Image Credit: Gamespot

Big Switch 2 Moves, Mario Mania, and Surprises You Might’ve Missed

Today’s Nintendo Direct was one of the more memorable ones; they leaned heavy into the Switch 2, anniversary vibes, and solid new stuff. If you missed it, here’s everything that stood out, what’s coming, and what to get hyped about.

When and Why It Mattered

Nintendo streamed the Direct at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET / 2 PM BST on September 12, 2025. The presentation ran about 60 minutes and was a full-blown showcase of upcoming titles for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2; no hardware reveals, but big game reveals and anniversary celebrations.

This was the first “major” Nintendo Direct since the Switch 2 launched earlier this year. The expectations were high, and for the most part Nintendo delivered.

Major Announcements That Hit Hard

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally got a firm release date: December 4, 2025, for both Switch and Switch 2.
• The 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. was front and center. Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 are returning to Switch (standard version) on October 2, 2025. We also got news about a movie sequel: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, set for April 2026.
• A new Fire Emblem game called Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave was teased. It looks like a turn-based tactical RPG, likely releasing in 2026 for Switch 2 and possibly Switch as well.
• Virtual Boy classics are coming back via Nintendo Switch Online. Fifteen Virtual Boy titles will be added starting February 17, 2026. There’s also a dedicated accessory for Switch 2 (a plastic mount or a cardboard sleeve) to play those classics.
• Donkey Kong Bananza is getting DLC set on DK Island, including a new “Emerald Rush” mode, fresh collectibles, and new skills. That DLC is available immediately, and there’s a demo for the base game.

Smaller Gems & Surprise Reveals

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, a sequel to the cult-favorite, was announced for Spring 2026 and looks to expand on the island life simulator format.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is coming to Switch 2 in early 2026. Spooky vibes return with updated graphics, reworked combat, and that signature horror experience.

Pokémon Pokopia was revealed. You play as a Ditto transformed into human form, tasked with creating space, building a home, gathering materials, and interacting with Pokémon friends. Slated for 2026.

Why This One Feels Special

The presentation didn’t just tease upcoming games. It leaned into Nintendo’s legacy while clearly pushing Switch 2 forward. The Mario 40th anniversary content was nostalgic and forward-looking. Bringing back Virtual Boy classics feels like a treat for longtime fans, not just noise. Metroid Prime 4 getting a date shakes up the holiday launch lineups.

Also, the balance between first-party Nintendo titles and third-party reveals felt healthier than some prior Directs. DLCs, remakes, free expansions, all layered in without overwhelming the announcements.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a Switch 2 owner or planning to be one, this Direct gives you a lot to look forward to. December’s shaping up strong, and the 2026 pipeline is already getting defined with solid promises.

Want early builds, what to pre-order, or which games will matter most for performance metrics? I’ll be hashing all of that out soon. Subscribe to The Gamers Cut so you get my early thoughts, what I think will deliver best, and what’s worth your time.