Nintendo Direct Megathread

[Moonface]

Nintendo Direct Announced for March 27
A new Nintendo Direct will be livestreamed tomorrow at 7am PT / 10am ET / 1pm GMT, featuring upcoming Nintendo Switch games and running for approximately 30 minutes. There will be no news or updates about Nintendo Switch 2 during this presentation.

---

Metroid Prime 4 is absolutely going to be the big hitter of the show here, given it's likely gonna be the swan song game for the Switch. I can't think right now of what else might show up here though.

[Mr EliteL]

Nintendo Direct March 27 2025

• Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake | Trailer
  Return to or play for the first time Dragon Quest's beginnings in this HD-2D update.
  • Release Date: 2025

• No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files | Trailer 
  Kaneame Date once again must investigate reality and dreams for the trapped Iris who is in a mysterious escape game.
  • Release Date: July 25th 2025

• Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army | Trailer
  2006's Devil Summoner: Raidou makes it's return with enhanced gameplay and HD graphics, summon demons to help you battle and solve cases.
  • Release Date: June 19th 2025

• Shadow Labyrinth | Trailer
  Fight alongside Puck in this twisted world, devour your enemies just like Pac-Man would.
  • Release Date: July 18th 2025
   
  
• Patapon 1+2 Replay | Trailer
  From battalions and fight with rhythm in this adventure. New difficulty mode options for these game as been added.
  • Release Date: July 11th 2025

• Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar | Trailer 
  Become a farmer and live through seasons video game style in Zephr Town, form relationships, work hard on your farm and glide with the wind to help travel across town.
  • Release Date: August 27th 2025

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond | Trailer
  Samus is sent to the unkown Planet Viewros, she must explore and try to escape. She gains mysterious psychic abilities to aid her progress, along with her suit and weapons.
  • Release Date: 2025

• Disney Villains: Cursed Café | Trailer
  Craft concoctions and create mischief for your villainous customers
  • Release Date: Winter 2025

• Witchbrook | Trailer
  Become a witchcraft student and live life in and out of college
  • Release Date: Winter 2025

• The Eternal Life of Goldman | Trailer
  Upgrade your cane as you set out on your mission to fight a mysterious deity.
  • Release Date: Winter 2025

• Gradius Origins | Trailer
  Celebrate 40 years of Gradius with this collection of shoot'em up arcade games with Gradius 1-3 Salamander 1 & 2 and Life Force games and the new Salamander 3.
  • Release Date: August 7th 2025

• Rift of the Necromancer | Trailer
  Fight enemies, bosses, play quirky minigames and rise through the global leader boards.
  • Release Date: Later Today

• Tamagotchi Plaza | Trailer
  Help 12 stores in the plaza and meet more new and old Tamagotchi residents.
  • Release Date: June 27th

• Pokémon Legends Z-A | Trailer 
  Explore what you can both in normal areas and Wild Zones, but at night trainers participate in a tournament who you encounter in Battle Zones, rise through the ranks from Z to A.
  • Release Date: 2025

• Rhythm Paradise Groove |
  Play to the rhythm of the beat in multiple minigames.
  • Release Date: 2026

• Virtual Game Cards | Trailer
  Digital Games in the future will become Virtual Game Cards. You will now be able to switch your Virtual Game Cards from one Switch to another that you may own. You may also set up a family group so you can lend your game(s) to accounts in that group. You can only lend one game at a time to one person, then the game is returned to you after 14 days. An Internet Connection is required when loading or ejecting Virtual Game Cards. If locally, internet connection is only needed once between two Switch. This will also be available for Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2.
  • Release Date: Via System Update in April 2025

• SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered | Trailer 
  New scenarios, more characters to team with, transfer stats between allies, and test your might against stronger enemies/bosses are features in this remaster.
  • Release Date: Later Today
  
  

• Monument Valley, Monument Valley II & Monument Valley III | Trailer
  All chapters, add-ons and DLC are contained with the first two games
  • Release Dates: I & II - April 15th 2025, III - Summer 2025

• Everybody's Golf: Hotshots | Trailer
  Single Player Challenge, Wacky Golf mode, or with up to 4 players for local or online play!
  • Release Date: 2025

• Marvel Cosmic Invasion | Trailer
  Take control of a pair of superheroes in a beat'em up style game, or play in a group of 4 players local or online
  • Release Date: Winter 2025

• Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream | Trailer
  Observe their life and (I assume) play with your Miis once again in this new Tomodachi game
  • Release Date: 2026

• Nintendo Today | Trailer
  Introducing a new smart device app, to keep you up to date with the goings on in Nintendo throughout the year and receive content like comics, thoughts from characters, plus news about the Nintendo Switch 2 brought to you directly. Anyone with a Nintendo Account can use this app.
  • Release Date: Downloadable later today

---

AAGH...The Miis are speaking...English!

[Maniakkid25]

• Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army | Trailer
  2006's Devil Summoner: Raidou makes it's return with enhanced gameplay and HD graphics, summon demons to help you battle and solve cases.
  • Release Date: June 19th 2025

...You have my attention, Sega.

I've been intetested in playing this game for a while now, but the prices on the second-hand market are absolutely insane (100 bucks at the low end, though those prices are probably about to absolutely tank, now), and the PS3 emulation is...less than ideal, shall we say? It's bad, is what I'm trying to say. So, to see them reviving this game with a Remaster is a very pleasant surprise. Can't wait to get my grubby little mitts on it.

[Moonface]

I haven't watched the whole Direct, but I think the fact we only recently had that Pokémon Presents and Legends Z-A got a new trailer here just further enforces for me that Nintendo doesn't have much left in their hand for the Switch and that it hopefully means they're gonna have a lot for the Switch 2.

The Virtual Game Cards are neat, and sound like they might be a more expansive form of Steam Sharing which is limited to Steam Families, whereas this looks to be allowing digital game loaning to anyone as long as you can do the initial local connection setup for it to work.

Nintendo Today seemed rather whatever to me because I felt like that stuff could just be put onto existing social media sites or even just posted directly onto Nintendo's website so you can view the stuff on it even from a non-mobile device, but with the announcement on it today about the live-action Legend of Zelda movie release date it looks like it'll actually have good content to be worth having it.

Hyped for Monument Valley 3. I loved the first two games and they're superb puzzle games I highly recommend for anyone who wants something chill, unique, and relatively quick to get through. That game will be a day one purchase for me without hesitation.

Happy to see that Mii's are still around because I'd been under the impression Nintendo was kinda just drifting away from them. GIVE US MII STREEPASS ON SWITCH 2 YOU COWARDS!

The Eternal Life of Goldman looks sick! I just watched the trailer for it because a streamer I have on right now was singing praises for its trailer so decided to check it out, and I love the art style!

Looked at the Raidou trailer since @Maniakkid25 pointed it out in their post, and my immediate thought was "Roy Mustang as a Soul Reaper!" once the premise of the game got explained. I'll assume nobody else can see the spirit things that are with you given the trailer says that nobody else knows you can summon them and immediately shows the player and their summons running through a street of people.

[Moonface]

Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase Announced for July 31
A new Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase will air tomorrow, July 31, at 6am PT / 9am ET / 12pm GMT. The presentation will run for roughly 25 minutes, focusing on games from third parties for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. Livestream Link - YouTube

---

I wonder how many new/unreleased games we'll see compared to just announcements of Switch 2 ports and upgrades? 

[Moonface]

Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase - July 31, 2025 | Summary
Here's a summary of everything shown in today's Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase. Each game shown will specify whether it was announced for both Nintendo Switch systems or just for Nintendo Switch 2.

• Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection | Trailer
  Twin Rathalos born in a twist of fate. Their appearance sets the stage for a new tale of Riders and Rathalos to unfold. Become a Rider, bond with monsters, and explore the vibrant world of Monster Hunter in this next evolution of the Monster Hunter Stories series.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: 2026
    
  
  
• Once Upon A Katamari | Trailer
  Keep the good times rolling with a new entry in the Katamari Damacy series! In this puzzle action-adventure game, you'll roll your Katamari through time itself. Journey through the Jurassic Period, Ice Age, historic Japan, and more eras to rebuild the starry sky. Experience a fabulous new soundtrack and never-before-seen support tools like the magnet, used to draw in nearby objects. Plus, play as The Prince (or one of his 68 cousins) and customize their colors and faces to create your own original design. Players can also compete online against others around the world with the KatamariBall multiplayer mode!
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1
    
  • Release Date: October 24, 2025
    
  
  
• Just Dance 2026 Edition | Trailer
  Get your friends and family together for an unforgettable dance party! With 40 new tracks, from chart-topping hits to timeless classics, Just Dance 2026 Edition has a song and a choreography for everyone!
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1
    
  • Release Date: October 14, 2025
    
  
  
• Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero | Trailer
  Featuring the largest roster in franchise history with over 180 playable characters, players can relive iconic moments in Episode Battle, create dream scenarios in Custom Battle, and take on friends in a variety of Versus modes.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: November 14, 2025
    
  
  
• Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted | Trailer
  Plants vs. Zombies is back in glorious HD! A familiar lawn. A familiar threat. A whole lot of nostalgia. This Remaster of the OG Plants vs. Zombies experience is a tribute to the classics. The same charm, chaos, and sun-powered defense players know and love. Whether you grew up with Peashooters or just met Crazy Dave, this one's for the fans.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: October 23, 2025
    
  
  
• EA Sports FC 26 | Trailer
  Play your way with the overhauled gameplay experience powered by community feedback. Enjoy Manager Live Challenges that bring fresh storylines to the new season, and Archetypes inspired by the greats of the game.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: September 26, 2025
    
  
  
• Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac | Trailer
  Modernized, enhanced, and upgraded! The Ghosts have snuck into PAC-Village and stolen the Golden Fruit, unwittingly freeing the all-powerful ghost king, Spooky! Now it's up to Pac-Man to venture across Pac-Land, retrieve the Golden Fruit, and put a stop to the dastardly Spooky once more. Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac includes modern graphics, expanded levels including Pac-Village, quality of life improvements, and voice acting.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: September 26, 2025
    
  
  
• Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles | Trailer
  Uncover the long-hidden secrets of history's true heroes. Step into the story of ambition, betrayal, and honor that defined a generation. Ramza Beoulve, an aspiring knight of noble birth, and his companions are thrust into a journey of honor and sacrifice that will shape the future of the kingdom of Ivalice.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: September 30, 2025
    
  
  
• Persona 3 Reload | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: 2
    
  • Release Date: October 23, 2025
    
  
  
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: Winter 2025
    
  
  
• EA Sports Madden NFL 26 | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: August 14, 2025
    
  
  
• Chillin' by the Fire | Trailer
  Enjoy a quiet, low-poly world, where each player's voice blends with the flickering of the campfire. Chillin' by the Fire is a campfire simulation game where you build and maintain campfires in a variety of different relaxing locales including a beach, forest, or snowy mountain top. To add to the challenge, each location has differing weather and climate that players must keep in mind when growing their campfire. Up to four players can gather around the same fire. So, whether you're spending a quiet night alone or catching up with faraway friends, you can bring a gentle warmth into your everyday life. With an external camera connected, you can even video chat with the game feature, CameraPlay. In a world that’s always rushing, slow down and reclaim the simple joy of just sitting around and watching a campfire grow.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: Today
    
  
  
• Apex Legends | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: August 5, 2025
    
  
  
• Hela | Trailer
  You play as a tiny mouse exploring a stunning world inspired by Scandinavian folklore. Wander through magical forests, tranquil lakes, and rugged mountains, all brought to life with cozy exploration and playful surprises. Play solo or together with friends in local split-screen or online co-op and discover a charming world that rewards exploration and heart.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: 2026
    
  
  
• Star Wars Outlaws | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: September 4, 2025
    
  
  
• Cronos: The New Dawn | Trailer
  Survive the nightmares of the future and salvage the past. Cronos: The New Dawn is a brand-new third-person survival horror IP from Poland’s masters of horror—Bloober Team, the studio behind the Silent Hill 2 remake. Drawing inspiration from the real-life Kraków district of Nowa Huta, the world of Cronos challenges players to survive by bending time itself.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: September 5, 2025
    
  
  
• Yakuza Kiwami & Yakuza Kiwami 2 | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: November 13, 2025
    
  
  
• Goodnight Universe
  
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: November 11, 2025
    
  
  
• NBA Bounce | Trailer
  Welcome to NBA Bounce, a family-friendly basketball game where little ballers get to shine on the court! Whether you're dribbling solo or teaming up with up to 4 players locally, NBA Bounce brings fast-paced 3v3 basketball action with easy-to-learn controls and tons of fun.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1+ 2
    
  • Release Date: September 26, 2025
    
  
  
• Hello Kitty Island Adventure - Wheatflour Wonderland DLC | Trailer
  Cogimyun, a beloved new Sanrio character, is coming to Hello Kitty Island Adventure in the whimsical world of Wheatflour Wonderland. Throughout your journey, craft powerful wands, discover the secrets of beautiful gemstones, and transform into your most magical self. Get ready to adventure with Hello Kitty!
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: Fall 2025
    
  
  
• Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven | Trailer
  Rule and expand the Varennes Empire across multiple generations, engage the Seven Heroes in a battle that spans millennia, and make choices that drastically alter the course of your journey in this non-linear RPG! Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven –  Nintendo Switch 2 Edition features high-definition graphics, smoother frame rates, and decreased loading times!
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: Today
    
  
  
• Shinobi: Art of Vengeance | Trailer
  Try out the demo of the upcoming return of legendary Shinobi Joe Musashi in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look!
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: August 29, 2025
    
  
  
• Borderlands 4 | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: October 3, 2025
    
  
  
• The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales | Trailer
  Reveal a mysterious world’s history in a brand-new action-adventure RPG from the creators of Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default! A demo is available today!
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: 2026
    
  
  
• Octopath Traveler 0 | Trailer
  Start from zero and experience a story of restoration and retribution over the divine rings—an epic saga that unfolds across the realm of Orsterra. This exciting entry to the series brings all-new features and returning core elements from the series, including the series’ iconic HD-2D graphics blending retro pixel art and 3D CG art, Path Actions to interact with other characters in various ways, the Break and Boost battle system which can turn the tide of battle, and more. And for the first time in series history, fans will play through the eyes of their own customized protagonist and be able to rebuild their hometown after great destruction is brought to it. Embark on a journey of your own creation.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: December 4, 2025
    

[Mr EliteL]

Had only came back from work and eating lunch, didn't watch this live and only skimmed through to any sections I found interesting. Which was pretty much the last two, but mostly the Octopath Traveler 0. Saw people saying it's similar to Champions of the Continent, but offline instead. I never really looked into CotC before, other than it had way more than just 8 characters, and still not bothered to check further. Has a playable character customisation though, and you get to recruit the 8 from the original Octopath. Only mildly interested though, as I still need to get back to Octopath 2 and finish or at least get close to the final boss like I did in the original.

The other one, Adventures of Elliot, I just don't have a Switch 2 so I'll let it slide for now, might look at it again if I do snatch up the console.

[Moonface]

So an important detail about Octopath Traveler 0 per Square Enix:

"It is not possible to upgrade from the Switch version [of Octopath Traveler 0] to the Switch 2 version once purchased. There are also no plans for an option to upgrade to the Switch 2 version in future. Please make sure you purchase the correct version."

I don't....remotely get the point? How can it not be possible? It's even more baffling to have seen comments pointing out that DQ III and FF Tactics both have Switch 1 >> Switch 2 upgrades, but DQ 1+2 and this game don't get any form of upgrade at all.
Better yet, buying the game on PSN gives you both the PS4 and PS5 versions, and buying it from Xbox gets you the Xbox One, Xbox Series, and PC versions. Switch is the only one that is an OR situation. Eh?