(Image via Nintendo Life)

Staff Editor: Aidan Danforth

Email: adanforth@umassd.edu

Ever since Nintendo released their next generation console, countless fans have been begging for a new Nintendo Direct to showcase the future of Nintendo. Fans received their wish on September 12th, where Nintendo highlighted what’s to come for the Nintendo Switch 2. 

This one-hour Nintendo Direct included information on highly anticipated games, upcoming releases dates, and brand new games. We also get to see what’s coming for Super Mario as the iconic plumber is celebrating his 40th anniversary. 

Many loved what was presented, as Nintendo showed quite a lot about Mario’s 40th anniversary as well as other major party games. Others, however, found this Nintendo Direct to be underwhelming as they were expecting bigger games ready for the holiday season. 

A New Mario Movie

Ever since Mario’s first appearance on the big screen, everyone knew a sequel was all but inevitable. But no one expected it to be this soon when Nintendo decided to drop a trailer for the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie. 

The fact that Nintendo decided to build a movie around one of Mario’s most beloved games is more than enough for fans to be excited for its release in Spring of 2026. 

The first Mario Movie was a success with its simple yet fun story, so one can only imagine the things Nintendo can utilize from a series packed with many unique characters, a grand story, and an abundance of power-ups and bosses. 

More trailers and footage are bound to come. In fact, Nintendo has already teased the return of the cast from the first movie as well as new actors who will voice new characters making their debut on the big screen. 

A Treasure Trove of Mario 

With Mario celebrating its 40th anniversary, there was no doubt that this direct was going to be filled with new Mario games. These games included remakes of the Super Mario Galaxy games, Mario Tennis, a new Yoshi game, and a Switch 2 edition for Super Mario Bros Wonder. 

The Super Mario Galaxy remakes go hand-in-hand with the announcement of the Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and the once forgotten Super Mario Galaxy 2 finally gets its debut on the Switch with improved HD graphics.  

Mario Tennis Fever gives a revival to the Mario Sports series that has been waiting for a new release. Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition gives the game enhanced graphics along with bonus content for multiplayer. 

Though a possible letdown for fans who were anticipating a new 3D Mario game along with DLC for the Switch 2’s launch title Mario Kart World, this is a good amount of content for a series that forever changed the video game industry. 

The Virtual Boy is Back?

Somehow, the Virtual Boy returned. A released version of one of Nintendo’s biggest failures making its way onto the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles was easily the most surprising announcement in the entire Nintendo Direct.

This virtual reality headset was commercially unsuccessful for Nintendo back in the mid 90s, receiving wide negativity. Angry Video Game Nerd fans will instantly recognize the Virtual Boy for its lack of head strap, blaring red graphics, and ability to cause both headaches and eye strain. All fourteen of the Virtual Boy’s games, including Mario Tennis and Galactic Pinball, will release over time once the accessory hits store shelves. 

The games are set to be playable only through Nintendo’s online services. 

Perhaps this updated Virtual Boy for the Nintendo Switch can change the features of the original, and make this virtual reality experience better for newcomers as well as retro gamers who grew up with the original version. 

Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4 Updates, and More!

Despite this being a Nintendo Direct full of Mario announcements and a shocking retro revival, other Nintendo game series also had their spotlight, with new trailers for these four games. 

• Metroid Prime 4, a game long anticipated since the Nintendo Switch was first announced, showcased new footage from the game along with Samus on a motorcycle.
• Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo’s next Super Mario Odyssey, received early DLC which includes a new map of Donkey Kong’s home and a new Emerald Rush side mode. 
• Hyrule’s Warriors: Age of Imprisonment introduced a new type of special move with two characters, a mysterious new character, and November 6 release date, earlier than originally anticipated. 
• Kirby Air Riders also presented more game footage followed by some new Kirby amiibo. 

Other smaller franchises shown included Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Resident Evil Requiem, and even Stardew Valley which was announced to receive a Switch 2 edition.