After weeks of speculation, Nintendo has officially confirmed that the July 2025 Nintendo Direct is happening. Fans can tune in on Thursday, July 31, at 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET to catch a 25-minute livestream across Nintendo’s YouTube and Twitch channels. But there’s one detail that might dampen some of the excitement—this Direct is a Partner Showcase, meaning first-party Nintendo titles likely won’t take center stage.
Nintendo skipped a traditional June 2025 Direct due to the Switch 2 launch, which makes this Partner Showcase the first major post-launch presentation for the console.
Nintendo has used Partner Showcases in the past to reveal ports, collaborations, and exclusive launch windows for games already available on other platforms. This aligns perfectly with the Switch 2’s growing reputation as a hybrid console capable of handling more ambitious third-party releases.
What to Expect from the Showcase
While Nintendo has not shared an official game list, industry leaks and rumors provide a strong picture of what could appear. Gamers might see announcements or updates on:
- Major Third-Party Ports
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Mirage
- Western Support on Switch 2
- Potential ports of Fallout 4, Starfield, Hi-Fi Rush, and Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Fan-Favorite Rumors
- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Switch 2
- Death Stranding: Director’s Cut
- Final Fantasy VII Remake progress updates
Additionally, insiders hint at Gearbox’s Borderlands 4 finally landing a Switch release date, continuing the trend of third-party content filling the Switch 2 library.
First-Party Status
Here’s where the “catch” comes in: first-party Nintendo games may be largely absent from this Direct. That means players shouldn’t expect major updates on titles like:
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Kirby Air Riders
- Splatoon Raiders
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Although unlikely, some leakers suggest a brief teaser for the next Animal Crossing game on Switch 2 could appear as the show’s “one more thing” moment. Anything beyond that—such as a new 3D Mario or Zelda announcement—is probably wishful thinking until a full Direct later this year, likely around Septemb
How to Watch
The Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase will stream live on:
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. BST
Duration: ~25 minutes
If you miss the live broadcast, the full event will be available for on-demand viewing shortly afterward.
See also: Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date, Price, Specs, and Pre-Order
The July 2025 Nintendo Direct may not deliver the first-party bombshells some fans hoped for, but it’s still a crucial update for Switch 2 owners. With a lineup of potential high-profile third-party releases, long-rumored ports, and the possibility of one surprise reveal, this Partner Showcase is worth watching. Just temper your expectations—Metroid and Mario aren’t coming this time.
