Nintendo Direct Recap: Every Big Announcement from Metroid Prime 4 to Mario’s 40th Anniversary

by: Sophia
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Nintendo has just wrapped up its latest Direct, and it was one of the most packed showcases in recent memory. From long-awaited release dates to brand-new reveals, there was something here for nearly every type of fan. Switch players have plenty to look forward to, while Switch 2 owners will be getting upgraded experiences and exclusives. On top of that, Nintendo also gave us an early look at how it plans to celebrate Super Mario Bros.’ 40th anniversary next year.

Here’s a full rundown of the biggest announcements.

Nintendo Direct : Every Big Announcement

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Gets Its Release Date

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It’s finally happening. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch on December 4, 2025 for Switch. The trailer showed off gameplay featuring Samus riding a sleek motorcycle named Vi-O-La, along with her usual arsenal of weapons and new psychic abilities.

Nintendo also revealed new amiibo figures, including Samus and Vi-O-La (out November 6) and Sylux (out December 4). For fans who can’t wait, a Metroid Prime 1–3: A Visual Retrospective art book will be released on October 28, packed with concept art and behind-the-scenes details.

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Ends the Show

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Nintendo closed the Direct with the reveal of Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, coming in 2026. The story begins in a grand coliseum, where characters like Cai, Theodora, Dietrich, and Leda battle in the Heroic Games. The winner will have a wish granted by the Divine Sovereign, setting up what looks to be a dramatic new entry in the Fire Emblem saga.

Donkey Kong Bananza DLC Available Today

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Fans of Donkey Kong Bananza don’t have to wait. The DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC is out right now. DK Island is packed with nostalgic nods to Donkey Kong history, while Emerald Rush adds a timed challenge mode full of collectibles, fossils, and Banandium Gems to power up DK with new skills.

We tried it early, and it feels like a must-play expansion for anyone who finished the main game.

Pokémon Pokopia Announced

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One of the more surprising reveals was Pokémon Pokopia, a cozy life-sim/farming game starring a Ditto disguised as a human. With the help of Pokémon like Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Scyther, and Hitmonchan, players can grow crops, build homes, and shape the land into their dream farm. Pokopia launches in 2026.

Super Mario Galaxy Collection and Movie News

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Both Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be bundled together on October 2, 2025 for Switch and Switch 2. The games come with enhanced resolution, improved UI, button or motion controls, and even new pages for Rosalina’s Storybook. On Switch 2, a free update will allow play in 4K.

Nintendo also announced new amiibo (Mario & Luma, Rosalina & Lumas) launching April 2, 2026, each offering in-game items.

And that’s not all—Nintendo confirmed The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theaters on April 3, 2026, with the original cast returning.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book

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Coming in Spring 2026, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book introduces Mr. E, a magical book that can’t read its own pages. Yoshi helps fill it with discoveries about the world, from how plants interact with rocks to new gameplay mechanics built around exploration.

Virtual Boy Returns in a New Form

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Nintendo is bringing back the Virtual Boy—this time as a Switch-compatible accessory launching February 17, 2026. It will support more than 14 classic games, including Mario’s Tennis and Galactic Pinball. A cardboard version will also be available, and the games will be included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC Revealed

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Ahead of its release on October 16, Pokémon Legends: Z-A confirmed its DLC expansion: Mega Dimension, which introduces Mega Raichu X and Y. The story will explore distortions in Lumiose City, possibly linked to Hoopa.

Super Mario Wonder Switch 2 Edition

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Super Mario Bros. Wonder is getting a Switch 2 Edition in Spring 2026, including a new multiplayer plaza called Bellabel Park. Here, players can race for coins, play Phanto Tag, pass around Bob-ombs, and more. Additional content for the main game will also be announced later.

Mario Tennis Fever

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Launching on February 12, 2026, Mario Tennis Fever will feature 38 characters, multiple game modes, online play, motion controls, and even an Adventure mode where Mario and friends are turned into babies who must fight monsters and learn tennis skills along the way.

Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary Plans

Nintendo shared some of its 40th anniversary celebrations, including a special light display in Kyoto in December 2025, a museum ticket, and sponsorship of the Kyoto Marathon on February 15, 2026 with themed race bibs.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

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Coming November 6, 2025, this musou-style spin-off promises to “unearth ancient truths only glimpsed in Tears of the Kingdom.” Players will battle as Zelda, Rauru, Sonia, and even Koroks. It supports split-screen co-op and GameShare, letting two players join with only one game copy.

Hades 2 Switch 2 Release Date

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After its PC early access run, Hades 2 will launch on Switch 2 on September 25, 2025 (digital) and November 12 (physical). The game supports 1080p/120fps in TV mode.

Resident Evil Requiem and More

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Capcom confirmed Resident Evil Requiem will arrive on Switch 2 on February 27, 2026, alongside Resident Evil 7 and Village.

Kirby Air Riders amiibo and Direct

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Kirby Air Riders is getting amiibo for Kirby & Warp Star and Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star. These figures can swap riders or summon Figure Players you can train. A new Kirby Air Riders Direct, hosted by Masahiro Sakurai, was also announced.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

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Square Enix confirmed Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will release on January 22, 2026 for Switch 2.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

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The fan-favorite series returns in Spring 2026. This time, you’ll help Miis form friendships, explore their likes and dislikes, and build a lively world.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection

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The full collection hits Switch digitally on October 30, 2025, with a physical edition on December 12.

Watch Nintendo Direct

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Final Thoughts

This Nintendo Direct was packed with reveals: long-awaited releases like Metroid Prime 4, surprises like Pokémon Pokopia, and plenty of Mario celebrations leading into the 40th anniversary.

Which announcement are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you were hoping to see that didn’t make the cut.

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Sophia

I'm a writer at GamerUrge who loves story-rich games, indie titles, and sharing helpful guides with fellow gamers.

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