A landmark Direct loaded with Mario, Metroid, Pokémon, and more
Nintendo’s latest Direct delivered a packed slate of reveals, updates, and surprises across new games, remakes, and even movies. Here are the biggest highlights.
Mario’s 40th Anniversary
Nintendo is celebrating Mario’s 40th in a big way: special museum exhibits in Kyoto, limited-edition tickets, and multiple new projects.
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Nintendo and Illumination’s next animated feature launches worldwide on April 3, 2026.
- Super Mario Galaxy + Galaxy 2 – Both classics return in one package on October 2 for Switch, with 4K support on Switch 2. The collection includes button or motion controls, a fresh Storybook, and UI upgrades.
Physical and digital release options confirmed, plus new Mario & Luma and Rosalina & Lumas amiibo on April 2, 2026. A hardcover Rosalina Storybook will also be sold via the My Nintendo Store.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Samus returns December 4 on Switch and Switch 2. The new adventure takes her to planet Viewros with psychic powers and her Vi-O-La bike.
Amiibo for Samus, Samus & Vi-O-La (Nov 6), and Sylux (Dec 4) are on the way, alongside a Metroid Prime 1–3 Visual Retrospective book releasing October 28.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
A brand-new Fire Emblem was revealed, featuring intertwined narratives, new characters, and tactical RPG battles. Launches in 2026 for Switch 2.
Pokémon Updates
- Pokémon Pokopia – Play as a Ditto disguised as a human to build a Pokémon paradise. Arrives 2026 on Switch 2, with digital pre-orders opening November 12.
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Adds new Mega Evolutions for Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja on October 16. Expansion “Mega Dimension” introduces Hyperspace Lumiose, Mega Raichu X/Y, and Hoopa content.
Other Major Reveals
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – A prequel-style Musou covering events tied to Tears of the Kingdom. Out Nov 6 on Switch 2.
- Kirby Air Riders – Returns on Nov 20, with dedicated Sakurai Direct incoming. Kirby & Warp Star and Bandana Waddle Dee amiibo launch day-and-date.
- Mario Tennis Fever – Brings 38 characters, 30 Fever Rackets, and new Adventure mode on Feb 12, 2026.
- Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics – Mario’s Tennis, Teleroboxer, and more hit NSO + Expansion Pack on Feb 17, 2026, playable with a new stereoscopic 3D accessory.
- Resident Evil Requiem – Capcom’s ninth mainline entry revisits Raccoon City on Feb 27, 2026, joined by Resident Evil 7 and Village on Switch 2.
- Hades II – Launches Sept 25 on Switch, with a Switch 2 upgrade offering 120 fps and cross-save. Physical edition ships Nov 20.
- Dragon Quest VII Reimagined – Diorama visuals and revamped pacing highlight this re-release on Feb 5, 2026 for Switch 2, Switch, PS5, Xbox Series, PC*.
PC version has Denuvo Anti-tamper DRM - Dynasty Warriors: Origins – Koei Tecmo’s next large-scale action entry hits Jan 22, 2026 on Switch 2. Paid expansion DLC releases on all existing platforms at the time of launch.
- Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection – Arrives Mar 13, 2026 on Xbox Series, PS5, Switch 2, and PC with turn-based Monstie battles intact.
- Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake – Early 2026 release window for Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, PC.
- Danganronpa 2×2 – A full remake of Goodbye Despair with a brand-new scenario, releasing in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, Switch 2, and PC.
- Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection – Brings all three Star Force titles together with new online features, a gallery, and music player. Launches in 2026 for Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.
Editor’s Take
For me, the biggest highlight was Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave. It’s the first entry since Awakening that instantly grabbed me — the Roman gladiator theme paired with striking character designs has me itching to dive in.
Two announcements that blindsided me were Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake and Danganronpa 2 Reloaded. As someone who adores both series, I was practically yelling at my screen. Danganronpa 2 in particular looks fantastic with its new Live2D character work, finally giving the cast more life compared to the original’s flat style.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was another major moment. I figured we’d get the release date here, but the reveal of Samus’ new motorbike traversal made up for it — I can’t wait to see how it deepens both exploration and combat.
And while it didn’t get spotlighted outside of Japan, Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is coming worldwide, so I made sure to include it. As a longtime fan, that one’s going straight onto my list.
How about you? What announcements caught your eye or completely blindsided you? Let us know in the comments below!
