Reliable gaming insider NateTheHate has dropped word that Nintendo’s first major Direct of 2026 will arrive in the opening week of February, specifically pointing toward Thursday, February 5th. This comes hot on the heels of two already-announced niche Directs – one for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on January 25th and another dedicated to Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on January 29th.
Nate’s prediction aligns perfectly with Nintendo’s established pattern of kicking off each year with a substantial February presentation. The company hasn’t confirmed a general Direct yet, but given their busy 2026 lineup across both original Switch and Switch 2, the timing makes perfect sense for major game reveals and release date announcements.
Nintendo’s Packed Early 2026 Schedule
January 2026 has already delivered two focused Direct presentations. The Mario Galaxy Movie showcase introduced first looks at Yoshi and Birdo, building hype for the film’s release. Just four days later, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream gets its own 20-minute presentation on January 29th at 6AM PT, promising a specific release date for the quirky life sim launching this spring.
These niche events leave room for a proper general Nintendo Direct focusing on first-party titles, third-party ports, and Switch 2 enhancements. NateTheHate specifically mentions updates across all Xenoblade Chronicles games, suggesting Monolith Soft’s long-awaited next project could make an appearance alongside remasters or upgrades for the existing trilogy.
Xenoblade Updates Take Center Stage
Nintendo fans have waited years for news on Monolith Soft’s next major title since Xenoblade Chronicles 3 launched in 2022. Nate’s mention of Xenoblade updates signals potential reveals including:
- Xenoblade Chronicles 4 (or X) first trailer
- Xenoblade Chronicles 1 HD remaster for Switch/Switch 2
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2 expanded edition with new content
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3 DLC finale or New Game+ mode
The studio reportedly secured development kits early despite initial Switch 2 delays, positioning them perfectly for February announcements targeting both current and next-gen hardware.
Switch 2 Third-Party Momentum Builds
Nintendo’s new hybrid console launches strong with Capcom’s heavy support – Resident Evil Requiem (February 27), Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (March 13), and Pragmata (April 24). NateTheHate highlights additional third-party titles likely for February reveal:
- Final Fantasy VII Remake (targeting key card storage solution)
- Expedition 33
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Yakuza/Like a Dragon series expansion
- Resident Evil remakes collection
Doom: The Dark Ages, Starfield, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and even Call of Duty testing represent the highest-profile Western ports. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remaster rumors persist, though Ubisoft’s internal struggles cast doubt on aggressive Switch 2 support beyond confirmed titles.
Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Looms Large
February 27th marks Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, guaranteeing a Pokémon Presents that month. While unlikely to share the general Direct spotlight, anniversary hype could influence the February 5th showcase with Gen 1 celebrations. Speculation includes shadow drops of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow for Switch (separate purchase, not NSO), mirroring the 20th anniversary 3DS rerelease strategy.
PokéPark Kanto theme park opens February 5th in Tokyo – exactly matching Nate’s Direct prediction date. The synergy suggests Nintendo plans maximum anniversary visibility across gaming, theme parks, and merchandise throughout early 2026.
| Expected Announcement | Platform | Release Window |
|---|---|---|
| Xenoblade Chronicles 4 | Switch 2 | 2027 |
| Xenoblade 1 HD | Switch/Switch 2 | Autumn 2026 |
| FFVII Remake | Switch 2 | 2026 |
| Resident Evil Requiem | Switch 2 | Feb 27, 2026 |
| Monster Hunter Stories 3 | Switch 2 | March 13, 2026 |
| Yoshi and the Mysterious Book | Switch | Spring 2026 |
First-Party Heavyweights Need Dates
Nintendo’s 2026 first-party slate demands clarity. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Splatoon Raiders, and Rhythm Heaven Groove all need firm release dates after soft 2026 windows. Indies like Mina the Hollower and Witchbrook require new targets following delays.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park targets Autumn 2026, potentially receiving launch details or upgrade comparisons. Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition arrives January 15th, making February the perfect time to showcase enhanced features.
Why Thursday February 5th Makes Perfect Sense
Nintendo favors Thursday Directs (75% of 2025 presentations), and February 5th offers ideal timing – post-Japan’s extended New Year holidays, pre-Pokémon Presents, and maximum global weekday viewership. The date also coincides with PokéPark Kanto’s opening, amplifying Nintendo’s cultural moment.
Recent development kit resolution enables simultaneous Switch/Switch 2 announcements. Key card storage solves large game concerns, greasing the wheels for ambitious Western ports. Nate emphasizes format uncertainty – it could manifest as a general Direct, Partner Showcase, or hybrid presentation.
FAQs
When is the first Nintendo Direct of 2026?
NateTheHate predicts the first general Direct during the opening week of February, specifically Thursday February 5th. Nintendo already scheduled Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Direct for January 29th and Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct on January 25th.
Will the Direct focus on Switch 2 games?
Expect hybrid announcements supporting both original Switch and Switch 2. Confirmed titles like Resident Evil Requiem (Feb 27) and Monster Hunter Stories 3 (March 13) target the new hardware, alongside Switch mainstays like Yoshi and Fire Emblem.
What Xenoblade news should fans expect?
Nate specifically mentions updates across all Xenoblade games. Likely reveals include Xenoblade Chronicles 4 first look, Xenoblade 1 HD remaster, Xenoblade 2 expanded edition, and Xenoblade 3 DLC completion.
Are major Western games coming to Switch 2?
Yes – Final Fantasy VII Remake, Doom: The Dark Ages, Starfield, Indiana Jones, and Call of Duty testing confirmed. Development kit issues resolved, key card storage enables 50GB+ titles. GTA 6 Switch 2 feasibility testing underway.
Will Pokémon appear in the February Direct?
Pokémon gets dedicated February 27th Presents for 30th anniversary. General Direct likely focuses other franchises, though Gen 1 anniversary rereleases could get indirect mentions tying into celebration plans.
How reliable is NateTheHate’s prediction?
Extremely – accurately predicted Sony State of Play timing, Nintendo Switch 2 reveal date, multiple 2025 Direct schedules. February Direct aligns with five-year Nintendo tradition regardless of specific insider info.
What format will the Direct take?
Uncertain – could be full General Direct (40min), Partner Showcase (25min), or hybrid. Thursday February 5th represents highest probability date balancing Nintendo’s busy early-year calendar.
2026 Direct Season Officially Begins
NateTheHate’s February 5th prediction launches Nintendo’s most crucial Direct season since Switch 2’s reveal. With anniversary celebrations, new hardware momentum, and massive third-party support converging, 2026 positions as the hybrid console’s definitive year. Mark your calendars – Nintendo’s annual February tradition returns with potentially game-changing reveals.
The coming week brings Tomodachi Life clarity, but true excitement builds toward early February. Whether Xenoblade 4 debuts, Final Fantasy arrives, or Switch 2’s killer app emerges, Nintendo faces maximum opportunity to solidify hybrid dominance.