The latest Nintendo Direct was an absolute whirlwind of announcements. The broadcast gave us a look at what’s next for both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. It also kicked off the highly-anticipated celebration for the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros..
From a long-awaited Metroid release date to a new Fire Emblem game and some truly unexpected surprises, here is a complete rundown of the biggest reveals from the event.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Finally Has a Release Date
It’s real, and it’s coming soon. The long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will officially land on the Nintendo Switch on December 4, 2025. The news was accompanied by a new gameplay trailer showing Samus riding a sleek motorcycle called Vi-O-La. The game will follow Samus as she uses psychic abilities and her arsenal to find her way off the planet Viewros.
To celebrate, Nintendo is releasing two new amiibo: a Samus and Vi-O-La set and an “enigmatic bounty hunter” named Sylux. For fans who want to dive into the lore before the game’s release, a Metroid Prime 1-3: A Visual Retrospective art book will be available in October.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Announced
The final and most stunning reveal of the Direct was Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, the next major entry in the tactical RPG series. The game is set to release in 2026. The initial footage showed a grand coliseum where characters compete in the Heroic Games for a chance to have a wish granted by the Divine Sovereign. We were introduced to new characters like the protagonist Cai, a queen named Theodora, and a man with a terrifying blade named Dietrich.
The grand setting and deep character drama suggest this will be another epic story for the franchise, continuing its legacy of high-stakes strategy and emotional storytelling.
Super Mario 40th Anniversary Celebrations Take Off
The Direct was packed with announcements to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., including two major game releases and a new movie.
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Both games will be bundled together and released on the Switch on October 2, 2025, with a free 4K resolution update for Switch 2 players. New amiibo for Mario & Luma and Rosalina & Lumas were also announced for release on April 2, 2026.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The sequel to the billion-dollar animated film is officially titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and will hit theaters on April 3, 2026. The main cast is confirmed to return for this new cosmic adventure. Read more about the movie announcement here.
Super Mario Wonder: Switch 2 Edition
Releasing in Spring 2026, this new edition will add a multiplayer-focused mode called “Meetup in Bellabel Park,” along with other new content. A physical, talking version of the beloved Talking Flower character was also announced.
Mario Tennis Fever
The newest entry in the sports series, which features 38 playable characters and a new Adventure Mode where Mario and his friends are turned into babies, launches on February 12, 2026.
More Major Announcements
A Physical Virtual Boy
In a move nobody saw coming, Nintendo is releasing a physical, retro-style Virtual Boy accessory. The device, which costs $99.99, will allow players to insert their Switch and play classic Virtual Boy titles through a new Nintendo Switch Online feature.
Hades 2
The highly-acclaimed rogue-like will leave its PC Early Access period and arrive on the Switch 2 on September 25, 2025, with a physical release in November.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
This new musou-style game, which promises to “unearth ancient truths” from Tears of the Kingdom, will be released on November 6, 2025, with two-player split-screen co-op and a GameShare feature.
Pokémon Pokopia
A new cozy life-sim/farming game starring a human-looking Ditto was revealed, where you use the abilities of other Pokémon to build a home and grow crops. Finally a Pokémon Animal Crossing.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Mega Dimension DLC
A new DLC, “Mega Dimension,” was announced for the upcoming game, which will focus on new Mega Raichu forms.
Resident Evil Requiem
The next installment in the horror series received a terrifying new trailer and a release date of February 27, 2026, for the Switch 2, alongside ports of Resident Evil 7 and Village.
