With less than a week to go until the highly anticipatedNintendo Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo gave the first Switch one last go-around with aDirect of its own. This Thursday morning Nintendo Direct gave us a clear idea of what to expect from Nintendo Switch throughout the rest of 2025 and even a bit into 2026. Unfortunately, we did not get release dates forMetroid Prime 4: BeyondorPokémon Legends: Z-A, but we did get in-depth looks at gameplay from both titles.
On top of that, there were plenty of surprise reveals, such as Sony bringing classic Patapon games to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo teasing new Tomodachi Life and Rhythm Heaven games for 2026. To help you keep track of what was part of this showcase, I’ve recapped everything announced during the March 2025 Nintendo Direct. Read through this, and you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect from Nintendo Switch as its successor finally arrives.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond gets more gameplay, but no release date
In the middle of this Nintendo Direct, Nintendo finally gave us another look atMetroid Prime 4: Beyond. The long-awaited follow-up to one of Nintendo’s most beloved series was confirmed to still be a Nintendo Switch title, not a Switch 2 exclusive, but we still did not get a release date. Gameplay showed us our first look at Planet Viewros, which Samus is unexpectedly transported to, and psychic abilities that Samus can now use. It is a bummer that we still don’t know whenMetroid Prime 4: Beyondwill be released this year, though.
A new Rhythm Heaven game was revealed, but it’s not out until next year
After a long time without a new game, Nintendo has finally revealed a new title in the Rhythm Heaven series, which challenges players with tough rhythmic challenges. Most only require single-button presses, but require perfect timing as players look at the pretty animations and listen to the songs in each level. This new game in the series is titledRhythm Heaven Groove, and it’s going to come to Nintendo Switch sometime in 2026.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was announced for Nintendo Switch
Nintendo’s final game announcement of the show wasTomodachi Life: Living the Dream, a follow-up to the cult classic 3DS titleTomodachi Life. These games are quirky life sims where players can watch their Mii-like avatars go about their daily lives on an island. Not much was shown about the game outside of a few funny interactions. LikeRhythm Heaven Groove,Tomodachi Life: Living the Dreamwon’t be out until 2026.
Nintendo Today! is a new mobile app for Nintendo news
To close out the show, Nintendo revealedNintendo Today!, a new phone app that serves as a daily calendar and source for Nintendo news. Shigeru Miyamoto teased that new information about the Nintendo Switch 2 will be released through the app every day after the Nintendo Direct next month. Fittingly,Nintendo Today!launches today.
Shadow Laybrinth reimagines Pac-Man in July
Bandai Namco Entertainment showed off more gameplay from its gritty Pac-Man reimagining,Shadow Labyrinth, during today’s Nintendo Direct. The gameplay looks reminiscent of Metroidvania games likeHollow Knight, and there seems to be a lot of depth when it comes to the different abilities at upgrades at the player’s disposal. To capShadow Labyrinth’ssegment of the showcase off, a July 18 release date was confirmed.
More PlayStation games are coming to Nintendo Switch
Some classic PlayStation games and franchises are coming to Nintendo Switch in the wake ofLego Horizon Adventures. During the Nintendo Direct, we learned that the PS4 remasters ofPataponandPatapon 2are coming to Nintendo Switch. They will be part of a single bundle calledPatapon 1+2 Replay. It will be released on July 11. Later in the Direct, Nintendo confirmed that a new Everybody’s Golf game,Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots, is also coming to Nintendo Switch later this year.
