Nintendo announces two Direct livestream events next week
Zelda's 40th anniversary and new game reveals take center stage
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 might be scarce, fans could see teasers for a new 2D game or the upcoming Zelda movie.
2Ocarina of Time Remake Details
The anniversary stream will primarily showcase the Ocarina of Time remake, marking Nintendo's latest effort to revitalize classic titles. The company has been strategically remastering popular N64 games, with this being one of the most anticipated. The remake features completely redesigned graphics and potentially updated gameplay mechanics while preserving the original's storyline and core experience that made it a landmark title in 1998.
3September 9 Nintendo Direct
A traditional Nintendo Direct follows on September 9 at 10AM ET, scheduled for 45 minutes. This longer format suggests substantial announcements beyond the Zelda focus. Nintendo typically uses these events to reveal new games, updates, and release dates across its franchises. The extended duration leaves room for surprises, especially regarding first-party titles that haven't seen updates in over a year.
4Upcoming Game Trailers
The September 9 Direct will likely feature final trailers for Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave (releasing September 17) and Nintendo Switch Sports Resort (October 22). The latter is a Switch 2 exclusive despite its name, continuing the Wii Sports legacy. Cross-platform holiday titles like Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World and Final Fantasy Resonance should also appear, along with numerous indie and cozy game showcases.
5Switch 2 Exclusive Content
Nintendo continues pushing Switch 2 exclusives like Sports Resort, leveraging the new hardware's capabilities. The absence of major franchise updates (Mario, Animal Crossing, Smash Bros.) for Switch 2 suggests Nintendo might be holding back announcements for this Direct. With the console past its first year, fans expect more native titles rather than cross-generation ports that dominated the launch period.
6Treehouse Live Follow-up
Nintendo scheduled a two-hour Treehouse event for September 9 at 10:45AM ET, immediately after the Direct. These streams typically feature developers playing newly announced games, offering deeper dives into gameplay mechanics and features. The extended duration suggests multiple titles will be showcased, potentially including hands-on demonstrations of the Ocarina of Time remake and other major releases.
7Holiday Release Strategy
The timing positions these announcements perfectly for the holiday shopping season. Nintendo traditionally uses September Directs to build momentum for year-end sales. With the Ocarina remake likely as the flagship title, supplemented by Sports Resort and third-party games, Nintendo aims to maintain Switch 2's sales momentum against upcoming PlayStation and Xbox releases during the critical Q4 period.
8Franchise Update Expectations
While Zelda dominates the first day, the 45-minute Direct leaves room for updates on dormant franchises. Fans have waited over a year for news on mainline Mario, Animal Crossing, and Smash Bros. titles specifically developed for Switch 2. Nintendo's careful pacing of major franchise releases will be tested as competitors ramp up their holiday lineups, making this Direct crucial for maintaining fan engagement.
Original article: Engadget — Nintendo announces two Direct livestream events next week