Nintendo Direct September 2025: Everything announced for Mario's 40th anniversary
Nintendo celebrated Super Mario Bros.' 40th anniversary with major announcements, including The Super Mario Galaxy Movie sequel, classic Galaxy games returning to Switch, and a packed 2026 lineup for Switch 2.
Mario steals the spotlight for the 40th Anniversary
The presentation opened with series creator Shigeru Miyamoto announcing extensive celebrations for Super Mario Bros.' 40th anniversary, marking four decades since the game's Japanese debut. The headline announcement revealed The Super Mario Galaxy Movie as the official title for the upcoming animated sequel, set for worldwide release on April 3, 2026.
Complementing the movie news, Nintendo confirmed that Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 will launch together on Nintendo Switch on October 2, 2025, featuring enhanced UI, multiple control options, and improved resolution. Switch 2 owners will receive a free 4K resolution update, which reiterated Nintendo's commitment to supporting both console generations.
To sum things up, we will see the following Super Mario releases -
- Super Mario Galaxy (Switch) – October 2, 2025
- Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Switch) – October 2, 2025
Switch 2’s exclusive catalog looks promising
Nintendo used this Direct to seriously flesh out Switch 2's exclusive catalog. Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave emerged as a major 2026 release, continuing the tactical RPG series with what appears to be a tournament-focused storyline. The debut trailer showcased the franchise's signature turn-based combat and character-driven narrative.
Perhaps the most intriguing announcement was Pokémon Pokopia, described as the first Pokémon life simulation game. Players control a human-transformed Ditto, building a paradise for themselves and Pokémon while learning abilities from various species.
Additional Switch 2 exclusives include Mario Tennis Fever launching in February 2026, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book arriving in spring 2026, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition featuring new multiplayer modes.
Here are the important dates -
- Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave (Switch 2) – 2026
- Pokémon Pokopia (Switch 2) – 2026
- Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (Switch 2) – Spring 2026
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 Edition – 2026 (no specific date)
- Mario Tennis Fever (Switch 2) – February 2026
Metroid Prime 4 and Hades II get a release date
The Direct resolved two major release date mysteries. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, in development for years, finally received a December 4, 2025 launch window for both Switch and Switch 2. The trailer showcased Samus's new Tron-inspired bike, suggesting significant gameplay evolution.
Hades II will launch on Switch/Switch 2 on September 25, featuring cross-save support and 120fps docked gameplay on Switch 2. This timing creates an exceptional September for indie game enthusiasts, especially with Hollow Knight: Silksong also launching.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment rounds out the major announcements, bringing Zelda-themed hack-and-slash action to Switch 2 on November 6. Developed by Koei Tecmo, it explores the Imprisoning War referenced in Tears of the Kingdom.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – December 4, 2025
- Hades II (full release, Switch/Switch 2) – September 25, 2025
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – September 2025 (exact date not provided)
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Switch 2) – November 6, 2025
For more details, check out the Nintendo Direct showcase on their official YouTube channel.
Source(s)
