A new Nintendo Direct may be right around the corner, and fans are already bracing for a busy start to 2026. According to reliable leaker NateTheHate2, Nintendo is planning another Nintendo Direct for the first week of February. While he didn’t name an exact day, he suggested that Thursday, February 5 could be a strong possibility.
The rumor arrives during a stretch where Nintendo fans have been getting a steady stream of presentations. A January 25 broadcast delivered a fresh Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer and confirmed Yoshi as part of the film. Another showcase is also set for January 29, focusing on Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. Even so, many players believe these broadcasts are leading into something bigger: a full general Nintendo Direct with wider announcements, new trailers, and release date updates.
What could Nintendo show in an early February Direct?
NateTheHate2 says he can’t confirm which Switch 2 games or announcements will be featured, largely because Nintendo’s 2026 lineup is expected to be packed. That uncertainty is exactly what has fans speculating. The presentation could be a standard Nintendo Direct focused on “brand new first-party games coming out in 2026,” or it could take the form of a Partner Showcase where third-party developers dominate the schedule.
Either way, Nintendo has plenty of material to pull from. One likely outcome is updates on games that have already been revealed, including concrete release dates and deeper looks at gameplay.
Upcoming Nintendo games that may appear
Several titles are already on the calendar and could get airtime in a February Nintendo Direct. Mario Tennis Fever is scheduled to launch on February 12, though players have already seen a recent gameplay trailer. Another notable release is Pokémon Pokopia, a cozy life simulation game arriving March 5, which could be a perfect candidate for a new trailer or feature segment.
There are also games still missing firm launch dates. Fans could finally learn when to expect Yoshi and the Mysterious Book and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, two projects that would benefit from a clearer release window and more detailed showcases.
The big question: is a true “system seller” coming?
Even with a strong list of upcoming games, some Nintendo watchers argue the lineup still needs a major must-buy blockbuster that defines the next era—especially with Switch 2 expectations rising. That’s why a portion of the community is laser-focused on two names: a new 3D Mario game or a mainline Zelda entry.
Speculation around Mario has been especially loud. Former Nintendo marketing voices Kit & Krysta have suggested that a grand, immersive Mario adventure could follow the momentum of the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. If Nintendo wants to create a cultural moment that bridges movies, merchandise, and games, unveiling a new 3D Mario during a big Nintendo Direct would certainly do it.
Third-party Switch 2 support could also be a spotlight
If Nintendo chooses to emphasize third-party momentum, audiences may get fresh footage from major franchises. One possibility mentioned is new Resident Evil Requiem material, which would fit the kind of attention-grabbing reveal often used to show stronger hardware and broader support.
NateTheHate2 also talked about several significant Switch 2 projects said to be in development, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and a port of Final Fantasy 16. However, he couldn’t guarantee that either would appear during the rumored February Nintendo Direct.
For now, Nintendo hasn’t confirmed anything publicly. Still, with multiple broadcasts already happening and the calendar lining up for a major early-year showcase, an early February Nintendo Direct is beginning to feel increasingly plausible—and for fans hungry for Switch 2 game announcements, a new 3D Mario reveal, or major third-party surprises, the timing couldn’t be more exciting.
