Nintendo with the Double Direct

Hello, a packed issue for you today. It's one of those weeks where I'm always a touch nervous about missing a noteworthy bit of news or commentary. With a Direct behind us, and a second helping next week — we're pretty much swimming in the deep end of Nintendo news right now.

So, the big news of the week is the somewhat unexpected Switch 1 Direct that aired on Thursday. With the Switch 2 presentation looming, it's rather unusual to get such a back-to-back helping of Direct showcases. However, this was probably a smart move — wiping the slate of any Switch 1 announcements that needed to be made, making way for the big news that will arrive next week. If half of this stuff was in the upcoming showcase it would have been overshadowed. Nintendo sure know how to stay in the news cycle huh?

In addition to using this Direct as something of a palate cleanser before the main course next week, it also acted as a solid message to the 150 million existing Switch owners — 'we ain't abandoning you anytime soon'. Seriously, who had Switch 1 games with a 2026 release date getting announced here on their bingo card?

Anyway, plenty of interesting tidbits in this Direct. I thought it was really oddly paced though, had a solid variety of genres represented, yet the Metroid Prime 4 trailer seemed a tad underwhelming — but generally there's plenty here to keep folks happy, particularly the returns of both Tomodachi Life and Rythym Heaven (a big deal!).

Talking of those two games, despite them both being 2026 releases, a good chunk of folks will likely end up playing them on the Switch 2. However, I can see why Nintendo opted to show them off here — they're not particularly the most visually stunning titles, so for folks looking to be 'wowed' by the Switch 2 next week, these more unadorned games being revealed here makes a bit of sense.

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Right, bit of a quieter week on the eShop with just over 20 games landing, including that Croc tune up. Full list below.

Finally, if all goes to plan, I'll be launching the 2025 State of Switch survey in the coming days — hoping to get a snap opinion poll on what y'all think about the Switch 2 reveal. I may send a rare second email to let you know when it's live so you can share your Switch 2 thoughts ASAP.

P.S. — A handful of you reached out about wanting to join the invite-only Discord community last week. If you still want in just hit reply to this email. We're gonna be watching the Direct together and doing a Bingo card.

Just a few days to go now until the Switch 2 Direct, with some expecting pre-orders to open straight away. Exciting times!