Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase: All the Big Announcements

Nintendo’s latest Partner Showcase delivered a packed lineup of third-party games coming to both Switch and the newer Switch 2 console, offering something for every type of gamer. While first-party heavyweights like Mario and Zelda were absent, the event still showcased an impressive variety of titles spanning multiple genres and release dates.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection kicked things off with a dramatic trailer hinting at an engaging narrative. As the third installment in Capcom’s RPG spin-off series, it promises the same turn-based combat fans love, now enhanced for Switch 2. Expect it to arrive next year.

Fans of quirky gameplay will be thrilled by Once Upon a Katamari, a fresh entry in the beloved rolling-ball franchise. This time, players traverse different historical eras, from Edo Japan to Ancient Rome, collecting objects while customizing their character. Multiplayer support and a revamped soundtrack sweeten the deal ahead of its October 24 launch.

Ubisoft’s Just Dance 2026 Edition brings 40 new tracks, including hits from Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, and even the nostalgic All Star by Smash Mouth. A new co-op party mode adds extra fun when it releases on October 14.

Fighting game enthusiasts got a treat with Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, which finally makes its way to Switch and Switch 2 on November 14. Alongside classic anime storylines, this version introduces motion controls via Joy-Cons, offering a fresh way to experience the battles.

Nostalgia reigns with Plants vs Zombies: Replanted, a polished remake of the original tower defense game. Enhanced visuals and new local multiplayer modes make this a must-play when it arrives on October 23.

Sports fans weren’t left out, as EA Sports FC 26 aims to deliver feature parity with other consoles, a notable upgrade for Switch players. Meanwhile, Pac-Man World Re-Pac 2 revives the 2002 platformer with sharper graphics and co-op support, launching digitally on September 26.

RPG lovers have plenty to look forward to, starting with Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. This remake boasts a refined UI, full voice acting, and new difficulty options, making its politically charged story more accessible than ever. Mark your calendars for September 30.

Persona 3 Reload brings its modernized gameplay to Switch 2 on October 23, blending the original’s mechanics with Persona 5’s enhancements. And for Zelda fans, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment dives deeper into the lore leading up to Tears of the Kingdom, with a winter release window still pending.

Smaller titles also shined, like Chillin’ by the Fire, a cozy simulation game out today that lets players build campfires and socialize using Switch 2’s camera features. Hela, a charming mouse-led adventure, and Cronos: The New Dawn, Bloober Team’s latest horror offering, round out the diverse lineup.

Other highlights include Star Wars: Outlaws (September 4), Yakuza Kiwami 2 (November 13), and Octopath Traveler 0, a prequel with town-building elements arriving December 4.

With demos available for some titles and a mix of remakes, sequels, and fresh IPs, this Partner Showcase proves there’s no shortage of exciting games heading to Nintendo’s platforms in the coming months.

(Source: EuroGamer)