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This September's Nintendo Direct was a celebration of legacy. From baby-sized tennis adventures to a galactic movie reveal, Nintendo aimed to excite — but did they hit the mark?
Catch the full video presentation below to see everything in motion — from Mario’s 40th anniversary to the latest Switch 2 surprises.
๐ Super Mario Bros. Turns 40 — And Goes Galactic
Nintendo kicked off the Direct with a heartfelt celebration of Super Mario Bros. turning 40. From museum updates to marathon shoutouts, the festivities are in full swing — but the biggest surprise?
๐ฌ The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — In Theaters April 3, 2026
Illumination and Nintendo are teaming up again for a cosmic adventure inspired by the Galaxy games.
The returning voice cast includes:
• Mario – Chris Pratt
• Princess Peach – Anya Taylor-Joy
• Luigi – Charlie Day
• Bowser – Jack Black
• Toad – Keegan-Michael Key
• Kamek – Kevin Michael Richardson
Expect gravity-defying action, heartfelt moments, and plenty of Luma lore. Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is available on October 2, 2025.
๐พ Mario Tennis Fever — Baby-Sized Adventure, Big Replay Value
Launching February 12, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Tennis Fever isn’t just about matches — it’s about baby Mario and crew learning tennis to defeat monsters and return to normal. With 30 unique Fever Rackets and 38 playable characters, this one’s built for strategy and story.
๐ผ Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park
Coming Spring 2026, this upgraded edition adds new co-op and versus modes, plus extra content that boosts replay value beyond the original. Highlights include:
• Talking Flower Figurine
• New Amiibo Support
• Expanded Flower Kingdom Zones
• Storm Lancers – Available today
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Dec. 4, 2025; Mouse control support
• Dinkum – Timed console exclusive, Nov. 5, 2025
• Popucom – Holiday 2025 release; family-friendly chaos incoming
• Lynked: Banner of the Spark – Available now; Mouse control support
• Hades II – Switch 2 Edition drops Sept. 25, physical Nov. 20
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – Nov. 6, 2025
• Dragon Quest VII Reimagined – Feb. 2, 2026
๐ง Resident Evil 9 Requiem — Creepy, Clever, Compelling
Each reveal of Resident Evil 9 adds more intrigue. The detective angle gives it substance beyond scares, and the atmosphere is shaping up to be one of the most immersive in the series.
๐ก Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
Turn-based tactics return with a fresh cast and layered story. Fans of the genre will feel right at home.
๐ถ Virtual Boy — A Nostalgic Nod That Missed the Mark
One of the biggest draws was the Virtual Boy segment. While it was cool to see it acknowledged, the lack of a true 3D experience felt like a missed opportunity here. Speaking personally, I remember playing it years ago and walking away with a hard pass — it just didn’t sit right. That said, not everyone had the same experience, and it’s still part of Nintendo’s history. Nintendo Online Membership required.
๐ A Quick Note for Gift Givers
With games launching across both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, it’s crucial to check which console your gamer owns.
• Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Full game optimized for the new hardware
• Upgrade Pack: Add-on content for existing Switch owners
If you’re unsure, ask your gamer — or ask us. Better safe than buying the wrong version.
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025 wasn’t just a gaming event with a few head turners — it was a 2.5-hour masterclass in how to keep an audience locked in (starting with the pre-show). Geoff Keighley and company delivered reveal after reveal, making it nearly impossible to look away. Whether you’re a console loyalist, a PC purist, or a handheld devotee, you might look at this years ONL and bounce from game to game to wishlist find yourself hunting down the games to grow wishlist.
The Biggest Reveals & Updates
More Eyecatchers from ONL 2025
So you saw the big reveals, but there were eyecatchers that deserve some love too:
The Portable Gaming Advantage
One thing we keep hearing from busy professionals is the same refrain: “If I had the time, I’d game more.” The truth is, you can — if you embrace the power of portable gaming.
Whether it’s during your commute, on a flight, or in a hotel room between meetings, handhelds make it possible to keep up with the latest releases without sacrificing your schedule.
• Nintendo Switch 2 — Already boasting a strong third-party lineup, including Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Street Fighter 6, and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, with more on the way.
• Xbox ROG Ally — Launching October 16, 2025... this Windows-powered handheld will bring Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, and PC gaming to your backpack.
• Steam Deck — Still a powerhouse for both gaming and productivity, letting you run your Steam library, emulators, and even work apps when needed.
If you’re traveling and have the space, bring your handheld of choice. The right device can turn downtime into game time — and with the titles announced at Gamescom, you’ll want every spare minute.
Bubsy 4D: First Impression
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025 was a reminder of why we love this industry: the creativity, the spectacle, and the shared excitement of what’s next. From AAA blockbusters to inventive indies, the future of gaming looks brighter — and more portable — than ever.