Next Nintendo Direct may be a Partner Showcase, with no first-party Switch 2 games shown

Some fans have been anticipating a Nintendo Direct highlighting first-party Switch 2 games. Unfortunately, after NateTheHate2 confirmed an early February broadcast, he now believes Nintendo’s partners will be the focus. Despite resilient holiday sales, not all gamers approve of the slate of exclusives headed to the console.

If the Partner Showcase materializes, February 5th is the likely date. However, viewers wouldn’t see a new 3D Mario game or Zelda adventure to quiet critics. In reality, Nintendo already has its schedule set for the next several months. Mario Tennis Fever, Pokémon Pokopia, and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream are expected to debut between February and April.

Looking further out, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is among the titles that still lack precise release dates. Even so, the company appears to be adopting a different strategy for its Nintendo Directs. Instead of a presentation that unveils several new Switch 2 games, it has been favoring individual events.

More focused Nintendo Directs are in vogue

Tomodachi Life was the latest release to receive a standalone broadcast on January 29th. Before a pair of Super Mario Galaxy Movie features, Kirby Air Riders flew across screens in two lengthy showcases. A September 2025 Nintendo Direct was an exception, but it also included third-party offerings like Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection.

With specs that accommodate a wider range of options, the Switch 2 is enjoying a boom in support. Even so, some followers value Nintendo systems more for their famous IPs. A Partner Showcase won’t satisfy fans who can already play other titles on competing consoles.

Not all platform exclusives have to come from the Japanese gaming giant. FromSoftware’s Duskbloods will ship only on the Switch 2 sometime in 2026. The multiplayer action RPG is a possible Partner Showcase attendee.

The company may still announce its revisiting Mario or Zelda on social media or the Nintendo Today! app. A Direct devoted to a system-seller could then follow in short order.