Nintendo marked the 40th anniversary of Mario with a special Nintendo Direct broadcast last week, delivering more than an hour of announcements for its upcoming Switch 2 console. The showcase unveiled new first-party titles, updates on long-awaited games, third-party releases and even a retro-inspired accessory for both Switch systems.
New first-party titles and Mario’s big anniversary
The most anticipated update was the confirmation of a release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which is set to arrive on 12 December 2025 after years of speculation. Fans also got a look at Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, highlighting expanded Mii character creation and island gameplay.
Pokémon featured prominently, with new mega-evolutions revealed for the upcoming Legends: Z-A. A related downloadable content pack, titled Mega Dimension, will add Mega Raichu X and Y to the game. A more unusual addition to the Pokémon universe was also announced: Pokémon Pokopia, a life simulation game set for 2026, in which players control a Ditto that transforms into a human while building a Pokémon paradise.
Mario’s content dominated the presentation. Two entirely new titles were confirmed: Mario Tennis Fever, the latest entry in the popular sports series, and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a slower-paced adventure where Yoshi explores the pages of a living encyclopedia. These will join a Switch 2 edition of Super Mario Wonder, a Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 remaster bundle, and new Donkey Kong Bananza downloadable content.
The highlight of Mario’s anniversary celebrations was the announcement of the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Produced by Illumination, it will follow on from 2023’s Super Mario Bros. Movie with returning voice actors Chris Pratt, Charlie Day and Anya Taylor-Joy. The sequel is scheduled to premiere on 3 April 2026, although no casting has been confirmed for the character Rosalina.
Virtual Boy makes a return with a new accessory
In one of the more surprising moments, Nintendo confirmed a Virtual Boy expansion for its Nintendo Switch Online service. From 17 February 2026, 14 titles from the original system will be available, with support for stereoscopic 3D gameplay as initially intended.
To accompany this release, Nintendo is launching a new accessory designed to replicate the look of the Virtual Boy. Players will be able to slot a Switch or Switch 2 into the shell. True to the original, it does not include a head strap, meaning users will still need to play on a flat surface, a nod to the console’s design from 30 years ago.
Third-party releases and RPG highlights
Third-party developers also featured heavily in the presentation. Hades II was given a release date of 25 September 2025, while Resident Evil Requiem, along with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village, will be released on Switch 2. Fatal Frame II will also return as a remake.
Several popular games, including Overcooked 2, Human Fall Flat, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 and Stardew Valley, are being upgraded to Switch 2 editions. RPG fans were given additional good news, with a playable demo of Persona 3 Reload already live on Switch 2. Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade is also confirmed for release on both Switch 2 and Xbox after being exclusive to PC and PlayStation 5 for four years.
The broadcast closed with Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, a new exclusive for Switch 2 set to launch in 2026. Another unexpected announcement was Danganronpa 2×2, the first new title in the franchise for eight years. It combines a remake of Danganronpa 2 with updated visuals and a re-imagined storyline that changes the killers and victims while keeping the island setting and characters intact. This title is also expected in 2026.
Nintendo’s latest Direct not only celebrated Mario’s four decades of gaming history but also reinforced the company’s commitment to its next-generation Switch console, setting the stage for an eventful two years ahead.
