Nintendo announced a new Direct: Partner Showcase presentation, held on July 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. (Brasília time), lasting approximately 25 minutes, focusing on partner games for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Broadcast on the company’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, the presentation highlighted titles from third-party studios, without addressing Nintendo’s own games, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The initiative reinforces the support of external developers for the new console, launched on June 5, 2025, and the original Switch, maintaining player interest in both platforms. The event promises to reveal news about highly anticipated games, such as Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition and Hades 2, along with possible surprises.
The broadcast comes at a strategic moment, less than two months after the Switch 2’s launch, which sold 1.6 million units in the U.S. in its first month, surpassing the previous record set by the PlayStation 4. The presentation aims to sustain fan excitement, showcasing the diversity of games available for both systems. Nintendo confirmed the focus will be on titles from global partners, which may include major announcements, such as Professor Layton and the New World of Steam and even speculation about Hollow Knight: Silksong.
- Key expected highlights:
- Third-party games for Switch and Switch 2.
- Possible announcements of awaited titles, like Hades 2.
- Updates on previously confirmed games for the Switch 2.
Expectations for the July Nintendo Direct
The Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase on July 31 brought an eagerly awaited moment for fans, especially after the Switch 2’s initial success. The presentation was designed to showcase the strength of support from partner studios, such as Square Enix, Capcom, and others, which have expanded their libraries for the new console. With the Switch 2 already established as Nintendo’s fastest-selling console, the event reinforces the company’s strategy to diversify its catalog.
Focusing on third-party games signals Nintendo’s intent to strengthen global partnerships, bringing high-profile titles that were previously unfeasible on the original Switch due to hardware limitations. The presentation also serves as a bridge to keep the original Switch relevant, with games compatible across both platforms. Expectations are high, especially after the announcement that games like Yakuza Kiwami and Madden NFL 26 will be available on the Switch 2.
- Confirmed games for the event:
- Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, launching on November 13.
- Madden NFL 26, scheduled for August 14.
- Octopath Traveler 0, debuting on December 4.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, expected for winter 2025.
Third-party support for Switch 2
The Switch 2, launched on June 5, 2025, brought significant advancements, such as a 7.9-inch LCD screen with 1080p and 120 Hz, 256 GB of internal storage, and 4K support via dock. These features have enabled third-party studios, previously limited by the original Switch’s hardware, to bring more ambitious games. Titles like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Final Fantasy VII Remake have already been confirmed, showcasing the new console’s ability to handle large-scale games.
The July 31 presentation highlighted how these partnerships are shaping the Switch 2’s future. Studios like FromSoftware, with Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, and Ubisoft, with Star Wars Outlaws, are leveraging the more robust hardware to deliver optimized experiences. Additionally, compatibility with original Switch games ensures a smooth transition to the new console, with free upgrades for titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which now run with improved performance and resolution.
The event also emphasized the GameChat feature, which allows player interaction via the C button on the new Joy-Con. This feature, combined with the Switch 2’s camera, promises to enhance the multiplayer experience in games like Super Mario Party Jamboree.
Awaited titles and speculations
The Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase brought announcements that excited fans, with a focus on games that leverage the Switch 2’s technical potential. Among the confirmed titles, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment stands out as a canonical prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, exploring the Imprisonment War. The game promises intense combat and an engaging narrative, with a release planned for winter 2025.
Another highlight was Octopath Traveler 0, a new entry in Square Enix’s HD-2D RPG series, set to launch on December 4. The presentation also confirmed the arrival of Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 on November 13, bringing Sega’s acclaimed series to the Switch 2. Madden NFL 26, from EA, marks the return of the American football franchise to Nintendo’s platform, with a release on August 14, 2026.
- Speculated games for the event:
- Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, expected for 2025.
- Hades 2, optimized for 60 fps performance.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong, still without a confirmed date.
- Star Wars Outlaws, adapted for the Switch 2.
- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, with graphical improvements.
Market impact and fan reactions
Nintendo’s strategy of focusing on third-party games reflects confidence in the Switch 2’s ecosystem. The console’s rapid adoption, with 3.5 million units sold globally in four days, demonstrates the brand’s strength. The July 31 presentation was seen as an opportunity to solidify this position, bringing titles that appeal to diverse audiences, from RPG fans to casual players.
Social media reactions show excitement, with many highlighting the possibility of Hollow Knight: Silksong finally appearing. The inclusion of games like Yakuza and Madden NFL also sparked positive discussions, especially among players seeking greater diversity in Nintendo’s catalog. However, the absence of updates on first-party titles, like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, left some fans eager for more information.
The inclusion of games with Switch 2-specific improvements, such as HDR support and higher frame rates, reinforces the console’s appeal. Free upgrades for original Switch games, like Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, were also well-received, ensuring players don’t need to repurchase their favorite titles.
Nintendo’s strategy for 2025
The July Direct is part of a broader strategy for 2025, which includes keeping the original Switch relevant while promoting the Switch 2. Compatibility with original Switch games and the addition of enhancements, like the Virtual Game Card, which allows sharing digital games with family group members, demonstrate Nintendo’s commitment to easing the transition between generations.
Additionally, Nintendo plans in-person events and new Treehouse: Live presentations throughout the year, offering hands-on game demos. The Switch 2’s initial success, combined with third-party support, positions Nintendo as a strong competitor in the console market, even amid challenges like U.S. trade tariffs impacting accessory prices, such as the Pro Controller.
- Switch 2 innovations highlighted:
- 7.9-inch 1080p screen with 120 Hz.
- Magnetic Joy-Con with C button for GameChat.
- Compatibility with original Switch cartridges.
- Support for microSD Express cards for storage expansion.
- 4K output via dock for TVs.
Confirmed games and future launches
The presentation also confirmed release dates for previously announced games. In addition to the titles mentioned, Nintendo highlighted the arrival of Kirby Air Riders, a racing game featuring Kirby, directed by Masahiro Sakurai, set for late 2025. Another standout was Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which includes new modes and support for the console’s camera.
Nintendo also announced that GameCube classics, such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-Zero GX, will arrive on Nintendo Switch Online in June 2025, with support for the new GameCube controller, which includes the C button for GameChat. These additions reinforce the company’s focus on attracting both nostalgic players and new audiences.
The July 31 event solidified the Switch 2 as a versatile platform, capable of running both exclusive and major third-party titles. Nintendo’s strategy of balancing first-party and partner releases ensures the console continues to attract attention throughout 2025, with more announcements expected in future Directs.