Nintendo Direct July 2025: All Games, Trailers, & News
Nintendo closed July 2025 with a showcase packed with third‑party surprises. The 25‑minute Partner Direct gave us a fresh look at upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch and the newer Switch 2. We saw big names like Monster Hunter Stories 3 and Octopath Traveler 0, along with sports titles, indies, and even a new Hyrule Warriors spin‑off.
This wasn’t just another trailer drop. It showed where Nintendo is heading after the Switch 2 launch, stronger third‑party support, and more simultaneous releases. If you missed the stream, don’t worry. We’ve gathered every major reveal, release date, and trailer highlight in one place so you can catch up fast.
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Overall Showcase Summary
This Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase lasted about 25 minutes, focusing solely on external publisher titles for both Switch and Switch 2.
It marked a clear shift in strategy: third-party games now launch nearly simultaneously on Switch 2 alongside other platforms, a big improvement compared to earlier delays on Nintendo consoles.
Major Titles & Reveals
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
Capcom confirmed Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is planned for a 2026 release on the Nintendo Switch 2. It promises a fresh RPG adventure centered around war and discovery in the Monster Hunter universe.
Octopath Traveler 0
Square Enix confirmed Octopath Traveler 0, a prequel in the series, will launch on December 4, 2025, for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Look forward to eight customizable heroes, a village you can rebuild, and huge turn‑based battles presented in classic HD‑2D visuals.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
An action 2D RPG to be released in 2026 with HD on Switch 2. The demo is available immediately, offering early access to Elliot’s thousand-year quest alongside fairy friend Faie.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
A canonical prequel to Tears of the Kingdom, this Zelda-themed Warriors spin-off is slated for winter 2025 on Switch 2, delivering large-scale battles and familiar lore.
Big Third-Party Releases to Switch 2
Nintendo confirmed major multi-platform games launching on Switch 2 with aligned dates:
- Apex Legends will come out on August 5, 2025, and will feature a unique Pathfinder skin that will also be available to consumers.
- Star Wars Outlaws arrives on September 4, 2025, offering open-world space heists.
- Madden NFL 26 arrives August 14, 2025, featuring NFL‑style realism and new gameplay traits.
- EA Sports FC 26 launches on September 26, 2025, bringing the Manager Live feature to both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles.
- Cronos: The New Dawn arrives on September 5, 2025, bringing chilling horror action from the team that worked on Silent Hill 2.
Fun & Indie Highlights
- Chillin’ by the Fire is available now (July 31, 2025) on Switch 2. It’s a calm campfire simulator with multiplayer features using camera and voice chat.
- Yakuza Kiwami & Kiwami 2 arrive November 13, 2025, upgraded for Switch 2 with sharper graphics and smoother frame rates.
- PAC‑MAN World 2 Re‑PAC, Persona 3 Reload, Once Upon a Katamari, and Plants vs Zombies: Replanted are all scheduled for late September to October, bringing classics and remakes back with modern polish.
- Indie gems like Hela (2026), Goodnight Universe (Nov 11), and SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance (Aug 29) add emotional storytelling and creative gameplay options.
Switch 2 Launch Highlight: Donkey Kong Bananza
Though unveiled earlier, Donkey Kong Bananza, released on July 17, 202,5, for Switch 2 also received praise during this showcase. It’s the first original 3D DK game since 1999, with destructible voxel terrain, music-powered character transformations, and a creative “Artist Mode” using Joy-Con 2 controls. Pauline joins as a companion character, introducing her own set of unique abilities to the game.
Trends & Strategy Insights
We see a clear strategy shift: instead of delayed ports, Switch 2 is now seeing real-time third-party releases. Big global publishers like EA, Ubisoft, and Square Enix are backing Nintendo strongly than before.
Games such as Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment demonstrated how Nintendo intends to make games to attract the already existing fan base as well as new audiences. Meanwhile, indie and cozy games balance the slate with varied moods and play styles.
Closing Thoughts
Nintendo Direct July 2025 brought more than game trailers; it gave players a sense of confidence about what’s ahead. This line-up cements Switch 2 as a platform with robust third-party support.
We may still wait for big Nintendo first-party reveals, but the future through 2025 and into 2026 looks packed. From epic RPGs to cozy sims and modern remakes, there’s something for every gamer.
FAQS:
Nintendo Direct July 2025 showcased a wide range of third‑party titles coming to both the Switch and the newer Switch 2. Major announcements included Monster Hunter Stories 3, Octopath Traveler 0, a fresh Hyrule Warriors prequel, and Star Wars Outlaws.
Nintendo Direct is an online video presentation by Nintendo. It shares game announcements, trailers, and updates. Fans watch live or later to learn about upcoming titles for Switch systems.
The new system is Nintendo Switch 2, launched earlier in 2025. It improves graphics, adds faster loading, better controllers, and supports older Switch games with upgraded performance.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Always conduct your research.