your way through a fresh campaign solo, in two-player split-screen, or online co-op for up to four players. Plus, kick back in a customizable Home Base – complete with pettable cats. Bubbling with fresh locations, new soap-erior equipment, and splashy features, PowerWash Simulator 2 launches on Nintendo Switch 2 this fall.

• Suika Game Planet: The hit puzzle game returns in outer space. Collide matching fruit to “evolve” them into larger fruit and higher scores. Drop fruit towards the center of the planet to create as many big watermelons (Suika) as possible, and net bonus points by triggering new Super Evolution combos. It also features an exclusive local four-player co-op mode with GameShare. Suika Game Planet launches on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch as a timed console exclusive this winter.

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: Samus ventures to the planet Viewros, wielding psychic powers and the versatile Vi-O-La bike in this eagerly awaited sequel, set for Dec. 4, 2025, on Nintendo Switch 2. The trailer was stunning, highlighting expansive open areas and thrilling bike traversal that looks incredibly engaging. Accompanying it are a Metroid Prime 1-3 art book and a new amiibo.

• Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush: Surprisingly, this title received paid DLC available today, introducing a roguelite mode to the game. You’ll barrel around with Donkey Kong and Pauline on DK Island – the home of some familiar faces. Once you’ve finished the main game’s story, Void Kong will offer you a position in Void Company, collecting as much emerald ore as you can in Emerald Rush, both on DK Island and in Layers from the main game. In each run of this new mode, you’ll collect fossils to gain helpful Perks for different effects, and smash Banandium Gems to power up DK with different skills. Play this mode to unlock new fashions, collectable statues that can be displayed on DK Island, and more. A free demo of the main game will also be available on Nintendo eShop later today.

• Pokémon Pokopia: Play as a Ditto – who has transformed to look like a human – to shape an empty land into a beautiful space for a variety of Pokémon. Learn new moves from Pokémon you meet to expand and create a paradise. Collect berries, rocks, and wood, build furniture, grow vegetables in fields you’ve tilled, create homes for Pokémon you meet, and more! Pokémon Pokopia takes shape on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.

• Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension: New Mega Evolutions for Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja are coming to Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition when the game launches on Nintendo Switch 2 Oct. 16, with the Nintendo Switch version launching the same day. Then, continue your adventures in Lumiose City with the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension paid expansion. Mysterious distortions have appeared without warning in Lumiose City. They seem to connect to a space known as Hyperspace Lumiose, and the mythical Pokémon Hoopa might have some part to play. Discover new Mega Evolutions like Mega Raichu X, Mega Raichu Y, and more. Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch is coming soon.

• Danganronpa 2×2: Goodbye Despair is making the ultimate comeback. This game features a brand-new scenario with completely different victims and culprits, and the freshly revamped original scenario from Danganronpa 2! Danganronpa 2×2 launches on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch in 2026.

• Dynasty Warriors: Origins: Play as a nameless hero as you fight fiercely, making bold choices in order to restore peace and shape history in this tactical action game set during ancient China’s Three Kingdoms period. With the most intense combat and largest armies in Dynasty Warriors history, your choices will influence the story and may even alter historical events. With the paid DLC launching alongside the game, you can choose a different path and experience new developments that weren’t in the main story.

• Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection: Soar across the skies with Rathalos as you explore a sprawling world where all sorts of monsters live. Some are fierce, while others are friendly companions known as Monsties. Riders and their Monsties must work together to overcome any challenge that comes their way in this role-playing game with thrilling turn-based battles. Raise, ride, befriend, and fight when Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on March 13, 2026.

In addition to the titles listed above, the presentation included a montage of even more games in the pipeline for the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch systems, including:

• Two Point Museum: A simulation focused on curating and managing a museum.
• Disgaea 7 Complete: The definitive edition of the tactical strategy RPG.
• EA Sports FC 26: Bringing the latest in soccer simulation to Nintendo Switch 2.
• Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D Remake: Beautiful HD-2D remakes of the series’ origins.
• Virtua Fighter 5 REVO: A revitalized version of the seminal fighter.
• Lego Voyagers: An adventurous Lego-themed co-op experience.
• Little Nightmares III: Continuing the eerie platforming horror saga.
• Persona 3 Reload: The polished remake of the influential RPG.

• Resident Evil Requiem: Confront fear like you’ve never experienced in the ninth entry in the chilling Resident Evil series. Return to a ruined, abandoned Raccoon City in a thrilling survival horror experience that features the series’ trademark combat, investigations, puzzles, and resource management. Freely choose between first and third-person views to face the terror in a way that suits your playstyle. Capcom delivered a great trailer for the horror sequel launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 27, 2026—day-and-date with other platforms. The trailer and gameplay footage of the Switch 2 version impressed, highlighting visuals that punch above the hardware’s weight and showcasing the shift in third-party support from last gen. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village will also arrive on the same day.

• Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave: Closing the show on a high note, this tactical RPG set amid the Heroic Games with interconnected narratives launches on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. The teaser offered a tantalizing look at its world and mechanics, instantly making it my most anticipated title for the platform. Its tone echoes Three Houses more than Engage, which should resonate with fans like me, and the return of a familiar character from Three Houses is a delightful nod that heightens the excitement. This promises to be one of Nintendo‘s marquee releases next year.

In Conclusion

This Direct delivered everything fans could hope for: concrete release dates for this year’s first-party lineup, a robust array of third-party support for the Nintendo Switch 2, and enticing glimpses into 2026’s horizon. Standouts like Fire Emblem and Yoshi anchor the upcoming slate, bolstered by major third-party commitments and the utterly unexpected Virtual Boy revival. This Nintendo Direct has solidified my enthusiasm for the Nintendo Switch 2, and it shows no signs of waning.