Nintendo wasn’t messing around today. In a brisk 30-minute Nintendo Direct, the Big N unleashed a barrage of announcements focused squarely on the Nintendo Switch, showcasing a diverse lineup of titles heading to the aging-but-still-kicking console throughout 2025 and even venturing into 2026. While the presentation was packed with remakes, remasters, and fresh IPs, the elephant in the room – the heavily anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 – was conspicuously absent. Fear not, though, because Nintendo has already teed up a separate event next week to finally pull back the curtain on their next-gen hardware.
Today’s Direct felt like a victory lap for the Switch, a reminder that even in its twilight years, the hybrid console still has plenty of life left. From stunning HD-2D remakes of classic RPGs to surprising new entries in beloved franchises, there was something for nearly every type of Nintendo fan.
HD-2D Nostalgia and RPG Delights:
Leading the charge was the reveal that Dragon Quest I & II are getting the gorgeous HD-2D treatment, following in the footsteps of the upcoming Dragon Quest III remake. This visual style continues to impress, breathing new life into these foundational JRPGs with a blend of retro charm and modern polish. RPG fans also got a new mystery to chew on with No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES, bringing back the quirky and mind-bending narrative of the AI series. Atlus also threw their hat in the ring with RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, promising a blend of demon summoning and action RPG gameplay.
Unexpected Twists and Franchise Revivals:
Perhaps one of the most intriguing announcements was Shadow Labyrinth, a dark and atmospheric Metroidvania that cleverly reimagines the core mechanics of Pac-Man. The juxtaposition of classic arcade gameplay with a sprawling, interconnected world has us genuinely curious. Nostalgia was also a key theme, with the return of the rhythmically addictive PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY and a remake of the beloved farming sim STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar.
Metroid Prime 4 Still Looms, Pokémon Evolves:
While details remain scarce, we got another glimpse of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, reaffirming its 2025 release window and teasing a new suit for Samus. The anticipation for this title remains sky-high. Meanwhile, Pokémon Legends: Z-A received a more substantial gameplay showcase, highlighting its urban setting within Lumiose City and the introduction of the Z-A Royale battle tournament. The promise of Mega Evolutions returning in this context is sure to excite Pokémon enthusiasts.
Venturing into New Territories (and Old Favorites):
Nintendo isn’t afraid to experiment, as evidenced by Disney Villains Cursed Cafe, a visual novel that puts players in the intriguing position of interacting with iconic Disney baddies. On the more classic front, Gradius Origins will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the legendary shoot ’em up series with a collection of arcade titles and a brand-new entry, Salamander 3.
Looking to the Future (and the Near Future):
Beyond 2025, Nintendo teased some exciting developments for 2026, including a brand new installment in the beloved Rhythm Heaven series, titled Rhythm Heaven Groove, and the long-awaited return of Tomodachi Life with Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
More Than Just Games: Apps and Features:
Nintendo also unveiled a couple of new initiatives beyond just software. The Nintendo Today app for smart devices aims to be a central hub for Nintendo news and updates, while the Virtual Game Card feature promises a new way to manage digital game purchases, potentially allowing for easier play across multiple systems and even game sharing. Details on the latter are still somewhat vague, but the implications are interesting.
The Elephant in the Room (Again):
Let’s be clear: everyone was waiting for Switch 2 news. While today’s Direct was packed, the intentional omission was palpable. However, Nintendo smartly preempted disappointment by announcing a dedicated Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 for April 2nd, 2025. Consider today’s presentation the appetizer; the main course is coming next week.
Early Verdict:
Today’s Nintendo Direct was a solid showing for the Nintendo Switch, proving that there’s still plenty of life left in the platform. The diverse lineup of games, ranging from nostalgic remakes to intriguing new IPs, offers a compelling reason to keep your Switch powered on throughout 2025. However, the real excitement is undoubtedly building for next week’s Switch 2 reveal. Nintendo has successfully kept the hype train rolling, and we’ll be here to cover every detail when the next Direct drops. For now, Switch owners have a lot to look forward to – just don’t expect any of it to push the boundaries of what your current hardware can do. That’s what next week is for.
