Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase 7/31/25 review: Something for Everyone

Surprisingly, Nintendo did not showcase a proper Nintendo Direct during the month of June, and instead bided its time. For now, they have released a new Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase for their upcoming third-party games, which is never a bad thing in the long run. So let's see what Nintendo and their partners have shown off for not only the Nintendo Switch, but also for the Nintendo Switch 2.

 

First, we have the brand new reveal of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, an RPG spinoff series from Capcom’s Monster Hunter franchise. It launches next year, exclusively on the Switch 2.

 

Next up, we have a brand new entry in Bandai Namco’s KATAMARI franchise, titled Once Upon A KATAMARI. Experience iconic gameplay as you roll everything into your KATAMARI to help restore the cosmos, now traveling through all eras of human history. It even has a bonus multiplayer mode, if you and your friends are into that. It’s bound to be an unforgettable adventure when it comes out on October 24th on the Nintendo Switch.

 

Next, we have a new game in Ubisoft’s long-running Just Dance series for 2026, another yearly title for them with barely any gameplay changes and new songs that made it big from the past year. If you're into dancing or just want to work out, then this game may be for you when it launches on October 14th on the Switch.

 

Next up, we have the surprise announcement that Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is coming to the Switch and Switch 2. This high flying fighting game, spanning over 40 years of Dragon Ball’s history, is coming over to Nintendo one year after it came out on other systems, but its better late then never as Nintendo only players can finally discover this grand showcase to the late great Akira Toriyama’s legacy when the game comes out November 14th of this year.

 

Following that announcement is Plants vs Zombies: Replanted, a surprise reveal from EA and PopCap, remaking this iconic tower defense game in HD. Replay all the levels of this unique setting as you plant powerful plants to fend off hordes of Zombies, now with co-op functions, both local and PvP. Go back to your roots when this game comes out on October 23rd on Switch and Switch 2. 

 

After that, we have another EA game coming in the form of EA Sports FC 2026, yet another soccer game from EA, even though they lost the FIFA license years ago. Play through the same gameplay with minor tweaks in how it feels, how it sounds, how it looks, and even the player lineup to match the current year, which has grown repetitive year after year after year, and now this repetitive title made its way to the Switch and Switch 2 on September 26th.

 

Next, we have a brand new reveal of Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac, a faithful remake of the Second Pac-Man World game featuring video game icon Pac-Man. Much like the first remake of the game that came out years ago, Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac is an HD remake of the game built from the ground up that explores iconic levels through enjoyable gameplay. It Launches on the Switch and Switch 2 on September 26th.

 

Next up, we got a brand new look at Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, showcasing an upscaled remake of the iconic PlayStation 1 strategy RPG. Battle through forces, level up your allies, and summon powerful entities in this blast from the past, now fully voiced for a more in-depth experience. Defy destiny as the game launches September 30th on Switch and Switch 2.

 

Next, we have the surprise reveal that Persona 3 Reload, a remake of the original Persona 3 game, is coming exclusively to the Switch 2. Explore a high school setting during the day as you make friends and forge bonds with everyone you meet, but during the night, you descend to a strange world called Tatarus as you battle shadows with the help of supernatural powers called a Persona. This highly acclaimed remake launches on the Switch 2 on October 23rd. 

 

Next up, we have a brand new look at Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, as it showcases the events of the imprisoning war from Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, from the developers at Koei Tecmo Games, the developers of the Warriors games. There's still much more of this game coming when it launches on Switch 2 later this winter, with no solid date at this time. 

 

Next, we have Madden NFL 2026, another yearly sports game from the minds at EA. Much like the previous showcase of EA Sports FC 2026, Madden 2026 has barely any changes from last year’s game, whether it's with its gameplay, graphics, sound, and looks, and even the players in the game are slightly tweaked. Showcase this mindless release when it comes to Switch 2 this August.

 

Next, we have a pretty relaxing campfire game called Chillin’ By The Fire, which is a game all about making that perfect campfire. Making sure the wood is dry and perfect for the flame, making sure that the flame stays consistent, and enjoying your time by the campfire with lovely marshmallows or sparkly fireworks alone, or with up to 4 friends. Grab a seat and enjoy the fire on the Switch 2, out right now. 

 

After that, we have the reveal that Apex Legends, the battle royale shooter from EA Games, is coming to the Switch 2. Enjoy shooting and surviving as your squad and 19 others go head-to-head to be the last team standing. It looks really fun, and it looks like it’s running pretty well on the Switch 2 when you can download it right now. 

 

Next, we have a 3D exploration game called Hela, where you play as a mouse familiar as you try to cure your witch from a strange illness. Explore this open world, discover secrets, and gather ingredients to find the cure, either alone or with 4 player co-op when Hela comes out next year on Nintendo Switch 2

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Next up is the announcement that Star Wars: Outlaws comes to the Switch 2. Explore a galaxy far, far away when you play as an outlaw named Kay Vess as she tries to fight her way out of debt from notorious crime bosses, despite the low graphics of the Switch 2 version. Through different worlds, both familiar to long-time fans, and to new worlds exclusive to this game, and to exciting gameplay only an outlaw can maneuver, while meeting iconic characters like Lando and Hondo. Star Wars: Outlaws comes to the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 4th.

 

Up next, we have a new reveal of Chronos: The New Dawn, a new horror game that exposes both future and past while trying to explore a world torn by dark forces. Craft ammo, guns, and whatever else you need as you fight to survive these vile creatures. There's even a chance to travel to the past to absorb memories of those long fallen to help strengthen your equipment in the here and now. This horror game comes out on September 5th on the Switch 2. 

 

Next, we have the surprise announcement that Yakuza Kiwami 2 is heading to the Switch 2. Face off in this epic clash of east vs west as Kazuma Kiryu gets pulled into a fight with Ryuji Goda as secrets of the Omi Alliance and the Tojo Clan come head to head when this port of an amazing game comes out November 13th only on the Switch 2. Also coming is an enhanced port of Yakuza Kiwami, previously released on the Switch, which is now getting an upgrade for the Switch 2, launching on the same day.

 

Through a short montage, we can also see that even more games are coming to the Switch and Switch 2, including Goodnight Universe, NBA Bounce, Hello Kitty Island Adventure: Wheatflower Wonderland, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, and Borderlands 4, showcasing a little something for everyone.

 

Next, we have the reveal of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, a brand new game made by the RPG geniuses at Square Enix and utilizing its HD-2D engine. Taking place in a unique continent filled with monsters, you play as an adventurer named Elliot as you set out on an adventure that spans the barrier of time itself. Showcasing a real-time action system, customized weapons to use for combat, and gems used to boost your skills. This unique take on the HD-2D engine comes out in 2026 on the Nintendo Switch 2, with a free demo out now. 

 

Last, but not least, is a brand new entry into Square Enix’s popular RPG franchise: Octopath Traveler 0, also made with their HD-2D engine. Octopath Traveler 0 is a story about the fall of a village called Wishvale and the adventure that begins to help find the people responsible. Not only do you go on a grand quest, but you also get to rebuild the ruined town and try to make it lively once more, a unique take on a long-favored series. Octopath Traveler 0 comes out on December 4th for the Switch and Switch 2, so you don’t need to wait long for this new addition to the Octopath Traveler franchise.

 

In conclusion, Nintendo has put out another hyped up partner direct, showcasing Nintendo’s relationships with other gaming companies throughout the industry. From questionable sports games to interesting RPGs, from short gameplay done on the go, and grand adventures that span dozens of hours, exploring everything you can. This Nintendo Direct has something for everyone, and I think that’s gonna help sell games for their systems. 

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9/10