Nintendo Direct Megathread

[Moonface]

Kirby Air Riders Direct #2 Announced for October 23
A second Kirby Air Riders Direct will be airing on October 23, at 6am PT / 9am ET / 12pm GMT. The Direct will last for approximately one hour; for comparison, the first Direct was 45 minutes in length.

Source: Nintendo Today

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I've yet to watch the first Direct (I wanted to then forgot all about it) but I wondered how they would have so much to show for that Direct, so for this one to be longer and take the title for longest game dedicated Nintendo Direct yet again with a huge margin compared to the first Kirby Air Riders Direct when it broke the record for longest game dedicated Direct.

[ShiraNoMai]

I'm of the thought that this surely must contain entirely unseen/unfamiliar game content, considering Sakurai particularly went over all the basics of the game and how it compares to its previous iteration. It was honestly a really good watch, and if you're on the fence about the game at all, I do recommend it. It does not waste time; Sakurai is very good at the art of video making after vlogging his game design thoughts on his channel for the past 3 years. (Serious recommendation if you have any interest in game design and theory!)

[Moonface]

Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase - February 5, 2026 | Summary
Here's a summary of everything shown in today's Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase. Where applicable, each game shown will specify whether it was announced for both Nintendo Switch systems or just for Nintendo Switch 2.

• Orbitals | Trailer
  Team up in this 2-player co-op adventure as Maki and Omura and use your wits to overcome the odds in a retro anime-inspired galaxy. Can you save their home? Use two pairs of Joy-Con 2 controllers on a single device for split-screen local co-op, or use the Nintendo Switch 2 GameShare feature to share Orbitals with another local player. Plus, you can also matchmake online with your friends.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: Summer 2026
    
  
  
• PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse | Trailer
  A brand new PARANORMASIGHT tale begins in Ise-Shima, Japan—a region rich in mermaid legends. Join a cast of fascinating characters investigating the mysteries of the Mermaids of Ise. Unravel their different perspectives on the case and guide the story to its thrilling conclusion.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: February 19, 2026
    
  
  
• Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters | Trailer
  22 national teams. Over 110 playable characters. 1 game: soccer. Experience super soccer action in Captain Tsubasa’s latest installment, where a continuous stream of spectacular plays creates unpredictable match sequences!
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: 2026
    
  
  
• Tokyo Scramble | Trailer
  In this new survival-puzzle-action game, play as Anne, a high schooler plunged into the depths of Tokyo. Face off against a diverse and deadly array of Zino as you make your way through the treacherous landscape, hoping to return to your home above. Rely on your wits to flee, distract, and fight back however you can. Do you have what it takes to escape this prehistoric world alive?
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: February 11, 2026
    
  
  
• Valheim | Trailer
  It’s time to set sail on your very own Viking adventure! Discover the monster-infested world of Valheim on your own or with up to nine friends as you fight and craft your way to greatness. Survive, and you’ll prove yourself to Odin and earn a place in his halls. Skål!
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: 2026
    
  
  
• Hollow Knight: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Trailer
  Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and solve ancient mysteries in this classically styled 2D action adventure! Enjoy higher resolution, improved frame rates, additional effects, and more.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: Available Later Today
    
  
  
• eFootball Kick-Off! | Trailer
  Take to the field your way. Build your dream soccer club and compete worldwide in “World Tour” mode! Win matches to acquire new players or use Coins earned through matches to sign legendary players. In the “International Cup” mode, feel the excitement of soccer’s ultimate festival, held every four years, as national teams battle for global supremacy. Or, enjoy beginner-friendly modes like 6-a-side soccer that creates plenty of goal-scoring opportunities, and the Rank system, where your performance is evaluated and allows you to step up as you improve. Experience the passion and excitement of soccer, anytime, anywhere—solo or with friends, offline or online.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: Summer 2026
    
  
  
• The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales | Trailer | Demo Available
  A brand-new action RPG from the creators of Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default combines exciting action-adventure gameplay with stunning HD-2D for the first time! Join Elliot the adventurer and the fairy Faie in a journey through four ages.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: June 18, 2026
    
  
  
• Super Bomberman Collection | Trailer
  The party battle game Super Bomberman is available as a collection, featuring a total of 7 titles with 12 versions! This collection includes the long-awaited unreleased localized versions of Super Bomberman 4 and 5 along with Boss Rush mode, support features, libraries, and more.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: Available Later Today (Digital) / August 2026 (Physical)
    
  
  
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: June 3, 2026
    
  
  
• Pragmata | Trailer | Demo Available
  After a chance encounter, spacefarer Hugh Williams and android Diana make their way through a lunar research station as they look to escape and find their way back to Earth. Diana Hacks open enemy armor to create openings for Hugh to take down the enemy with his varied arsenal of firearms.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: April 24, 2026
    
  
  
• Turok: Origins | Trailer
  The legend of Turok returns! Hunt down prehistoric beasts and fight an alien threat across the Lost Lands in Turok: Origins.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: Fall 2026
    
  
  
• Kyoto Xanadu | Trailer
  Dive deep beneath Kyoto, Japan to beat the monsters and mysteries awaiting in Xanadu in this brand-new action RPG!
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: Summer 2026
    
  
  
• Digimon Story Time Stranger | Trailer
  Journey once more across time and space with the Digital World: Iliad at your fingertips in this turn-based RPG, where you work with 450+ Digimon to save the future. With Nintendo Switch 2, you can select Quality Mode, playing in 4K at 30 frames per second, or Performance Mode, playing in full HD at 60 frames per second.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 1 + 2
    
  • Release Date: July 10, 2026
    
  
  
• Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarök | Trailer
  Set in the world of the sky, a grand adventure beyond chaos unfolds in this action RPG game.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: July 9, 2026
    
  
  
• Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection | Trailer | Demo Available
  In this turn-based, story-rich RPG set in the world of Monster Hunter, you'll raise, ride, and battle with iconic monsters from the Monster Hunter series, including fan-favorites featured in Monster Hunter Rise. Play the opening hours of the game with the free demo and continue your progress by transferring your save data when the full game is released.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: March 13, 2026
    
  
  
• Arcade Archives 2: Rave Racer | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: February 26, 2026
    
  
  
• Console Archives | Trailer
  Doraemon, Sonic Wings Special, Cool Boarders, Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos, and more.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: Available Today
    
  
  
• Resident Evil Requiem | Trailer
  Leon Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft amiibo announced.
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: February 27, 2026
    
  
  
• Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: February 24, 2026
    
  
  
• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: May 12, 2026
    
  
  
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered | Trailer
  • Switch Platforms: Switch 2
    
  • Release Date: 2026
    

[Mr EliteL]

Darn, missed this as I was set to do a later shift than normal.

Huh, RE:Requiem is on Switch 2. The two amiibos actually look pretty decent for a small figurine of Leon and Grace.

Bomberman Collection is the closest thing I'd get, but I barely played the Super Bomberman R I got for PS4. I did used to really enjoy some Bomberman games on the PS1, didn't touch anything earlier, though I remember playing a version of the Famicom one before.

Oh wait, The Adventures of Elliot is another one, but I gotta go back and play Octopath 2 before I consider another RPG like that.

[Moonface]

Eh, I wouldn't say it was worth watching it live (or even fully in general really). For me it started strong with Orbitals, which I had completely forgotten about, and then the Direct just gradually declined from there. Closing the show on ports of Bethesda games was pretty flat for a last thing, but I also don't think anything in the Direct was a "wow" moment so I don't know what I'd have put at the end to close the Direct out stronger than it did.

Orbitals looks fantastic and I definitely wanna get it; I do worry how well it will sell though being a co-op only game and exclusive to one system.

The Adventures of Elliot is something I'll probably check out some time, since I do like Octopath 1 although I didn't actually beat it.

Pragmata conceptually I still don't like, but I will say the real-time puzzle combat gameplay does look really cool. It makes me wish the creepy kid just wasn't present and you play as just the guy doing that stuff because I don't know if the gameplay alone will make me want to sit through a story that will clearly be focused heavily on the kid.

[Moonface]

Nintendo: Tune in on Tuesday, March 3 for a New Indie World Showcase
A new Indie World Showcase will be airing tomorrow at 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm GMT, as announced via the Nintendo Today app.

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I won't be keeping tabs on this due to being at work, but for anyone who might follow it or wonders what might show up, this was what was at the last Indie World Showcase back in August 2025. I didn't realize until now that Mina the Hollower had been delayed from it's October 31st release date that had been announced in that previous Indie World, so I expect that'll be showing up with a new date tomorrow.

[Moonface]

WTF?! Nintendo just out of nowhere doing a Star Fox Direct suddenly that goes live in the next couple of minutes?!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePZeyh5q9R8

They apparently tweeted out about it only ten minutes ago too?!

[Dragon Lord]

Oh hey, cool, a new Star Fox ga--

>StarFox 64 remade for the billionth time

...oh.

[Moonface]

I didn't know Star Fox 64 had been remade multiple times already, so I wasn't immediately underwhelmed by this announcement. Although, even seeing this is the third time the game is being redone in some form, I think Nintendo opted to do this over a brand new entry for a few reasons:

1. Calling it just Star Fox is the sort of thing we see when a game series does a soft reboot, such as God of War (2018), Tomb Raider (2013), Doom (2016), etc.
   
   
2. Remaking Star Fox 64 rather than a new entry was probably cheaper to do for a series that historically has struggled to gain traction, and quicker to make if Nintendo were trying to get a Star Fox game out off the back of the Mario Galaxy Movie while Fox's cameo in that movie is still fresh.
   
   
3. If the Mario Galaxy Movie was a factor in making a new Star Fox, the audience for that movie is going to be a lot of people who probably weren't even alive when Star Fox Zero released, although given it was on the Wii U it isn't like many people played that game anyway, so then the last notable release would be 2011's Star Fox 64 3D. There's surely a ton of people born in the last 15-20 years who didn't play that nor any other Star Fox game, and it's better to test how the gameplay is received by remaking Star Fox 64 and using that as a starting point for a reboot.
   
   
4. Apparently the rumor that contained this game (among other rumored games that were since proven true) mentioned a second Star Fox game scheduled for 2027, so if that rumor is correct then it probably builds off of 64, which as I've mentioned hasn't been played by a lot of younger players who haven't really had a Star Fox game released in their lifetime.
   
   
5. It could be a similar case to Metroid: Samus Returns, which was a remake of Metroid 2 and led into Metroid Dread. The latter would've benefitted from Samus Returns introducing players into the series which had been dormant for 7 years and hadn't seen a side-scrolling entry in 13 years. I could see the same case happening here if the aforementioned rumor is true.
   

I think the weirdest thing about the announcement was the difference in some of the character designs from the Super Galaxy Movie, most notably in Fox's feet. The Direct made a point of showing the clip where Fox draws attention to his shoes, yet the in-game model doesn't remotely resemble it. For how protective Nintendo is of their IP, I'm just surprised this looks like a lack of communication between teams and that Nintendo didn't maintain consistency between the models, especially when they made changes to multiple Mario characters in the wake of the Super Mario Movie.

Also, as dumb as it looks, props to Nintendo for that V-Tuber style feature for multiplayer. I dunno how many people would use it (or even have one of the Nintendo cameras to use it in the first place) but I will always appreciate silly gimmicks/features in games that do something niche and unique, especially if it isn't forced onto people and/or affects the gameplay.

[Dragon Lord]

I don't hate the announcement myself. Game looks amazing and it looks like it'd be an easy purchase for me if I was ever going to have a Switch 2 (unfortunately not likely any time soon). I just feel for StarFox fans that have been craving something new in the series for so many years and instead just keep getting a remake of 64 over and over again.

In terms of nostalgia bait, it definitely works. I absolutely adore StarFox 64 so this remake had me drooling. I just can't justify the price of a Switch 2 just for this lone game though.