Nintendo is the pioneer of the modern day digital games showcase. They started with this one almost fifteen years ago:

While everyone else was renting out large theaters and inviting all the media and press to participate in live events, Nintendo was posting videos online — and saving big money. Other companies began to catch on, and since the pandemic everyone has pretty much gone digital.

We saw it this past week with most of the Summer Game Fest showcases being enjoyed from home. Geoff Keighley still made a live spectacle of his Summer Game Fest presentation, but it was still enjoyed by most from home.

The Nintendo Direct is now the standard in video game presentations. Some companies even call their showcases “Directs” — like the XBOX Developer_Direct and the Wholesome Direct.

Yesterday’s Nintendo Direct was the closer to this year’s weeklong Summer Game Fest, and we got some big announcements. Before I go over my TOP FIVE announcements, let’s get some new updates out of the way.

SOME QUICK UPDATES

We finally have a release date for one of my most anticipated couch co-op games. Orbitals is coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 3rd, 2026. I love the hand-drawn, old school anime style.

The Duskbloods is the first Nintendo exclusive FromSoftware game. It’s an original story with vampires, which is probably still a ways out because they announced a Closed Playtest is coming this summer.

I haven’t played Pokémon Pokopia yet, but I’ve heard wonderful things. I like that they are adding more terrain to this game with a free undersea update, they also announced planned paid DLC that is coming out in waves.

I’ve been a Splatoon squid kid fan ever since the first game, so I’m already sold on Splatoon Raiders. They basically used this part of the direct to announce a Splatoon Raiders specific direct coming next month, as well as a Splatfest, and a new color set of joy-con 2.

I like the idea of Minecraft getting a Nintendo Switch 2 update, even if I don’t play Minecraft. I probably get excited when any game gets a Nintendo Switch 2 version.

TOP FIVE

1 | ANIME GAMES | ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet & JUJUTSU KAISEN RUMBLE: Survivaton

What’s cool about both of these anime-inspired games is that they aren’t just a retelling of the series. These are two unique games that take place in the world of two popular anime series — two series which I’ve slowly been watching.

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet lets you build your own restaurant on the high seas and feed hungry customers. It also features cute pixel versions of over 400 ONE PIECE characters. 

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet is coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 23rd, 2026.

Another anime series I’ve become familiar with lately is Jujutsu Kaisen. I love that Poncle is not just creating a reskinned clone of their popular Vampire Survivors, but they are adding more features to the gameplay style. Jujutsu Kaisen Rumble Survivaton is like JJK Vampire Survivors with the added twist of online tournament gameplay — which also works as an offline single-player feature. Also, instead of just leveling up and adding abilities, you are able to take away abilities from opponents.

Jujutsu Kaisen Rumble Survivaton is coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 later this year.

2 | NEW ENTRIES IN BELOVED NINTENDO FRANCHISES | Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave & Xenoblade Genesis

Fire Emblem and Xenoblade are two big Nintendo franchises that I’m not too familiar with. I know my Fire Emblem characters from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and the Fire Emblem mobile game, and I played a couple of hours of a previous Xenoblade Chronicles game to get a feel for that world.

Each time a new Fire Emblem game comes out, it looks like a good starting point. We are usually following new characters in a new part of the world. This seems to be no different. Will Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave be my first real Fire Emblem experience?

Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on September 17, 2026.

A couple of years ago, I borrowed a Xenoblade Chronicles from my friend. I really started to get into it. I was loving the story, having fun with the characters and combat. At some point, I hit a wall and stopped playing.

Will Xenoblade Genesis change that when it comes to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027?

3 | ORIGINAL HD2D FINAL FANTASY TITLE | FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE

Final Fantasy is a series that’s been around for decades. It started off in the pixel era, and we even got the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection of parts I-VI not too long ago.

The latest Final Fantasy games have been next-gen masterpieces. In the past few years I beat two Final Fantasies, Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy XVI

I’m excited to see Square Enix mix early and new Final Fantasy with the first full HD-2D story in the Final Fantasy universe with Final Fantasy Resonance. Final Fantasy Resonance arrives on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 22, 2026.

4 | ALL THE KINGDOM HEARTS | Kingdom Hearts IV + Kingdom Hearts I-III Collections

I purchased Kingdom Hearts: The Story so Far, which is a collection of everything before Kingdom Hearts III for PS4 and have been slowly making my way through the first game for years. Now, the Nintendo Switch 2 is about to get the full collection of Kingdom Hearts I, II, and III.

I was even more impressed when Nintendo got to be the one to reveal a brand new Kingdom Hearts game during their showcase. I guess it makes sense to save it for the end of Summer Game Fest.

Kingdom Hearts IV is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 at launch. Now I’m thinking maybe it’s time to skip ahead to Kingdom Hearts II, or even Kingdom Hearts III.

5 | A ZELDA REMAKE | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

I owned a Nintendo 64, but never played The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time back then. I do remember seeing friends play it. I think this is the perfect next Zelda game for me to play — once I’ve finished Tears of the Kingdom.

I’m digging the new look for Link from the cinematic. We knew that Nintendo was leaving behind the cel-shaded art style of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. This full remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is set to release in 2026.

Will this lead to a brand new story sporting this same look? Link’s Awakening (a remake) led us to Echoes of Wisdom (a brand new game with that same look).

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There were also a few games announced that are either out on PC or console currently or on their way to PlayStation, XBOX, or PC. The Nintendo Switch 2 may not be as powerful as those other consoles, but the next-gen games are holding up better with the power of Nintendo Switch 2.

Onimusha way of the Sword

Lies of P

DMC 5: Devil Hunter Edition

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Nintendo really brought the thunder to close out this year’s Summer Game Fest. We got a nice, hearty mix of updates, brand new games, and unexpected surprises. There were first-party, third-party, and indie titles.

Also, there was a Nintendo Treehouse where we got to see some more gameplay. Nintendo is a pioneer in the games space, but not just for their polished first-party titles. The Nintendo Direct and Indie Showcase have given us so many great games to look forward to.

The final part of the Direct featuring Nintendo of America’s new President and COO, Devon Pritchard was also a nice touch. She shared her love for games and her 20 years of experience at the company.

What were your highlights for yesterday’s Nintendo Direct?
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