In the latest Nintendo Direct, Nintendo revealed a diverse lineup of games coming to Nintendo Switch, updates about a new smart-device app, details on Virtual Game Cards, and fresh glimpses at high-profile titles such as Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and MARVEL Cosmic Invasion.
A New Smart-Device App: Nintendo Today!
One of the standout announcements is Nintendo Today!, an upcoming free app that serves as a hub for Nintendo fans on iOS and Android devices. Acting like a daily calendar, it delivers Nintendo news, videos, and comics of characters from select franchises. After the “Nintendo Switch 2” Direct presentation on April 2, the app will feature details about the new hardware system as well.
Big Nintendo Switch Debuts: Rhythm Heaven, Tomodachi Life, and More
Nintendo Switch is slated to receive a host of new titles, including:
- Rhythm Heaven Groove: The beloved rhythm series returns in 2026 with fresh minigames produced by Japanese musician Tsunku♂.
- Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream: A revival of the social simulation franchise arrives in 2026, letting you create and guide Mii characters through their hilariously unpredictable lives.
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Set in Lumiose City, this new Pokémon adventure challenges you to climb from Rank Z to Rank A in the nighttime “Z-A Royale” battles. Launches late 2025.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: Samus Aran arrives on planet Viewros, discovering mysterious Psychic Abilities. The next Metroid Prime installment lands this year.
Virtual Game Cards: A Fresh Take on Digital Game Management
Nintendo also introduced Virtual Game Cards, providing a new way to share and play digital games across multiple systems. Players can “eject” a purchased digital title from their own Nintendo Switch console and “load” it onto another system tied to the same family group. Lent games remain available for two weeks before being auto-returned—mimicking the convenience of swapping physical carts without the clutter.
Third-Party Highlights
In addition to first-party projects, several partner-developed and previously launched titles were showcased:
- MARVEL Cosmic Invasion (Winter): A 2D beat ’em up featuring classic comic heroes like Wolverine and Spider-Man, playable in local or online co-op.
- STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar (Aug. 27): A cozy farm-sim update to the original DS classic, now featuring voiced event scenes and new characters.
- Monument Valley Trilogy: The first two games launch on April 15 with all DLC, while Monument Valley 3 arrives this summer.
- SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered: A graphically enhanced edition of the JRPG classic releases later today.
- Tamagotchi Plaza (June 27): The shop simulator series returns, offering local two-player co-op and versus modes.
- DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake: Continues the Erdrick Trilogy narrative in a fresh graphical style, launching later this year.
- Rift of the NecroDancer: An all-new rhythm-based adventure from the Crypt of the NecroDancer team drops later today.
- PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY (July 11): Remastered renditions of the beloved rhythmic strategy games.
- Disney Villains Cursed Café: A 2D illustrated visual novel featuring iconic villains like Cruella de Vil and Maleficent, out later today.
- EVERYBODY’S GOLF: Hot Shots: The famed golf series debuts on Switch this year, complete with local/online multiplayer modes.
- Witchbrook: A cozy spellbinding adventure featuring witchy life-simulation, launching this holiday.
- No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files (July 25): Dive into dreamscapes to solve a mysterious disappearance.
- RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (June 19): An updated action RPG from ATLUS’s Devil Summoner series, with improved visuals and voice acting.
- GRADIUS ORIGINS (Aug. 7): A collection of six classic arcade titles plus new features and an all-new installment, Salamander III.
- Shadow Labyrinth (July 18): A genre-blending 2D action platformer reimagining elements of Pac-Man with swordplay, mecha transformations, and stealth.
- The Eternal Life of Goldman (Holiday): A hand-drawn 2D platformer set in a twisted fairytale archipelago.
Additional highlights include new partner games coming soon, such as Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time (May 21), King of Meat (2025), High On Life (May 6), Lou’s Lagoon (Summer), Star Overdrive (April 10), and The Wandering Village (July 17). Nintendo also confirmed an upcoming Nintendo Switch 2-focused Direct for April 2 at 6 a.m. PT, setting the stage for more hardware news and developments in the near future.
