Gaming Influence: Thoughts - Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase 9.12.2025

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Gaming Influence, a reboot of the same name I created in WrestleCorp. However, I will not only share my thoughts on certain video games and video game series, but also on video game movies, anime, digital presentations, and more.

For this edition of Gaming Influence, I'll share my thoughts on the Nintendo Direct on September 12, 2025.

Before I begin, please note that not every game shown in this presentation will be discussed, as I will primarily focus on games that I am particularly interested in and care about. If the games you care about and are interested in don't show up here, don't take it personally, have nothing against the games, but they're just not for me, or it's just that I don't have much to say about them except cool. However, if you're happy with the games that you care about and are interested in, I have nothing to say about it; good for you, and I'm happy for you.

Anyway, let's get started!

This Nintendo Direct will cover Switch 2 and Switch games that are coming in the future, so let's get to it!

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a collection of platformers developed and published by Nintendo, which will be released on Switch on October 2, 2025.

Holy crap! They finally did it! They finally re-released Super Mario Galaxy 2 on modern consoles! Yes! It's nice to see that Nintendo is bringing back Super Mario Galaxy with this collection, and pairing it with Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a great addition. Not only that, we're getting new storybook pages on Rosalina's story?! Incredible. Additionally, we receive amiibo for this game as well. My goodness. Love everything about this, as Super Mario Galaxy is one of my favorite 3D Super Mario platformers, and I can't wait to re-experience this series again when it comes out next month.

Mario Tennis Fever is a multiplayer sports game developed by Camelot and published by Nintendo. The game is set to be released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2026.

Wait, what?! We're getting another Mario Tennis game?! My goodness. This game has its own gimmick with the Fever rackets, as each racket has its own special ability, which will make gameplay a lot more fun and interesting. Plus, the extra modes the game has in terms of content look to be stacked, too. I'm very curious to see how this game will turn out and hope to see more of it once it's released in five months.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is an expansion for the platformer developed and published by Nintendo, Super Mario Bros. Wonder. This expansion will be released exclusively on Switch 2 in Spring 2026.

I had a feeling that we're going to get a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder and I was right. The Bellabel Park that they added seems to be a co-op experience for players to play with friends, both online and offline. Whether it's a mode that players go against each other, or play together, I expect it to be chaos, and that should be awesome. Very curious to see more on what this version will have and hope to see more of it soon, once it's released next spring.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a platformer developed and published by Nintendo, where the game is set to be released exclusively on Switch 2 in Spring 2026.

Dang! I didn't expect a new Yoshi game here as I was expecting a new 3D Super Mario platformer to show up, but this was a nice surprise regardless. Love the art style of this game, as everything in it has a storybook and cartoonish-looking art style that is very charming. Love the new abilities that Yoshi has and how he interacts with the environment around him, which should make the gameplay for this game quite interesting. We haven't had a new original Yoshi game since Yoshi's Crafted World in 2019, so this is great. Can't wait to see more of this game once it's released next spring.

POPUCOM is a multiplayer co-op platformer developed by Hypergryph and published by Gryph Frontier. The game is set to be released on Switch in Holiday 2025.

This looks to be an exciting platformer as the art style is like a mix of Splatoon and Ninjala, which I dig. Additionally, the presence of puzzles and bosses within this game is quite interesting. I'm very curious to see how this game will turn out overall once it's released this holiday.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is a social simulation game developed and published by Nintendo, set to be released on the Switch in Spring 2026.

We've been waiting for a release date for this game, and although we haven't received one, we've been given a release window, which is something. As expected, this game has a lot of charm and personality to it as you create your Mii and do and say whatever you want. This is going to be a lot of fun, and I hope to see more of it soon once it's released next spring.

Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection is a video game compilation developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Atari. The compilation will be released digitally on Switch 2 and Switch on October 30, 2025, and physically on December 12, 2025.

We knew this compilation would be coming this year, but we got a release date, and it's also coming to Switch 2, which is also nice. It's great to see that there will be a collection of the classic Mortal Kombat games, and I really hope this does well overall. Looking forward to replaying these games again once they're released next month digitally and in three months physically.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is an enhanced and expanded version of the action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix, Final Fantasy VII Remake. The game will be released on Switch 2 on January 22, 2026.

We knew this game would be coming to Switch 2 as we're just waiting for the release date of the game, and we finally got it. It's still incredible to see this game coming to a Nintendo console, but I'm so happy to see it, as more people would be able to play the game for themselves, as it's amazing. I'm curious to see how the Switch 2 version of this game will turn out once it's released in four months.

Hades II is a roguelike action role-playing game developed and published by Supergiant Games, set to be released on Switch on September 25, 2025, digitally, and on November 20, 2025, physically.

Been waiting to see when this game will come on Nintendo consoles, and we finally got a release date, as it's coming a lot sooner than expected. Love the original Hades as it's probably one of my favorite roguelike games, and I'm looking forward to playing the sequel to this game, which looks to be chaotic in a good way, as I can't wait to experience it. Looking forward to playing it when it comes digitally in a few weeks and physically in two months.

Kirby Air Riders is a racing game developed by Bandai Namco and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo, with a release date set for November 20, 2025, on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Despite seeing a lot of gameplay for this game with the Kirby Air Riders Direct last month, it's still great to see that Nintendo is really hyping this game a lot, which I appreciate. The fact that this game will get amiibo is awesome, and that you can swap riders and machines with it is cool. We're going to get more updates on amiibo for the game and another Kirby Air Riders Direct from Masahiro Sakurai, which is insane. Looking forward to it, and I can't wait to see what else this game has to offer once it's released in two months.

 

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a hack-and-slash game developed by Koei Tecmo and published by Nintendo. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 on November 6, 2025.

Well, it looks like the game has been moved up a bit earlier than expected, as it was planned to release this winter, but it's going to be released before winter, in late fall, which is awesome. Love that they got new characters in this game, as well as new mechanics and gameplay features like using Zonai devices, having the return of split screen when playing with two players, and having GameShare with this game is awesome too. Looking forward to seeing how this game will turn out once it's released in two months.

DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined is a remake of the role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix that was released on PSX in 2000, DRAGON QUEST VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 on February 5, 2026.

Oh wow! Didn't expect Square Enix to remake DRAGON QUEST VII, but they did it, which is awesome. Love the original game back on PSX as it's one of my favorite DRAGON QUEST games, so having the game with these QoL improvements as well as better graphics and voice acting is a huge treat. Very curious to see if this game is truly a reimagining, like the title said, but we'll see within five months.

Virtual Boy: Nintendo Classics is a new gaming service within Nintendo Switch Online that will contain three games at launch, including Mario's Tennis, Galactic Pinball, and Teleroboxer, on Switch 2 and Switch on February 17, 2026. The service will then later add Virtual Boy Wario Land, Red Alarm, Jack Bros., Vertical Force, Golf, Virtual Bowling, Insmouse no Yakata, Space Invaders Virtual Collection, V-Tetris, and 3D Tetris. 

Wait, what?! Nintendo is actually bringing Virtual Boy games to NSO?! Didn't see that coming. Granted, it's not the best Nintendo console ever, but it's cool that Nintendo remembers it, and the technology behind it back in the mid-90s was quite impressive during its time. I don't think many people will play it, but it's cool to see it there regardless. We'll see how this service does once it's released in five months.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is a survival horror game developed and published by Koei Tecmo, which will be released on Switch 2 in early 2026.

Oh wow! Didn't expect Koei Tecmo to remake this game, but great to see them do it regardless. Really love the original game back in 2003 on PS2, as this was one of those survival horror games that was creepy and had an interesting story as well, with fun gameplay. Love the upgraded graphics, and they look to have QoL improvements as well, which is definitely appreciated. Looking forward to seeing how this remake will turn out once it's released early next year.

ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a hack-and-slash game developed by Koei Tecmo and published by Bandai Namco. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 in Fall 2025.

Very interesting to see that this game will get a Switch 2 Edition despite being five years old at this point. Regardless, the Switch 2 version of the game will have more enemies on screen, which is cool to see. Very curious to see how this version will turn out once it's released this fall.

Overcooked! 2 - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a cooperative cooking simulator developed by Team17 and Ghost Town Games and published by Team17. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 in Holiday 2025.

This is another game that I didn't expect to get a Switch 2 version, as this game is seven years old, but it's great to see that this version exists regardless. This edition will support CameraPlay as players' faces can be shown while playing the game, which is fun to see. Very curious to see how this version will turn out once it's released this holiday.

Stardew Valley - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a farm life simulator developed and published by Eric Barone, where the game is set to be released on Switch 2 in Fall 2025.

Wow, another game that I didn't expect to get a Switch 2 Edition, but it's definitely welcomed for sure. This edition will include mouse controls, 4-player local split screen, and GameShare, which is totally awesome. I'm curious to see how this version of the game will turn out once it's released this fall. 

PowerWash Simulator 2 is a simulation game developed and published by FuturLab, where the game is set to be released on Switch 2 in Fall 2025.

Oh wow, didn't really expect a sequel for this game, but the fact that a sequel has been made shows that people love their relaxing simulators, and this is one of them. This looks to be the same as the original, except new places to wash, and the fact that it supports online play up to four players and up to two players locally via split screen is awesome. I'm very curious to see how this version will do once it's released this fall.

Suika Game Planet is a Japanese puzzle game developed and published by Aladdin X, where the game is set to be released on Switch 2 this winter.

Just like with PowerWash Simulator, I didn't expect a sequel to this game, but I'm happy to see that Suika Game is definitely fun and addictive. It seems like this game has more features and mechanics compared to the first one, and the fact that GameShare can be used for this game is awesome. Very curious to see how this game will turn out once it's released this winter.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is an action-adventure game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 and Switch on December 4, 2025.

After eight long years, we finally got a release date for the game, and it's coming out a lot later than expected. However, the fact that Samus has her own motorcycle is freaking awesome. Not only that, she has another new suit too, which also looks awesome. Plus, all of the merchandise players can get before the game launches, with the book containing synopses of the Metroid Prime Trilogy, as well as amiibo, is a great way to hype the game up. Been waiting to play this game for a long time, and I can't wait to play it when it comes out in three months.

Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush is DLC for the platformer developed by Nintendo EPD and published by Nintendo, Donkey Kong Bananza. The DLC is now available on Switch 2.

Wait what?! We're already getting DLC for this game, and it's available now?! Holy crap! I had a feeling that we're going to get DLC for this game, but the fact that they announced this after the game came out two months ago, and it's available now, is crazy. The fact that DK Island is an area that players can explore is awesome, and the Emerald Rush mode seems to be a fun roguelike mode. Plus, Donkey Bananza getting a demo for Switch 2 is great for those who haven't gotten the game yet, and if you haven't, try the demo; it's totally worth it. Very curious to try out the DLC for this game, and you can try it for yourself as it's now available.

Pokémon Pokopia is a life simulation game developed by Game Freak and Koei Tecmo and published by Nintendo. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 in 2026.

Wait what?! We're getting a Pokémon game that is a mix of Animal Crossing, Harvest Moon, and Minecraft into one?! That's insane! However, despite that, I love it as you're playing as a Ditto that transforms into a human trying to make a very cool home. This seems to be a fun and relaxing game, as I'm very curious to see more of it in the future. Hope to see more of it soon once it's released next year.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an action role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 and Switch on October 16, 2025. 

Nice to see that Nintendo is pushing this game heavily, as the game is coming a lot sooner, as we're reaching that release date. We got to see new Mega Evolution forms with Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, and Mega Greninja, as they all have pretty cool forms, which I like. I can't wait to experience this game myself, and I'm looking forward to playing it once it's released next month.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Mega Dimension is DLC for the action role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The DLC is set to be released on Switch 2 and Switch in the future.

Wait a minute?! The game hasn't been released yet, but they're already announcing DLC for the game?! Insanity! However, the fact that this game will get additional story content is quite interesting, and the two different Mega Evolutions of Raichu look so cool. I'm very curious to see what this DLC is all about and hope to see more of it in the future.

Danganronpa 2x2 is a visual novel developed by Gemdrops and published by Spike Chunsoft. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 and Switch in 2026.

Wait, what the?! Danganronpa 2 is getting a remake with additional content?! No freaking way! Didn't expect a remake for this game at all, but I'm totally for it, as this game was great back on the PSP in 2012. It looks like they improved the graphics as well as having QoL improvements, which is always welcome, but the fact that we got new story content with new mysteries to solve is awesome. I can't wait to re-experience the game as well as play the new content once it's released next year.

DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS is a hack-and-slash game developed by Omega Force and published by Koei Tecmo. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 on January 22, 2026.

Dang, didn't expect this game to come to Switch 2 this soon, but I'm glad to see it coming regardless. Even though I can definitely see the downgrade in terms of visuals in the Switch 2 version of the game, the fact that this game is on Switch 2 at all is extremely impressive. Not only that, DLC is coming to the game as well with the other consoles, which is awesome to see. Very curious to see how this version of the game will turn out once it's released in four months.

MONSTER HUNTER STORIES 3: TWISTED REFLECTION is a role-playing game developed and published by Capcom, where the game is set to be released on Switch 2 on March 13, 2026.

We've seen this game previously at the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase two months ago, but this time, we got to see more gameplay and a release date, which is awesome, as it's coming out a lot sooner than I expected. The gameplay of this game looks to be MONSTER HUNTER STORIES with its own features and mechanics, which is fine by me. I can't wait to see more of this game in the future once it comes out in six months.

Disgaea 7 Complete is the complete edition of the tactical role-playing game developed and published by Nippon Ichi Software, Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 on October 10, 2025.

This was announced during a NIS America presentation back in June of this year, but it's great to see it on a Nintendo Direct to remind people that this game is coming to Switch 2. This edition pretty has everything, including the DLC, so if you want to experience the full game itself, this is the version to buy. Very curious to see how this edition will sell on Switch 2 once it's released next month.

DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake is a collection of role-playing games developed and published by Square Enix. The collection is set to be released on Switch 2 and Switch on October 30, 2025.

We knew this game was coming soon, but we're glad to see it featured on a Nintendo Direct, here to remind people that it's a great thing. Looking forward to replaying these games in HD-2D with improved graphics, voice acting, and orchestrated soundtrack, etc. I'm looking forward to playing them once they're released next month.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is a fighting game developed and published by Sega, where the game is set to be released on Switch 2 this winter.

Very awesome to see that this game will be coming to Switch 2, as the more fighting games coming to the system, the better. It also makes me wonder if the new Virtua Fighter game will be coming to Switch 2, but that's another topic for another day. Either way, curious to see how this version will do once it's released this winter.

Persona 3 Reload is a role-playing game developed and published by Atlus. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 on October 23, 2025.

We knew that this game would be coming to Switch 2 from the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase two months ago, but it's great to see that Nintendo is giving people a reminder that the game is coming sooner, which is nice. Not only that, this game will also have a demo for players to try out on Switch 2 as well, which is awesome to see. Looking forward to seeing how this version of the game will turn out once it's released next month.

Resident Evil Requiem is a survival horror game developed and published by Capcom, which is set to be released on Switch 2 on February 27, 2026.

Holy crap! This game is coming to Switch 2 on the same day as the other consoles and on PC! That's huge! I had a feeling that the game would come to Switch 2 eventually, but didn't expect it to be released on the same day as the other consoles and on PC, which is awesome. Granted, the graphics definitely went down a bit in the Switch 2 version, but the fact that this game is running on Switch 2 at all is impressive. Very curious to see how this version of the game will turn out, and hope to see more of it once it's released in five months.

RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard Gold Edition and Resident Evil Village Gold Edition are survival horror games developed and published by Capcom. The games will be released on Switch 2 on February 27, 2026.

Oh my god! We're getting native ports of RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard and Resident Evil Village on Switch 2! Yes! These games were on Switch, but they were cloud versions and not the best versions either. However, with these games coming to Switch 2 natively, it makes me hope that other games that were cloud versions on Switch will be native ports on Switch 2 in the future. That's what I'm hoping for, and I hope that's the case as well. Looking forward to seeing how these games will turn out on Switch 2 once they're released in five months.

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is a tactical role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. The game is set to be released on Switch 2 in 2026.

Holy crap! They're making a new Fire Emblem game that is a sequel to Fire Emblem: Three Houses?! Count me in! Love Fire Emblem Three Houses, and the fact that they're making a sequel to that game is insane. However, I love it as they're adding more to the gameplay mechanics, and the fact that Sothis returns is quite interesting too. I really hope to see more of this game in the future once it's released next year.

Overall, this was an amazing presentation from Nintendo. Even though this presentation might not be for everyone, the fact that this presentation has a variety of games, whether it's first-party, third-party, or indie games, is great to see. They definitely gave a lot of attention to the Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary section, which is understandable as that's a huge milestone in itself. The amount of merchandise coming for the Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary is awesome, and the Super Mario Galaxy Movie is looking great as well. Nintendo has a pretty interesting lineup heading into next year, and we'll see what else they have in store heading into 2026.

You can catch the whole presentation of the Nintendo Direct with the link below:

What are your thoughts on this Nintendo Direct?

What were your highlights, and what games do you really want?

Let me know in the comments below, and thank you for reading.