Nintendo Direct September 2026: Metroid Ravenous, Kirby and the World Beyond, and a Massive Switch 2 Lineup

A Massive Wave of New Metroid and Kirby Titles

The headline news of the event was undoubtedly the return of Samus Aran. Fans were treated to a trailer for Metroid Ravenous, a title that appears to follow the same 2.5D stylings as the acclaimed Metroid Dread. The game is scheduled to launch on January 28, 2027, and will be accompanied by a special edition and new amiibo figures. This announcement solidifies the franchise's continued evolution on the new hardware.

In contrast to the darker sci-fi of Metroid, Nintendo also showcased Kirby and the World Beyond. Announced as a brand-new 3D adventure, this title is set to arrive in Spring 2027. The trailer suggests a shift towards open-world exploration, allowing players to freely utilize Kirby's powers across a vast landscape. This release coincides with the series' 35th anniversary, promising a celebration of the pink puffball's legacy.

Major Ports and Remasters for Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is clearly designed to be a powerhouse for back-catalogue titles. Several major ports were confirmed with specific release dates, signaling a robust strategy for bringing PC and console exclusives to the handheld market.

• Metroid Dread: While not explicitly re-announced as a new port in this specific stream, the presence of Metroid Ravenous confirms the platform's capability for high-fidelity action-adventure titles.
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered: CD Projekt Red's masterpiece is coming to Switch 2 on September 29, 2026. The remaster includes enhanced visuals and gameplay, support for mouse and motion controls, gyro aiming, and touchscreen functionality. Notably, the new expansion Songs of the Past will launch next year.
• Resident Evil 2/3/4 Remakes: Capcom's acclaimed remakes are arriving on October 16, 2026, digitally, with physical editions following in January 2027. All DLC is included in the package.
• Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis: Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog are reimagining Lara Croft's very first adventure. The title is set for a February 12, 2027 release on Switch 2.

Beyond these AAA ports, the event highlighted several indie darlings receiving the "Switch 2 Edition" treatment. Pikmin 4 is getting a significant overhaul with voice command support for Oatchi and a new "Dandori Academy" mode where players must secure treasure under exam conditions. Cairn, the survival-climbing game, is launching early next year with a demo available immediately on the eShop.

Expansions and Updates for Existing Franchises

Nintendo did not just bring new games; it also promised significant life extensions for existing titles. Mario Kart World is receiving a free update today that unlocks classic courses like Choco Island 1, Vanilla Lake 1, and Ghost Valley 1 in VS race mode. The update also introduces two new routes: Turnip Rally and Propeller Rally.

The Star Fox franchise received dual attention. First, the recent remake of Star Fox 64 is getting a free multiplayer update on September 30, adding four-player split-screen support and new stages themed around Katina, Sector X, and Venom. Second, Star Fox Adventures is joining the Nintendo Classics lineup for Switch Online subscribers immediately.

In the RPG sphere, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave made a brief appearance to remind fans of its September 17 launch date. Meanwhile, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam finally received a concrete release date of December 10, 2026, after years of anticipation.

The "Montage" Section: A Feast of Dates

As is tradition, the latter part of the Direct descended into a chaotic montage of rapid-fire announcements. Eurogamer's coverage captured a comprehensive list of these titles, providing a definitive schedule for the holiday season and beyond.

• Danganronpa 2x2: January 14, 2027 (Switch 1 & 2)
• Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves: October 22, 2026 (Switch 2)
• Metal Slug Ultimate Collection: 2027 (Switch 1 & 2)
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force GX: February 16, 2027 (Switch 1 & 2)
• Romancing SaGa 3: Destinies United: February 16, 2027 (Switch 1 & 2)
• 007 First Light: 2026 (Switch 2)
• Far Cry 3: Classic Edition: Spring 2027 (Switch 2)
• The Crew: Motofest: October 8, 2026 (Switch 2)
• House Flipper 2: October 15, 2026 (Switch 2)
• Sonic Pico Park: November 12, 2026 (Switch 1 & 2)
• Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World: December 3, 2026 (Switch 1 & 2)
• Torneko's Mystery Dungeon: Classic HD: Out today (Switch 1 & 2)
• Hela: December 1, 2026 (Switch 2)
• Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream: December 3, 2026 (Switch 2)
• Stellar Blade Complete Edition: November 5, 2026 (Switch 2)
• The Ascent: Ultimate Edition: December 2026 (Switch 2)
• It Takes Two: October 15, 2026 (Switch 2)
• Palia: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: December 2026 (Switch 2)
• Bluey's Happy Snaps: October 15, 2026 (Switch 1 & 2)
• Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush: September 10, 2026 (Switch 2)
• Fading Echo: September 17, 2026 (Switch 2)
• Hell is Us: October 8, 2026 (Switch 2)
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Encore Edition: November 5, 2026 (Switch 2)
• Ondeh Ondeh: Kaya's Tasty Tale: 2027 (Switch 2)
• Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight: September 18, 2026 (Switch 2)

Persona and Other Franchise Returns

The Persona series received a double dose of love. Persona 4 Revival, the highly anticipated remake, is confirmed for May 20, 2027. Furthermore, Nintendo dropped a bombshell by confirming that Persona 6 is also on the way to Switch 2.

In the realm of monster collecting, Pokémon Pokopia announced its expansion pass for Part 2, which will launch late 2026. This update promises a shift from deep underwater exploration to fashion-focused content, featuring Pokémon-themed accessories like ribbons and bowties.

Notable Absences and Future Speculation

Despite the sheer volume of announcements, one title notably absent from the release schedule was The Duskbloods. Despite a recent network test that generated significant buzz, no launch date was provided. This omission suggests that FromSoftware's new project may still be in development or awaiting final polishing before its public debut.

Additionally, while Mega Man: Dual Override was showcased with gameplay featuring returning ally Proto Man, specific release dates were not immediately detailed beyond a "spring next year" window. The game will launch on both Switch 1 and Switch 2.

Conclusion: A Packed Holiday Season

The September 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct served as a comprehensive roadmap for the Nintendo Switch 2's library. From the high-octane action of Metroid Ravenous and Mario Kart World updates to the strategic depth of Pikmin 4 and the narrative richness of The Witcher 3, the console is positioned as a versatile hub for diverse gaming experiences. With a release schedule stretching from late September through the holiday season and into 2027, Nintendo has ensured that owners of the new hardware will have ample content to keep them engaged.