The Nintendo Direct of September 12th, 2025, delivered a packed hour of announcements, updates, and surprises, with a strong focus on first-party titles and celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. Shigeru Miyamoto opened the presentation with a nostalgic look back at the plumber’s history, unveiling commemorative events at the Nintendo Museum, special merchandise, and even a sponsorship for the 2026 Kyoto Marathon. The headline reveal was The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, a sequel to the 2023 hit film, set in the cosmic world of the Galaxy games and scheduled for release on April 3rd, 2026. To accompany the film, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be remastered for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, launching October 2nd with enhanced visuals, multiple control options, and new Storybook content, alongside themed amiibo and a physical edition of Rosalina’s Storybook.
Mario’s presence didn’t stop there. Mario Tennis Fever was announced for Switch 2, arriving February 12th, 2026, with new mechanics like Fever Rackets, elemental effects, and a story mode. Super Mario Bros. Wonder will receive a Switch 2 Edition in spring 2026, adding the new Bellabel Park area, expanded multiplayer modes, and a collectible Talking Flower replica. Yoshi will also return in Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a new platformer with a handcrafted aesthetic, slated for spring 2026. Other notable reveals included a surprise 80s inspired platformer available immediately, a cozy farming sim called Pokémon Pokopia launching in 2026, and a Mii-focused multiplayer title set for spring 2026.
Metroid fans finally got a deeper look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, showcasing Samus exploring an open world on a motorcycle named Vi-O-La. The game will release December 4th, 2025, with amiibo arriving in November and December. Zelda enthusiasts can look forward to Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment on November 6th, while Pokémon Legends: Z-A revealed its first DLC, Mega Dimension, introducing new Mega Evolutions like Mega Raichu X and Y. The Virtual Boy will make a quirky comeback, with its classic games joining Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on February 17th, 2026, alongside a physical Virtual Boy shell for Switch.
Third-party and partner announcements added even more variety. Resident Evil 9 will arrive on Switch 2 on February 27th, 2026, Hades II will launch digitally September 25th, 2025, and Final Fantasy VII Remake will hit Switch 2 on January 22nd, 2026. Other highlights included a classic Mortal Kombat collection, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and new DLC for Donkey Kong Bananza DK Island and Emerald Rush, available immediately. The showcase closed with the reveal of Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, a new tactical RPG for 2026, promising a dramatic story centered on a deadly tournament where the victor earns a wish from the Divine Sovereign.
This Nintendo Direct stood out for its breadth and depth, balancing nostalgia with fresh experiences, and offering a clear roadmap for both Switch and Switch 2 well into 2026. It was a statement of intent from Nintendo, showing that the new console generation will be supported by a robust lineup of flagship titles, beloved franchises, and inventive new projects.
