The Nintendo Direct for September was a jam-packed show, with an array of major surprises in the mix.
Nintendo has become particularly good at holding its cards close, so these showcases usually come with genuinely eye-opening reveals, and plenty of well-earned hype. New titles in the Metroid and Kirby franchises were revealed in this show with very compelling new trailers, and we also got an array of other cool tidbits, too.
Pokémon Pokopia had its second major DLC revealed, in a trailer confirming it’s all about accessorising (and the arrival of new Pokémon, like Skitty).
An array of third-party game development partners also had big things to announced for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 including Level-5, which confirmed a surprise remake for Yo-kai Watch 2 which might actually release worldwide (unlike other recent titles in the franchise).
Here’s five major highlights from this latest Nintendo Direct.
Nintendo Direct: September major highlights – quick links
Yo-kai Watch 2 is getting a remake, releasing worldwide
One of the biggest surprises of the latest Nintendo Direct was the reveal that Yo-kai Watch 2, previously released in two versions for Nintendo 3DS (Bony Spirits and Fleshy Souls) will be getting a major remake for Nintendo Switch 2. This was confirmed in a mostly cinematic trailer, with no gameplay shown off. Developer Level-5 also refrained from dating it, but did confirm development is underway.
For now, players will need to wait patiently for more news. Level-5 has an array of in-development titles currently in the works, many of which have been developing for several years. We hope Yo-kai Watch 2 is a bit further along than some of the studio’s other titles, but it may still be quite some time before we see more.
Regardless, it’s great to see the Yo-kai Watch franchise return, and that this Nintendo Direct trailer suggests a worldwide release. While there have been Yo-kai Watch games on the Nintendo Switch, they have not previously been released with English localisation. Fingers crossed this announcement bodes well for the franchise.
Metroid Ravenous sees bounty hunter Samus Aran devouring her enemies
Following in the footsteps of Metroid Dread, the next game in the sci-fi adventure series, Metroid Ravenous, will see famed bounty hunter Samus Aran pursuing new enemies to ‘eat’ and absorb their abilities. While left mysterious in the Nintendo Direct trailer, it appears this game will feature a more dangerous and deadly Aran as she charts new and stranger horrors.
With a set of armour that appears to be living in some form, Aran will not only fight back against alien critters, but also become them as she harnesses new abilities. It’s a neat twist, and one that should create plenty of fresh dilemmas for players.
Metroid Ravenous is set to launch for Nintendo Switch on 28 January 2027.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam launches in December
Patient Professor Layton fans were rewarded during the latest Nintendo Direct, with a new trailer for Professor Layton and the New World of Steam confirming the game will arrive for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on 10 December.
This long-in-development title features the return of the titular Layton and his apprentice Luke as they get together to explore a new region inspired by North America. Along the course of an investigation into strange happenings, Luke and Layton will need to solve an array of puzzles, and work out what’s really going on around them.
Atlantis and Pirates of the Caribbean are coming to Disney Dreamlight Valley
In very exciting news for fans of underappreciated Disney franchises, a new trailer in the Nintendo Direct confirmed Disney Dreamlight Valley: The Keepsake Sea will be introducing characters from Atlantis, as well as Pirates of the Caribbean and Hercules.
Atlantis remains one of Disney’s all-time best films, and one that doesn’t get its fair share of love in major crossovers, tie-ins, merch and other Disney activations. To see protagonist Milo Thatch appearing in this major story DLC alongside the higher-profile Jack Sparrow and Megara is wonderful.
Add in the fact that this DLC lets you become a mermaid to explore new undersea locations, and this might be one of the most interesting add-on adventures we’ve seen for Disney Dreamlight Valley yet.
The Keepsake Sea launches for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in November.
Kirby and the World Beyond is a major new open world adventure
Surprise! Fresh off an appearance on the racetrack, Kirby is getting another brand new game: an open world adventure titled Kirby and the World Beyond. This new game will see the loveable pink blob exploring new and grander realms, with the added twist that he might living in a pocket dimension of sorts.
Players will control Kirby as he charts an array of locations filled with treasures while also fighting bosses and uncovering a deeper mystery about his surroundings.
Kirby and the World Beyond will reveal all of its secrets when it launches for Nintendo Switch 2 in Autumn 2027 [Southern Hemisphere].
