This oddly-timed Direct had a lot of folks curious (myself included) so I thought it’d be nice to recap my thoughts in a blog post for this one (especially since I was in a meeting when it happened originally).
Mario’s 40th Anniversary
On September 13th, it’ll be the 40th anniversary of the release of Super Mario Bros., so Nintendo is doing some special releases for the event!
Nintendo Museum
There are going to be some really cool art pieces and illustration from development of different games. The ticket is themed and there will be a light display in December that will be Mario Themed. They’re adding Super Nintendo World in Kyoto and also sponsoring the Kyoto Marathon. As I probably won’t be heading to Japan, I probably won’t have a chance to experience these but it’s cool nonetheless
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Releasing April 2026
There was a teaser released during the Direct of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The film will apparently be the main event for Mario’s 40th anniversary. I don’t know about you, but Chris Meledandri looked uncomfortable in his talk, but the news was good! Seems like most of the main cast is returning, but I’m excited to see who will play Rosalina, since they didn’t announce that. They say it’s for fans of EVERY Mario era, so I’m hoping to see some Hotel Mario representation in the film!
Super Mario Galaxy 1+2
Releasing October 2, 2025
There may have been some screaming when I saw this. I have Super Mario 3D All-Stars, but I haven’t played Mario Galaxy 2 in years. I was hoping it would be free DLC for 3D All-Stars, but I remember they don’t they sell it anymore? ANYWAY, I’m excited to experience both games again!
Adding pages to Rosalina’s story in-game AND making the storybook something you can buy??? I see you Nintendo. I’m excited for ALL the emotions.
I’m curious if there will be any Switch 2 optimizations…
Mario Tennis Fever
Releasing February 12, 2026
Oh hey, a new Mario Tennis game! With new equipment in the fever rackets and filling with things such as Wonder Flower powers, I’m excited to see this! So many players and rackets and talking flower commentary.
There are different modes, like tournaments, towers, Mix it Up mode, swing mode, and an adventure mode that has BABIES
This game has Baby Waluigi. I’m sold.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park
Releasing Spring 2026
Having some Mario Wonder DLC is going to be great. Lots of multiplayer options and the return of Phantos? Having the Phantos in a Prop Hunt Style game is interesting.
I love how many co-op modes were added in this game too!
I also saw Captain Toad and the Koopa Kids so I’m excited!
Talking Flower
Releasing Spring 2026
They really are getting their mileage out of the talking flower aren’t they? It’s cute, but I’m not sure how long I could have that on before it started getting on my nerves. There’s a reason you can turn off the talking flower in Super Mario Bros Wonder…
That said, I’m curious if you can change the language like in-game too…
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
Releasing Spring 2026
Yoshi but make it Pokémon. This looks hecking cute and the research bit brings a very different game dynamic.
Regular Direct
Storm Lancers
Available Sept 12, 2025
This is a side scrolling roguelike that’s inspired by 80s Anime? It looks so cool and has a variety of different weapons and styles and being a roguelike there’s plenty to upgrade.
There is couch co-op, so that’s cool too! I wonder if there’s online co-op too…
Dinkum
Releasing November 5, 2025
Minecraft but set it in Australia. It looks silly but I’m excited to see people play it.
Popucom
Releasing Holiday 2025
After playing Split Fiction, I’ve learned the enjoyment of co-op games like this. The color mechanics provide an incredibly unique gameplay mechanic that would definitely promote the cooperative nature of the game!
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
Releasing Spring 2026
I loved the 3DS Tomodachi Life. So much. When they announced this before. Everything about this game is wacky and I’m excited to make a bunch of my friends and live the dream of having all my friends live in the same apartment/island.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection
Releasing October 30, 2025 (Digital) and December 12, 2025 (Physical)
You might not know this, but I love the original Mortal Kombat games. The fact that this collection has Mythologies Sub Zero saves me from having to find the original N64 cart online somewhere to play. I hope the N64 version of Trilogy is on there and not just the PS1 version. So many hours were spent growing up playing Trilogy on the N64 (I was only allowed as a kid if the blood was turned off)
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Releasing January 22, 2026 on Switch 2
I’ve heard so much of Final Fantasy 7, yet I’ve never played it. I’ve only played one or two of them. It’d be cool to experience the game that Cloud and Sephiroth from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is from!
Lynked: Banner of the Spark
Releases today (September 12, 2025)
Another Roguelike. It’s pretty. There’s also fishing and farming. Probably not a pickup from me but I imagine people who like those kinds of games would enjoy the game!
Hades 2
Releasing September 25, 2025 (Digital) and November 20, 2025 (Physical)
I enjoyed (but never finished) Hades 1, but I’ve heard good things about Hades 2! The concept looks cool. Who doesn’t like to fight time? I do every week!
Kirby Air Riders + Amiibo
THEY HAVE AMIIBO WITH INTERCHANGEABLE RIDERS. Training amiibos I expected but having the ability to swap IRL looks really cool! They announced these two but they said more are coming. Also another Air Riders Direct. I’m looking forward to this game. Like, a lot.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Releasing November 6, 2025
Let’s mess up the Zelda Timeline more with a Warriors game! Lots of familiar things if you played Tears of the Kingdom, and YOU CAN PLAY AS A KOROK!
Also they mention Gameshare. I mean it, Single Pak Gameplay from the Game Boy Advance and Download Play from the DS walked so GameShare could run.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined
Releasing February 5, 2026
I never played a Dragon Quest game. The art is very stylized but it felt…off to me? I hope those of you who play Dragon Quest games are excited for this. More RPGs and such!
Nintendo Today App
I enjoy the Nintendo Today App and the news it gives. The Kirby theme is cute!
Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics
Releasing February 17, 2026
I screamed. Mouth open. WHAT. THE VIRTUAL BOY??????
Interesting that you HAVE to use the accessory to play it. 14 games planned to release. I can’t. I’m excited.
I don’t know if I’ll be able to stream it….which is a bummer. We’ll see
FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE
Releasing Early 2026
I know this game from a Smash Assist Trophy. It looks creepy. Use a camera to pacify ghosts. Sanity meters and such. Not sure how to feel about it.
Switch 2 Upgrades
There are upgrades to these Switch 1 games for Switch 2:
- One Piece Pirate Warriors 4 – Fall 2025
- Overcooked 2 – Holiday 2025
- Stardew Valley – Fall 2025 (Mouse controls and Gameshare!)
- Human Fall Flat – Spring 2026 (Mouse Controls!)
Powerwash Simulator 2
Releasing Fall 2025
I literally played the first Powerwash Simulator for the first time earlier this week. The second one looks nice. There’s so much to clean. It also has 4-player co-op!
Suika Game Planet
Available Winter 2025
OMG SUIKA GAME. They took it and made it 360º! This looks cute and I did enjoy the original Suika Game.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Releasing December 4, 2025
Samus with a bike? The game looks really cool. I’m so behind. I haven’t played any of the Metroid Prime games but this one looks cool. I have the first remaster but have yet to play it.
There are also some cool Metroid Amiibo to look at
Donkey Kong Bananza DK Island & Emerald Rush
Available Today (September 12, 2025)
Another one I screamed at. THE DK64 THEME AND DK ISLE?!??!?!???!?
It’s really cool that they did DLC for this as early as they did. I’m pretty sure I said something in one of my Bananza streams that it’d be cool to revisit DK Isle since it was mentioned but I didn’t think they’d actually do it!
It looks like a roguelike type of DLC? Lots of perks and skills to upgrade and such. Kind of cool that you get to use the Bananza skills as well!
Also you’re looking for emeralds. Thankfully they’re not Chaos Emeralds, or Knuckles would like to have a word.
Pokémon Pokopia
Releasing 2026
Oh no. Ditto turning into a human? I know they did it in Detective Pikachu but I didn’t think they’d do it in a game (if they have already, I must’ve missed this)
This is basically Minecraft but Pokémon, right? RIGHT!?
It was cute and the Gen 1 music got me. Not sure if I’ll pick it up…but probably will.
Pokémon Legends Z-A
Releasing October 16, 2025
I’m intrigued with this game and the scope of it. The mega evolutions look cool and Lumiose just looks really good. Having one town as the entire gameplay is an interesting mechanic although it is a giant city. The story is going to be interesting as well!
And there’s ALREADY DLC????
Mega evos of Raichu look cute. I know some folk who are probably stoked about that!
Danganronpa 2×2
Releases 2026
I know nothing of this game other than the bear. It seems cool enough?
Dynasty Warriors: Origins
Releasing January 22, 2026
With Hyrule Warriors on Switch, this makes sense.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
Releases March 13, 2026
Another franchise I’m not big into, but it’s also pretty and I’m guessing some folks are hyped for these as well!
Other Games and Releases
- Two Point Museum – October 28, 2025
- Disgaea 7 Complete – October 10, 2025
- EA Sports FC™ 26 – September 26, 2025
- Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake – October 30, 2025
- Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage – Winter 2025
- LEGO® Voyagers – September 15, 2025
- Little Nightmares III – October 10, 2025
- Persona 3 Reload – October 23, 2025
From this list, I’m most hyped for LEGO® Voyagers!
Resident Evil Requiem
Releasing February 27, 2026
I haven’t played any of the Resident Evil games but I know a few folks who have attested that they’re good. They’ve been on my radar but I haven’t played them. They’re also releasing Biohazard and Village on the same day on Switch 2. Excited to perhaps play them sometime!
Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave
Releasing 2026
Another game that I only know because of Smash Bros. It’s apparently happening during other games?
Conclusion
Some really solid announcements during this Nintendo Direct! The one that threw me off the most was the Virtual Boy announcement and the one that hyped me the most was probably the Bananza DLC. Also BABY WALUIGI’S DEBUT (I’m fairly certain?). I was hoping to see some N64 NSO announcements (Smash Bros? DK64?) but I am content with what I saw today.
What did you think? Let me know in the comments or join our conversation on my Discord Server!
