Nintendo Partner Direct Recap
A huge showing for both Switch and Switch 2
Nintendo kicked off its latest Partner Direct with a clear message: Third-party support for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 is strong. The presentation was packed with surprises, day one launches, demos, and a strong mix of indie creativity and blockbuster releases.
Here is everything announced, along with a few thoughts along the way.
Orbitals opens the show strong
The Direct opened with Orbitals, an anime-inspired platformer that immediately stood out thanks to its bold visual style. Paying homage to classic anime like Voltron and Robotech, Orbitals follows Maki and Obera as they explore tightly designed, platform-focused levels.
The animation almost feels like an anime take on Cuphead, with expressive characters and fluid movement. Co-op play is essential, with players needing to work together to explore environments and solve puzzles. It also supports GameShare, which is a great fit for this kind of experience.
Orbitals is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 and launches later this year. Visually and mechanically, it was a fantastic way to kick things off.
Nintendo Switch games
Paranormasight
Set in a Japanese bay, Paranormasight casts you as a pearl diver who discovers another version of himself while exploring underwater. Things quickly spiral into the strange and unsettling.
It has strong Famicom Detective Club vibes, paired with a striking cel-shaded art style. This one is not far off either, launching on February 19.
Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters
An over-the-top soccer experience based on the iconic anime, Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters is heading to Switch sometime this year. Expect exaggerated moves, dramatic goals, and pure arcade-style football.
Nintendo Switch 2 games
Tokyo Scramble
Tokyo Scramble blends survival horror with some unusual co-op ideas. After a train accident, Anne discovers an underground world stalked by dinosaur-like creatures known as Xino.
You cannot fight back directly, instead relying on traps and environmental tools. It feels heavily inspired by Alien Isolation. GameShare is supported, although additional players only control the camera, which feels like an odd choice.
Tokyo Scramble launches February 11, exclusively on Switch 2.
Valheim
One of the biggest surprises of the Direct was Valheim coming to Switch 2. The Viking-themed crafting and survival game took the world by storm a few years back, and seeing it run on Nintendo hardware is genuinely exciting.
The Switch 2 version supports up to 10 players online and launches later this year.
Hollow Knight Switch 2 Edition
Team Cherry showed off Hollow Knight Switch 2 Edition, featuring enhanced visuals and improved frame rates.
Best of all, it launches today, with a free upgrade pack available for existing owners of the original game.
eFootball
eFootball is coming to Switch 2 later this year. While the visuals looked a little rough, the gameplay appeared smooth and responsive.
The Adventures of Elliot
Square Enix revealed The Adventures of Elliot, a new entry in its 2D-HD lineup that takes a more action-focused direction.
Rather than a traditional turn-based JRPG, this one leans into action RPG combat. It launches on June 18, exclusively for Switch 2.
Super Bomberman Collection
All of the SNES Bomberman games are coming together in Super Bomberman Collection. The package includes a new boss rush mode and GameShare support.
It launches today.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
One of the biggest announcements of the show was Final Fantasy VII Rebirth coming to Switch 2.
Square Enix confirmed improved performance, a boost function to make combat more accessible, and visuals that look like a clear step up from Remake. It launches on June 3, with preorders open now.
Pragmata
Capcom’s Pragmata finally reappeared, and it looks fantastic. You team up with an AI companion named Anna while trying to escape a station controlled by a hostile AI.
Combat looks genuinely unique, combining real-time action with hacking-based puzzle elements that must be solved mid-fight. Large-scale boss battles were also shown.
Pragmata launches April 24 on Switch 2, with a demo available today.
Turok: Origins
Turok: Origins brings the dinosaur-hunting series back in a new form, featuring both first-person and third-person gameplay, multiplayer, and armour evolution systems.
The gameplay almost resembles Monster Hunter in structure. It launches later this year on Switch 2.
Kyoto Xanadu
In Kyoto Xanadu, you play as Rei, a student at a school for gifted individuals. Exploration takes place in a side-scrolling, Metroidvania-style format, while combat switches to full 3D RPG battles.
Outside the lab environments, the game gives off strong Persona vibes.
Digimon Story Time Stranger
Coming to both Switch and Switch 2, Digimon Story Time Stranger features time travel, over 450 Digimon to collect, and travel between the human world and the digital world.
It includes both quality and performance graphics modes and launches on July 10.
Granblue Fantasy Relink: Endless Ragnarok
A new Endless Ragnarok mode was announced for Granblue Fantasy Relink. It looks similar to a Dynasty Warriors-style experience, complete with massive summons and both local and online multiplayer.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reunion
Capcom revealed Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reunion, featuring monster collecting, raising Monsties, and a noticeably more mature story tone.
It launches on March 13 for Switch 2. A demo is available today, with save data transfer supported.
Arcade Archives and Console Archives
New Arcade Archives titles were shown, including Rave Racer. Nintendo also announced Console Archives, bringing classic titles like Doraemon, Sonic Wings Special, Cool Boarders, and Ninja Gaiden II to modern hardware over time.
Several of these titles will be released later today.
Montage highlights
A rapid-fire montage showcased Scott Pilgrim, Reanimal, WWE 2K26, Star Trek Voyager, Dreamlight Valley Switch 2 Edition, PGA Tour 2K26, Culdcept Begins, Goat Simulator 3 Switch 2 Edition, Shadow Tactics, and Tales of Arise.
Resident Evil Requiem steals the spotlight
Capcom gave a deeper look at Resident Evil Requiem, and it looks terrifying.
The game features two gameplay styles. Grace offers slower, horror-focused gameplay, while Leon Kennedy brings a more action-heavy approach. Players can switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, and a casual mode with aim assist is available.
Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27, alongside Resident Evil 7 and Village. A limited edition Pro Controller will be released with the game, and new amiibo are planned for later in the year.
Bethesda closes the show in a big way
Todd Howard appeared to close out the Direct with multiple announcements.
Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition is coming to Switch 2 on February 24, including all expansions and Creation Club DLC. Preorders are live now.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also made an appearance, looking excellent on Switch 2. It launches on May 12, with preorders available today.
Finally, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster was announced. It includes Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine and launches sometime this year.
Final thoughts
In my opinion, this was one of the best Nintendo Directs we have seen in a long time. The sheer volume of quality third-party support, paired with strong Switch 2 exclusives and meaningful upgrades, paints a very exciting future for Nintendo’s next console.
What did you think of the Direct? Let me know your highlights in the comments.
