Nintendo Direct 9/9/26 review: Nintendo never fails

Nintendo, perhaps the best of the systems right now, has showcased what else is coming to their platforms for the next year, and if most of their Nintendo Directs are anything to go off of, then this should be one that alot of fans can get excited for. 

 

Starting off the showcase is the very strong reveal that Monster Hunter Wilds is coming to the Switch 2. Traverse deep biomes, hunt down gigantic monsters that threaten the good people, and unravel a deep mystery that ties in monster behaviour like none other. It’s always incredible whenever a Nintendo system gets a new Monster Hunter title, showcasing that you can tackle gigantic threats on the go and easily with friends. Monster Hunter Wilds launches on Switch 2 on December 4th, 2026, with the massive DLC Ascendance launching in 2027. 

 

Following that is a new look at Final Fantasy VII Revelations, the final game of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy that's been in the works for a very long time. Traverse the world looking for a way to stop Sephiroth and his Meteor spell, learn new skills, and take to the skies in the Highwind, all to close the final chapter. I cannot wait for this game to come out and to see how they conclude it, making it a day-one preorder for sure. Final Fantasy VII Revelation launches on all systems on April 8th, 2027.
 

We also have the surprise that Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion, the prequel to the iconic game, is launching on the Switch 2 right now. 

 

Up next, we have the reveal of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity- Definitive Edition coming to the Switch 2. Play through this prequel to Breath of the Wild as you take down a massive army of monsters with all sorts of characters, including Link, Zelda, the Champions, and more surprises. Everything that was DLC in the first release is coming to this version for free, alongside graphical updates that help make the game run more smoothly. Plus, you can transfer your data to the new version. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity- Definitive Edition launches on Switch 2 on February 25th, 2027. 

 

Next, to everyone's surprise, the massive friend-based multiplayer game Mecca Chamelion is coming to the Switch 2. In this multiplayer hide-and-seek game, the hiders can hide just about anywhere and paint themselves so they can better blend with the environment while the seekers seek them down with shotguns. I've played a little bit of this on Steam, so seeing this here was a major shock to me. Mecca Chamelion is out now on the Switch 2. 

 

We are then treated to Pokémon Pokopia’s second DLC announcement. Instead of it being a new area to help build homes, this DLC is able to dress your Pokémon friends in all sorts of goodies. From sunglasses to ribbons, ties, and many other accessories to use, the possibilities are endless. Plus, there are even more Pokémon to befriend with this DLC. The second part of the Pokémon Pokopia DLC launches later this year, with the third part in 2027. 

 

Next, we get a surprise free update for the new Star Fox game, including 4-player split-screen multiplayer, 3 brand-new stages, and more online multiplayer updates. It’s great seeing games like this get post-launch love. The free Star Fox update is out now.

 

We are then shown the announcement of Star Fox Adventures coming to Switch 2 Online + Expansion Pack. Play through this classic as you experience a world of dinos, with Fox trying to survive. Star Fox Adventures is out now on Switch 2 Online + Expansion Pack. 

 

Next up, we have a new showcase of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered coming to Switch 2. Inspired by the best-selling book series, play as the titular Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, venturing through the lands to find his daughter, doing odd jobs along the way to get paid. I heard this was a very good game to get into, so I may check this out. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered is out now on Switch 2, with the newest DLC, Songs of the Past, launching next year.

 

We also get a look at Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Royal Edition, coming to the Switch 2. Fight, explore, and discover yourself in medieval times while on a revenge quest in this first-person action game as you explore Europe to try to find yourself. Plus, it has all DLC for the game as well. This might be something I could give a try. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Royal Edition launches on Switch 2 in 2027. 

 

We are then treated to one last look at Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, the upcoming tactical RPG series from Nintendo. Explore the journeys of 4 different warriors fighting for a life-changing wish while dealing with a dark cult trying to revive their god. I've been a Fire
Emblem fan for well over 10 years now, and this game looks to be pretty enticing, just like Three Houses. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is out now on the Switch 2. 

 

After that, we get a fresh look at Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, a new entry in Level 5’s iconic puzzle-solving franchise. Explore a steam town while solving the biggest puzzle collection in the franchise, uncovering a dark mystery in the story ahead. I've only played through one of these games on a whim, but I do love a good puzzle game. Professor Layton and the New World of Steam launches on Switch and Switch 2 on December 10th, 2026. 

 

Level 5 has also revealed a Yokai Watch 2 remake for the Switch 2. No gameplay has been shown, so it’ll be a while before more news. Personally, I could not care less for this franchise, but my readers do, I think, so I will report this regardless. 

 

Then we are shown an extended look at Pikmin 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition+Dandori Academy. For this upgrade, you can verbally tell Oatchi what to do, and he’ll do it. He even responds to positive feedback, which is adorable. There's even a brand-new Dandori Academy mode to help with time management inside the game, complete with online high scores. Personally, as much as I am a fan of the Pikmin franchise, this announcement could have been a shadowdrop announcement. Pikmin 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition+Dandori Academy launches on November 12th. 

 

Later in the show, we have the showcase of Xenoblade Chronicles 3-Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. In this next-gen upgrade, you have the option to play a horde rush mode called Heroes’ Vault, where you and your party survive wave after wave of enemies. We also have a brand new character in the game named Shimmer, which bears a striking resemblance to Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2. I like it when Nintendo updates older titles like this to keep games relevant years after release. Xenoblade Chronicles 3-Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches on December 3rd. 

 

We are also shown a new look at the Switch 2 edition of LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. Play as the most iconic detective in comics as you battle criminals of the night to save a corrupted city from itself. There's even some upcoming DLC that lets you play as some of these villains. As someone who has loved LEGO games since before the days of modern games, this game looks incredible to play. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is out now on Switch 2.

 

We are then given a look at new amiibo for Kirby Air Riders, including Sword Kirby on the Dragoon and Noir Dedede on the Hydra, both of which are coming November 12th. 

 

Nintendo has also showcased the highly received remakes of Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4, which are coming to the Switch 2. Play through iconic horror games as legacy characters such as Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Ada Wong as you survive the horrors of Raccoon City and the darkness of a European village frozen in time. I've heard nothing but amazing things about these games, so I highly suggest everyone gets to play them at least once. Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 remakes are coming to Switch 2 on October 16th. 

 

Speaking of remakes, we also got a remake of the first Tomb Raider game, titled Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. Explore a temple mystery as you solve puzzles, survive hostile wildlife and traps, and reclaim lost artifacts, all as Laura Croft, one of the most important women in gaming. I've never played any Tomb Raider games, so this is all new to me. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis launches on Switch 2 on February 12th, 2027. 

 

We are then given an extended look at Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, a spiritual successor to Wii Sports Resort filled with 2 heart ponding sports, and an option to explore the island by air in a plane, on land with a skateboard, and by sea with a jet ski. You can even find hidden goodies all over Wuhu Island. There's even offline championship modes where you can put your skills to the test against CPUs, including the return of Matt in Boxing. Nintendo Switch Sports Resort launches on Switch 2 on October 22nd.

 

After that, we are then treated to the surprise world premiere of Metroid Ravenous, a brand new entry in this legendary sci-fi franchise. After being ambushed by a new threat, Samus has to claw her way back up to escape this deadly world, even if it means devouring her enemies to do so. It’s always nice to see a franchise come up with new adventures, especially one such as influential as Metroid. Metroid Ravenous launches on Switch 2 on January 28th, 2027. New amiibo figures and a special edition of the game are also coming on day one.

 

Over a year after the game launched, Mario Kart World is getting a brand new update. This free update adds 10 SNES tracks to VS mode, including the item panels from the first Mario Kart game. There are also two new routes coming to Knockout Tour. Personally, I expected a lot more from this game given that it’s not as good as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and this update feels bare-bones. The update for Mario Kart World is out now. 

 

Next, we get a new look at Mega Man: Dual Override, featuring a playable Proto Man. Experience how different he plays from the titular blue bomber while tackling through 8 brand-new robot masters such as the fireworks-based Twinkle Girl. Seeing updates for this game makes me even more excited to play it. Mega Man: Dual Override launches on all systems in Spring 2027, featuring brand-new amiibo figures. 

 

Later on, we also get a new look at Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves coming to Switch 2. Featuring legendary storylines coming together, an exciting cast of characters including Ken and Chun-Li from Street Fighter and Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star, and SNK’s famous combo system, this game feels right at home on Switch 2. They even revealed two new characters for the first time, both guests from the hit manga Tokyo Revengers. As a fan of fighting games, I love to see games like these make it on handheld systems to help bring the fight wherever you go. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is launching on October 22nd on Switch 2, and the physical edition in January. 

 

Next, we are shown the brand-new Metal Slug Ultimate Collection, also by SNK. Experience 10 Metal Slug games, including the never-released Metal Slug Location Test version, in person or online, a bonus gallery mode, and even more goodies on the way. This set looks to be perfect for fans of this run-and-gun series. Metal Slug Ultimate Collection launches on all systems next year. 

 

After that, we are then given a look at Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force GX, a card-based simulator based on the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX anime. Enroll in Duel Academy and aim to be the top duelist in school, playing with and against familiar faces from the anime. From Elemental Heroes to the Ojama trio, all the way up to personal favorite Crystal Beasts, all with voice acting from the original English dub. This is a much-needed break from Master Duel without any of the later gimmicks that made the game not fun. Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force GX launches on Switch and Switch 2 on February 16th. 

 

Later on, we have the surprise announcement that Persona 4 Revival is making its way onto Switch 2. Uncover a murder mystery in a quiet Japanese town through a mysterious world called the Midnight Channel as you and your friends uncover who's doing this and why. There's also a lot of day-to-day activities to help increase your levels, your stats, and your bonds with the people around you. Even though I played the original some time ago, it’s still amazing to see this game get brand new fans. Persona 4 Revival launches on Switch 2 on May 20th, 2027, 3 months after the other systems get it. 

 

We are also getting Persona 6 on Switch 2, as a very surprising reveal. No new info has been presented at this time, but I’ll report it when there is something.

 

The last reveal of the day is Kirby and the World Beyond, the brand-new entry in the Kirby franchise. Explore a fully 3D world, evolved from Forgotten Land, as Kirby is free to explore wherever he wants, but the world outside Dreamland may be more complicated than he thought. The surprise twist in this game left me speechless the first time I saw it, and I would like to know more about what the game is actually about. Kirby and the World Beyond (cool title, btw) launches on Switch 2 in 2027. 

 

Overall, this direct was pretty ok. Sure, there have been some amazing reveals from both first- and third-party companies, but they were spaced few and far between. I know they need to fill the space somehow, but I wish they could have made every reveal just as hyped as Metroid and Kirby. But with what we got, it was a surprisingly solid direct.

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8/10