The first Nintendo Direct of 2026 is officially happening next week, but don’t expect major announcements for Zelda or mainline Mario games. Multiple credible sources including VGC, NateTheHate, and GameXplain have corroborated that Nintendo is hosting a Partner Showcase on Thursday, February 5, 2026. This means the presentation will focus exclusively on third-party games coming to Switch and Switch 2, rather than Nintendo’s own AAA franchises.
The news has left many Switch 2 owners disappointed, as fans were hoping for a full General Nintendo Direct with major first-party reveals. With the Switch 2 having launched on June 5, 2025, and Nintendo’s 2026 first-party lineup remaining mostly a mystery, players expected the first Direct of the year to fill in those gaps. Instead, they’ll have to wait longer to learn about Nintendo’s biggest games.
What Makes This Leak Credible
NateTheHate, a podcaster with a strong track record for Nintendo leaks, initially broke the news about the February 5 Partner Showcase. He correctly predicted the Switch 2’s reveal date of January 16, 2025, which gives his latest claims significant weight. Following his report, both GameXplain and VGC’s anonymous sources independently corroborated the information, adding multiple layers of verification to the rumor.
VGC has a history of accurate Nintendo reporting and previously backed up NateTheHate’s claims about the Switch 2’s May-June 2025 launch window. When multiple credible outlets align on the same information, it typically means the leak is solid. While Nintendo hasn’t officially announced the Direct yet, the company usually confirms these showcases just a day or two before they happen, so fans should expect an announcement early next week.
Partner Showcase vs General Direct
Nintendo hosts two types of Direct presentations, and understanding the difference is crucial for managing expectations. A General Nintendo Direct focuses primarily on first-party games developed or published by Nintendo itself, such as Mario, Zelda, Splatoon, and Pokemon titles. These are the big showcases fans get most excited about because they reveal Nintendo’s major upcoming releases.
A Partner Showcase, by contrast, spotlights third-party games from external developers and publishers. These presentations feature games like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, Final Fantasy, and various indie titles coming to Nintendo platforms. While Partner Showcases can include exciting announcements, they don’t typically reveal Nintendo’s biggest franchises. The last Partner Showcase aired in July 2025, featuring Monster Hunter Stories 3, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and ports of games like Star Wars Outlaws and Persona 3 Reload.
| Direct Type | Content Focus | Typical Games |
|---|---|---|
| General Nintendo Direct | First-party Nintendo games | Mario, Zelda, Splatoon, Kirby, Donkey Kong, Fire Emblem |
| Partner Showcase | Third-party games from external studios | Monster Hunter, Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, indie games, ports |
| Dedicated Direct | Single game deep dive | Recent example: Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (January 2026) |
What Games Could Appear
While specific announcements remain under wraps, several confirmed third-party games could receive spotlight time during the February 5 showcase. Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties is scheduled for February, as is Resident Evil Requiem, making them prime candidates for extended gameplay reveals. Pragmata launches in March 2026 and could benefit from additional marketing push heading into its April 24 release window.
NateTheHate mentioned in his podcast that titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Final Fantasy 16 are in development for Switch 2, though he couldn’t confirm they’d appear in this specific Direct. Other possibilities include updates on previously announced games like 007: First Light (May 2026), Borderlands 4, and Fallout 4, both confirmed for Switch 2 but lacking release dates. FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods, technically a third-party game despite its high profile, could also make an appearance.
Don’t expect announcements from Rockstar Games, however. NateTheHate specifically noted that Rockstar handles its own marketing, meaning games like Red Dead Redemption 2 won’t be showing up even if they’re secretly in development for Switch 2. Nintendo Partner Showcases typically focus on games that need the marketing boost Nintendo’s platform can provide.
Why Fans Are Disappointed
The disappointment stems from Nintendo’s unusually thin first-party lineup for 2026. Aside from updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Nintendo has only announced a handful of titles: Mario Tennis Fever (February 12), Pokemon Pokopia (March 5), Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (Spring), Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (April 16), and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave (2026). For a console that’s been on the market since June 2025, that’s a surprisingly sparse slate.
Fans expected the first Direct of 2026 to reveal major titles like a new 3D Mario game, the next mainline Zelda entry, or other heavy hitters. Instead, they’re getting third-party games, many of which are ports of titles already available on other platforms. While third-party support is important for Switch 2’s ecosystem, Nintendo fans primarily buy Nintendo consoles for Nintendo games. The Partner Showcase format means those revelations will have to wait.
Adding to the frustration is the timing. February is traditionally when Nintendo holds major General Directs to outline the year’s lineup. With a Partner Showcase taking that slot, speculation has shifted to when Nintendo will actually reveal its 2026 roadmap. Some fans predict a General Direct in March or April, while others worry they might have to wait until June’s expected E3-style presentation. That would leave Switch 2 owners in the dark about Nintendo’s plans for nearly a full year after the console’s launch.
When Will First Party Games Get Revealed
The big question now is when Nintendo will host a proper General Direct focused on its own games. One possibility is March or April 2026, which would give Pokemon Day 2026 on February 27 its own spotlight without competition. Pokemon’s 30th anniversary celebration will feature a major Pokemon Presents livestream that could reveal significant Game Freak projects, and Nintendo might want to avoid overshadowing that event.
Another scenario has Nintendo waiting until June 2026 for a massive E3-style Direct that outlines the rest of 2026 and early 2027. This would mirror their traditional summer showcases and give them more time to polish announcements. However, this approach would leave fans waiting five full months after the Partner Showcase for major Nintendo news, which seems unusually long.
It’s also worth noting that Nintendo sometimes drops surprise announcements outside of Direct presentations. The company has increasingly used Twitter reveals, dedicated game Directs like the recent Tomodachi Life showcase, and even press releases for major news. While fans prefer the spectacle of a full Direct, Nintendo might spread announcements across multiple formats throughout the year.
Third Party Support Matters Too
While the disappointment is understandable, it’s important to recognize that strong third-party support has been crucial for Switch 2’s success. The original Switch struggled to get major multiplatform releases due to its weaker hardware, forcing Nintendo to rely almost entirely on first-party games and smaller indie titles. Switch 2’s improved specs have changed that dynamic significantly.
At the Switch 2 reveal Direct in April 2025, Nintendo showcased 46 third-party games, with 17 available on launch day including Street Fighter 6, Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman: World of Assassination, and Hogwarts Legacy. This marked a dramatic shift from the Switch era and signaled that major publishers were taking the platform seriously. The February 5 Partner Showcase will likely continue building that momentum with more high-profile announcements.
For Nintendo, courting third-party developers provides several benefits. It fills release calendar gaps between first-party titles, attracts players who might not buy the console for Mario alone, and creates a more robust ecosystem. Games like Monster Hunter, Final Fantasy, and Resident Evil have massive fanbases in Japan and worldwide, making them valuable additions to the Switch 2 library even if they aren’t developed by Nintendo.
The NateTheHate Track Record
NateTheHate has become one of the most watched Nintendo insiders, but his track record is mixed. He correctly predicted the Switch 2’s January 16, 2025 reveal date and has been accurate on numerous other leaks. However, he’s also had notable misses, most famously with Banjo-Kazooie. His claims about a new Banjo game went through multiple revisions: first announcing a new game was in development, then reporting it was being rebooted, and finally admitting the project appeared to be dead.
This doesn’t necessarily invalidate his current claims about the February 5 Partner Showcase. The Banjo situation could reflect a project that genuinely went through development hell rather than bad information. Additionally, VGC and GameXplain independently corroborating the Partner Showcase leak adds significant credibility. When multiple sources align, it typically indicates the information is solid, even if individual leakers occasionally miss.
Fans should still treat all leaks with healthy skepticism until Nintendo officially confirms. The gaming industry is notorious for plans changing at the last minute. Projects get delayed, announcements get pushed, and Nintendo is particularly secretive about its plans. That said, with multiple credible sources pointing to February 5, the odds of this leak being accurate are quite high.
FAQs
When is the next Nintendo Direct happening?
According to multiple credible sources including VGC, NateTheHate, and GameXplain, the next Nintendo Direct is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026. Nintendo typically confirms Direct presentations just one or two days before they air, so expect an official announcement early next week.
Will the February 5 Nintendo Direct show Mario or Zelda games?
No, the February 5 presentation is reportedly a Partner Showcase, which focuses on third-party games from external developers rather than Nintendo’s first-party franchises. You won’t see major Mario, Zelda, or other Nintendo-developed games at this event.
What is a Nintendo Partner Showcase?
A Partner Showcase is Nintendo’s presentation format dedicated to third-party games coming to Switch and Switch 2. These showcases feature titles from external publishers like Capcom, Square Enix, Ubisoft, and indie developers, rather than games developed by Nintendo itself.
What games might appear in the February Partner Showcase?
Likely candidates include Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties, Resident Evil Requiem (both releasing in February), Pragmata (March release), 007: First Light (May release), and potentially new announcements like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 or Final Fantasy 16 for Switch 2. The Duskbloods from FromSoftware could also appear.
When will Nintendo reveal its 2026 first-party games?
Nintendo hasn’t announced when it will hold a General Direct focused on first-party games. Speculation suggests either March-April 2026 or June 2026, but nothing has been confirmed. Pokemon Day on February 27 will feature Pokemon news separately.
Why are fans disappointed about a Partner Showcase?
Switch 2 owners are disappointed because Nintendo’s 2026 first-party lineup remains mostly unknown despite the console launching in June 2025. Fans were hoping for major announcements about Mario, Zelda, and other Nintendo franchises, but a Partner Showcase means waiting longer for that information.
How reliable is NateTheHate as a leaker?
NateTheHate has a mixed but generally credible track record. He correctly predicted the Switch 2’s January 16, 2025 reveal date and has been accurate on many leaks, though he’s had notable misses like the Banjo-Kazooie saga. The February 5 leak is corroborated by VGC and GameXplain, adding significant credibility.
Will Red Dead Redemption 2 be announced for Switch 2?
Don’t expect Red Dead Redemption 2 at the Partner Showcase. NateTheHate specifically noted that Rockstar Games handles its own announcements and marketing, meaning their titles won’t appear in Nintendo presentations even if ports are in development.
Conclusion
The February 5 Partner Showcase is now backed by multiple credible sources, making it all but certain to happen. While the focus on third-party games has disappointed fans hoping for major Nintendo announcements, the presentation will likely showcase important titles coming to Switch 2 and demonstrate the platform’s growing third-party support. For those craving news about Mario, Zelda, and other first-party franchises, patience will be required. Nintendo will eventually reveal its 2026 plans, but Switch 2 owners might be waiting until March, April, or even June for those blockbuster announcements. In the meantime, the Partner Showcase should at least provide some excitement about the diverse library of games heading to Nintendo’s newest console.