The rumors have beeen confirmed, and a Nintendo Direct will air this week. On Thursday, March 27 at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET, Nintendo will host a 30-minute Direct livestream that is specifically focused on “upcoming games for Nintendo Switch.” No further specifics were shared.
This comes just days before the scheduled Switch 2 Nintendo Direct on April 2. We’re expecting games, a price, and release date from that event, but it seems likely there won’t be any word on Switch 2 matters during Thursday’s stream.
Originally reported by NateTheHate2, it was unclear initially if the Direct would be a traditional Nintendo Direct or something like an Indie World Showcase. Another Chinese leaker, who revealed the entirety of the June 2024 Nintendo Direct, said earlier this week that there will be a show focusing on the original Nintendo Switch “in three days.”
Nintendo may want to showcase what’s still coming to Switch this year before showing off the Switch 2. Not everyone will be early adopters of Switch 2, and analysts predict that it won’t sell as well as its predecessor. Having two separate Directs lets Nintendo focus entirely on its upcoming system during its April 2 show.
As for what Nintendo could show in the rumored Direct this week, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a possibility. More information about Pokemon Legends: Z-A could be revealed, but a Pokemon Presents showcase also aired last month.
Nintendo has already released Donkey Kong Country Returns HD and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, the latter of which has a hidden mode that players theorize is meant for 60fps gameplay on Switch 2.