Nintendo Direct 9/12/25 review: Great games come at a great cost

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September has arrived, and a new Nintendo Direct has come and gone like clockwork. Fortunately, this was the longest Nintendo Direct to date, and Nintendo has a LOT to show us in the next hour, so let’s see what they have here.

 

First and foremost, Miyamoto himself was here to greet the Nintendo Direct by showcasing Mario’s 40th anniversary. 40 years of super jumping, Goomba smashing, castle searching, and koopa bashing that became an icon of video games, almost half a century old. While we have some attractions showcased, such as theme parks, museums, and marathons, the first major event of the 40th anniversary is the unveiling of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, in partnership with Illumination (the same folks that made movies like Despicable Me and The Lorax). It’s set to release in April 2026 and serves as the main event of the 40th anniversary. They also revealed that Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keygan-Michael Key, and Kevin Michael Richardson will return in their respective roles as Mario, Peach, Luigi, Bowser, Toad, and Kamek. 

 

Next up, to honor the name of the new movie, we have Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 being rereleased on the Switch and Switch 2. Showcasing their iconic gameplay through these two spectacularly made Wii games, Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 is truly a sight to behold. Both games share their stories, remarkable playthroughs, and unforgettable gimmicks. Plus, the first game gets some more lore about Rosalina herself, the princess who debuts in these games. Releasing on October 2nd on Switch, but you can buy each game separately on the eShop on the same day. We also have the reveal of two new amiibo figurines based on the game, coming in the spring of next year. 

 

As a bonus, Rosalina’s storybook is being made as an actual book, taken straight from the games. 

 

Next up, we have the reveal of a brand new Mario Tennis game, titled Mario Tennis Fever. Showcasing its sporty gameplay of tennis, we also get to see that there are newly customizable rackets, known as Fever Rackets, that change the game. From fire attacks to icy grounds, to shrinking your opponent in size, and even duplicating yourself in single player mode. We also have a tournament mode, a tower mode, a fun minigame mode, and an adventure mode. Mario Tennis Fever comes out February 12th, 2026, only on the Nintendo Switch 2 system.

 

Next, we have the reveal that Super Mario Wonder is getting a Switch 2 port, featuring an expansion called Meetup in Bellabel Park. Some new features shown off are brand new bonus stages that act as a competitive mode while you play with and against your friends. From a tag mode to racing a bomb to the end, this mode shows off how well you can play with or against others. The Switch 2 version also includes new content and characters, such as Captain Toad and the Koopalings. More info will be shown off later, but the Switch 2 version comes out in the Spring of 2026. 

 

Nintendo has also made the Talking Flowers from Super Mario Wonder into figurines, which will also come out in the Spring of 2026.

 

Following that, we also have the reveal of a brand new Yoshi game: Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, where Yoshis help a strange book figure out the contents inside through a series of platforming levels. There are certain missions that help record data in the book you need to do, so you must try to learn as much as you can. This game launches in the Spring of 2026. 

 

After that, we get into some non-Mario games, like the brand new 2D roguelike game: Storm Lancers. Explore this ’80s anime-inspired world alone or with a friend as you blast, bash, and brute force your way to the end goal. Unlock tons of weapons and skills as you fight to survive this new world. Storm Lancers comes out right now on the Nintendo Switch. 

 

Next up, we have the reveal of a brand new farm simulator, Dinkum, inspired by the Australian Outback. From catching fish, growing crops, and mining resources, to tons more to do, unless being targeted by the wildlife. You can even grow your camp to a bustling town as well. There’s even online multiplayer as well, further elevating your gameplay. Dinkum comes out first on the Nintendo Switch system on November 5th, 2025.

 

Next, we have the reveal of a brand new puzzle game, Popucom, which is a multiplayer-only game where you and your friends try to match colors in order to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and survive this strange new world. Popucom comes out later this year on the Nintendo Switch system. 

 

Following that, we have a brand new trailer for Tomodatchi Life: Living the Dream. Create Mii characters based on anyone you want, set them down on an island, and see what happens to them. Some might be best friends, some might be romantic interests, and some might even be enemies. You can even help these Mii’s live their best lives by giving them a little push to do things that they would never normally do. There are also strange events going on, and you never quite know what someone will do next. Tomodatchi Life: Living the Dream comes out in the Spring of 2026.

 

Next up, we have another trailer for the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection game for the Nintendo Switch, which is a compilation of games from the '90s and early 2000s in one jam-packed kollection. It also features online support, so you can play against some friends online with any game you want. There’s also a lot of behind-the-scenes footage on how these games were made, interviews with the people who made these games, and bonus online support for these games. Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection launches on Switch and Switch 2 on October 30th for digital and December 12th for physical. 

 

Up next, we have a new look at Final Fantasy VII Remake Integration coming for Switch 2, showcasing the first part of a 3-part trilogy. Showcasing its legendary story of one of the greatest RPGs ever made, you get to control iconic characters of Cloud, Tifa, Barret, and Aerith as you tackle the planet’s survival from a corporation that wishes to suck the life out of the planet, and the mysterious return of Sephiroth, thought to be long dead. There’s even the bonus Intermission story, where you get to play behind the scenes as Yuffie as you discover why she fights for survival. The game launches on Switch 2 on January 22nd, 2026.

 

Next, we have a look at the full version of Hades II, the sequel to the critically acclaimed roguelike game that went on to win many awards. Playing as the princess of the underworld, you deal with the titan of time, Chronos, as he tries to exact his revenge. Master tons of weapons and attacks, meet familiar faces of Greek mythology, and level up your skills to take on the threat that looms over the entire world. Take on Hades II as it launches September 25th digitally, and physically on November 20th, on both Switch and Switch 2. 

 

We also have the reveal of brand new Amiibo figurines for Kirby Air Riders. The two that were revealed are Kirby and Warp Star, and Bandana Waddle Dee on Winged Star, both showcasing their adorable and fast natures. They can be tapped into the game to be used as Figure Players, which means they level up as they learn from their races. The best part is that you can swap the riders on their machines, which means you can have Kirby on the Winged Star and Bandana Waddle Dee on the Warp Star. They both come out on the same day that Kirby Air Riders launch on November 20th, and with more amiibo on the way.

 

It was also revealed that there’s another Kirby Air Riders direct coming soon.

 

We then get another look at Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, the upcoming hack-and-slash game made by Koei Tecmo Games. Taking place during the events of Tears of the Kingdom, this game depicts the canonical events of the imprisonment war, featuring Princess Zelda and Rauru, the first king of Hyrule. This game showcases alot of playable characters, from the first Sages, the first king and queen, and even a Korok that likes to make things on fire. You can even bring in Zonai items into combat and use them to change the fight in your favor. There's also the reveal that you can stack character abilities with buddies to deal even more damage, including 2-player split-screen co-op. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment finally has a release date of November 6th, 2025, only on the Switch 2. 

 

Next up, we have the brand new reveal of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, a remake of the original game Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past. Featuring improved visuals, amazing gameplay, and a story that will stick with you for years to come. It’s always nice when Square Enix is trying to make Dragon Quest more like a worldwide franchise, and remaking their older games does tend to help out alot. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined comes out on February 5th, 2026, for the Switch and Switch 2.

 

Next up, we have more news on the Nintendo News app for phones. It will continue to bring more news as time goes along, and a new Kirby theme has just been added to the app, so you can customize it to this super tough pink puff. There will also be new updates to Kirby Air Riders daily on the app. 

 

As a surprise to all, the Nintendo Switch Online Plus Expansion Pack service has just announced that people can play Virtual Boy titles on the Switch and Switch 2. There is a catch, though, as you need the Virtual Boy accessory in order to play its games, which lets you insert your Switch or Switch 2 systems inside to give it that retro feel, for better or for worse. It will come with such games as Mario’s Tennis, Galactic Pinball, Teleroboxer, and more; up to 14 games will be added to the service, as there were not a lot of games released for the Virtual Boy back then. The Virtual Boy will be added to the Switch and Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online Plus Expansion Pack on February 17th, 2026. The Virtual Boy accessory will also launch around the same time.

 

Up next, we have a new showcase of Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake. Taking a look at a past tragedy, twin sisters Miu and Mayu discover that the village they accidentally wandered into is actually still haunted by victims of a mysterious tragedy. Using a strange camera device, Miu fends off against the supernatural while trying to find her missing sister so they can leave this place. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake launches on the Switch 2 early next year.

 

Taking a look at some upgrades, we see that One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is getting a Nintendo Switch 2 edition. Fend off against hordes of enemies, whether they’re pirates, marines, or anything in between, while playing as iconic characters from this legendary series. 

 

Overcooked 2 is also getting a Nintendo Switch 2 edition, as camera play is added, letting people see your faces through the Nintendo Switch 2 camera as you aim to create some incredible food.

 

Stardew Valley is also getting a Nintendo Switch 2 edition with the addition of mouse controls, as you aim to decorate your house to your taste. Plus, the announcement of 4 player split screen, making this the perfect game to play with friends. 

 

Human Fall Flat is getting a Nintendo Switch 2 edition as well, featuring 5 brand new levels and mouse controls, which is bound to make this game more fun with friends. 

 

Up next is the announcement that PowerWash Simulator 2 is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. Play as a humble powerwasher as you clean up vehicles, locations, and everything else in between. Armed with new tools, such as new soap, new attachments to your power washer, and rigging equipment that lets you see new heights in your job. It also features a new campaign where you take on jobs to help people get clean. Plus, the game supports multiplayer up to 4 players at once, who can take on those hard jobs together. PowerWash Simulator 2 launches on the Switch 2 later this fall. 

 

After that, we have the brand new reveal of a sequel to the Suika Game, titled Suika Game Planet. This time, all the fruits revolve around the center of a circle, using gravity to draw the fruits in. Plus, with the new gimmick, Super Evolution time. Play alone, or play with your friends using gameshare, food, and a fruit load of fun. Suika Game Planet launches later this winter for both Switch and Switch 2.

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Next, we have another sneak peek at the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond game, featuring new locations, new gadgets, and Samus has a new mode of transportation, an alien motorcycle. Featuring the biggest world Metroid has ever shown, which requires the player to acquire a fast vehicle to traverse through the game and defeat certain enemies. Showcasing brand new enemies, brand new powers, and the return of a familiar face, this is shaping up to be the biggest game in the franchise. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches on the Nintendo Switch on December 4th of this year. We also have the reveal of a new art book for the first 3 Metroid Prime games, and some brand new amiibo that can be used for the game.

 

Afterwards, is a brand new DLC for Donkey Kong: Bananza, featuring the return of a familiar location: DK Island. Explore the land DK calls home by reuniting with old friends, iconic locations, minecarts, and the return of an enemy thought to be dead. Void Kong returns for a brand new mode that can be unlocked after finishing the main story. This is Emerald Rush, where you need to collect as many emeralds as you possibly can within the time limit. There are even upgrades you can collect to help boost your run, and rewards that let you dress Donkey Kong and Pauline in new outfits, and pose statues on DK Island. And you can play this mode on any level in the game. Donkey Kong Bananza’s DLC is out right now for the Nintendo Switch 2.

 

Up next is the reveal of a brand new farm simulator from Pokémon, titled Pokémon: Pokopia, as you play as a Ditto who takes care of the Pokémon on an island and takes care of the land. You get to make friends with the Pokémon, learn new skills to help out the Pokémon and the island, and shape the Island in your own way, with no time limit in doing so. This unique take on the farming genre comes out next year, only on the Switch 2.

 

We then get an upcoming look at Pokémon Legends ZA, which is launching very soon on the Switch and Switch 2. Showcasing its new way to capture Pokémon all over Lumios City, and face off against other trainers in this brand new addition to such a wonderful world. With an overhauled battle system, new movement controls, and more, Pokémon Legends ZA is a showcase of what Pokémon was meant to be. Plus, they even showed off new Mega Evolutions for Delphox, Greninja, and Chesnaught, which should change the tide of battle. 

 

They even announced DLC for the game that grants Raichu two brand new mega forms, like Charizard and Mewtwo. Mega Dimension is on preorder right now and launches when the full game launches on October 16th, 2025. 

 

Thereafter, we have the surprise reveal of a remake of Dangonrompa 2, titled 2x2, which showcases the return of murder and trial that the franchise is known for, plus brand new story content that will change the game’s outcome, whether for best or for worst. Dangonrompa 2x2 launches for Switch and Switch 2 next year.

 

Following, we have a look at Dynasty Warriors: Origins, which showcases the story of 3 warring factions in one army fighting game, depending on which of the factions you choose to be with. This also includes paid DLC that lets you go through a hidden 4th path, which will alter the game’s story that was not there before. Both Dynasty Warriors: Origins and its DLC launch on the Switch 2 January 22nd, 2026. 

 

Then, we get a brand new trailer for Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, which is set to launch soon. Tame well-known monsters from the franchise as you traverse a vast land in any way you want, from land, sea, or air. You also try to find out why strange petrification is happening all over the world of Monster Hunter and set off to figure out why it’s happening and what you can do to stop it. Raise monsters, use them for combat, and save the land as Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection comes to the Switch 2 March 13th, 2026.

 

Through a montage, we also get to see new footage of a few upcoming games, such as Two Point Museum, Disgaea 7 Complete, EA Sports FC 26, Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D remake, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage, Lego Voyagers, Little Nightmares III, and Persona 3 Reload, coming soon to Switch and Switch 2. 

Coming up, we are then treated to the reveal of Resident Evil 9: Requiem for the Switch 2, showcasing a new chapter in the long-running horror franchise from Capcom. We are then treated to a new protagonist named Grace Ashcroft, a bookworm FBI agent, as she tries to figure out what’s going on in the long-abandoned town of Racoon City, such as why her mother died. Resident Evil: Requiem launches on the Switch 2 on February 27th, 2026. And as a bonus, both Resident Evil: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village are launching on the Switch 2 on the same day. 

 

Last, we have the brand new reveal of a new Fire Emblem game, titled Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave. In this new title, we see various warriors come together in a tournament where the last one standing wins whatever they desire. Through its iconic turn-based combat and permadeath of your units, Fortune’s Weave will have something long-time fans will appreciate. Plus, there’s even a strange connection with Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave will launch only on the Switch 2 next year. 

 

In conclusion, I can safely say that this was one of the better directs Nintendo has done in quite a while. I like the fact that we’re getting the games we want, and the surprises nobody expects. I don’t like the fact that games like these, such as Donkey Kong Bananza and the upcoming Pokémon Legends ZA, are getting some costly DLC on top of their 70-dollar price tag. It may be pricing some people out, and they would be forced to wait for sales to justify buying. The same can be said about all the new Amiibo being announced. 

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8.5/10