Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase Games: July 2025’s Biggest Reveals, and Surprises
You can always feel the buzz when Nintendo throws a Direct, but there’s a different kind of hype (and let’s be real, some hesitation) when it’s a Partner Showcase. No new Mario or Zelda bombshells, but if you love discovering what’s next in third-party gaming, this showcase was stacked. Here’s a straight-shooting breakdown of what landed, what actually looks standout, and a little of what’s brewing under the surface for Switch and Switch 2 fans.
Why This Partner Showcase Hits Different
Right off the bat, you notice Nintendo’s not spotlighting its own big hitters, but rolling out the red carpet for other publishing partners. This July 31 Direct packed more than 25 minutes with games flying in from all angles—new RPGs, some madcap action, classic revamps, sports sequels, indies, and stuff you didn’t see coming if you weren’t tuning into gaming leaks. The focus? Nintendo Switch 2 as much as the OG Switch. That’s real talk about keeping old fans in the loop while hardcore folks drool over next-gen upgrades.
On X/Twitter @Rikoveno: " The July 2025 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase was solid but underwhelming, with some good announcements but no major surprises."
Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase: Upcoming Games You Need to Know About
The latest Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase has delivered exciting updates on a variety of upcoming titles for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. From action RPGs to sports simulations, here's a rundown of the standout games revealed during the showcase:
1. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Gameplay Trailer
A new trailer for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment offers a glimpse at how the game will connect to Tears of the Kingdom, featuring beloved characters like Princess Zelda and King Rauru. Release is set for Winter 2025.
2. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (2026)
The latest Monster Hunter game introduces an epic new storyline with the rider of a Rathalos battling against a looming environmental disaster. It is slated for release in 2026.
3. Octopath Traveler 0 (December 2025)
Octopath Traveler 0 brings a new prequel adventure to Switch 2 with an HD-2D style. Players will experience turn-based battles and town-building elements, launching on December 4, 2025.
4. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (2026)
This action RPG follows the adventure of Elliot and his fairy companion Faie, exploring ruins in a quest for answers. The game is set for release in 2026 on Switch 2.
5. Madden NFL 26 (August 2025)
Football fans can get their hands on Madden NFL 26 when it drops on Switch 2 on August 14, 2025. Pre-ordering the deluxe edition grants early access.
6. EA Sports FC 26 (September 2025)
Soccer enthusiasts will enjoy EA Sports FC 26, arriving on Switch 2 on September 26, 2025, featuring community-driven gameplay updates.
7. Persona 3 Reload (October 2025)
Persona 3 Reload will be available on Switch 2 on October 23, bringing updated gameplay to the classic RPG.
8. Star Wars: Outlaws (September 2025)
Star Wars: Outlaws will launch on Switch 2 on September 4, 2025, and will offer an exciting open-world experience.
9. Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted (October 2025)
Fans of the tower defense game will get Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted on October 23, 2025, with HD visuals and new co-op modes.
10. Cronos: The New Dawn (September 2025)
Bloober Team’s Cronos: The New Dawn will bring survival horror to Switch 2, featuring time travel and intense combat, arriving on September 5, 2025.
11. Once Upon a Katamari (October 2025)
A new Katamari game, Once Upon a Katamari, will launch on October 24, 2025, with online modes and customization options.
12. Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2 (November 2025)
Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2 will be coming to Switch 2 on November 13, 2025, bringing the updated versions of the iconic action games.
13. Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac (September 2025)
Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac returns to Switch 2 with enhanced graphics and gameplay, set to launch on September 26, 2025.
14. Just Dance 2026 (October 2025)
Just Dance 2026 will bring 40 new tracks to Switch, including hits from Rosé, Dua Lipa, and Madonna. It supports local dancing with up to six players.
15. Apex Legends (August 2025)
Apex Legends will be available on Switch 2 on August 5, 2025, with a special Legendary Pathfinder skin available for those who log in early.
16. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (November 2025)
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero will allow fans to relive key moments from the anime, complete with alternate timelines. It will be available on November 14, 2025, for both Switch models.
Quick Hits:
- Borderlands 4 (October 3, 2025)
- Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven (Out Now)
- Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (August 29, 2025)
- NBA Bounce (September 26, 2025)
- Goodnight Universe (November 11, 2025)
With an exciting mix of genres and highly anticipated titles, the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase has set the stage for a thrilling lineup of games coming to Switch 2 in the next year.
Big Game Announcements and Fresh Surprises
The headliner for plenty was Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, a turn-based RPG pulling us into a world teetering between catastrophe and political intrigue. It’s a bold sequel, set for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, promising more mature stories and the classic monster taming/riding formula.
Another RPG highlight: Octopath Traveler 0—set for December, with killer pixel-art visuals and slick turn-based combat that looks ready to fill the Square Enix-size hole most Switch fans have in their hearts. Team Asano also delivered the surprise reveal of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, rolling out in 2026, and these projects are looking sharp.
If you’re hungry for nostalgia, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is coming to both systems end of September. Plus, Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac drops for a new era, and good luck resisting the new Katamari game, Once Upon a Katamari, out October 24—pure chaos, but it’s that joyful Switch energy all over again.
Sports, Action & Out-There Picks
Summer means sports games, and both EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 (August 14) and EA SPORTS FC 26 (September 26) bring official big-league sports to your pocket. There was more surprise from the action side: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment connects directly to Tears of the Kingdom lore, launching this winter with new playable characters and a legit epic vibe. Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero and Persona 3 Reload head to Switch 2 with heavy anime energy, while Chillin’ by the Fire and Hela inject some indie weirdness and dark fantasy into the schedule. Not everyone’s jam, but the variety is strong this summer.
Ports, Remakes, and Fan Theories
Nintendo fans love a remaster, and the showcase brought more than a few. Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted comes back October 23. But real buzz, as always, is around games not even officially confirmed yet—like the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition. The former’s demo is coming to Gamescom and has fans on edge for a concrete release window.
There’s also the hope for heavier-hitting ports: Star Wars Outlaws, Apex Legends (August drop), Yakuza Kiwami 2 (November), and a new Just Dance 2026 for party nights, all getting Switch 2 versions for smoother visuals or upgraded content.
Honest Takes: The Highs, Lows, and What’s Next
For me, it’s refreshing to see more creative risks than safe bets. Not all games shown are A-list, but the mix means something for everybody—especially with legacy franchises getting new veneer or fresh stories. But, yeah, some disappointment out there online: no big Pokémon news, no Mario, and Metroid Prime 4 still hiding in the shadows. Not a “mic drop” Nintendo event, but that’s the Partner Direct MO.
On social, buzz is lit. Twitter’s flooded with people fired up for Monster Hunter Stories 3 and Octopath Traveler 0. Over on Instagram, folks are hyped about Katamari’s return and genuinely divided over Madden finally going portable in a good-looking format.
What to Expect Going Forward
It’s clear the Partner Showcase is now a perk, not just filler, if you want a peek into the future of cross-platform Switch gaming. With Switch 2 out and about, these games will fill both libraries and give fans reasons not to shelf the old hardware just yet.
Honestly, it’s less about “one big moment” and more a slow drip of reasons to play all year. Whether you’re into RPGs, party chaos, or hunting monsters with friends, the rest of 2025 and beyond looks packed. Just, you know, cross your fingers for a few unexpected Directs before the holidays.
This Partner Showcase definitely showed Nintendo isn’t slowing down when it comes to third-party games. It’s a lot—but in a good way.
