Nintendo Direct 6/9/26 Review: Sizzling reveals, yet warm reponce

Review:

Wrapping up the summer announcement streams is Nintendo, which usually saves some amazing reveals for last. From its surprise third-party games to amazing first-party reveals, you could never go wrong with a Nintendo Direct. Does it stack up to the expectations? Let's find out.

Starting the showcase off is a brand new look at Rhythm Heaven Groove, a brand new rhythm game that alot of people have been excited to see. Time your presses with the rhythm as you experience a ton of fun mini-games that test your ability to follow the rhythm of life. Plus, there are even multiplayer modes that let you share the rhythm with up to 4 friends. Rhythm Heaven Groove is out now on the Nintendo Switch.

Up next, we have a brand new look at Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Experience an alternate Kyoto-era Japan as you fight through demonic threats as the legendary historical figure Miyamoto Musashi, fighting for a better tomorrow. Master the blade you have using techniques only a master can use, or switch things up by using the weapons of the demons you slew. There are even motion controls at your disposal if you’re into that. Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches on Switch 2 on September 25th.

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen

In a surprise turn of events, Stellar Blade was announced for Nintendo Switch 2. Play as an agent named Eve as you traverse a ruined Earth, battling the monsters that forced Humanity to leave their homeworld. Unleash badass combos and weapon skills as you survive this new wasteland, hoping to find a way to retake Earth. This game has been very good in the hearts of gamers since it was released years ago, and I’m excited to see how it’ll do on a Nintendo system. Stellar Blade launches on Switch 2 later in 2026. 

Up next, we have a new look at Orbitals, the sci-fi two-player game based on 80’s anime and games like It Takes Two and Split Fiction. Take control of two friends as you try to save your colony from an impending cosmic storm. From ice worlds where you need to melt the environment, to solving puzzles in tune with the beat, and even avoiding alien threats in order to complete your mission. Orbitals is out now, only on Switch 2. 

We are then shown some new footage of Rayman Legends Retold, a faithful remake of the original game. Explore the world beyond the Glade of Dreams as Rayman and friends attempt to stop a new enemy while gliding, sliding, and jumping your way through this action-packed platformer. Plus, we have some new musical levels and dragon-riding levels that were not in the original. All of which is bound to make an amazing remake that people will love, either for the first time or for longtime Rayman fans. Rayman Legends Retold launches on Switch 2 on October 1st. 

After that, we are then given a new look at Big Walk, from the makers of Untitled Goose Game. Socialize with a bunch of your friends as you and they explore a vast world, talking to them as you do. From cozy hikes to adventurous treks, there's no wrong way to play the game, even if you do split up by accident. There's also a bunch of challenges in the world that you could even do with your friends, even if they aren't on a Nintendo system. Big Walk is out now on Switch 2, so gather some friends and go on a walk together. 

Up next, we have the brand-new reveal of One Piece: Grand Gourmet. Build your own restaurant on the seas as you play as the cook of the Straw Hat Pirates, Vinsmoke Sanji, and serve your customers from all walks of the franchise. From one-shot characters like Gaimon to recognizable faces like Yamato and Trafalgar Law, from dreaded pirates like Blackbeard and Buggy, to Marine legends like Fujitora and Garp, there's a whole lot of customers that you can serve. Plus, you can even send crewmates to nearby islands to gather ingredients to use, and you can even ask Devil Fruit users for help with these meals. One Piece: Grand Gourmet launches on Switch and Switch 2 on October 23rd. 

We are then treated to updates for Pokémon Pokopia. First, there's a free update that lets you traverse the Ocean Floor to help build water Pokémon places to call home. There’s also a paid DLC in the form of the Expansion Pass. Build new towns, make new friends with new Pokémon, and collect new gear. The free update and the first part of the Expansion Pass are out now, but parts 2 and 3 are coming out in late 2026 and early 2027. 

After that, we have an extensive look at Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, coming to Switch 2. This look showcases the land that the story takes place in, alot of the four protagonists that converge to partake in a tournament, with the winner of it all being granted a single wish. Traverse the lands, seeking training and each protag’s story as they unfold, and seek new allies to help make your wish a reality, all while fighting in the turn-based tactical RPG the series is known for. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave launches on Switch 2 on September 17th. There’s even a collector's edition of the game that features an art book, a steelbook, and a map of the land the story takes place in.

Surprisingly, we have the reveal of Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet, which is something I was not expecting. Acting as the sequel to the first game, which is inspired by Splatoon, follows your character stranded on a new world, and the only way back is to fight your way home. Now, as an open-world action game, the combat is more immersive than ever before, and you can even use brand-new skills to help out. Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet launches on Switch 2 next spring. 

From the people behind Vampire Survivors comes a brand-new game based on an iconic Shonen Jump manga: Jujutsu Kaisen Rumble: Survivalton. Like Vampire Survivors, this game lets you play as characters from the series as you upgrade your skills and survive in this 8-player free-for-all against hordes of demons and enemies. I don’t know much about this franchise, but I do love the gameplay of this game. Jujutsu Kaisen Rumble: Survival launches on Switch 2 later in 2026. 

We are then shown a new look at Lords of the Fallen II, an upcoming open-world souls-like game where you try to protect the survival of the human race against dark forces. Use between weapons and spells as you trudge your way through the living and dead. Lords of the Fallen II launches in 2027 for Switch 2.

We also got a look at Lies of P: Complete Edition, a Souls-like action-adventure game based on the story of Pinocchio. Try to fight your way through rogue puppets as you try to find your own humanity through exploration, combat, and the truth. This game has been on my list for a while now, and I’m glad it's coming to Nintendo systems. Lies of P: Complete Edition launches on Switch 2 on October 2nd.

Up next, we have a look at the award-winning Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition. Play through four distinct characters, each with their own style of combat, as you save the world once again from demonic threats. Steal your enemy’s weapons and powers in this ultra-crisp version of the game, especially for a Nintendo system. I loved playing through this on PC, and I highly recommend the game once again. Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition is out now for Switch 2.

Next up, we have a look at the upcoming Muramasa: Revenant Blades, a 2D action game that features 6 unique protagonists in historic Japan, fighting off demons, spirits, and the corrupt regime at the time. I know nothing of this franchise, but I would like to give it a closer look sometime. Muramasa: Revenant Blades launches in early 2027 on Switch and Switch 2.

In another surprise, the Xenoblade trilogy on Switch is all getting Switch 2 upgrades, further pushing the boundaries of the Switch 2 with 4K resolution at 60 FPS. Xenoblade 1 now features bonus vehicles that traverse the vast world faster and has a racing mode. Xenoblade 2 now has bonus fights featuring your Blades, and Xenoblade 3 has a survival mode. All of these, plus more inclusions, are coming to this standout trilogy. Xenoblade 1’s upgrade is out now, but Xenoblade 2 and 3 are launching in October and December, respectively. 

We are then shown a brand new game in the Xenoblade trilogy, titled Xenoblade Genesis. Taking place in a new timeline, away from the Chronicles name, a new protagonist enrols in a prestigious academy, where she learns about her new magic, her new companions, and a new story that will soon unfold into a new adventure. While the trailer only showed us mostly cutscenes, it is safe to say that it'll play like the games that came before and has a very interwoven story to be told. Xenoblade Genesis launches in 20207 for the Switch 2 system. 

We also get a showcase of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, which is a spiritual successor to Wii Sports Resort. With sports being referenced from past versions like boxing and archery, to new challenging sports such as Thumb Wrestling and skateboarding, you’re gonna be here for a good time against the CPU or your friends. Nintendo Switch Sports Resort launches on Switch 2 on October 22nd. 

After that, we are then treated to the announcement of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, a survival action RPG set in the world of the iconic MMO. Craft weapons and equipment as you and friends fend off a dark overlord’s return to power in this simple yet expansive game. I was never one for RuneScape, but I can’t deny this is pretty decent. RuneScape: Dragonwilds launches on the Switch 2 on September 15th. 

We are then treated to the reveal of Hello Kitty Party Land, a 4-player party game starring Sanrio’s Hello Kitty characters where you and your friends compete in fun minigames, aiming to be the winner. It does feel like a Mario Party clone, but the minigames shown off do look entertaining. Hello Kitty Party Land launches on Switch and Switch 2 on October 29th, 2026.

Nintendo showing off their Star Fox remake really makes me wanna get it for myself. The iconic gameplay, levels, character interactions, and a new multiplayer mode really sell you on this game. Star Fox is out now on Nintendo Switch 2, so play it when you get the chance. Plus, the free demo that's also out should help you get used to the controls. 

Up next, we're getting a brand new Final Fantasy game in Square Enix’s HD-2D engine, titled Final Fantasy Resonance. Explore a world powered by crystals as you and your party take on the enemy who brought the land to near destruction. Take flight in your airship, explore this world, and even summon previous Final Fantasy heroes to fight by your side, like Cloud Strife from VII. This is a Final Fantasy game a lot of people have been asking for for a long time, and now it’s going to prove it can stand on its own feet, ready to be experienced. Final Fantasy Resonance launches on Switch and Switch 2 on October 22nd, 2026. 

We are then shown a new puzzle game titled Pikuniku 2, where the characters are strange, but the gameplay is surprisingly strong with its puzzles. Fight against a corporate overlord as you and the other characters form a resistance to try to drive away this business that intends to work you until you are nothing but bones. Pikuniku 2 launches on Switch 2 in 2027.

Square Enix also has a new game to show off: Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World. In this spinoff of one of gaming’s oldest RPG franchises, you can command iconic Dragon Quest monsters, like Simes and Platypunk, as you try to find your way out of this new world. I've never played any of the Monsters spinoff games, but this looks to be pretty fun. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World launches on Switch and Switch 2 on December 3rd, 2026. 

Coming up, we have more info on the highly anticipated game, The Duskbloods, from the people who brought you Demon’s Souls. Not much was shown off here, besides a few lines of dialogue and new scenery to showcase the game’s atmosphere; it's bound to scratch that itch alot of players wanted to scratch. No release date has been announced, but it’s coming exclusively for Switch 2. 

We are then given a large showcase of Splatoon Raiders, a treasure hunting game set in the weird yet colorful world of Splatoon. Play as a mechanic who helps Deep Cut, who are actually treasure hunters, trying to make a quick buck by exploring islands for treasures. Battle through hordes of salmonoids blocking your path to booty, and you might make it off these islands alive through your smarts, your gadgets, and your trusty ink to hide in. Deep Cut even joins you on your explorations, so you won’t have to do it alone. Splatoon Raiders launches only on Switch 2 as we speak, so get to splatting and hunting. 

We are then given a short look at what's coming up in Deltarune. Through its weird battles, quirky dialogue, and a strong sense of adventure, this RPG stands among the best. Chapter 5, the latest in the story, is out now, but that won't be the end of it. 

Sega and Atlus’s masterpiece JRPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, is making its way over to the Switch 2. Explore a vast kingdom as you play as a candidate for who will be the new king, battling your enemies and forging bonds along the way. There are also a lot of classes to pick from, which gives the game those iconic weird designs Atlus has been known for. Metaphor: ReFantazio launches on Switch 2 on November 12th. 

Minecraft, one of the best-selling games of all time, is getting its own Nintendo Switch 2 version. Explore vast biomes, defend yourself from iconic monsters, and mine for resources as you survive the night and craft during the day, including new shaders that the Switch 2 can produce. The Switch 2 version of Minecraft is launching later this year. 

We are then shown a highlight reel featuring third-party games coming to Switch and Switch 2. Such games include Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom and the Guide of Memories, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, Observer: System Redux, Dayz, Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol 2, Rise of the Tomb Raider 20-year Celebration, Tales of Eternia Remastered, Snow Runner, Fitness Boxing 3 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Everbloom, and Final Fantasy XIV Online. 

After that, Kingdom Hearts is getting re-released on the Switch 2, replacing those horrible cloud versions of the games. Traverse familiar worlds, team up with Disney and Square Enix characters as you battle the forces of darkness, and have fun along the way. 1.5+2.5, 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and 3+Re Mind are all coming to the Switch 2 on October 8th, 2026. 

And as a bonus, Kingdom Hearts 4 is coming to the Switch 2 as well. Explore the next and possible final chapter of this iconic Disney and Square Enix crossover while traveling to worlds beyond imagination as Sora tries to find his way back to his friends. Kingdom Hearts 4 launches on all systems simultaneously in very late 2027. 

Finally, we have the surprise reveal of a Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, coming specifically to Switch 2. Only a teaser trailer was shown off, but it’s enough to get the fans rallied up in excitement. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake launches on Switch 2 later in 2026. 

In conclusion, there were alot of itches that were scratched with this direct, thus ending the summer of reveals. While amazing games were shown off, there's really no system seller in the mix, thus allowing people to hold off on getting a Switch 2 at the moment. Hoping something amazing gets revealed soon, as Nintendo kind of needs it.

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7/10