Nintendo pulled out all the stops in today’s September 2025 Direct, delivering a full hour packed with announcements for both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. The showcase kicked off the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. with big celebrations, including the return of Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel, plus news of a brand-new Super Mario movie.
That was only the start. The presentation featured new game announcements like Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, and Pokémon Pokopia. We also got to see more of highly anticipated games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, alongside updates for Kirby Air Riders, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
Nintendo also leaned on its global publishing partners to round out the lineup. Resident Evil Requiem, Hades II, Monster Hunter Stories 3, and a wave of other third-party reveals showed that support for both systems is set to remain strong well into 2026.
With such a broad mix of returning classics, fresh entries, and unexpected surprises, this Direct felt like one of Nintendo’s biggest yet.
Super Mario Bros. 40th anniversary announcements
Shigeru Miyamoto set the tone for the Direct by celebrating Mario’s 40th anniversary in style. His biggest reveal was the long-awaited return of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, releasing together on Nintendo Switch October 2 as Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2. You will be able to relive both cosmic adventures with a range of enhancements, including improved resolution, a choice between motion or stick controls, a built-in music player, and even brand-new Storybook content.
If you have a Nintendo Switch 2, the collection goes a step further. A free update unlocks 4K resolution support. Nintendo also announced two amiibo tied to the games, featuring Mario & Luma and Rosalina & Lumas, which will hit shelves in April 2026. In addition, an illustrated hardcover of Rosalina’s Storybook will be available.
Miyamoto didn’t stop at games. He also revealed the official title for the next animated Mario movie: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Scheduled to release worldwide on April 3, 2026, the film continues Nintendo’s push into cinematic storytelling following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
To round out the anniversary, Nintendo highlighted real-world festivities. Visitors to the new Nintendo Museum in Kyoto will experience a limited-time light display, updated ticket designs, and galleries filled with Super Mario illustrations and pixel art.
It was a wide-reaching set of announcements that combined nostalgic returns with brand-new ways to celebrate Mario’s legacy.
New adventures for Mario, Yoshi, and friends
The anniversary celebrations also brought announcements for upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 projects featuring Mario and his crew. First up is Mario Tennis Fever, arriving February 12, 2026. With 38 playable characters and 30 specialized Fever Rackets, it marks the largest roster in series history. New gameplay mechanics like slide moves and defense-focused footwork shake up matches, while multiple modes including Tournament, Trial Towers, and Mix It Up mode with Wonder effects promise variety. For those who prefer motion gameplay, Swing Mode returns with full Joy-Con 2 controllers support.
Nintendo also unveiled Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, set for spring 2026. The story begins when a peculiar talking book named Mr. E falls from the sky, leading Yoshi on an adventure packed with unusual creatures and challenges. It looks like a charming side story in the wider Mario universe, with Yoshi stepping into the spotlight.
Nintendo unveiled an anniversary-themed collectible: Talking Flowers inspired by Super Mario Bros. Wonder. These interactive decorations are planned for spring 2026 and, while not full smart devices, they occasionally speak on their own.
The Flower Kingdom isn’t being left behind either. Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park launches spring 2026, adding new mini-games and attractions. From coin challenges to Phanto Tag and Bob-omb relays, the new content emphasizes multiplayer fun.
Together, these projects show Nintendo mixing anniversary nostalgia with fresh experiences, making sure Mario’s 40th year isn’t just about looking back but also looking ahead.
First-party highlights
Nintendo’s own lineup carried some of the biggest reveals in today’s Direct. From the long-awaited return of Samus Aran to a brand-new Fire Emblem, the company showcased a steady flow of major releases coming through 2025 and 2026.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Samus Aran’s next mission finally has a date. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches December 4, 2025 on both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. Stranded on the mysterious planet Viewros, Samus must rely on her classic weapons along with new psychic powers. Nintendo also introduced Vi-O-La, her advanced bike that doubles as a tool for exploration and survival.
Amiibo are on the way too, including Samus, Samus with Vi-O-La, and bounty hunter Sylux. To mark the occasion, Nintendo is releasing a Metroid Prime 1–3: A Visual Retrospective book on October 28, packed with concept art and commentary.
Pokémon and Kirby updates
Nintendo gave a closer look at two major titles for 2025 and 2026. First up is Pokémon Pokopia, a new game where you play as a Ditto that has transformed into a human. Your role is to shape an empty land into a paradise for Pokémon by gathering resources, farming, building furniture, and creating homes for the creatures you meet. You’ll also learn new moves from Pokémon to expand what you can do as you develop your world. The game is planned for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
Kirby Air Riders also made a strong showing. Launching November 20, 2025, it adds amiibo support with two sets: Kirby & Warp Star and Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star. Tapping them in-game summons trainable Figure Players that can level up, and you can even swap riders to choose your preferred character and machine. Nintendo teased that more amiibo updates are planned in the future, and another dedicated Kirby Air Riders Direct will air later with more information about the game.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Mega Dimension DLC
The Direct also spotlighted new content for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Launching October 16, 2025, the game arrives on both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, bringing Mega Evolutions for Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja.
Nintendo then revealed a paid expansion called Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension. This DLC takes you back to Lumiose City, where mysterious distortions have begun appearing without warning. These rifts connect to a new area called Hyperspace Lumiose, with the mythical Pokémon Hoopa tied to the events. Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y were also confirmed, with more evolutions still to come.
Both the base game and DLC focus on expanding exploration in Lumiose City, giving fans new storylines and gameplay challenges.
Donkey Kong and Hyrule Warriors
Two expansions gave fans even more to look forward to. Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC is available today on Nintendo Switch 2. The add-on features a new Emerald Rush mode, where DK and Pauline collect ore across DK Island and existing Layers. Each run lets you find fossils for perks, smash Banandium Gems for new abilities, and unlock fashions and statues for display. A free demo of the main game also launched today.
Meanwhile, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is bringing large-scale battles back to Zelda’s world. Launching November 6, 2025 on Nintendo Switch 2, the game introduces Sync Strikes, letting you pair up with allies for powerful combos. Zonai devices also add environmental strategies, from water effects to wind-based attacks. The story will reveal canonical events that connect back to Tears of the Kingdom. For multiplayer, the game supports local split-screen co-op and GameShare, so two systems can link up even if only one copy of the game is owned.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
Nintendo also shared an update on Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, confirming it’s on track for Spring 2026 on Nintendo Switch. The life sim brings back the island life sim where Mii characters interact, form friendships, and live out quirky daily routines. You can create Mii versions of friends, family, or even yourself, customize their personalities, and watch them socialize, solve problems, and enjoy island life in unpredictable ways.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
Nintendo also revealed the next chapter in its long-running strategy series: Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave. Launching in 2026 exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, the game introduces a new storyline centered on “The Heroic Games.” These games serve as a massive contest where nations, warriors, and ideals collide, setting the stage for another dramatic entry in the franchise.
The debut trailer gave a glimpse at new characters, tactical battlefields, and the branching story paths Fire Emblem is known for. While full details remain under wraps, the focus on intertwining fates and shifting alliances suggests a campaign built on difficult choices. The traditional turn-based combat returns, but Nintendo emphasized that Fortune’s Weave is designed to showcase larger-scale encounters than before.
As with past Fire Emblem titles, expect a blend of strategic planning and character-driven storytelling. Fans will be watching closely to see how new systems, class types, and mechanics are introduced to push the series forward on Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. It may still be a ways off, but this first look made clear that Fortune’s Weave is set up to become one of the console’s most ambitious RPGs.
Third-Party spotlights
Nintendo’s partners came with a huge slate of games, ensuring that Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch will see steady third-party support through 2025 and 2026. From survival horror to RPGs and co-op puzzlers, the Direct showed that third-party variety is alive and well.
Major third-party announcements
Resident Evil Requiem headlined the third-party lineup. Set in a ruined Raccoon City, this ninth entry lets you choose between first- and third-person gameplay while managing combat, puzzles, and scarce resources. It launches February 27, 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, alongside Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village, both arriving on the same day for Nintendo Switch 2 owners.
Hades II – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition also took the stage, bringing its roguelike action to new heights. This version supports 120 fps in TV mode, with cross-save compatibility across Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. It launches digitally September 25, with physical editions hitting November 20.
Monster hunting fans got a big reveal in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, set for March 13, 2026. Riders and Monsties return with expanded turn-based combat, larger environments, and more ways to raise, befriend, and fight alongside monsters.
Square Enix confirmed Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, launching February 5, 2026 on both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. Featuring a diorama-inspired art style and refinements like dual vocations through the Moonlighting system, it promises a fresh take on a classic.
Finally, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade was locked in for Nintendo Switch 2 on January 22, 2026. The package includes the base remake, covering the Midgar arc, and Episode INTERmission starring Yuffie.
More third-party games coming to Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch
The lineup didn’t stop there. Stardew Valley: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition arrives fall 2025 with new features like mouse controls, split-screen support, and online play for up to eight. Dynasty Warriors: Origins hits January 22, 2026, offering massive battles and tactical choices across the Three Kingdoms era. Danganronpa 2×2 reinvents Goodbye Despair with a new scenario when it launches in 2026. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake also returns in early 2026 with updated exploration and combat.
Other notable reveals included PowerWash Simulator 2 (Nintendo Switch 2, Fall 2025), Overcooked! 2 Switch 2 Edition (Holiday 2025), One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 Switch 2 Edition (Fall 2025), Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection (Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, Dec 12), and Popucom (Holiday 2025). Fans of classic RPGs will also get Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake (Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2) on October 30, 2025, while Disgaea 7 Complete drops October 10 exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
A montage closed out the Direct, featuring even more games. Highlights included Little Nightmares III ( Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on Oct 10, 2025), Persona 3 Reload (Oct 23, 2025, demo out today), Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage (Nintendo Switch 2 in Winter 2025), Two Point Museum (Nintendo Switch 2 on Oct 28, 2025), Storm Lancers (out today on Nintendo Switch), Lynked: Banner of the Spark (Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 out today), Dinkum (Nintendo Switch on Nov 5, 2025), Human Fall Flat Switch 2 Edition (Spring 2026), and LEGO Voyagers (Nintendo Switch on Sept 15, 2025).
This mix of headliners, mid-tier projects, and quick-hit announcements showed how committed third-party developers are to supporting both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch well into 2026.
A packed future of games for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch
This Nintendo Direct lived up to its billing, packing a full hour with surprises for both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. Mario’s 40th anniversary anchored the showcase with the return of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, a new animated movie, and fresh adventures like Mario Tennis Fever and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book.
Nintendo’s first-party lineup showed no signs of slowing down. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally has a date, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is set to continue the series’ tactical legacy, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A expands with new Mega Evolutions and DLC. Add in Kirby, Donkey Kong, and Zelda updates, and 2025 into 2026 is already looking stacked.
Third-party publishers rounded out the presentation with everything from Resident Evil Requiem and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade to Monster Hunter Stories 3 and Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. Smaller projects like Overcooked! 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O., and Two Point Museum highlighted the breadth of support coming to both systems.
With so many releases packed into the next year and beyond, this Direct felt like a statement of intent. Nintendo is celebrating its history while setting the stage for the future, and the lineup for both systems is stronger than ever.
Which announcement caught your attention the most?
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