The gaming community's anticipation for Nintendo's first Direct presentation of 2026 has been met with a twist, as the announced showcase will not feature any video game announcements. Instead, the focus will be squarely on promoting the upcoming cinematic sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which is set for release on April 3.
A Shift in Focus for Nintendo's Direct
As 2026 began, fans eagerly speculated about when Nintendo would unveil its gaming plans for the year. The publisher has several titles in the pipeline, but many lack confirmed release dates, and there is no major launch comparable to last year's Mario Kart World. Nintendo typically hosts a showcase early in the year, and it has confirmed one for this weekend, but it will deviate from expectations by concentrating solely on its film venture.
What to Expect from The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct
The Direct is scheduled to air on Sunday, January 25, at 2pm GMT, available on Nintendo's official YouTube channel. In keeping with Nintendo's secretive approach, specific details remain under wraps, but it is likely to include a new trailer and insights from key figures. Nintendo's social media has already teased an image of Mario and Luigi in fire flower outfits, hinting at the content.
Previous movie-focused Directs for The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 were brief, lasting no more than 10 minutes, featuring trailers and commentary from creator Shigeru Miyamoto, Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri, and cast members like Chris Pratt and Jack Black. This year's event may follow a similar format, with potential appearances from new cast additions: Brie Larson, voicing Rosalina, and Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr. Chris Pratt has hinted at "incredible" character reveals yet to be shown, sparking speculation about fan favourites like Wario or deeper cuts such as Geno.
When Will the Next Game-Focused Nintendo Direct Arrive?
Currently, there is no official indication of when a traditional Nintendo Direct with game announcements will take place. However, vague rumours point to February as a likely timeframe. Nintendo's history supports this, as it has held a Direct in February every year since 2019. With release dates confirmed only until the end of March, updates are anticipated soon.
Nintendo's 2026 Game Lineup and Anniversaries
Nintendo's scheduled releases include Mario Tennis Fever on February 12, Pokémon Pokopia on March 5, and a Switch 2 port of Super Mario Bros. Wonder on March 26, the latter featuring new content like a playable Rosalina. Beyond these, three Switch 2 exclusives are planned: Yoshi And The Mysterious Book (with a spring/summer window), Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, and FromSoftware's The Duskbloods. Additionally, new Tomodachi Life and Rhythm Paradise games are expected for the Switch 1, though they are niche in Western markets.
2026 marks significant anniversaries for Nintendo franchises, including the 30th for Pokémon and the 40th for The Legend of Zelda, suggesting potential related announcements. Other milestones include the 25th for Animal Crossing, Luigi's Mansion, and Pikmin, and the 40th for Metroid and Kid Icarus, though Nintendo has not yet revealed plans to celebrate these events.
In summary, while the first Nintendo Direct of 2026 prioritises film promotion, fans can look forward to a potential game showcase in February, alongside a robust lineup of releases and anniversary celebrations throughout the year.
