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Nintendo announces two Direct livestream events for September

Zelda 40th anniversary celebration and upcoming game reveals

1Zelda 40th Anniversary Special

Nintendo will host a 30-minute livestream on September 8 at 10AM ET to celebrate The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary. The event will likely focus on the upcoming Ocarina of Time remake, first announced in June. This full redesign of the N64 classic is expected to be Nintendo's major holiday release. While mainline Zelda news is unlikely, fans might see teasers for a new 2D game or the upcoming Zelda movie.

2Ocarina of Time Remake Details

The Zelda anniversary stream will primarily showcase the Ocarina of Time remake, described as a complete redesign of the 1998 classic. Nintendo has kept details scarce since the June announcement, making this the first proper reveal. The company may also tease other Zelda-related projects, though a Tears of the Kingdom follow-up isn't expected. Cross-promotions with Mario Kart or other franchises remain possible surprises.

3September 9 Nintendo Direct

A traditional 45-minute Nintendo Direct follows on September 9 at 10AM ET. This longer presentation may reveal multiple upcoming Switch 2 exclusives, including Switch Sports Resort (October 22 release) and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave (September 17). The extended runtime suggests room for surprises, potentially including new Mario, Animal Crossing, or Smash Bros. announcements for the Switch 2 platform.

4Holiday Game Lineup

The September 9 Direct will highlight Nintendo's 2024 holiday season lineup. Beyond first-party titles, expect trailers for third-party games like Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World and Final Fantasy Resonance. The presentation traditionally includes indie game spotlights, with dozens of cozy games likely to appear. Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, a spiritual successor to Wii Sports, will be a key focus as a Switch 2 exclusive.

5Switch 2 Software Strategy

With Switch 2 now over a year old, this Direct may address the platform's software pipeline. Notable absences include new mainline Mario, Animal Crossing, and Pikmin games. The 45-minute runtime suggests Nintendo could finally reveal these anticipated titles. The company needs strong first-party support to maintain Switch 2's momentum against competitors like PlayStation 5 Pro and next-gen Xbox.

6Treehouse Live Follow-up

Nintendo scheduled a two-hour Treehouse Live event for September 9 at 10:45AM ET, immediately after the Direct. These streams typically feature developers playing newly announced games, offering extended gameplay demonstrations. The extended duration suggests multiple titles will be shown, potentially including hands-on time with the Ocarina of Time remake and other holiday releases.

7Industry Impact

These events come at a crucial time for Nintendo, facing increased competition in the console market. The Zelda anniversary celebration leverages one of gaming's most beloved franchises, while the Direct addresses software gaps on Switch 2. Successful reveals could boost hardware sales during the critical holiday season and reassure investors about Nintendo's content pipeline amid industry consolidation.

8Fan Expectations

Nintendo fans anticipate these streams could mark a turning point for Switch 2's library. While remakes and sequels dominate the announced lineup, the community hopes for new IP or innovative gameplay concepts. The company's ability to balance nostalgia with fresh experiences will determine whether these Directs satisfy long-term supporters and attract new players to the ecosystem.

Original article: Engadget - Technology News & Expert Reviews — Nintendo announces two Direct livestream events for September