Nintendo Direct Showcases New Games Ahead of Switch 2 Reveal

REDMOND, Wash. — Nintendo hosted its final Nintendo Direct event for the original Switch format Thursday, with a 37-minute presentation packed with upcoming titles and enhancements for various games, all leading up to the highly anticipated Switch 2 reveal next week.

The event, held on March 27, showcased a plethora of new games, including highly anticipated sequels and remasters like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends Z-A. Nintendo aims to keep its Switch audience engaged ahead of the release of the next-generation console.

During the presentation, new titles were revealed, including the remastered Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D, which will bring classic RPGs to the Switch later this year, alongside visual updates. Set for release in 2025, No Sleep For Kaname Date marks a new chapter in the AI: The Somnium Files series, where players will help protagonist Kaname Date on a mission to locate a missing character.

Notably, the classic rhythm series returns with the announcement of Rhythm Heaven Groove, expected to release in 2026, which promises to deliver quirky challenges and catchy music.

Nintendo also revealed its innovative new feature called Virtual Game Cards, allowing players to seamlessly transfer games between multiple Switch systems in a way that mimics traditional game physical cards. This system is slated to launch in late April, offering limited game sharing to members of a Nintendo Switch Online family.

Among the highlights was a sneak peek at Shadow Labyrinth, a darker Metroidvania-style game based on the Pac-Man franchise, set for release on July 18, 2025. The event also teased upcoming gameplay from Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, which is set to launch on August 27, 2025, inviting players to restore a vibrant town through farming and community-building.

With the Nintendo Direct concluding, special guest Shigeru Miyamoto introduced the Nintendo Today app, a new platform designed for fans to keep updated with news, comics, and exclusive content from their favorite franchises. The app went live shortly after the event, promising daily updates on Nintendo happenings.

Looking ahead, fans eagerly anticipate the next Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2, scheduled for April 2, where more details about the future of Nintendo gaming will be unveiled.