Nintendo may be preparing for one of its biggest showcases of the year, as new reports suggest that a Nintendo Direct could arrive in mid-September.
While the company has yet to make anything official, multiple industry insiders point to September 12 as the likely broadcast date, just one day before Super Mario Bros. celebrates its 40th anniversary in Japan. The timing has fueled speculation that Nintendo could use the event to honor its most iconic franchise while also highlighting the future of the Switch 2.
The rumor first gained traction after Switch Force teased a “912” clue on social media, suggesting a September 12 reveal. That was soon backed up by Video Games Chronicle, whose sources confirmed that a Direct is “planned for mid-September,” though they stopped short of verifying the exact date.
Given Nintendo’s track record of hosting major September Directs—2024 being the rare exception—this speculation is starting to look increasingly plausible.
If the presentation does happen, expectations are already high for what could be shown. The most likely candidate is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which has been gaining momentum after recently receiving multiple age ratings, including in South Korea and the United States.
Retro Studios’ long-awaited revival of the Metroid Prime series is confirmed for both Switch and Switch 2, promising enhanced performance options such as 4K visuals and higher frame rates on Nintendo’s latest hardware. Fans have been waiting years for updates on the title, and a September showcase could finally bring a release date.
There is also growing belief that Mario will play a central role in the event. With the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. falling on September 13, it would be the perfect moment for Nintendo to reveal a new Mario project or remastered collection.
The company has a history of tying anniversaries to major releases—such as the Mario 35th Anniversary collection on Switch in 2020—so players have good reason to keep their hopes up.
The Switch 2 itself remains a critical part of Nintendo’s strategy. Since its June launch, the system has sold over six million units in just two months, outpacing internal expectations. However, the console has been criticized for its relatively thin first-party lineup.
Outside of Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, there hasn’t been much to showcase Nintendo’s flagship franchises. A September Direct loaded with exclusives would go a long way in silencing concerns about the platform’s long-term appeal, especially after poor performance by Elden Ring on the Nintendo Switch 2.
It’s also worth noting that Nintendo has already hosted two Directs in recent months, though both were limited in scope.
A Partner Showcase in late July highlighted third-party support for the Switch 2, while a Gamescom-adjacent Direct in August focused entirely on Kirby Air Riders, which is scheduled for release on November 20. Compared to those events, a September broadcast is expected to be broader and more ambitious, potentially outlining the company’s holiday and early 2026 lineup.
Of course, until Nintendo makes an official announcement, fans should remain cautious. The mid-September window may look convincing, but rumors can shift quickly. Even so, the convergence of credible leaks, Mario’s anniversary, and the urgent need for more exclusives on Switch 2 makes this rumor hard to ignore.
If the Direct does arrive next month, it could easily become one of Nintendo’s most important events in years, setting the tone for the next phase of its new console’s lifecycle.
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