Nintendo is set to host a major 60-minute Nintendo Direct livestream, fueling weeks of rumors and leaks about upcoming Switch 2 titles. While the event promises to showcase new games, speculation is rife about which titles will make an appearance, particularly those for the new console.
Key Takeaways
- Anticipation is high for the Nintendo Direct, with a focus on Switch 2 game announcements.
- Several highly anticipated games, including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Hades II, are expected to receive release date updates.
- New entries in major franchises like Fire Emblem or Animal Crossing are possible, though not guaranteed.
- Certain major titles, such as the next Legend of Zelda or Super Mario games, are less likely to be featured due to recent releases or development timelines.
Highly Anticipated Switch 2 Titles
Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on several key games for the Switch 2. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a title that has been in development for years, is a strong candidate for a release date announcement, given its prolonged development cycle and Nintendo’s continued insistence on a 2025 release. Similarly, Hades II, which has garnered significant praise in its early access phase, is expected to receive its Switch 2 release date, as it is slated to launch on the platform before other consoles.
The Duskbloods, a new exclusive from FromSoftware, the developers behind Elden Ring, is another title generating considerable interest. While announced as a Switch 2 exclusive with a 2026 release window, more concrete details about its gameplay and exact launch date could be revealed.
Splatoon Raiders, initially announced via a mobile app, is also a likely candidate for a showcase. This single-player survival game set in the Splatoon universe offers a fresh take on the popular franchise.
Potential Franchise Updates
Beyond specific titles, there’s speculation about new installments in beloved Nintendo franchises. A new Animal Crossing game, following the immense success of its predecessor, is a possibility, as is a new Fire Emblem title, whether an original entry or a remake. While neither is confirmed, the 60-minute runtime of the Direct leaves room for such announcements.
Games Less Likely to Appear
On the flip side, some major titles are considered less likely to be featured. The next installment in The Legend of Zelda series is probably not ready for a reveal, given the recent releases of Tears of the Kingdom and Echoes of Wisdom. Similarly, a new mainline Super Mario platformer might still be some time away, especially if the team behind Super Mario Odyssey is working on it.
Rumors of a Final Fantasy IX remake have also circulated, but given the lack of official updates and potential development issues, its appearance in the Direct is uncertain. Nintendo may also provide updates on Switch 2 upgrades for existing Switch 1 games, potentially including titles like Xenoblade Chronicles X.
