Nintendo just dropped its longest-ever Direct, clocking in at over an hour and showcasing nearly 40 titles. From long-awaited sequels to unexpected retro revivals, the presentation was a whirlwind of announcements that had fans cheering—and scratching their heads over what didn’t show up.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest reveals, the curveballs, and the rumors that fizzled out.
Headline Announcements
- Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 Bundle: Launching next month for $70, this HD remaster brings the gravity-defying classics to Switch with enhanced visuals and motion controls.
- Mario Tennis Returns: A new entry in the beloved sports series is set for 2026, promising online tournaments and character-specific power-ups.
- Yoshi and the Mysterious Book: A fresh Yoshi adventure with storybook aesthetics and co-op mechanics. Think “Yoshi’s Story” meets “It Takes Two”.
- Pokémon Pokopia: A spin-off developed by Koei Tecmo, blending creature collection with tactical battles. It’s a bold departure from the mainline formula.
- Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave: The next tactical RPG in the series, featuring time-loop mechanics and dual protagonists from rival kingdoms.
- Donkey Kong Bananza DLC: Surprise drop! DK Isle is now playable, complete with new challenges and a rhythm-based mini-game.
- Virtual Boy Collection + Headset: Yes, you read that right. Nintendo is bringing Virtual Boy titles to Switch Online, alongside a quirky headset accessory.
- Resident Evil 7, Village, and Requiem: Capcom is going all-in on Switch 2, releasing three RE titles simultaneously next year.
- Metroid Prime 4: Finally dated, and it’s adding open-world motorbike traversal—because why not?
Third-Party & Indie Highlights
- Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined: A full remake with new character art and streamlined combat.
- Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake: Enhanced visuals and expanded lore for horror fans.
- Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection: Coming March 2026, with a darker tone and new monster bonding mechanics.
- Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream: Slated for Spring 2026, this sequel adds streaming integration and real-time events.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment: A prequel to Breath of the Wild 2? Not quite, but it explores the rise of Calamity Ganon from a new angle.
Rumors That Didn’t Come True
Despite the avalanche of content, several heavily rumored announcements were conspicuously absent:
- ❌ Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons Remake: Fans hoped for a Link’s Awakening-style reimagining, but no sign of the Oracle duo.
- ❌ F-Zero Revival: After years of speculation and a recent trademark renewal, F-Zero fans were left disappointed once again.
- ❌ Kid Icarus: Uprising HD: Rumored to be in development for years, this cult classic still hasn’t resurfaced.
- ❌ EarthBound Remaster/Remake: A long-standing wish among retro fans, but no mention of Ness and crew this time.
- ❌ Mario Kart 9: With no updates since the Booster Course Pass, many expected a new entry or expansion. Nada.
Nintendo’s September Direct was a masterclass in balancing legacy with innovation. By reviving Virtual Boy and bundling Galaxy 1 & 2, they’re leaning into nostalgia—but the inclusion of new IPs like Pokopia and Fortune’s Weave shows they’re not afraid to experiment.
The absence of hardware news and certain fan-favorite franchises suggests Nintendo is pacing itself, possibly saving bigger reveals for a dedicated Switch 2 showcase later this year.
Whether you’re a retro diehard or a Switch 2 speculator, this Direct had something for everyone—except maybe F-Zero fans. As Nintendo continues to thread the needle between past and future, one thing’s clear: they know how to keep us guessing.
