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Nintendo Direct - all Nintendo Switch games announced at the March 2025 show and our reactions as it happened

A last hurrah for Switch games

Kirby inhaling a Nintendo Switch
(Image: © Nintendo/Future)

The latest Nintendo Direct has officially concluded! The event took place on March 27, 2025, and features loads of exciting game reveals.

The presentation lasted just over 37 minutes which was a little shorter than the usual 40-odd-minute format. There was absolutely no Nintendo Switch 2 news in the direct, though this in itself isn't too surprising given the fact that Nintendo stated as much in the build up to it.

Nintendo Direct March 2025 - everything announced

Here are all the announcements from the Nintendo Direct in the order that they happened.

  • Dragon Quest 1&2 Remake: 2025 release date
  • AI The Somnium Files spin-off (No Sleep for Kaname Date)
  • Raidou Kuzunoha remaster (Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army)
  • Shadow Labyrinth (a weird Pac-Man spin-off) releasing July 18, 2025
  • Patapon on Switch and Patapon 2 (Patapon 1+ 2 Replay)
  • Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (obligatory cozy farming game) drops August 27
  • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Samus gets Psychic abilities) 2025 release
  • Disney Villains Cursed Cafe (available later today)
  • Witchbrook (new game from Chucklefish) arrives Holiday 2025
  • The Eternal Life of Goldman
  • Gradius Origins
  • Rift of the Necrodancer (Celeste and Pizza Tower crossovers) available today
  • Tamagotchi Plaza comes June 27
  • Pokemon Legends Z-A, new trailer, launches late 2025
  • Rhythm Heaven Groove (2026)
  • Virtual Game Card feature (Late April via system update)
  • Highlight sizzle reel:
    • High on Life
    • Star Overdrive
    • The Wandering Village
    • King of Meat
    • Lou's Lagoon
    • Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
  • Saga Frontier 2 Remastered (Available today)
  • Monument Valley / Monument Valley 2 ports (April 15) and Monument Valley 3 (Summer)
  • Everybody's Golf Hot Shots (2025)
  • Marvel Cosmic Invasion (Holiday 2025)
  • Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (a new game in the series) comes in 2026
  • Nintendo Today app unveiled, out today!

Nintendo Direct how to watch

Missed the live stream? As the Nintendo Direct has now ended, you can watch it in full below.

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TechRadar author Dashiell Wood wearing a whimsical hat.
Dashiell Wood

Technology and gaming journalist with more than three years experience writing about games for major magazines and websites. Also a Nintendo Switch expert, with thousands of hours of hands-on time with the console and countless games.

A headshot of TechRadar Gaming managing editor Rob Dwiar
Rob Dwiar

Gaming and hardware editor of eight years, with loads of experience covering launches, live streams, and events.

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Good morning gamers! Hello and welcome to my live Nintendo Direct coverage. The hype is definitely building and we're here to guide you through the day.

How to prepare

A Kirby remaster?

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Wondering what might be in store? The latest rumors suggest that we a remaster of Kirby: Planet Robobot could be announced.

Of course, this is pure speculation at this time but it would make a lot of sense. With the Nintendo Switch on the way out, I would expect this Direct to be dominated by remasters or ports of older games.

This is because they're relatively straightforward to develop and can be outsourced to other studios, allowing Nintendo's biggest teams to focus on the Nintendo Switch 2.

We saw lots of remasters towards the end of the Nintendo 3DS's and Wii U's life, so the company also has form here,

Reminder: no Nintendo Switch 2 news

Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Here's an important reminder if you haven't already got the memo: there will be no news about the Nintendo Switch 2 in this presentation.

This was confirmed by Nintendo in the original announcement post, which stated "there will be no updates about Nintendo Switch 2 during this presentation."

If it's just Nintendo Switch 2 news that you're after, you're best off skipping this Direct in favor of the previously confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 direct on April 2, which takes place at 6AM PT.

The Nintendo Music app has grown

Nintendo Music teaser art

(Image credit: Nintendo)

In some surprising news shortly before the announcement of the Nintendo Direct, the company revealed changes to its Nintendo Music app.

The app, which lets you listen to select video game soundtracks on your mobile phone, now features some new music from classics like Tetris, Dr. Mario, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

Could this hint at some of the things we might see at the Nintendo Direct? It's not likely, but it's still interesting nonetheless.

Fans share hopes ahead of the Nintendo Direct...

The Legend of Zelda

(Image credit: Nintendo)

As you would expect, Nintendo fans have been flocking to social media to share their hopes ahead of the Nintendo Direct. I've been keeping up with the latest posts on X / Twitter to see what everyone's been talking about.

I'm noticing lots of The Legend of Zelda fans holding out for remasters. Many have been calling for Nintendo Direct re-releases of Twilight Princess and The Wind Waker for years now and this Nintendo Direct could be the last hope of them being announced before the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Others are talking about the potential Kirby: Planet Robobot remaster which, as I've already discussed, is definitely plausible and on my personal bingo card too.

I've even spotted one fan desperate for a Tomodachi Life 2 reveal. While I would personally love to see a successor to Nintendo's life simulator, it doesn't seem too likely. I also think that if one is indeed in the works, it's more likely to be a Nintendo Switch 2 game - potentially tying into the upcoming console's rumored new social features.

Will any of these sought-after games be featured later? We'll just have to wait and see.

...and plenty of memes

Hopefully there will be at least a crumb of Zelda news today...

Having two Nintendo Direct presentations in such quick succession is definitely a strange choice.

When I first heard rumblings of a Nintendo Direct happening earlier this week, I was very sceptical given just how soon after that Nintendo Switch 2 Direct would fall.

I don't know about you, but the news that Haliey Welch is coming to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a guest character would really be the push I need to really get into fighting games.

I hate to say it, but that second image will probably be seeing a lot of use today...

The last Switch direct?

Super Mario Odyssey

(Image credit: Nintendo)

It seems almost certain that this will be the last Nintendo Direct devoted entirely to Nintendo Switch software considering the fact that there is more information on the Nintendo Switch 2 just around the corner.

Still, I don't think that this will be the end of Nintendo Switch game releases or even the system's presence in Nintendo Direct presentations. Nintendo has a good track record when it comes to supporting their older products even when a successor has been released.

We kept hearing about new Nintendo 3DS games well into the start of the Nintendo Switch's life and there's no reason to think this won't be the case here.

There's also the possibility of future cross-generation releases, with some games coming to both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 going forward.

Potential for more details about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Metroid Prime 4

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond might be a prominent part of today's Nintendo Direct.

First announced at E3 back in 2017, a proper look at this long-awaited instalment in the Metroid Prime series seems long overdue.

The last trailer for the game came dropped in June 2024, confirming its full title and showing off some brief cinematic clips - but we haven't heard a peep about it since.

Nintendo has confirmed that it will be released some time in 2025, so surely more information is going to come out in the next few weeks and months.

The big question is whether the game will be a part of this Direct, or the full Nintendo Switch 2 Direct next month. On one hand, there's a chance that this will be a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title (with cross-gen Nintendo Switch support too), which means that it would make more sense there.

On the other, Nintendo might want to focus more heavily on larger franchises like Mario Kart with more general appeal.

We'll just have to wait and see...

Hello there! This is Rob, Managing Editor of TechRadar Gaming taking over from Dash while he escapes for some food before the big event kicks off in.... only an hour and 15 minutes!

Will there be any hardware revealed?

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con charging stand

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Before leaving, Dash had this to say about the chances of a hardware reveal:

"As this is likely to be the last Nintendo Direct before the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, there's a slim chance that Nintendo will slip in some last-minute hardware reveals for that older machine.

Nintendo released a Joy-Con charging stand last October, presumably so that players can keep their Joy-Con full of juice once they upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 (which features a new attachment mechanism for its controllers).

The only thing I (Rob) can potentially think of Nintendo doing is perhaps one (or more) last special edition of the Switch OLED console. The player and user base is massive and committed and if there is a bit of a wait until the Switch 2 actually launches then one final special edition could be the perfect hardware gap-plugger.

Maybe we'll see some other accessories today that are intended to help ease that transition..."

Have your own thoughts on the Direct?

Dash here! I'm now full of lunch and back to take over our live coverage... I hope' you're getting ready, as the Direct is going to kick off in exactly 30 minutes.

Prediction: Nintendo Switch Online will get some love

Nintendo Direct live blog.

(Image credit: Nintendo / Future)

Here's a quick prediction as the Direct nears!

I would be very surprised if we don't see a few new games coming to the Nintendo Switch Online service today.

Such new additions are a regular part of Nintendo Direct presentations as Nintendo generally aims to keep its online service ticking along nicely. In my books, it's highly likely that there will be some more announced later.

The Nintendo Switch Online service is currently bursting with NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games, plus Nintendo 64, Sega Mega Drive, and Game Boy Advance titles for those with the Expansion Pack upgrade, so keep an eye out for old games from those systems.

Just fifteen minutes to go!

Espresso prepared using De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine

(Image credit: Future)

This is not a drill!

There is now just 15 minutes to go until the Nintendo Direct begins. Why not use the next few minutes to make sure you have some drinks ready and get comfy?

I'm personally sipping on a coffee and have an ice cool cup of water on standby.

Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo

(Image credit: Nintendo)
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The stream hasn't officially begun, but viewers are already pouring in!

Just one minute to go... Hold on to something!

The Direct kicks off with its first reveal

No release date I'm afraid, but we do know that it's coming some time in 2025.

No Sleep AI Spinoff

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo Direct live screenshot

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Shadow Labyrinth

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Patapon 1 + 2 Replay

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar

(Image credit: Nintendo)

We have a new Metroid Prime 4: Beyond trailer!

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Woah! This is something I didn't expect. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has received a new trailer and it looks absolutely stunning!

It revealed a new setting, the Planet Viewros, and shows protagonist Samus exploring her surroundings, scanning relics, and using her Arm Cannon to defeat sinister aliens.

The trailer also showed off a range of psychic abilities for Samus! This lets her open doors and, more excitingly, control her attacks more closely.

Disney Villains Cursed Café

(Image credit: Disney Games)

Sticking with the cute game theme, we've got a trailer for Witchbrook from Chucklefish!

The Eternal Life of Goldman

(Image credit: THQ Nordic)

Konami is taking you back to the 90s with Gradius Origins, plus a brand new entry in the series - Salamander 3. These are all action side-scrollers with a cool retro aesthetic.

Rift of the NecroDancer

(Image credit: Brace Yourself Games)

Now an adorable look at Tamagotchi Plaza! It looks like a cute take on running your own shop.

Pokémon Legends Z-A

(Image credit: Nintendo)

New Pokemon trailer! Here's another look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A and it's a bit... rough. I'm not the biggest fan of the series, but the visuals here look seriously dated. Hopefully this will be one title that gets lots of Switch 2 enhancements.

Hold up - is that a new Rhythm Heaven game? It certainly looks like it!

Rhythm Heaven: Groove

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Okay this is weird... Some kind of hardware reveal?

Nintendo Switch Digital Game Card

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo Switch Digital Game Card

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Quick highlight reel! Here's what we're seeing:

  • High on Life
  • Star Overdrive
  • The Wandering Village
  • King of Meat
  • Lou's Lagoon
  • Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time

The presentation continues!

Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2, two fantastic mobile puzzle games, are coming to Nintendo Switch!

Let's go! A new Everybody's Golf Hot Shots, a new entry in the long-running series. This is usually a franchise that's heavily associated with PlayStation, so I'm definitely interested to learn more.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion looks cool! A retro beat-em-up starring Marvel heroes from across the universe. It's coming in holiday 2025.

Lock in everyone! The last game announcement is here.

A new Tomodachi Life game??? Say what!

Tomadachi Life Living the Dream

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Wait... there's one more announcement? What's going on?

Nintendo Today App image presentation

(Image credit: Nintendo)

And that's it! In my books, that was an excellent Nintendo Direct. Lots of surprising reveals and some fantastic games to look forward to.

The biggest surprises from the show

Tomadachi Life Living the Dream

(Image credit: Nintendo)

There were some big surprises in this Nintendo Direct. I can't believe how many meaty reveals there were, especially given how soon the next Nintendo Direct will be.

For me, the most shocking reveal from the show was the new Tomodachi Life game. I love live sims and have been hoping for a series revival. The second pre-orders are available, I'll be placing one ASAP.

I was also caught off guard by the new Virtual Game Card feature. It sounds very strange, but now that I've had some time to think about it, it could be quite cool. I use multiple Nintendo Switch consoles and the current system of having to repeatedly connect your secondary console to the internet in order to verify your ownership is quite clunky.

The Nintendo Today app was also a surprise? Daily updates from Nintendo is pretty exciting and I can't wait to get it installed later today to see what it's all about.

What we're most excited for

Tomadachi Life Living the Dream

(Image credit: Nintendo)

First up, Hardware Editor Rhys Wood who is looking forward to the new Tomodachi Life game.

"Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was absolutely the announcement of the show for me," he said.

"That subtitle is pretty apt actually, because I do feel like I’m living the dream knowing that a new game in this series is on the way for Nintendo Switch and - presumably - Switch 2"

"I first played Tomodachi Life on the Nintendo 3DS, and to this day I think it’s one of the funniest games ever made. Plopping your Miis down on an island with their charmingly warbled text-to-speech created hundreds of scenarios, events, news broadcasts and dream sequences. You never really knew what to expect and I imagine that’s going to be the same with this sequel."

"I only hope they bring back the ravioli bath; the greatest Mii invention of all time!"

Witchbrook

(Image credit: Chucklefish)

Managing Editor, Lifestyle, Josephine Watson also tuned in and is sharing the Tomodachi Life hype.

I also cornered Audio Editor Becky Scarrott as she was heading to the office kitchen. She had this to say:

The Nintendo Today app is available!

Pokémon Legends Z-A

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Back to some more reactions from the team! Senior Staff Writer Hamish Hector is much more optimistic about the new Pokémon game than I am...

"New Pokémon Legends Z-A details are always excellent, and while we still didn't see any new ‘mons or Megas the Z-A Royale battles looks like an awesome twist on the classic Gym Challenge we're used to by now," he said.

"I just hope grinding through 26 ranks from Z to A doesn’t turn into a slog. Shadow Labyrinth looks sweet (and kinda silly) too. It wasn't on my radar at all but any game that promises dark Pac-Man lore is one I can't not play. Oh, and that hand-drawn The Eternal Life of Goldman title looks like a beautiful platformer. I adored Cuphead and this game's aesthetics are enough to make me try it out as well when it launches."

Staff Writer, Reviews, Harry Padoan is up for this revitalized PS2 release:

"I'm a huge Atlus fan and both Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne and Persona 4 Golden rank as some of my favorite RPGs ever. Even still, I've never had a chance to play any of the Devil Summoner games, so the announcement of a Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army remaster has me hyped. I’m already excited to clash with classic demons like Oni and Cerberus…but more than anything, to walk around Tok-hee-ho…I mean Tokyo, with Jack Frost."

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Shadow Labyrinth

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Patapon 1 + 2 Replay

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

The Nintendo of America president weighs on

"What was you favorite news from today's #NintendoDirect," he posted. This was quickly followed up with a post with the correction "*your".

More Gradius Origins details have just arrived! The collection is billed as the "definitive collection of the earliest games from the Gradius series" - classic 2D side-scrolling shoot 'em ups.

  • Gradius
    • Gradius JP ver
    • Gradius Bubble System ver
    • Nemesis NA ver
    • Nemesis EU ver
    • Nemesis NA Proto ver
  • Gradius 2
    • Gradius 2 Gofer no Yabou JP Early ver
    • Gradius 2 Gofer no Yabou JP Mid ver
    • Gradius 2 Gofer no Yabou JP Late ver
    • Vulcan Venture NA ver
  • Gradius 3
    • Gradius 3 Densetsu kara Shinwa e JP Old ver
    • Gradius 3 Densetsu kara Shinwa e JP New ver
    • Gradius 3 ASIAN ver
    • Gradius 3 Densetsu kara Shinwa e JP AM Show ver
  • Salamander
    • Salamander JP ver
    • Life Force NA ver
  • Life Force
    • Life Force JP ver
  • Salamander 2
    • Salamander 2 JP ver

The collection also comes with Salamander 3, a brand-new entry and the first new game in the series in over 15 years. It features 2D sprites and background, so should fit in well with the rest of the collection.

Hot off the presses, I've got the latest details on Tamagotchi Plaza.

Some new Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army details just dropped!

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It offers a full breakdown of the game's setting and story, plus investigations mechanics. The changes in this version are detailed and there's also an interview with the director about the remaster.

Nintendo Switch 2 details leak via Nintendo's new app

Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo was adamant that there wouldn't be any new information about the Nintendo Switch 2 in today's direct, but may have accidentally leaked something anyway.

One of the screenshots on the App Store and Google Play listings for the new Nintendo Today app shows the Nintendo Switch 2 in all its glory, complete with its mysterious button.

Just like the leaks suggested, it has a 'C' on it - which I guess means we should call it the "C Button".

What could it do? I've got no idea, but it's definitely an interesting little detail.

The button was completely blank in the original Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer and I suspect that Nintendo had intended to reveal more at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct next month...

And that's a wrap from me!

Hello there, Jacob here taking over what has already been a jam-packed live reporting on Nintendo's March 27 Direct.

There are a plethora of new titles to be excited about – including some launching today like Disney Villains Cursed Cafe – but what stands out to me the most as of right now is the new virtual card feature, which will drop in April.

Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming's Hardware Editor compiled a bunch of new details we've learned about Witchbrook, which is set to arrive later this year.

Witchbrook

(Image credit: Chucklefish)

Excited for Witchbrook's launch on Nintendo Switch later this year? We've just received a batch of new details on Chucklefish's latest life sim! The game is set to arrive on Switch during Holiday 2025, so get wish listing now!

  • Enrol as a witch-in-training at Witchbrook College
  • Immerse yourself in the bustling seaside city of Mossport
  • Learn new magical abilities to support yourself, local businesses, and the community
  • Make friends and find romance amidst a colourful cast of datable characters
  • Spend time between classes however you choose; from foraging in the deep woodland, selling crafts at the Sunday Market, taking part in seasonal events, and much much more!
  • Renovate and customise your cozy woodland cottage and transform the surrounding garden
  • Express your unique aesthetic with customisable clothing, hair and accessories
  • Adventure with friends! Up to 4 players can experience Witchbrook together in online co-op

Out of the new titles announced during the Direct, I'm most excited to try out the latest Disney Villains Cursed Cafe title. It seems to be less action adventure and more cozy adventure, which are some of my favorite titles to play on a device like the Nintendo Switch OLED.

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Hi folks, Marcus Mears III, TechRadar's Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor here. After watching yet another open-world Pokémon reveal, I can't help but wish Nintendo would soften up on its steadfast rule that you need to use Nintendo hardware to enjoy its household titles. I'm a Steam Deck fanatic at heart, and I can't bring myself to pick up another handheld just to play the select few Nintendo titles I'm interested in.

I think I'm far from alone when I say that many players would jump at the chance to buy their favorite Nintendo games like Pokémon and Metroid from Steam or GOG, rather than jump through shady emulation hoops using apps like Yuzu.

Unfortunately, I just don't see this happening any time soon. Nintendo is somewhat infamous for cracking down on fan-made projects that have PC ports, and I think its happy locking its titles away behind a hardware paywall for the time being. Nintendo, please follow in PlayStation's footsteps when it comes to games like God of War - drop the console exclusivity after a certain time period and release a Pokémon PC port so I can give you my money!

Patapon 1 + 2 Replay

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Nintendo Today App image presentation

(Image credit: Nintendo)

"Have you downloaded the Nintendo Today app on Android or iOS? I've had a quick mess around with it now that it's been officially released, and my initial impressions are fairly positive.

The app is highly polished and responsive, and posts all have bespoke aesthetics, such as the one for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I'm a fan of the different themes you can apply to the app, and it even has widget support, allowing you to pin a calendar or news feed to your phone's home screen."

Seeing that Rhys gave Nintendo Today! a go, I, too, downloaded it and am giving it a spin. But here's another thought on many of the titles released today, and it's Jacob back here again.

As I'm downloading one of the new titles, Disney Villains Cursed Café, I'm struck that the titles today also give us a look at some titles that will be mainstays for the Switch 2. Sure, Nintendo didn't expressly mention the forthcoming console —that honor will be saved for next week's Nintendo Direct on April 2—but many of these titles are going to ship later in 2025 and some in 2026.

This should give the next big console from Nintendo plenty of titles for folks to be excited about, but it also reaffirms a commitment to the existing Nintendo hardware – Switch Lite, Switch,

While you can keep scrolling down the page to see our live reporting from the Nintendo Direct earlier today, you can also scroll up to see a replay of the entire event. That means every exciting unveil and the reveal of the Nintendo Today! app.

It was a jam-packed day, with Nintendo announcing over 25 titles coming to Switch and ultimately setting up a long slate of games for fans to be excited about. And as we're nearing the midnight hour here on the East Coast of the United States, we're going to be signing off for a bit.

Hey everyone!