Few things get gamers talking like a surprise announcement from Nintendo. A new Zelda game? A long-awaited sequel? The return of a classic franchise but with modernized graphics?
Nintendo knows how to keep fans on the edge of their seats, and they have a special trick up their sleeve regarding reveals: Nintendo Directs.
For millions, such an event sends shivers down their spines. These online presentations have become synonymous with big gaming news, offering a direct line to the latest updates, announcements, and sneak peeks.
In this article, we’ll explain what happens in Nintendo Directs and when to expect one. After all, unlike predictable release schedules for new games, Nintendo Directs always have a hint of mystery. When will the next one drop? What surprises will they hold?
As a bonus, you’ll also get some tips on how to stay informed so you never miss a moment of the action!
What are Nintendo Directs and when to expect one?
So, what exactly is a Nintendo Direct?
Picture a pre-recorded video presentation hosted by Nintendo, packed with exciting news and updates about their games, partners, and the near future. They cover a wide range of topics, from new game announcements and release date reveals to gameplay trailers, DLC updates, and even occasional hardware surprises. And that’s essentially it.
These Directs are typically streamed online, allowing fans worldwide to tune in simultaneously and get the latest scoop on all things Nintendo.
There are even regional-specific formats for the event, like Japan, South Korea, and some other countries, which get custom-tailored content for that region.
Now, the million-dollar question: when do these Directs happen? Well, that’s where the waters get murky.
Nintendo has been notoriously unpredictable when it comes to scheduling these presentations, never following a set calendar or release schedule like clockwork. Instead, they tend to announce Directs relatively close to their air date, often just a few days or weeks in advance.
That said, fans have noticed a pattern over the last few years: on average, you can expect three major Nintendo Directs each year, one happening in February, another in June, and the last in September, give or take a week for each.
Some Directs focus on specific games or franchises, while others offer a broader overview of upcoming releases and updates. There are even special “Partner Showcases” highlighting games from third-party developers, as you’ll see below.
What types of Nintendo Direct are there?
While the standard Nintendo Direct is the flagship presentation, Nintendo also offers a range of specialized Directs tailored to specific audiences and content.
For those short on time, there’s the “Nintendo Direct Mini,” a condensed version clocking in at 5 to 30 minutes. These Minis typically focus on smaller releases or offer quick updates on upcoming games.
Within this category, there’s the “Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase,” which focuses specifically on titles from Nintendo’s collaborating developers and publishers.
If you’re looking for a deep dive into a particular game or franchise, then the “Nintendo Direct Special” is for you. These presentations can range from 5 to 50 minutes and often feature developers or producers sharing insights and details about their upcoming projects. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes look at your most anticipated games.
Representing one of the biggest and most successful gaming franchises ever, Pokémon fans have their own dedicated livestreams. The Pokémon Company hosted these aptly named “Pokémon Direct” from 2013 to 2020 and “Pokémon Presents” from 2020 onward.
These Directs go deeper into the world of Pokémon, showcasing upcoming games for mobile devices and Nintendo’s state-of-the-art consoles (by the way, there are rumors about a “Switch 2”). They’re a must-watch for any Pokémon trainer eager to catch ’em all.
Finally, indie game enthusiasts can tune in to “Indie World” presentations. These showcases highlight a curated selection of titles from independent developers coming to the Nintendo Switch. They’re a great way to discover hidden gems and support smaller studios.
Discontinued Nintendo Directs
Nintendo likes to try new things with their Directs, too. Remember the “Nintendo 3DS Direct” and the “Wii U Direct“? Those were specifically for the 3DS and Wii U consoles.
While they don’t host those anymore, it shows that Nintendo is always trying to find the best way to connect with their fans and talk about their games. Just like them, Nintendo Directs are always changing and evolving!
When did the last Nintendo Direct happen?
Just yesterday, on August 27th, 2024, Nintendo surprised us with a new Direct focused on games from their partners and indie developers. It was a pretty packed presentation, clocking in at about 40 minutes. They teased us with cool new games, release dates for others, and fresh gameplay trailers.
One of the games that really stood out was Neva, a new project from the folks who made Gris. The trailer was beautiful, with stunning visuals and an atmospheric feel as expected. Neva follows a young woman named Alba and her wolf companion as they journey through a world that’s falling apart. It appears to be another emotional rollercoaster, and it’s coming out on October 15th for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
We also got a glimpse of Sea of Stars, a gorgeous pixel art RPG already out and getting positive reviews. They announced a free expansion called Throes of the Watchmaker, which adds a new world to explore and even more characters to meet. It’s coming out sometime in early 2025.
And for those who love classic fighting games, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is on the way. It’s bringing together a bunch of old-school brawlers like Capcom Vs. SNK 2 and Street Fighter Alpha 3. Talk about nostalgia! That one’s also coming out in 2025.
All in all, it was a solid event with a little something for everyone. Nintendo definitely knows how to keep us excited for what’s next.
Nintendo Directs: how to stay in the loop
Want to be the first to know about the next Nintendo Direct? Staying in the loop is easier than you think.
First, keep an eye on Nintendo’s official channels. Their website and social media accounts, especially Twitter and YouTube, are the primary sources for Direct announcements. Make sure to enable notifications so you never miss a beat.
Gaming news websites and communities are also great resources. Sites like IGN, GameSpot, and Nintendo Life are always on top of the latest Nintendo news, including Direct announcements.
Online forums and communities dedicated to Nintendo (like Reddit’s /r/nintendo) are also good sources of information, but the night may be dark and full of speculation and rumors. As long as you keep in mind that Nintendo’s official word is always the most reliable source, you’ll be fine.
With these simple tips, you can stay ahead of the curve and be ready to tune in when the next Nintendo Direct drops!
Closing thoughts
Nintendo Directs are always a fun surprise for gamers. They’re a great way to get the latest news and announcements straight from Nintendo.
Even though they don’t happen on a regular schedule, that just makes them even more exciting. You never know when they’ll drop a new Direct, but you can bet it’ll be filled with cool stuff. Stay tuned and keep an eye on Nintendo’s social media – you won’t want to miss the next Nintendo Direct!
And if you’re a game developer with a great idea, Main Leaf is here to help. We’re experts in every section of the game development pipeline, and we’d love to work with you to make your dream game a reality. We’re also a phenomenal outsourcing partner dealing with the latest in gaming, like NFTs and blockchains.
Contact us today to chat about your project!
