Nintendo is set to host two major Nintendo Direct presentations in the coming days, beginning with a special showcase dedicated to The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary on Tuesday, September 8, followed by a more general Nintendo Direct on Wednesday, September 9. IGN's Logan Plant has detailed 14 predictions for what fans can expect across both events.
Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct Predictions
The Zelda-focused Direct is anticipated to heavily feature the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, slated for release in 2026. A full reveal trailer and definitive release date are expected, potentially setting a November 12 launch date. This date aligns with Nintendo's pattern of releasing major titles before Black Friday and avoids conflicts with other significant game releases. The presentation may also include a new amiibo line for Ocarina of Time, featuring figures of Young Link and Adult Link. Leaked designs for a Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 console and Pro Controller, possibly commemorating the anniversary, might also be formally announced.
Further content for the Zelda Direct includes potential news regarding The Legend of Zelda live-action movie, which is set to premiere in April. Shigeru Miyamoto could appear to share casting updates, perhaps confirming reports about Ganondorf and other characters, and potentially debut a short clip from the film.
Nintendo's recent "DK Challenge" on Nintendo Switch Online could see a successor in the form of a "Zelda Challenge" for the anniversary. This could encourage players to revisit classic Zelda titles or potentially integrate with a modern entry like Breath of the Wild. The absence of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess on Nintendo Switch Online is also noted, with a prediction that the GameCube version will be shadowdropped during the Direct, accompanied by its soundtrack being added to the Nintendo Music app.
A return of multiplayer Zelda is also on the cards, with speculation ranging from a "Zelda 99" battle royale concept to rereleases of Four Swords or Four Swords Adventures on Nintendo Switch Online with added online functionality. A brand-new co-op Zelda title is considered less likely. The presentation is unlikely to reveal the next main 3D Zelda game, with attention focused on Ocarina of Time, though a brief tease is not entirely out of the question.
A personal wish from the author is the release of a playable 8-bit prototype of Breath of the Wild, developed during the game's early concept stages, though this is considered highly improbable.
General Nintendo Direct Predictions
The second Direct, running for 45 minutes, is expected to provide updates on games scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027. This includes final looks at Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave and Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, along with further DLC for Pokémon Pokopia. An update on Monolith Soft's RPG Xenoblade Genesis is also possible. Pokémon Winds & Waves, slated for 2025, is not expected to be shown, with a potential reveal for the next generation of Pokémon games anticipated for February 2027.
FromSoftware's The Duskbloods, published by Nintendo outside Japan, is predicted to receive a release date, likely in December 2026. A new 2D Metroid game from MercurySteam, possibly titled Metroid Ravenous based on a recent age rating leak, could be revealed and potentially released in the first quarter of 2027.
The show's finale is speculated to feature a major announcement for the second half of 2027, designed to boost Switch 2 sales. Two prominent possibilities are a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate enhanced port for the Switch 2, mirroring the approach taken with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, or a new 3D Super Mario title. The former aligns with a prediction made earlier in the year for a Switch 2 edition of Ultimate, while the latter is becoming more plausible as the marketing cycle for Donkey Kong Country Returns concludes.
A persistent personal prediction, regardless of the specific Direct, is the announcement of Ace Attorney 7.