Nintendo schedules two back-to-back Directs for Zelda's 40th and Switch 2
Nintendo is running two separate presentations next week, and together they could be the biggest game news days of the year. The first, a 30-minute Zelda 40th anniversary Direct on September 8 at 10am ET, is expected to reveal a release date for the Ocarina of Time remake. The second, a 45-minute general Direct on September 9 at the same time, will cover upcoming Switch 2 games more broadly.
The Zelda show
The September 8 Direct is entirely dedicated to The Legend of Zelda franchise, which turns 40 this year. The main draw is almost certainly the Ocarina of Time remake — Nintendo reaffirmed a late 2026 launch in its August investor report, and a dedicated 30-minute slot strongly suggests an exact date and extended gameplay will finally be shown. Ocarina of Time remains the highest-rated game in Metacritic's history, so the stakes for this remake are unusually high.
The showcase is also expected to include news about the live-action Zelda movie. Filming wrapped in April 2026, and footage or a cast reveal could appear here — Benjamin Evan Ainsworth plays Link, Bo Bragason plays Zelda. Western adaptations of Japanese game franchises have a mixed track record, so how the film is presented will matter.
Join us next week for two #NintendoDirect presentations!
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 4, 2026
The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct on Sept 8 at 7am PT (Approx 30 mins)
Nintendo Direct on Sept 9 at 7am PT (Approx 45 mins)
Watch both here: https://t.co/P3XRllCMrS pic.twitter.com/zqB0uV9pLO
The Switch 2 show
September 9's general Direct runs 45 minutes and is where Nintendo needs to answer a real question: what's actually coming to Switch 2? The Duskbloods, FromSoftware's multiplayer action game confirmed as a Switch 2 exclusive, supports up to eight players and is launching in 2026 — expect a proper look here. Beyond that, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave and Switch Sports Resort are rumored to appear, along with possible third-party announcements.
Two games that insiders have flagged for potential reveals: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — widely considered the best game of 2025 — and Red Dead Redemption 2. Neither is confirmed, but a Switch 2 port of either would be significant.
Timing
The holiday window looms. GTA 6 is targeting November, and Nintendo will want Ocarina of Time on shelves before that. Pricing for the OoT remake hasn't been confirmed yet — Nintendo typically announces that two to four weeks before launch — but both Directs are confirmed by Kotaku for 10am ET on their respective days. Tune in on Nintendo's YouTube channel.
