Nintendo Direct Recap: Mario’s 40th Ignites a Stacked 2025–2026 for Switch 2

13 September 2025
Nintendo Switch 2Nintendo Switch
10 min.
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Nintendo Direct Recap: Mario’s 40th Ignites a Stacked 2025–2026 for Switch 2

Summary:

Nintendo’s latest showcase fired on all cylinders, doubling as a birthday bash for Mario and a clear signal that Switch 2’s pipeline is loaded. We saw Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 rocketing onto modern hardware with updated controls and a free 4K update for Switch 2, plus the reveal of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally has a release date, and there’s fresh first-party momentum with Mario Tennis Fever and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is getting a Switch 2 Edition with new multiplayer attractions, while Pokémon rolled out the Mega Dimension DLC and an entirely new spinoff, Pokémon Pokopia, starring a Ditto living like a human. Kirby fans get premium amiibo and another dedicated Direct. Third-party partners showed up in force—from Resident Evil Requiem and Hades II to Monster Hunter Stories 3, DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined, Persona 3 Reload’s demo, and Virtua Fighter’s rollback-powered revival. Even Virtual Boy is back via Nintendo Classics with a modern accessory. Below, we break down every headline and what it means for the months ahead.

Opening snapshot: A showcase that sets the tone for Switch 2’s next year

Big shows are all about momentum, and this one brought it in waves. We opened with Mario celebrating forty years of mustache-powered mischief, then moved through a punchy blend of first-party staples and third-party heavy hitters that lock in the next twelve to eighteen months for Switch 2 owners. The broad strokes are simple: returning classics polished for modern displays, long-awaited epics finally dated, and new experiences that expand Nintendo’s comfort zone. If you’ve been wondering whether Switch 2 is getting a deep, varied slate, that question has its answer. From family-friendly party pilots to moody survival horror, the calendar feels packed and, crucially, balanced—weekly wishlist fodder rather than a single tentpole and silence.

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Mario’s 40th anniversary: nostalgia, new projects, and a silver-screen surprise

Four decades is a milestone worthy of fireworks, and Nintendo made sure the party felt global. Alongside celebratory touches at the Nintendo Museum, the spotlight moment was the reveal of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, a follow-up to 2023’s box-office juggernaut. That announcement landed right beside gaming treats, ensuring the celebration isn’t just a look back; it’s a pipeline of playable and watchable fun. Between the museum festivities, special branding, and a steady cadence of Mario-flavored beats into 2026, the anniversary doubles as a cohesive campaign. It keeps the plumber top-of-mind while new-gen hardware establishes its identity—smart marketing and a gift to fans who grew up chasing stars and stomping Goombas.

Super Mario Galaxy + Galaxy 2: upgraded classics with modern options

Two of Wii’s most beloved adventures return together on Switch, with thoughtful upgrades that respect muscle memory while taking advantage of modern controllers. Expect button-and-stick or motion options, cleaner UI, an in-game music player, additional Storybook content, and enhanced resolution. On Switch 2, a free update adds 4K support—exactly the kind of preservation-plus approach that makes revisits feel fresh. Physical buyers can grab the double pack, while digital purists can pick each game individually. It’s an easy recommendation: if you’ve never spun through the cosmos with Mario (and Yoshi’s Starship flair in Galaxy 2), you’re in for level design that still feels inventive and a soundtrack that belongs on your “work focus” playlist.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond dated at last—and Samus rides into new territory

The wait ends with a firm date and a bold vibe shift. Beyond shows Samus scanning unfamiliar sands, weaving classic Metroid isolation with unexpected traversal—yes, that sleek, technologically tricked-out bike. The core loop remains: investigate, adapt, overcome. But the presentation suggests a broader canvas that invites exploration as much as escalation. For longtime fans, it’s the promise of new mysteries and lore threads; for newcomers joining via Switch 2, it’s a jumping-in point designed for modern sensibilities. Amiibo support is on the way as well, which typically means small but satisfying bonuses for collectors and completionists. Bottom line: this is the first must-circle date of the winter for action-adventure players.

Mario Tennis Fever serves a power-up to the sports series

If you’ve missed the arcadey bite of Mario sports, Fever brings the energy. Thirty Fever Rackets with unique effects, thirty-eight characters, and a mix of modes—from Tournaments and Trial Towers to the wonderfully chaotic Mix It Up and a baby-fied Adventure mode. The pitch is straightforward: classic shot types, a deeper defensive toolkit, and situational power plays that reward timing instead of raw spamming. Swing Mode supports Joy-Con 2 motion, so couch sessions can lean casual without losing the spectacle. With a firm February date, Fever slots into that post-holiday groove where a friendly rivalry can carry a month of game nights.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book opens a page-turner on Switch 2

A talking tome plummets from the sky, the pages whisper, and Yoshi does what Yoshi does best—leaps into the unknown with charm to spare. The setup hints at creature cataloging and light puzzle-platforming built around page-based surprises, with an illustrated art style that feels both cozy and playful. It’s the kind of outing perfect for shared play with younger family members while still slipping in secrets for veterans to sniff out. If you’ve been craving a breezy, imaginative adventure to offset your tougher, sweatier games, this is your spring palette cleanser.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Switch 2 Edition adds Bellabel Park shenanigans

Wonder was already a joyous playground; the Switch 2 Edition expands it with Meetup in Bellabel Park, a plaza of attractions that flips between cooperation and friendly sabotage. Think coin races, Phanto Tag hide-and-seek, Bob-omb relay antics, and more. Under the hood, enhancements make this the definitive way to revisit the Flower Kingdom, especially if you plan to host multiplayer sessions. It’s less “one big expansion” and more “a curated set of reasons to boot Wonder again,” which is exactly how a great platformer should evolve—bite-size chaos that keeps laughs flowing.

Pokémon double hit: Mega Dimension DLC and the cozy curveball Pokopia

Trainers get two flavors. First, Pokémon Legends: Z-A expands with Mega Dimension, adding story beats tied to Hoopa and multiple new Mega Evolutions, including fresh variants for Raichu. If Z-A already had you hooked on Lumiose City’s reimagining, this DLC gives you new toys and mysteries to chase. Second, Pokémon Pokopia is a left-turn in the best way: you’re a Ditto living as a human, shaping a barren land into a Pokémon paradise by learning moves from friends and using them to build, farm, and decorate. It channels life-sim comfort with that familiar creature charm, ideal for winding down after raids or competitive ladders elsewhere.

Kirby Air Riders: premium amiibo and another dedicated showcase

Kirby fans eat well again. Two amiibo—Kirby & Warp Star, plus Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star—arrive alongside the game, and they’re no mere trinkets: tap to summon Figure Players you can train, then swap riders to match your mood. A second Kirby Air Riders Direct is also on deck, hosted by Sakurai, which all but guarantees mechanical deep dives, track reveals, and a few delightful curveballs. Between the plastic and the presentation, Air Riders looks like classic Kirby: easy to pick up, oddly deep to master, and relentlessly charming.

Horror, roguelikes, fruit physics: third-party variety finds its groove

On the spookier side, Resident Evil Requiem brings Capcom’s modern RE engine natively to Switch 2, launching day-and-date with other platforms. If you skipped the cloud versions back on Switch, this is your clean slate. Hades II continues its meteoric run with a Switch 2 release that supports fast framerates and cross-save—perfect for slotting a few runs between meetings. And yes, Suika Game is going planetary: gravity-tinged fruit fusions, new “Super Evolution” chains, and a four-player co-op option that turns a quick puzzle into a loud living-room spectacle. It’s a sampling platter that shows how comfortably Switch 2 can pivot between tones in a single weekend.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection takes flight in March

Capcom’s turn-based spinoff returns with a firm March 13, 2026 date and a premise that leans into bonds, lore, and big feelings. You’ll ride with familiar Monsties, investigate a new phenomenon, and push through a story that looks bigger and sharper than before. If you love the mainline hunts but want an RPG that prioritizes strategy and narrative, Stories 3 is the comfort food that still asks you to think a few turns ahead. The timing—early spring—gives it breathing room to shine between winter blockbusters and summer showcases.

Square Enix stack: FFVII Remake Intergrade and DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined

Square Enix showed up with something old and something bold. FFVII Remake Intergrade finally lands on Switch 2 in late January, bundling the Yuffie episode and giving new-gen owners a prestige RPG to kick off the year. Then comes DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined in early February, blending a diorama-style presentation with Toriyama’s timeless designs and smart streamlining. Together, they paint a nice one-two punch for JRPG fans: action-leaning spectacle followed by classic-leaning comfort, both tuned for long, cozy sessions on the couch or portable marathons on the go.

Retro returns: Virtual Boy joins Nintendo Classics with a modern twist

Nintendo’s quirkiest device makes a comeback via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, complete with stereoscopic 3D through a dedicated accessory (and a more budget-friendly cardboard option). The lineup will roll out over time, but the signal is clear: preservation with personality. For historians and curious newcomers alike, this is a rare chance to experience oddball gems in a way that’s convenient, comfortable, and social—no delicate hunting on auction sites required. Expect Mario’s Tennis and company to become instant party curiosities when friends drop by.

Sega and friends: rollback fighters, free demos, and museum management

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage heads to Switch 2 with rollback netcode and cross-play—a big quality-of-life boost for a series that thrives on crisp inputs and reliable matchmaking. Persona 3 Reload’s Switch 2 demo is live, letting you sample the opening and carry saves to launch; it’s a low-commitment way to see how the port feels on your setup. And Two Point Museum brings its witty management sim to Switch 2 with an October date, ready to devour evenings as you curate exhibits and wrangle guests. None of these steals headlines alone, but together they round out the library with depth that lasts.

What this means for Switch 2 in 2025–2026

There’s a throughline here: cadence. Nintendo is pacing releases so there’s always something on the near horizon, while partners fill the gaps with genres Nintendo doesn’t often touch. The result is a calendar with fewer droughts and more choice—story-heavy weekends or co-op chaos, comfort replays or ambitious new worlds. It also shows Nintendo’s hybrid strategy at work: classic IP uplifted with modern features, new IP that broadens the audience, and third-party relationships that make Switch 2 a legitimate “main” platform, not a late afterthought. If you were waiting to see whether the upgrade feels justified, this slate makes a strong case.

Quick picks: matching players to the right reveals

Short on time? Galaxy + Galaxy 2 is the no-brainer for pure joy. Want scale and mystery? Circle Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Party people should watch Bellabel Park in Wonder’s Switch 2 Edition and stock up for Mario Tennis Fever. Cozy life-sim fans can earmark Pokémon Pokopia, while thrill seekers keep Requiem on the radar. JRPG enthusiasts get a buffet—Stories 3 for turn-based creature collecting, FFVII Remake Intergrade for action spectacle, and DQVII Reimagined for classic adventuring with modern touches. If you just want something delightfully weird to show friends, Suika’s planetary fruit chaos is your sleeper hit.

Conclusion

As a show, this Direct did exactly what it needed to: celebrate a legend, lock in dates we’ve waited years to hear, and lay out a year-plus of variety that makes Switch 2 feel lively from week to week. Whether you’re here for stars, scanners, slimes, or suplexes, there’s a lane with your name on it—and plenty of reasons to keep your wishlist warm.

FAQs
  • When do Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 launch on Switch?
    • The collection lands in early October with modern control options and resolution enhancements, plus a free 4K update on Switch 2. Each game is also available digitally on its own.
  • What’s new in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond?
    • Samus explores a striking new locale with expanded traversal options (including a high-tech bike), while the core scan-explore-upgrade loop stays intact. It finally has a firm December release date.
  • Is Super Mario Bros. Wonder worth revisiting on Switch 2?
    • Yes. The Switch 2 Edition packs Bellabel Park attractions that mix co-op and versus chaos, plus enhancements that make it the definitive way to play with friends and family.
  • What’s the big Pokémon news?
    • Legends: Z-A gets the Mega Dimension DLC with new story beats and Mega Evolutions (including two for Raichu), and Pokémon Pokopia introduces a cozy life-sim led by a human-shaped Ditto.
  • Which third-party reveals stood out?
    • Resident Evil Requiem arrives natively on Switch 2 with the series’ latest tech, Hades II hits this month with cross-save, Monster Hunter Stories 3 is dated for March 2026, and FFVII Remake Intergrade and DQVII Reimagined anchor early 2026 for RPG fans.
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