Nintendo Celebrates Switch with Major Announcements in Latest Direct

REDMOND, Wash. (AP) — Nintendo honored its current-generation Switch console during a special Nintendo Direct presentation today, March 27, 2025. In a 30-minute broadcast, the company unveiled several new games, including a highly anticipated entry in the Rhythm Heaven series, a sequel to Tomodachi Life, and additional titles for longtime fans.

The presentation also confirmed significant updates regarding the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, which is set to launch next week. In total, fans can expect a mix of nostalgia and innovation in the coming months, as many titles previously announced will be compatible with both the existing Switch and the new model.

“With over 150 million Switch consoles sold, we want to ensure that there’s still plenty of exciting content for our existing user base,” said Reggie Fils-Aimé, former president of Nintendo of America. “We understand the anticipation around the Switch 2, but our commitment also extends to titles available on the current system.”

The highlight of today’s announcements included the unveiling of Rhythm Heaven Groove, set for release in 2026, and the first new entry in the Tomodachi Life series, titled Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, also coming in 2026. Both games reflect Nintendo’s drive to maintain engagement with its audience.

“Fan requests for Tomodachi Life have been overwhelming,” said Shigeru Miyamoto, a veteran Nintendo designer. “We are excited to bring back the charming chaos that fans loved in this quirky life simulation game.”

Other notable game announcements included Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots, arriving in 2025, and a remastered version of the beloved classic SaGa Frontier 2, available now. Additionally, the popular Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2 will launch on the Switch on April 15, with Monument Valley 3 expected this summer.

In a significant move aimed at gamers, Nintendo introduced a Virtual Game Card feature, set to be available in April. This new functionality will allow users to share digital games among devices within a family account. “This finally addresses a common pain point for users who want to share their digital library without hassle,” said Fils-Aimé.

Among other reveals, fans were treated to updates on Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which will incorporate a new day-night battle system and Mega Evolutions. This title is slated for release later this year.

During the announcement segment, Miyamoto also introduced a new smart device app called Nintendo Today, which promises daily news updates directly from Nintendo. The app is launching immediately and will require a Nintendo Account.

Overall, today’s Nintendo Direct underscored the company’s strategy to balance support for its current console while building excitement for its successor. Fans can look forward to even more announcements next week during the Switch 2 Direct.