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It has now been more than seven months since the Nintendo Switch 2 launched, and Nintendo has once again pulled off an impressive feat. While the original Switch has just gone down in history by surpassing the lifetime sales of the Nintendo DS, its successor is already off to a strong start, with 17.37 million units sold worldwide. The hardware success is undeniable, but many players are now waiting for the Nintendo Switch 2’s game lineup to truly expand. In response, Nintendo is ramping up its communication with the announcement of the first major Nintendo Direct of the year.
The first Nintendo Direct of 2026 officially confirmed
Rumors have been gaining momentum for weeks. Nearly every day, well-regarded insiders have suggested that Nintendo was preparing a new presentation. According to these reports, the event would focus less on first-party titles and instead spotlight the company’s third-party partners. This would then be followed later by a more traditional Direct, along with the usual Pokémon Presents expected on February 27, as is customary. For now, only one event has been officially confirmed: a Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, 6:00 a.m PT / 9:00 a.m. ET /3 p.m. CET.
As expected, third-party publishers will take center stage. Viewers can reasonably anticipate new announcements, port release dates, and updates on several highly anticipated titles. Over the course of 30 minutes, this Nintendo Direct should once again deliver its share of surprises. Within the editorial team, we already have a few predictions and personal favorites. FromSoftware could showcase progress on the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring, possibly accompanied by a new release date. The studio might also share more details on The Duskbloods, its Switch 2 exclusive with strong multiplayer Bloodborne vibes, which still lacks a release window.
RPG fans and indie enthusiasts should also find plenty to enjoy. Updates are expected on Witchbrook, the magical Stardew Valley-like; Grave Seasons, set in a cemetery; Outbound, a cozy open-world experience; and The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, Square Enix’s upcoming Zelda-like title.
What Nintendo Switch 2 games should we expect?
Ports are also likely to play a major role during this Nintendo Direct. Resident Evil: Requiem, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition could finally reveal how their Nintendo Switch 2 versions perform. Following the success of FF7 Remake on the platform, Square Enix may also revisit FF7 Rebirth, which is reportedly already running internally on the console but still requires additional technical polish, according to the trilogy’s director.
Other recent RPGs could also be announced for Nintendo Switch 2, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Metaphor ReFantazio, and FF16, all of which have been the subject of persistent rumors. At this stage, the closest thing to a certainty is Orbitals, the cooperative game with a strong 1980s anime aesthetic, whose developers previously promised to return with new information during a Nintendo Direct.
And you—what are you hoping to see during this Partner Showcase?
