Who else here grew up playing Pokémon on the Game Boy or arguing over who gets to be Luigi in Super Smash Bros.? For many of us, Nintendo has been a constant companion. And now, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the hype has hit a whole new level.
Photo: Nintendo
The latest Nintendo Direct on September 12, 2025, was a total blockbuster, with over 40 announcements packed into one presentation.
Here’s your full round-up of the biggest reveals:
Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary
Nintendo kicked off the show with a birthday party for gaming’s most iconic plumber.
Super Mario Galaxy Movie Teaser
A quick sneak peek at the sequel to last year’s Super Mario Bros. Movie. Not much was revealed, but enough to make fans scream “LET’S-A-GO” in excitement. The movie lands worldwide on April 3, 2026.
Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Collection
Coming October 2, 2025, this bundle brings both Galaxy games to Switch and Switch 2. Expect sharper visuals, smoother controls, bonus Storybook content, and even 4K support on the Switch 2. Plus, new amiibo and a gorgeous Rosalina’s Storybook physical edition are on the way.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Switch 2 Edition
Set for Spring 2026, this updated version of last year’s platformer adds fresh mini-games like Phanto Tag, coin challenges, and even a Bob-omb relay race. There’s also a quirky physical Talking Flower accessory to go with it.
Mario Tennis Fever
On February 12, 2026, Mario and crew are back on the court with new slide-and-dive mechanics, 30 special “Fever Rackets,” and the biggest character roster yet: 38 in total. Adventure mode even features baby versions of your favorite characters.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
Dropping Spring 2026, this one looks like pure joy. With a storybook-inspired art style, it feels like a modern tribute to Yoshi’s Story. Easily one of the most charming reveals of the show.
Surprise drops on the Switch 2
It wasn’t just Nintendo bringing the heat. Here are other third-party partners that showed huge support for the Switch 2.
Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection (2026)
Capcom is bundling all three Star Force titles (yes, including their multiple versions) into one definitive package. Expect upgraded visuals, quality-of-life improvements like quick-save features, and online card battles so you can duel your friends without needing to trade link cables. For longtime fans, it’s a trip back to the DS days, and for newcomers, it’s the perfect way to discover one of Mega Man’s most underrated series.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection
This compilation revisits the franchise’s arcade and console roots, complete with rollback netcode to keep online matches silky smooth. But it doesn’t stop at gameplay—there’s even a full-length behind-the-scenes documentary about the franchise’s evolution, from fatalities that shocked your parents to the cinematic storytelling of today. Digital drops on October 30, 2025, with a physical edition following on December 12, 2025.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
The remake that shook the world finally comes to Switch 2. Players will step into Cloud Strife’s boots as the saga of Midgar unfolds in stunning detail, with the Yuffie-focused Intermission DLC included right out of the box. Square Enix confirmed the entire remake trilogy will eventually land on Switch 2 in January 2026, so fans can play through Cloud’s journey from start to finish on one console. Perfect for anyone who wants to relive the magic (and trauma) of FFVII all over again.
Resident Evil Requiem
Capcom is taking us back to where it all started—sort of. The ninth entry in the iconic Resident Evil sees you return to a devastated Raccoon City, exploring its ruins while unraveling new mysteries. Players can choose between first-person immersion or classic third-person action, making it the most customizable RE experience yet. The game will be released on the Switch 2 on February 27, 2026. As a bonus, Resident Evil 7 and Village are being ported to Switch 2 the very same day, so horror fans will have their hands full (and their hearts racing).
Fresh faves & comebacks
Nintendo also dropped a mix of quirky originals and beloved comebacks.
Storm Lancers
Out today, this sleek side-scrolling roguelike lets you team up with friends in couch co-op as futuristic knights battling waves of enemies. Each run feels different thanks to randomized upgrades and branching paths, making it one of those “just one more round” kind of games.
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream
Remember when your Mii would confess their love to your best friend’s Mii, and chaos would follow? That’s back—and bigger. This new installment is set for release in the spring of 2026 and introduces deeper personality traits, more island activities, and wild dream sequences that take the life-sim chaos to the next level. Whether you want wholesome friendships or messy drama, Tomodachi Life delivers.
Hades II
Supergiant Games is bringing their rogue-like masterpiece’s sequel to Switch and Switch 2 on September 25, 2025, and it looks phenomenal. Playing as Melinoë, sister of Zagreus, you’ll dive into mythological dungeons with all the fast-paced combat and witty banter fans loved in the original. On Switch 2, the game runs at 120 fps, making every dodge and strike feel buttery smooth. The physical copy drops on November 12, 2025, so watch out for that, too.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined
One of the most ambitious JRPGs of its era gets a fresh coat of paint on February 5, 2026. This remake ditches the blocky look of the PS1 original for gorgeous diorama-style visuals, giving the world a handcrafted charm. Expect streamlined mechanics, too, so the notoriously long adventure feels a bit more approachable this time.
Kirby Air Riders
Kirby trades platforming for racing once again, and fans couldn’t be happier. The remake of this GameCube cult classic comes out on November 20, 2025, and includes new tracks, online multiplayer, and even amiibo support that unlocks special abilities and cosmetic upgrades. For fans who never got to play the original, this is Kirby chaos at top speed.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Set in the timeline of Tears of the Kingdom, this new Musou spin-off puts you in control of Link, Zelda, and the Champions in large-scale battles that expand on Hyrule’s lore. Expect epic clashes against waves of Bokoblins and giant bosses, plus new combos and weapon systems to master. Watch out for it on November 6, 2025.
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake
The cult-classic horror title returns in 2026 with modern visuals, updated controls, and atmospheric improvements that make exploring its haunted village even scarier. You’ll still rely on the Camera Obscura to fight off spirits, but this time with enhanced mechanics and photo-realistic detail that’ll make you think twice about playing with the lights off.
Danganronpa 2×2: Goodbye Despair
Monokuma is back with a twisted new game of survival. This reimagining of Danganronpa 2 features an all-new “what if” storyline with completely different victims and culprits, plus a revamped version of the original story. Expect fresh twists, familiar faces, and even more shocking betrayals as you investigate, put classmates on trial, and try to outsmart the bear pulling the strings. Fans of murder mysteries and courtroom drama will definitely want this on their list.
Showstoppers to end the night
Nintendo saved the juiciest reveals for last, and wow—these final announcements had fans buzzing.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
After years of silence, Samus Aran finally blasted her way back into the spotlight. Releasing on December 4, 2025, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond looks bigger and bolder than anything the series has done before, with sprawling alien worlds, new combat mechanics, and even psychic abilities that give Samus fresh ways to tackle enemies and puzzles. One of the biggest surprises? Samus now has access to a high-tech bike that lets her zoom across massive landscapes. Longtime fans who’ve waited patiently for this one can finally breathe—it’s real, it’s coming, and it looks incredible.
Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush
Donkey Kong’s latest adventure got a big update, and it’s a wild one. The new paid DLC introduces Emerald Rush, a roguelite mode where DK and Pauline team up to barrel through DK Island and beyond. Once you’ve wrapped up the main story, Void Kong himself recruits you into Void Company, tasking you with collecting as much emerald ore as possible across randomized runs.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Set in a futuristic Lumiose City, this open-world adventure feels like the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. Not only do we get a fresh take on the Kalos region, but Game Freak also confirmed the return of Mega Evolutions—yes, they’re back. Starters like Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja all get Mega forms, making battles feel more epic than ever.
To sweeten the deal, a paid DLC expansion called Mega Dimension is already lined up, promising even more story and Pokémon content down the line. Add this to your wishlist and check out on October 16, 2025.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
Capcom is back with another monster-taming RPG on March 13, 2026. You’ll journey through new lands, hatch and bond with even more Monsties, and unravel a mysterious “mirror world” storyline that shakes up the series’ lore. Expect refined combat, expanded exploration, and enough content to keep hunters busy for months. Fans of Stories 2 have been begging for a sequel, and this one seems ready to deliver.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
One of the night’s most hype-inducing reveals, the next big Fire Emblem brings back the multi-path storytelling that made Three Houses such a hit. Players will guide factions through intertwining plots while forging relationships and shaping the fate of entire kingdoms. The trailer teased both stunning battle animations and the return of a familiar fan-favorite character (no spoilers, but longtime players will definitely recognize the face). With its mix of tactical depth and emotional storytelling, this might be the most ambitious Fire Emblem yet.
Final thoughts
This Nintendo Direct had it all: nostalgia trips, long-awaited sequels, and wild surprises. Mario’s 40th anniversary set the tone, but announcements like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave made it clear—Nintendo has no plans of slowing down.
If this is just the start of the Switch 2 era, we’re in for an exciting ride.
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What announcement had you screaming at your screen? Let us know in the comments.
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Nintendo has recently unveiled a plethora of exciting titles for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, delighting fans with both anticipated sequels and unexpected surprises.