Nintendo’s latest Direct drops release dates for Metroid Prime 4, a Pokémon life-sim, and the return of the Virtual Boy

Nintendo just unleashed one of its most packed Direct showcases in recent memory, finally slapping firm release dates on the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Hades 2, celebrating Mario’s 40th anniversary with a new movie and game remasters, and ending with a bizarre plan to resurrect its most notorious hardware failure: the Virtual Boy. The hour-long presentation was stuffed with announcements for the Switch and the new Switch 2, outlining a busy release schedule for the next year and beyond.

Metroid Prime 4 and Hades 2 are almost here

After years of waiting, Nintendo confirmed that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch on both the Switch and Switch 2 on December 4th. The other major reveal was for Supergiant Games’ sequel, Hades 2, which will launch as a timed console exclusive on Switch and Switch 2 on September 25th. The game will exit early access on PC the same day, featuring cross-save support. On the Switch 2, it will run at a blazing 120fps in TV mode.

Mario gets a movie, tennis, and a trip back to the Galaxy

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., Nintendo announced its next animated film will be The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, arriving in US theaters on April 3rd, 2026. On the gaming front, the beloved Wii classics Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are coming to Switch on October 2nd. They will be sold as a $70 physical bundle or separately for $40 each on the eShop, with a free update providing 4K resolution on the Switch 2. The Direct also revealed Mario Tennis Fever for Switch 2 in February and a new platformer, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, for next spring.

Pokémon is getting its own Animal Crossing

In a significant genre shift for the franchise, Nintendo unveiled Pokémon Pokopia, a new life simulation game coming to the Switch 2 in 2026. Players will take on the role of a Ditto transformed to look like a human, tasked with turning an empty plot of land into a cozy paradise for Pokémon. The gameplay shown involves using Pokémon abilities, like Squirtle’s Water Gun, to interact with and cultivate the environment.

Donkey Kong Bananza’s world expands today

The Switch 2 launch title Donkey Kong Bananza is getting a paid expansion. The DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC is available today for $20, adding Donkey Kong’s home island as a new area to explore. After beating the main story, players can unlock the new “Emerald Rush” mode, a roguelike challenge where you complete timed runs to collect emerald ore and earn cosmetic items. For those who haven’t played, a free demo of the main game is also now available on the eShop.

The Virtual Boy is back from the dead

In the Direct’s most shocking announcement, Nintendo is reviving the Virtual Boy. Starting February 17th, 2026, a selection of games from the failed 1995 stereoscopic 3D console will be available via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. Playing these games will require a dedicated accessory modeled after the original hardware, which will house the Switch or Switch 2 console. Nintendo confirmed 14 classic titles will roll out over time, including Mario’s Tennis and Galactic Pinball.

More for the Switch 2 calendar

Nintendo also packed the showcase with other release dates. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will launch on November 6th. A new tactical RPG, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, is set for 2026. The Switch 2 is also getting strong third-party support, with Resident Evil Requiem launching day-and-date with other platforms on February 27th and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade arriving on January 22nd. Popular indies are getting enhanced Switch 2 versions as well, including Overcooked 2, Stardew Valley, and a sequel, Suika Game Planet.