Nintendo Direct: Metroid Prime 4 (2026), Mario's 40th, Fire Emblem
Last Updated: October 20, 2025
Nintendo fans who tuned in for the highly anticipated September Direct showcase were rewarded with a dense, 40-minute presentation packed with long-awaited updates, spectacular new reveals, and a fitting celebration for a gaming icon. The broadcast laid out a thrilling roadmap for the coming year, anchored by three monumental announcements: a 2026 release window and first gameplay footage for Metroid Prime 4, the official reveal of the next mainline Fire Emblem title, and the kick-off of a year-long celebration for Mario's 40th anniversary.
From major third-party exclusives to surprise indie launches, this Direct provided a comprehensive look at the future of the Nintendo Switch, ensuring a blockbuster year ahead.
A Kingdom of Celebration: Mario's 40th Anniversary Bash
The undeniable centerpiece of the presentation was the grand kick-off for the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. Nintendo is commemorating four decades of the world's most famous plumber with a slate of new titles and lovingly crafted remasters. Leading the charge is an all-new sports title, Mario Sports Superstars, a vibrant collection of Mario-themed sports including tennis, golf, and a surprisingly deep 5-on-5 soccer mode, set to launch next summer.
To honor the plumber's rich history, Nintendo also announced the Super Mario All-Stars 2 collection, a remastered bundle featuring fan-favorites Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Super Mario 3D Land, optimized with enhanced visuals and quality-of-life updates. The celebration is set to extend throughout the year, with special in-game events planned for titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, solidifying Mario's unparalleled legacy as the timeless face of gaming.
The Wait is Over: Metroid Prime 4 Gameplay and 2026 Release Window
In a moment that sent shockwaves through the community, the Direct closed with the world premiere of gameplay for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The title, first announced in 2017 and famously rebooted in 2019 under the guidance of Retro Studios, finally emerged from its long development cycle with a stunning and confident gameplay trailer.
The footage showcased Samus Aran navigating a breathtakingly detailed alien world, blending the series' signature atmospheric exploration with intense first-person combat. Fans were treated to glimpses of familiar mechanics like the Scan Visor and Morph Ball, alongside menacing new enemy designs and an epic sense of scale. The trailer confirmed that the agonizing wait is nearly over, locking in a release window for 2026. This monumental reveal provided long-awaited assurance that the project is on track to deliver an experience worthy of the series' legendary status.
A New Fate is Woven: Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Revealed
The presentation also lifted the curtain on the next chapter of the celebrated tactical RPG series: Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave. This is the first brand-new entry since 2023's Fire Emblem Engage, and its debut trailer revealed a gorgeous, painterly art style and a new continent embroiled in a conflict between fate and free will.
The trailer introduced two new protagonists and teased a core mechanic where player choices can "weave" different outcomes into the fabric of the story, promising even deeper narrative branching than past titles. While only a brief look at the classic grid-based combat was shown, it was enough to ignite fervent speculation within the fanbase. Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is poised to continue the franchise's incredible momentum when it launches in late 2025.
Major Third-Party Support and Surprise Drops
Beyond its flagship franchises, Nintendo showcased robust third-party partnerships that rounded out the presentation. Capcom revealed Resident Evil Requiem, a new, Switch-exclusive entry in its survival horror series. Additionally, Supergiant Games announced that the critically acclaimed sequel Hades II will be coming to the console, ensuring players have a diverse library to look forward to.
As is tradition, the Direct was punctuated by a few surprises, including the shadow drop of a new title in the BoxBoy! puzzle series. These announcements demonstrated Nintendo's strategy of balancing massive, first-party blockbusters with a vibrant ecosystem of third-party and indie gems, ensuring there's something for every player.
A Bold Roadmap for Nintendo's Future
This September's Nintendo Direct was a masterclass in managing expectations and delivering hype. By providing a firm release window for the near-mythical Metroid Prime 4, officially unveiling the next Fire Emblem, and celebrating its most important icon in grand style, Nintendo has painted a clear and exciting picture of its future. The showcase successfully blended nostalgia with innovation, reassuring fans that its most beloved worlds are in good hands while paving the way for brand-new adventures. With a packed release schedule and immense momentum, Nintendo has set the stage for an unforgettable year ahead.