Today’s Nintendo Direct brought a flood of exciting news for fans of the Switch and Switch 2. It kicked off with a celebration of the Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary, including remastered games, a new movie, and more, and ended with new release dates, DLCs, amiibo, and many surprises for 2025 and beyond.
Here’s a breakdown of what was unveiled:
Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary Highlights
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — A new animated film set for global release on April 3, 2026.
- Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 — Coming October 2, 2025, for Nintendo Switch (and Switch 2). Includes enhanced resolution, improved UI, motion or stick controls, a music player, new Storybook content, and (on Switch 2) free 4K support.
- Two new Galaxy Amiibo — Mario & Luma, and Rosalina & Lumas, with in-game bonuses.
- Rosalina’s Illustrated Storybook — Hardcover, original art from Galaxy.
- Mario Tennis Fever — A new entry in the Mario sports series, arriving February 12, 2026 with new modes, characters, and motion control support.
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park — Expanded content, new multiplayer experiences, launching Spring 2026.
- Talking Flowers from Wonder — A fun accessory launching Spring 2026.
Major Game Reveals & DLC
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Set for December 4, 2025 (HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!) New teaser showing Samus with psychic abilities and a futuristic bike (Vi-O-La). Amiibo figures Samus, Samus & Vi-O-La, and Sylux also confirmed (some on game launch day).
- Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush (DLC) — New mode available now; includes new fashion items, collectibles, fossils, and perks.
- Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave — New Fire Emblem title on Switch 2, launching in 2026.
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension — New Mega Evolutions; expansions and storyline in Lumiose City.
- Kirby Air Riders — New amiibo (Kirby & Warp Star; Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star), and promise of a future Direct hosted by Sakurai.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment — Official release date: November 6, 2025 for Switch 2.
- Hades II – Switch 2 Edition — Digital launch Sept 25, physical later Nov 20; cross-save compatibility.
- Dragon Quest VII Reimagined — New version with updated visuals and systems, coming early 2026.
- Popucom — Co-op puzzle/minigame adventure for holiday 2025.
- Dinkum (timed exclusive), Storm Lancers, Fatal Frame II Remake, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Overcooked! 2 Switch 2 Edition, Stardew Valley Switch 2 Edition, Lynked: Banner of the Spark, and more were all confirmed with release windows.
Other Announcements & Extras
- Nintendo Classics – Virtual Boy Games will join the Switch Online + Expansion Pack service starting February 17, 2026, including classics like Teleroboxer, Mario’s Tennis, etc. I still can’t believe this one; I’m amazed that Nintendo is actually releasing a Virtual Boy Accessory!
- New Kirby theme added to the Nintendo Today app.
- Amiibo updates for various games (Galaxy, Kirby, etc.) with in-game bonuses.
Nintendo’s September Direct showed that the Switch 2 era is not just about hardware — it’s about bold content, beloved classics resurfacing, new experiences, and lots of things to look forward to in 2026.
