The latest Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, broadcast on July 31st, 2025, delivered a stunning and extensive look at the future of gaming for both the current Nintendo Switch and its highly anticipated successor, the Switch 2. The 25-minute presentation, dedicated entirely to third-party partners, showcased a diverse range of titles spanning multiple genres, from beloved RPGs and iconic remasters to major AAA releases and compelling new IPs.
The showcase solidified the robust support Nintendo’s publishing partners are providing for their hybrid platforms, with numerous titles launching across both consoles and many more exclusive to the new Switch 2. Here is a comprehensive overview of the biggest announcements.
RPGs Take Center Stage
Role-playing game fans have an incredible year ahead, with several major announcements leading the pack. The highly anticipated Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection was revealed for a 2026 release, promising a new canonical entry in the series that blends turn-based strategy with a deep narrative. Capcom’s announcement has already ignited significant excitement within the community.
Additionally, for all the JRPG fans:
- FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles is set to arrive on September 30th, offering a definitive version of the classic tactical RPG with enhanced visuals and fully voiced dialogue.
- OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0, a prequel to the acclaimed HD-2D series, launches on December 4th. This entry introduces a customizable protagonist and over 30 recruitable characters, inviting players to shape their own adventure.
- Persona 3 Reload brings its stylish blend of high-school simulation and dungeon-crawling to the Switch 2 on October 23rd, giving players another reason to dive into this modern classic.
- From the creators of Octopath Traveler, the new action RPG The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales was announced for 2026, with a demo available for download today.
Major Action and Adventure Blockbusters
The showcase featured several high-profile action and adventure titles that are set to make a big impact on the Switch 2. One of the surprises is Star Wars Outlaws, the first open-world Star Wars game, which will launch on September 4th. Players will get to explore iconic planets and make crucial decisions as the scoundrel Kay Vess.
Other key announcements include:
- Cronos: The New Dawn, a survival horror game from Bloober Team, which will take players on a time-bending journey between a dystopian future and 1980s Poland on September 5th.
- Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 are making their debut on the Switch 2 on November 13th, offering fans a chance to experience these enhanced remakes with upgraded graphics.
- DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO arrives on November 14th with over 180 playable characters and high-speed battles.
- Borderlands 4 is scheduled to unleash its signature loot-and-shoot action on October 3rd.
Beloved Classics Get Reimagined
Nostalgia was a strong theme, with several fan-favorite titles getting modern updates for a new generation.
- Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted will bring the beloved tower defense game back on October 23rd with new levels and HD visuals.
- PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC modernizes the 3D platforming adventure of the iconic yellow hero on September 26th.
- Once Upon A Katamari is a revived take on the quirky franchise, arriving on October 24th with online multiplayer and customization options.
A Disappointing Trend in Physical Media
While the lineup of games is exciting, the excitement is tempered by a growing concern for physical media collectors. The showcase confirmed what many feared: a significant number of these third-party titles will be released as “Game Key Cards.” This controversial new format for the Switch 2’s physical releases means that instead of containing the full game data, the cartridges often only hold a download key.
For many gamers, the appeal of a physical release lies in owning the complete game on a tangible cartridge, ensuring its preservation for years to come. This new approach effectively turns a physical purchase into a download code, requiring a full internet download and leaving collectors with a cartridge that is essentially useless without an online connection. Titles like OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0, Persona 3 Reload, and Star Wars Outlaws are confirmed to be adopting this format, which is a disappointing trend for those who value game ownership and preservation. It’s a compromise that forces gamers to choose between a digital download and a physical box that still relies heavily on online servers.
Sports and Competitive Gaming
Sports enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to this year.
- EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 debuts on the Switch 2 on August 14th, featuring new gameplay systems and dynamic weather.
- EA SPORTS FC 26 is kicking off on September 26th for both Switch consoles, with new Manager Challenges and cross-generation compatibility.
- Apex Legends will drop on the Switch 2 on August 5th with an exclusive skin for early players.
The Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase showcased an impressive and diverse slate of titles, ensuring a steady flow of high-quality games for Nintendo users into 2026. This extensive lineup demonstrates the ongoing commitment of third-party developers to the Nintendo platform and sets a thrilling precedent for what’s to come.