Can we just take a moment to just acknowledge how cool that Nintendo Direct was? This Summer Game Fest showcase season has been truly outstanding!
Honestly though, it’s probably one of my favourites since we had the reveal of Super Smash Bros was announced for the Nintendo Switch. If you know, you know!
Anyway, without spending more time reminiscing about past Nintendo Direct announcements, it’s time to turn the focus back to the most recent one on 9th June 2026. I wasn’t able to catch the direct live but caught up a few hours after. The wait felt like forever, and avoiding the reveals was tough, but the time finally arrived.
Originally, I was planning on sharing my thoughts just on social media, but there was just so much to unpack that I had to make it into a post. So, here are my highlights from the Nintendo Direct. I’ve also linked each trailer in the name of the game if you want to rewatch them.
Table of Contents
There’s no denying that the direct was packed full of great games and surprises, and for me, there were multiple games that will be on my radar going forward. However, to start with. Let’s start by talking about the Pokémon Pokopia expansion pass and update!
Pokémon Pokopia Updates
Before watching the showcase, I was pretty certain we would see some kind of Pokopia news. I thought it would be more just a free update, which we are getting in August, but the expansion pass details were a lovely surprise. I’m excited to be able to explore new areas and learn new moves. Move on to an underwater area and make use of the resources and space there. I’ve got a few ideas for potential builds.
The three part expansion pass, I think, is a good idea, pacing content out over time alongside the upcoming and potential future free updates too.
However, my ultimate question is, what Pokémon, other than those we saw in the trailer, do you think we’ll see in August?
How about this next reveal that closed out the direct? Long rumoured and finally revealed yesterday?
The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time
I don’t have much to say, as the teaser trailer does all the talking, but oh my goodness! I’m so excited for this when it releases later this year.
The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time was my introduction to the Zelda franchise, with the Nintendo 64 version being my platform of choice. I loved the game and how, based on the games I had played at the time, it was so different to anything I had experienced before. It was also the first game I got when I moved over to the Nintendo 3DS for the first time.
I’m excited to see more in the run up to the games’ release later this year, and it was certainly a great way to close out this summer direct.
Splatoon Raiders
Now, I’m a big Splatoon fan, so this has been one game I’ve been looking forward to since its reveal earlier in the year. It’s one I’ll certainly be picking up around launch next month, and I can’t wait to explore it. I’m curious to see how the game does as a standalone single player game instead of how we traditionally know Splatoon to be.
ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet
While I know a little bit about ONE PIECE in general, this pixel art style cooking/restaurant management game was not something I expected to see. It’s the kind of game that I love playing, and I’m actually really excited to find out more and play this later in the year.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort
What can I say? We’re making the return to the iconic island once again. With twelve sports to play, who doesn’t love a little bit of competitive bowling or thumb wrestling in 2026?
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
I thoroughly enjoyed Fire Emblem Three Houses and was curious to see what kind of direction they would take Fourtune’s Weave in. From what was showcased, I can already tell it’s going to be another epic adventure and it’s going to be worth the wait to play!
Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories
This was only shown very quickly during a montage section, however, it’s great to see a new Atelier game on the way! It’s one on my radar to keep an eye on going forward!
Xenoblade Genesis
OH MY GOODNESS!
I was mainly only expecting, you know, the Nintendo Switch 2 updates for each of the games, which we saw. I wasn’t expecting a reveal for the next game in the franchise. I also like how we are moving to a new era as such for the story which follows on after the conclusion of Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE
YES! Just yes!
Final Fantasy Resonance looks stunning, and I love how it incorporates the 2DHD and turn based combat styles into the game. There’s a lot to unpack from the trailer as well as spotting some familiar faces too. This is likely to be another game I’ll be picking up around or just after it launches.
Final Fantasy XIV Online: Nintendo Switch 2 Version
This one still blows my mind, and I’m incredibly curious to see how the Nintendo Switch 2 handles this game. It was only in the direct again for a split second, but still, we know an early access period is coming in August.
KINGDOM HEARTS IV
Saving my favourite until last.
The reveal I wasn’t expecting to see. The one that needs no extra words or introduction.
This did take me by surprise. I honestly thought this would have been something we saw in the PlayStation State of Play however, no, Nintendo decided to shock everyone when dropping such a huge surprise yesterday. I can’t wait for this to release, whenever that is. The wait will be truly worth it.
Overall Nintendo Direct Thoughts
I have to say, this Nintendo Direct had something for everyone. It was full of surprises, amazingly looking reveals and so much more. While I’ve highlighted a number of my favourite announcements, I have to say that most of the games shown were great.
Hello Kitty Party Land looks like such good fun; Minecraft is finally receiving its Nintendo Switch 2 update, and Big Walk looks like some crazy, chaotic fun. Stellar Blade, Lies of P, and Lords of the Fallen II, to name a few, having releases on the Nintendo Switch 2 was a surprise as well. That’s not even everything either!
We also had reveals for the new Rhythm Heaven Groove game, Star Fox, Kingdom Hearts Collection, Metaphor ReFantazio, DELTARUNE Chapter 5, Pikuniku 2, Runescape Dragonwilds which we have seen in other showcases this past week, Devil May Cry 5 and so much more!
This was a strong Nintendo Direct for a number of different reasons, with plenty on offer for many Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 owners. Such a variety of games are coming over the coming months, and honestly, my backlog is just a little scared right now.
What were some of your highlights from yesterday’s Nintendo Direct? Let me know in the comments below!
