Hot on the heels of a Pokémon Presents presentation, Nintendo capped off July with a brand-new Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, focusing on the future of the Switch and Switch 2 from the gaming giant’s publishing partners. While fans of the humble JRPG were likely the happiest crowd, the 25-minute event also dipped its toes into other genres, from sports to action.
Revisiting the annual sporting tradition are Madden and EA Sports FC, joining newly announced titles like Monster Hunter Stories, Octopath Traveler 0, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, and more. Nintendo Switch ports of existing games, including Persona 3 Reload, Star Wars: Outlaws, and Apex Legends, formed a chunk of the lineup, offering another way to bask in the fun. There wasn’t as much Switch 2 fanfare as expected, so perhaps the Japanese juggernaut is saving more highlights for another day? Who knows.
Here are all the major announcements that took to the stage at the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase on 31 July (no Hollow Knight: Silksong news, sorry!).
Octopath Traveler 0
Rounding out the latest presentation is the surprising reveal of Octopath Traveler 0, a fresh prequel story that retains the beautiful HD-2D look characteristic of the series. Franchise veterans can expect familiar mechanics like turn-based battles and area exploration, while those coming from the mobile spin-off, Champions of the Continent, will be familiar with the eight-character parties and front-and-back lineup during battles.
Notable new elements include town-building features, as well as the ability to recruit over 30 party members and create a custom character. Slated to release on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on 4 December 2025, the forthcoming adventure sets players off on a journey of restoration” after their hometown of Wishvale burned to the ground.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
The second HD-2D reveal from Square Enix, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales adds an action-RPG touch to the formula and follows an adventurer named Elliot who has set off from the Kingdom of Huther to investigate a mysterious set of ruins that has been found in the wilds. He may only be one person, but he can wield seven different weapon types, allowing for combat versatility, with a fairy called Faie — who can be controlled by a second player — offering additional support abilities or assisting with puzzles.
The brainchild of the creators of Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC in 2026. An eShop exclusive demo is out now.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection served as the opener of the Direct, and it transforms players into a rider of a Rathalos in a world where “environmental calamity” known as the Encroachment is threatening everything and causing two kingdoms to start a war. Classic monsters, from Velocidrome and Legiana to Rakna-Kadaki, are poised to appear in the game, too, when it hits the Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC next year.
Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac
Pac-Man World 2 has received the remake treatment in the form of Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, which will feature two-player co-op, a landing target for jumps, and missions that unlock new costumes for the beloved gobbler, alongside 25 levels across six themed “worlds”. The game, based on the PS2, Xbox, and GameCube sequel to the PS1 original, eats its way to both the Switch and Switch 2 on 26 September.
Plants Vs. Zombies: Replanted
Plants Vs. Zombies is back, and it looks better than ever before. Plants Vs. Zombies: Replanted will bow on the Switch and Switch 2 on 23 October, complete with HD visuals, local co-op, and PvP, alongside a retro Peashooter skin for those who pre-order the game.
Once Upon a Katamari
Honouring the wacky and chaotic spirit of the series, Once Upon a Katamari is set to be a rollin’ fun time, as players are tasked to restore the stars of the universe after the sky vanished owing to the accidental destruction of Earth. The latest entry will debut on 24 October, featuring online modes like KatamariBall, new songs, various character customisation options, and more.
Hela
From its Scandinavian-rooted inspiration to an adorable mouse protagonist, Hela teases an intriguing journey where “heartwarming storytelling and the beauty of nature are intertwined.” It will be released sometime in 2026, and includes both online and local co-op.
Just Dance 2026 Edition
The dance fever lives on for yet another year. Grooving its way to the Nintendo Switch in October, Just Dance 2026 Edition brings on the fun through 40 new tracks, including “APT.” by Rosé & Bruno Mars, “Houdini” by Dua Lipa, “Counting Stars” by One Republic, and “Hung Up” by Madonna, which can be enjoyed solo or up to six players.
Chillin’ by the Fire
Chillin’ by the Fire is ideal for individuals who adore the idea of camping, but don’t want to be physically involved in the experience. In this new “campfire simulation game”, keeping the flames alive is the priority — be it on the beach, forests, or snowy mountain tops — and can be done in the company of friends. The cosy title is out now, with a focus on reliving the “simple joy of just sitting around and watching a campfire grow.”
EA Sports FC 26
EA Sports FC 26 is gearing up for its annual return to the pitch on 26 September, this time with an “overhauled gameplay experience powered by community feedback,” and “fresh and authentic storylines” for Manager Live Challenges.
EA Sports Madden NFL 26
Touted as the “realest Madden ever”, EA Sports Madden NFL 26 is set to mark the franchise’s big return to the Switch. The latest sporting instalment is coming to the Switch 2 on 14 August, but those who pre-order the deluxe edition before 7 August will enjoy seven days of early access.
Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 Ports
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment — brand-new gameplay trailer, a Winter 2025 release date, and story details about its canonical connection to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
- Final Fantasy Tactics —The Ivalice — new-look trailer featuring fully voiced dialogue, enhanced graphics, gameplay improvements, and confirmation of its 30 September launch.
- Persona 3: Reload — Switch 2 announcement trailer, releasing 23 October
- Star Wars: Outlaws — Switch 2 announcement trailer, launching 4 September
- Cronos: The New Dawn — Switch 2 announcement trailer, releasing 5 September
- Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2 — Switch 2 announcement trailer, debuting 5 September, with upgrade available at a discounted price if players own Yakuza Kiwami on the original Switch.
- Apex Legends — Switch 2 announcement trailer, releasing 5 August alongside the new season, Showdown.
- Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero — announcement trailer, releasing 14 November on both Switch models (and motion controls on Switch 2)
Quick Hits / Sizzle Reel
- Borderlands 4 (3 October)
- Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven (out now)
- Hello Kitty Island Adventure — Wheatflour Wonderland (Fall 2025)
- Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (29 August, demo out now)
- NBA Bounce (26 September)
- Goodnight Universe (11 November)
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
