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Nintendo Direct July 31 Event has presented players with loads of new titles, but still fans are to some extent disappointed.
Nintendo’s latest Direct event highlighted a massive shift in Nintendo’s third-party gaming strategies.
Late 2025 is about to bring several renowned titles to Switch and Switch 2 to cater to a wide range of audience.
July ended with loads of excitement and hype for Nintendo Switch gamers. On July 31, Nintendo held its fifth Nintendo Direct event named Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, a 25‑minute livestream offering glimpses of upcoming third-party titles destined for Switch and Switch 2.
This Direct event was mainly aimed at Nintendo’s high-profile partnerships. Therefore, the games that Nintendo Direct has featured cater to fans of developers including Sega, Ubisoft, and EA Sports. However, the event didn’t disappoint Indie fans either, but first-party titles from Nintendo were surprisingly absent.
Contrary to high speculations about first-party Nintendo titles like Metroid Prime 4, Kirby Air Riders, etc., Nintendo Direct July 2025 brought a range of third-party announcements. The approximately half-hour-long livestream featured a lengthy procession of titles from highly renowned franchises. The upcoming third-party gaming lineup is highly exciting for gamers:
Octopath Traveler 0
Monster Hunter Stories 3
Persona 3 Reload
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Cronos: The New Dawn
Star Wars Outlaws
Apex Legends,
Hexed Legends
Aside from that, the event has uncovered classic titles like Pac‑Man World 2 Re‑Pac. Though first-party expectations weren’t met, gamers received an approximate release date for Apex Legends and EA Sports FC 26. These gamers are finally announced to arrive on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 sometime around August and September 2025, respectively.
While these two games are arriving earlier than expected, Monster Hunter Stories 3 faced a delay, and currently, it’s slated for a 2026 release, exclusively on Switch 2.
The most notable part of this event is its heartwarming reaction from fans for showing third-party titles. While some expressed their frustration, saying, “Nintendo Direct Was Trash,” others have celebrated this move, mentioning, “The direct made my day with the announcements you said. Pacman World 2 is a blast alone.” Some excited fans started hyping up the trailer of Octopath Traveler 0. Reddit users didn’t hide their excitement, revealing, “OCTOPATH 0!!!!!! That presentation was tailor-made for me."
On that note, the presence of heavyweight third-party titles at the event, like Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Borderlands 4, and Final Fantasy VII Remake, marked a bold shift in Nintendo’s third-party strategy that was absent for years. Including these titles will further boost the popularity of Switch 2 among gamers.
Also Read: How to Get a Free Trial on Nintendo Switch Online
Since the event was announced, the one game that industry insiders and data miners indicated to be showcased with its release date was Metroid Prime 4. However, the table turned when the event streamed and fans understood it was a dedicated event to announce the upcoming third-party games. Therefore, throughout the stream, there was not a single mention of this game.
Any official announcement and coverage of Nintendo’s first-party titles were explicitly not part of this presentation. So, it makes sense that no updates regarding Metroid Prime 4 and Kirby Air Riders came on the July 31 event.
The mainline Nintendo Switch games receive their dedicated Direct event generally in September. If that happens, Metroid Prime 4 will potentially be shown there. As per the current leaks, the game is still in development and hasn’t yet met the criteria to go for marketing.
Also Read: Indie Game Deltarune Beats Mario Kart World to Top Nintendo Switch 2 Sales
The Nintendo Direct partner showcase event, July 31, 2025, represents a strategic leap in Nintendo’s third-party strategy. This Japanese MNC has shifted to a heavy investment to ensure renowned titles launch on these consoles immediately after their global launch. The presence of titles like Apex Legends, Star Wars Outlaws, Persona 3 Reload, and Monster Hunter Stories 3 highlights that Nintendo is strengthening its bond with external studios more than ever before.
However, this approach has also exposed a significant gap: the first-party titles that hold the core fanbase of these consoles are completely absent. The silence around Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby Air Riders, and, to some extent, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment poses a risk of imbalance, which Nintendo should address faster before the excitement pacifies around these games.
1. What new games were announced for Nintendo Switch 2 during the latest Nintendo Direct?
Ans: The latest Nintendo Direct announced games like Monster Hunter Stories 3, Madden NFL 26, and Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted for Switch, along with several indie titles and first-party updates, exciting both Switch and Switch 2 fans worldwide.
2. When is the release date for the biggest new games revealed ?
Ans: Monster Hunter Stories 3 releases March 2025. Madden NFL 26 launches August 2025. Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is scheduled for October 2025. Official release dates may vary for different regions but most arrive within 2025.
3. Which third-party games and franchises are coming to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in 2025?
Ans: Major third-party franchises coming include Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Dragon Quest XII, Persona 6, and several indie titles. Many popular publishers confirmed support for Nintendo Switch and rumored Switch 2 platforms throughout 2025 and beyond.
4. Are there exclusive features, upgrades, or special editions for Switch 2 versions of upcoming titles?
Ans: Switch 2 editions may include exclusive features such as improved graphics, faster load times, and special in-game content. Some upcoming releases will offer upgraded gameplay experiences or exclusive collector’s editions only available on Switch 2.
5. How can I watch the Nintendo Direct replay?
Ans: The Nintendo Direct replay can be viewed on Nintendo’s official YouTube channel and website. Additionally, many gaming news outlets provide full recaps, highlight videos, and comprehensive lists of announcements for fans who missed the live broadcast.
