Player 2 Versus Nintendo Direct September 2025
40 Years of Mario, and a whole lot more. There was a lot of expectation and promise surrounding this Nintendo Direct, but no more Hollow Knight: Silksong for fans to pine for. There was still more than enough for Nintendo fans to be left anticipating though, and join Player 2 editors Paul James, and Jess Zammit, as the pair break down each and every reveal.
Mario Bros 40th Anniversary Celebration
Paul: Jess, can you believe that it’s 40 years? Mario’s always been older than us, but seeing Mario tick over to 40, and knowing that I’m only a few years behind him, really made me feel old (and then I later fell asleep in my chair while watching this stream and it only further crushed my spirit). With the announcements to come, and what may yet be revealed in the upcoming months, my hype for all things Mario may grow still!
Jess: I absolutely cannot believe that it’s 40 years, that is wild. Those years really do start coming and they don’t stop coming. I’m doing a lot more falling asleep in my chair these days, and yet Mario is only growing stronger. My hype for all things Mario is always at high levels, so the promise of some celebrations for the anniversary is certainly appealing to me!
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Paul: How hype was this! Of course we knew that the movie was on track for April next year, but we knew nothing of it. Now that we know that the movie is framed around the Galaxy titles, I’d imagine we’ll soon be getting a proper trailer for the movie soon, but this was the nice taster that we all needed.
Jess: I enjoyed parts of the first movie way more than I expected to, with the true lumas as the true highlights – so knowing there’s a Galaxy movie coming? Huge news for me. Great news. I hope they bring exactly the same level of nihilism to this film, where I’m sure they’ll feature even more prominently. Very exciting stuff.
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Paul: I’ve seen a lot of excitement about this in the aftermath, but really, are we about to pay full price for Super Mario Galaxy 2? Because the 3D All-Stars game that Nintendo created was artificially scarce, it included the original Galaxy. From the look of this trailer, neither game is receiving any substantial upgrades; rather, they’re being bundled together and pushed out the door. This looks like a low effort release, and the two titles deserve better than that.
Jess: Apparently we are doing exactly that, yep. As someone who did manage to get their hands on the 3D All-Stars game, it’s about to be time for me to truly evaluate how much I want to play Galaxy 2 again right now. You’re right – if there were substantial upgrades, this might be a different story, but as it stands, I suspect this might be a hard sell to anyone who still has their Wii sitting around (we all just hoard our old consoles endlessly, right?)
Mario Tennis Fever
Paul: I was wondering when the flood of Mario sporting titles was going to begin, and with what. It turns out that we’re returning to Tennis. I think it’s the right starting point, and hopefully the quality is there. The trailer portrayed the game well, but the proof will be in the pudding when the game launches next year.
Jess: I’ve always been a bit out of the loop with the Mario sports titles, but hey – I’m always ready to be convinced that it’s time to jump in. There’s a huge roster of characters here, and a bunch of features based around newer titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, which do look like they might keep things fresh. It looks like it could be a fun time!
Super Mario Bros Wonder: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup In Bellabel Park
Paul: Can we please stop cooking up these obscenely long game titles? Nintendo, this is beyond ridiculous. Also, I’m not sure that we really needed any of what they’re presenting us with in this trailer. Super Mario Bros. Wonder was exceptional, but I don’t think we need any of the new elements they’re introducing with this Bellabel Park expansion. Also, nobody needs that bloody talking flower, and yet, they’re gonna sell out anyway.
Jess: Speaking of Super Mario Bros Wonder, here it is now. Yeah, those flowers are going to sell out in about ten minutes – there’s no doubt there. And I have to admit – there’s a tiny part of me that wants one. I’m not proud of it. Like you, I also do wonder (no pun intended) if many people will jump back into the game for the sake of these new mini-games, but I think there might be something here for families, or fans of party games (though, with Mario Party also launching on Switch 2 recently, they might already be covered).
Yoshi And The Mysterious Book
Paul: I’m so incredibly hyped by this announcement. I adore the likes of Yoshi’s Island, Yoshi’s Story, and of course more recently Woolly World, and the art style they’re pursuing with The Mysterious World absolutely melted by cold cold heart. I’m in love, and while the Yoshi games since Island have only ever been good but not superb, that style alone means that the game is going to be near the top of my most anticipated list regardless. Bring it on!
Jess: I will always be hyped for Yoshi, and I agree – that art style is cool as hell. So distinctive! I feel like this game is supposed to be aimed at a younger audience, as Yoshi games usually are, but I’m already obsessed with the aesthetics of this game. Yoshi is my guy in most Mario games, and it looks like he’s getting some cool new mechanics here, so like you I am fully on board!
Storm Lancers
Paul: A little sneaky stealth drop. I knew nothing of this game before the reveal and subsequent launch, but the very 80’s aesthetic of Storm Lancers caught my eye. Then, hints of Metroidvania, and perhaps a sprinkling of Roguelike also held my interest. That all said, while it looks cool, stealth dropping in an already heaving sea of new releases was a really foolish idea. I’ll end up overlooking this one most likely.
Jess: Yeah this feels like an unanticipated one! I like the anime-inspired vibes of what it’s putting down, but I do fear it’s launching into a market that’s otherwise a little distracted by other titles right now. Could be a fun one to play in couch co-op – there still aren’t a whole lot of titles offering that way of playing – but otherwise I don’t know that it’s going to get the attention it probably deserves.
Dinkum
Paul: Aussie’s unite! Dinkum had been adored upon its initial PC launch, but now it’s coming to Nintendo and I’m delighted! Keen to see how the game makes the jump to console platforms and I wish the team nothing but the greatest levels of success
Jess: I also wish the team nothing but success, but probably won’t be jumping onto this port. I’m still a little indie farming simmed out at the moment, but those kangaroos are pretty damn cute!
Popucom
Paul: The art style made me want to barf, but as a gameplay experience, it looks like a bit of fun to play. To those who weren’t turned off by how it looks, I hope you really enjoy this one
Jess: Why do you hate fun and colour and joy? If anything, the art style is a little boring, or at least aimed at a younger audience. I won’t likely be checking out the game, but I’m sure it’ll find some players.
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream
Paul: I never took the time to check out the original Tomodachi Life, but I’m at a point where I feel a bit triggered just by looking at a Mii. I can’t get into it, despite how zen, and possibly necessary an experience like it, may be.
Jess: I’m ready to get back into Tomodachi Life – I’m not as offended by the concept of Miis. I am sort of terrified by the weird computer generated voices they seem to have here, and I fear I may be hearing those robotic sounds in my nightmares. Nevertheless, I think I could be about this kind of zen experience… once I get past the horrors. There was not a single bit of emotion in the “yum” coming from that Mii as she ate that lettuce. Haunting.
Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection
Paul: We’ve known about the Legacy Kollection for a little while now, so there’s not much additional hype here for me, but I’m pretty keen to revisit some of these Mortal Kombat Klassics
Jess: I’ve never been a Mortal Kombat fan, and at this point that ship has sailed for me. But I’m sure this will be exciting for many!
Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade
Paul: I’ve already played Final Fantasy VII Remake excessively, Intergrade too, so while I think it’s awesome that Switch 2 players, as well as Xbox owners are going to get to experience the original remake title soon enough, I personally don’t have any interest in this release.
Jess: And again, I feel that pull of temptation to finally play Final Fantasy VII. When I get there, this obviously won’t be where I start, but I’m still grateful to have the option should I go down this road. It’s looking like a pretty good port!
Lynked: Banner Of The Spark
Paul: I think I’d seen Lynked at some other showcase in the past, but also, this is just awful timing for a stealth drop. I really liked the look of the game, and this latest trailer didn’t dissuade me of that, but now that it’s launching at the time that it is, I just don’t see how I can get myself into it.
Jess: It looks cute! And I’m always excited when this kind of game is available with co-op. But you’re right – it’s not a good time for a stealth drop at all, and I hope the game finds itself an audience.
Hades II
Paul: Hoooooo boy, Silksong and Hades II are dropping two weeks apart from one another, this is going to get wild! It’s really well past time that I got to the original game, because I loved what I played of Hades II at a demo event earlier in the year. Time is running out!
Jess: I feel basically nothing about Silksong, but I am so excited for Hades II. I’ve been avoiding checking it out until the full release, and now the time is finally here. There’s something about the gameplay of Hades that pulled me in in a way no other roguelike ever has, and I cannot believe I’m only a few weeks away from getting to jump into the sequel. Hell yes.
Kirby Air Riders
Paul: Wow, we’re getting socketable Amiibo now. How very Skylanders of Nintendo. I do like the mix-and-match element of these Amiibos, but that cost, OUCH! The game though is shaping up well and Sakurai is apparently keen to show off more through yet another Kirby Air Riders Direct. Sign me up!
Jess: I just love Kirby so much that it’s hard for me not to get excited about Air Riders, and those Amiibos are adorable. Kirby is incapable of being anything but exceptionally cute – but yes, oof, the cost. We’ll see how high my hype levels rise by the time this second Air Riders direct comes around.
Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment
Paul: I love myself a musou. It’s the mind-numbing, junk food that fills my cup in this video game realm that I need much more in my life. I’ll be all over Age Of Imprisonment, and maybe it’ll spark an interest in returning to Breath Of The Wild or Tears Of The Kingdom. Count me in for this one, no doubt about it.
Jess: I loved Tears of the Kingdom so much, so I’m excited about this game in a way I haven’t traditionally felt towards other musou titles. There’s so much cool integration here! They’re just such great characters! Look at that little korok doing his best! And I’m liking how they’ve incorporated the zonai devices. It’ll all just looking great to me, and I’m so on board.
Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined
Paul: YESSSSSSSSSS! I’d heard rumblings of a Dragon Quest VII remake, but didn’t quite imagine it to be realise the way that it seems it has been. I presume the 100+ hour original will be at least sliced in half now, and then pair that with gorgeous modern visuals, and a range of modern quality of life improvements, and I’m in hook, line and sinker.
Jess: Ahh, Dragon Quest. I have limited experience with the series, but enjoyed some time with the remakes of the early games earlier this year, so my interest has been sparked. But this looks like a fun reimagining!
Nintendo Today App and Nintendo Switch Online
Paul: I nearly fell off my chair (before I drifted off to sleep) at this reveal. To see the Virtualboy actually returning in some fashion is wild to me, and with a tiny library, surely Nintendo won’t be selling too many of the units to fans… surely?
Jess: That Virtual Boy is a WILD choice. Again, there’s such morbid curiosity here from me. But surely, surely this won’t be too popular… right? Who was asking for this? Was… was anyone?
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake
Paul: I’ve got no history with Fatal Frame, but the spooks looked pretty real with this one. I think I’ll pass.
Jess: Fatal Frame is indeed properly creepy, and not for the faint of heart. I don’t know that I want this one to be in higher definition, it was spooky enough before. Cool to see it getting an update though.
Nintendo Switch 2 Editions
Paul: All the third parties are starting to churn out their Nintendo Switch 2 editions, and some gimmicks are coming with them. I’m not wild about this trend, though mouse controls in the likes of Stardew Valley are definitely cool.
Jess: I’m always looking for another excuse to play Overcooked, and the mouse controls for Stardew are definitely cool – as is the ability to use Gameshare to play it. I wish I’d been able to do that years ago.
Powerwash Simulator 2
Paul: The phenomenon that was Powerwash Simulator continues. I’m still stunned by its global success and by how much I loved the original too, but there’s something so soothing about it. I’ll be in. A shame that we didn’t get a release date though.
Jess: I love Powerwash Simulator so much. It’s calming in a way no other game is, and I could not be more excited that there’s going to be an option to play in local splitscreen co-op. I’ll be more than ready for this one when it comes.
Suika Game Planet
Paul: Didn’t check out Suika Game, though I hear that the original was huge in its homeland. I don’t have much interest in what was shown here with Suika Game Planet though, so I’ll let the fans just savour this successor a bit more.
Jess: I’ve played a little bit of the original, but probably won’t be jumping out of my seat to get my hands on this one. It’s a fun little puzzle game, and once again – I like the ability to play in co-op! Gameshare is really getting some cool additions in this direct.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Paul: Samus has a bike now?! The world she was driving through looked a bit barren in this new trailer though so I’m not sure if that was just a poor slice to show, or representative of the actual experience. Beyond that element though, I’m delighted by what I’m seeing (and what I’ve played) of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond so far, so bring it on this December! Would love a big direct though soon.
Jess: I have never been a Metroid gal, but Samus looks amazing on that bike. There’s no way for her not to look badass. I’ve got some other Metroid games to catch up on before I jump on the hype train for this one, but I’m happy for the fans that now have a release date! And honestly, I might not be eagerly anticipating the game, but am I still interested in that Amiibo of Samus on the bike? Absolutely.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Paul: More stealth drops, but this time it’s DLC to one of the most acclaimed games of the year. I’m keen to explore the island, but the new mode doesn’t really phase me too much. I’ll check out the price and if I can justify it somehow for just the ability to visit DK Island, then sure, I’m in, if not, maybe one day.
Jess: It’s so soon to be getting DLC for this one! How exciting! I’m more interested in this new mode than I often am in similar add-ons, so I’ll probably be jumping into this one. Smashing things in this game is just so damn satisfying, and I do want new ways to be rewarded for it.
*Editorial Note* – Paul fell asleep between these two games. Combined with the Mario anniversary celebration, he aged a lot this night.
Pokemon Pokopia
Paul: Nintendo is taking a swing at what Minecraft and Dragon Quest Builders have done so well, and by leveraging the Pokemon IP, they’re giving themselves every chance of success. I think that I’ll check this one out.
Jess: Oh please god no, not human Ditto. But everything else about this game looks cool Having little chats with Charmander? Adorable! I’m definitely keen to give this one a try. I’ll just have to push past the unsettling feeling I get from looking into Ditto’s soulless eyes.
Pokemon Legends Z-A
Paul: More and more Mega Evolutions. I’m already sold on the game, but the Raichu evolutions made me lose my composure. Raichu is my favourite Pokemon, so they got me right in my soul with this one!
Jess: Raichu is such a fun choice! I was pleased to see Dragonite, and Delphox is also looking particularly badass. I’ll wait to see how I feel about the base game before I figure out how excited I am for DLC.
Danganronpa 2x2
Paul: I’m not a Danganronpa guy, so a remake of the second title doesn’t hold much water with me. Congrats to the fans though, I know you’re wild about this IP.
Jess: Oh Danganronpa, how I have such complicated feelings towards thee. I refuse to believe it’s been 10 years since the original, that’s absurd. I probably don’t need to jump in and play this game again, even with some additional content, but like you said – there are many fans who will be absolutely losing their minds over this.
Dynasty Warriors Origins
Paul: I’ve already spent a good chunk of time with Dynasty Warriors Origins on my PS5, so I won’t be rebuying the game on Switch 2, but the DLC reveal was great. Sign me up for that!
Jess: I have spent zero time with Dynasty Origins Warriors, but also probably won’t start here. Pleased for those excited to see it on another platform, though!
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
Paul: One of my most anticipated games of 2026 was undoubtedly Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and now we have a release date. I don’t want to say much more because I’ll begin to foam at the mouth, but stay tuned for extreme excitement next year!
Jess: I keep promising to get into Monster Hunter, and maybe one day I will. I’m excited for you until then!
Sizzle Reel
Paul: So many games coming to Switch and Switch 2. There wasn’t much here for me of interest, because I’d either already played the game, or it simply wasn’t of interest, but it’s great to see the likes of EA, Square-Enix, and others getting behind the platform still.
Jess: Not much new here for me either, but a good reminder of some titles we already knew were on the way! (Special shoutout to Little Nightmares 3 though – that is one I’m excited for).
Resident Evil Requiem
Paul: There’s absolutely no way that I’ll be playing Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2, I just refuse to believe that the platform can handle the game without some really significant compromises. I’m keen on the game though, I do need to go and finish Village though first!
Jess: Village was outstanding, and I hope Resident Evil Requiem will be able to match up in terms of quality. Having seen some other trailers though, I agree – as excited as I am for the game, Switch 2 is not going to be the platform for it for me.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
Paul: Nintendo finished their show with a banger! I’ve completely fallen for Fire Emblem since Awakening, and while I wasn’t as wild about Three Houses as many others were, I still felt it was excellent, while Engage and others have been superb. This is right up near the top of my 2026 list!
Jess: What a cool surprise! People have been telling me to get into Fire Emblem for years, and maybe if I finally listen and start jumping into some of the older titles now, I’ll feel ready for this one when it arrives in 2026.
Final Thoughts
Paul: Nintendo crushed this one. The Mario segment ran a bit long and I’m not wild about every decision they’ve made but been Fire Emblem, Yoshi, Metroid, Pokemon, Kirby, Hyrule Warriors, and Mario, we’re eating well for such a long time to come, and that doesn’t even factor in the third party stuff like Monster Hunter and Dragon Quest. Nintendo’s doing all they can to make me feel like I’m living in the good timeline. Keep it up!
Jess: It was definitely a much better showing than the last few presentations – finally some stuff here to get excited about! There was a little bit of everything here – you’ve nailed it already with that list. The Mario section was long, but given the main criticism of the past few Directs has been that there wasn’t any Mario stuff, I don’t really blame them for leaning in and giving it a big chunk of time here. Absolutely keep it up – this is exactly the kind of line-up we want to see!
