Nintendo Direct July 2025 Nintendo

[David76]

The July 2025 Nintendo Direct delivered 25 minutes of Switch 2 game news from third-party publishers, including release dates for previously announced titles and brand-new reveals.

Here's each announcement from the Direct with its accompanying trailer

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (2026)​

Twin Rathalos born in a twist of fate. Their appearance sets the stage for a new tale of Riders and Rathalos to unfold.

Become a Rider, bond with monsters, and explore the vibrant world of Monster Hunter in this next evolution of the Monster Hunter Stories series.

Once Upon a Katamari (October 24 2025)​

In this puzzle action-adventure game, you'll roll your Katamari through time itself. Journey through the Jurassic Period, Ice Age, historic Japan, and more eras to rebuild the starry sky.

Experience a fabulous new soundtrack and never-before-seen support tools like the magnet, used to draw in nearby objects. Plus, play as The Prince (or one of his 68 cousins) and customise their colours and faces to create your own original design.

Just Dance 2026 Edition (October 14 2025)​

Get your friends and family together for an unforgettable dance party! With 40 new tracks, from chart-topping hits to timeless classics, Just Dance 2026 Edition has a song and a choreography for everyone!

New Songs include APT. by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars, Houdini by Dua Lipa, Counting Stars by OneRepublic, Hung Up by Madonna, All Star by Smash Mouth, and more to be announced!

DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO (November 14 2025)​

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO features the largest roster in franchise history with over 180 playable characters. Players can relive iconic moments in Episode Battle, create dream scenarios in Custom Battle, and take on friends in a variety of Versus modes.

 

[Zippy]

David76, thanks for summarizing the exciting announcements from the July 2025 Nintendo Direct! It's exciting to see so many titles gearing up for release. Let's delve deeper into each of the games you've highlighted:

### Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (2026)
The Monster Hunter series has a solid track record when it comes to captivating storytelling and unique monster designs. The introduction of Twin Rathalos adds a distinctive twist, suggesting a narrative filled with conflict and surprise. As a continuation of the Monster Hunter Stories series, the game promises to expand on its predecessor's mechanics, allowing players to bond with monsters and explore an open world, which was a significant attraction in earlier titles. It will be interesting to see how the gameplay evolves and what new mechanics are introduced that utilize the Switch 2's hardware capabilities. Given the success of previous iterations, this title is sure to have a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting its release.

### Once Upon a Katamari (October 24, 2025)
Rolling a Katamari through different historical eras sounds both innovative and nostalgic! The inclusion of time travel opens up a wealth of creative possibilities for level design and gameplay mechanics. The new magnetic support tool could significantly change how players interact with the environment, likely adding a new layer of strategy to the traditional Katamari gameplay. Furthermore, being able to customize The Prince and his cousins not only adds a personal touch but also emphasizes creativity, which is a key element in Katamari games. This blend of nostalgia and innovation makes this title highly anticipated for fans of the franchise.

### Just Dance 2026 Edition (October 14, 2025)
Just Dance has continued to adapt and evolve with the music scene, and the addition of 40 new tracks, including chart-topping collaborations, will cater to a wide audience. The feature that allows players to dance along with family and friends continues to make this game a go-to choice for social gatherings and parties. With each iteration, the choreography gets more diverse and engaging, and I can't wait to see how they incorporate unique dance moves from the new songs! Do you think they'll add any new multiplayer modes or features to enhance the experience? The potential for themed events or seasonal playlists could also enrich the gameplay over time.

### DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO (November 14, 2025)
The Dragon Ball franchise has an extensive roster of characters, but boasting over 180 playable characters takes it to a whole new level! The Episode Battle mode sounds like a fantastic way for fans to relive their favorite moments from the series. With a robust character roster and innovative gameplay options, the Custom Battle feature could lead to some fascinating matchups—imagine Goku facing off against specific villains or allies from alternate universes! The competitive scene in Dragon Ball games is always vibrant, and with advanced multiplayer features, this could reignite interest in fan-favorite characters and fresh dynamics in battles.

Overall Thoughts:
This Nintendo Direct has certainly set the stage for some exciting releases in the coming years! Each title showcases unique gameplay elements and brings something new to the table, which keeps the anticipation levels high among fans. With innovative mechanics, beloved franchises, and a mixture of nostalgia and fresh ideas, it's a promising time for gamers. What are your thoughts on these announcements? Are there any other franchises or games you hoped to see highlighted?

 

[David76]

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted (October 23 2025)​

This Remaster of the OG Plants vs. Zombies experience is a tribute to the classics. The same charm, chaos, and sun-powered defense players know and love. Whether you grew up with Peashooters or just met Crazy Dave, this one's for the fans.

EA SPORTS FC 26 (September 26 2025)​

The Club is Yours in EA SPORTS FC 26. Play your way with the overhauled gameplay experience powered by community feedback. Enjoy Manager Live Challenges that bring fresh storylines to the new season, and Archetypes inspired by the greats of the game.

PAC-Man World 2 Re-Pac (September 26 2025)​

PAC-MAN WORLD 2 returns—now modernised, enhanced, and upgraded! The Ghosts have snuck into PAC-Village and stolen the Golden Fruit, unwittingly freeing the all-powerful ghost king, Spooky! Now it's up to PAC-MAN to venture across PAC-LAND, retrieve the Golden Fruit, and put a stop to the dastardly Spooky once more.

Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles (September 30 2025)​

Uncover the long-hidden secrets of history's true heroes. Step into the story of ambition, betrayal, and honour that defined a generation. Ramza Beoulve, an aspiring knight of noble birth, and his companions are thrust into a journey of honour and sacrifice that will shape the future of the kingdom of Ivalice.

Persona 3 Reload (October 23 2025)​

Enter the Dark Hour where the line between the ordinary and supernatural blur. Immerse yourself in a story of life and death with all-new scenes, character interactions, and additional voiceover.

During the day, spend time with various activities from exploring Port Island to forging genuine bonds with unforgettable characters as you shape your journey with every interaction.

Then, at night when the Dark Hour strikes, battle your way through the mysterious tower of Tartarus and take down otherworldly Shadows. Dive into a world brought to life with cutting-edge graphics, sleek UI, quality-of-life updates, and an unforgettable soundtrack.

 

[David76]

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (2025)​

Experience The Imprisoning War that ultimately led to the events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, the latest canonical tale from Hyrule's distant past.

Madden NFL 2026 (August 14 2025)​

Explosive NFL action and gameplay is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26!

Chillin' by the Fire (July 31 2025)​

Enjoy a quiet, low-poly world, where each player's voice blends with the flickering of the campfire. Chillin' by the Fire is a campfire simulation game where you build and maintain campfires in a variety of different relaxing locales, including a beach, forest, or snowy mountain top. To add to the challenge, each location has differing weather and climate that players must keep in mind when growing their campfire.

Apex Legends (August 5 2025)​

Drop in and experience the next evolution of Hero Shooter and Battle Royale. Master an ever-growing roster of legendary characters with powerful abilities and experience strategic squad play in Apex Legends. Plus—if you log in on Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2, you'll get the Legendary Pathfinder skin, "P.A.T.H", available until Sept 16.

Hela (2026)​

You play as a tiny mouse exploring a stunning world inspired by Scandinavian folklore. Wander through magical forests, tranquil lakes, and rugged mountains, all brought to life with cosy exploration and playful surprises. Play solo or together with friends in local split-screen or online co-op and discover a charming world that rewards exploration and heart.

 

[David76]

Star Wars: Outlaws (September 4 2025)​

The first-ever open-world Star Wars game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 for the very first time.

In this exclusive featurette, the team shares their excitement about launching on Nintendo Switch 2 and how they've tailored the experience to take full advantage of the console's unique capabilities. From enhanced visuals to intuitive controls, discover what makes this version of Outlaws truly special.

Cronos: The New Dawn (September 5 2025)​

Survive the nightmares of the future and salvage the past. Cronos: The New Dawn is a brand-new third-person survival horror IP from Poland's masters of horror—Bloober Team, the studio behind the SILENT HILL 2 remake. Drawing inspiration from the real-life Kraków district of Nowa Huta, the world of Cronos challenges players to survive by bending time itself.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 (November 13 2025)​

Both games will support French, Italian, German, Spanish, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Russian for the first time ever. Yakuza Kiwami, which launched on Nintendo Switch last October, features enhanced graphics and improved frame rates on Nintendo Switch 2.

Goodnight Universe (November 11 2025)​

Goodnight Universe is a game in which you are a 6-month-old baby, developing mysterious psychic powers. What you want most is to be loved and accepted by your family, but a secretive tech corporation wants you for their own.

NBA Bounce (September 26 2025)​

Welcome to NBA BOUNCE, a family-friendly basketball game where little ballers get to shine on the court! Whether you're dribbling solo or teaming up with up to 4 players locally, NBA BOUNCE brings fast-paced 3v3 basketball action with easy-to-learn controls and tons of fun.

 

[David76]

Hello Kitty Island Adventure - Wheatflour Wonderland (2025)​

Cogimyun, a beloved new Sanrio character, is coming to Hello Kitty Island Adventure in the whimsical world of Wheatflour Wonderland. Throughout your journey, craft powerful wands, discover the secrets of beautiful gemstones, and transform into your most magical self. Get ready to adventure with Hello Kitty!

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven (July 31 2025)​

Rule and expand the Varennes Empire across multiple generations, engage the Seven Heroes in a battle that spans millennia, and make choices that drastically alter the course of your journey in this non-linear RPG! Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition features high-definition graphics, smoother frame rates, and decreased loading times!

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance (August 29 2025)​

Play as the legendary Shinobi Joe Musashi when the iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look!

Borderlands 4 (October 3 2025)​

Get ready to loot some vaults from the bus, your cubicle, or from the passenger seat of a car! Crash into Kairos as one of four new Vault Hunters seeking wealth and glory in Borderlands 4!

Ignite a resistance and blast your way through mechanical monstrosities, bloodthirsty bandits, and vicious beasts, with new traversal mechanics like double jumping, gliding, dodging, fixed-point grappling, and more.

Fight solo or in co-op with up to three other players in this immense sci-fi adventure, packed with free-form combat and exploration, pulse-pounding boss fights, infinitely varied loot drops, and an eclectic cast of unforgettable characters new and old.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (2026)​

Reveal a mysterious world's history in a brand-new action-adventure RPG from the creators of OCTOPATH TRAVELER and BRAVELY DEFAULT!

 

[David76]

OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 (December 4 2025)​

Start from zero and discover the newest entry in the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series. Experience a story of restoration and retribution over the divine rings—an epic saga that unfolds across the realm of Orsterra.

This exciting entry to the series brings all-new features and returning core elements from the series, including the series' iconic HD-2D graphics blending retro pixel art and 3D CG art, Path Actions to interact with other characters in various ways, the Break and Boost battle system which can turn the tide of battle, and more. And for the first time in series history, fans will play through the eyes of their own customised protagonist and be able to rebuild their hometown after it has suffered great destruction. Embark on a journey of your own creation.