Nintendo Direct

Nintendo Direct[a] is a series of online presentations or live shows produced by Nintendo, where information regarding the company's upcoming content or franchises is presented, such as information about games and consoles.[1] The presentations began in Japan and North America with the first edition on October 21, 2011, before later expanding to Europe, Australia, and South Korea.

Nintendo Direct
Logo for Nintendo Directs since 2017. The word "Nintendo" is in red, while the word "Direct" is white in a red arrow.
Main logo since 2017
Japaneseニンテンドーダイレクト
GenrePresentation
Created bySatoru Iwata
Developed byNintendo
Presented byVarious, presently:
Previous presenters
Country of origin
  • Japan
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Australia
  • South Korea
Original languages
  • Japanese
  • English
  • Korean
Production
Executive producers
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time5–60 minutes
Production companyNintendo
Original release
Network
ReleaseOctober 21, 2011 (2011-10-21) –
present
Related

Format

Nintendo Direct presentations vary in format between different presentations and regions.

Regional differences

Nintendo Directs generally come in both regional and international formats.

International

For subjects of a general worldwide appeal, a single Nintendo Direct is often localized for a simultaneous international broadcast. Usually, these will be recorded in Japanese and presented by a Japanese presenter. Prior to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's death, he would host Directs in both English and Japanese, with other languages' presentations being subtitled.

Upon Iwata's death, Nintendo Directs did not receive a worldwide host until 2017, when Yoshiaki Koizumi from Nintendo EPD took over this role. Since 2018, Koizumi has shared this responsibility with Shinya Takahashi. E3 Directs sometimes featured Reggie Fils-Aime as a host for a short period of time until his departure in 2019.

Since 2017, the Japanese presenter and any narrators' roles will be dubbed or subtitled for international release, including into English.

Presentations scheduled for around the time of the Electronic Entertainment Expo were originally produced by Nintendo of America, presented in English and dubbed or subtitled into other languages for international broadcast. From 2019 until the last event in 2021, E3 Directs were produced by Nintendo of Japan, presented in Japanese and dubbed or subtitled into other languages for international broadcast.

Japan

In Japan, Nintendo Directs were most commonly presented by Nintendo's global president Satoru Iwata until his death in 2015. Yoshiaki Koizumi started serving as host in 2017. Shinya Takahashi started sharing the hosting duties with Koizumi in 2018. In From March 2018 to September 2019, Koizumi only hosted the Directs in the first half of the year, while Takahashi hosted the Directs in the second half of the year. From February 2021 to September 2022, this format for Directs was switched with Takahashi hosting the Directs in the first half of the year and Koizumi hosting the Directs in the second half of the year. The E3 2021 and June 2023 Directs had both hosts appear at the same time.

Since 2017, Japan has hosted region-specific "Indie World" presentations, focusing on indie games published for Nintendo Switch.

Directs focused on Super Smash Bros. are typically hosted by series creator and director Masahiro Sakurai.

North America

In North America, the videos were often presented by Nintendo of America president, Reggie Fils-Aimé (before he retired in 2019), and Bill Trinen.

For international Directs produced in Japan since 2017, Nintendo of America would air a dubbed version of the Direct in English; although a notable exception of having it subtitled instead of dubbed were the Mr. Sakurai Presents presentations starting with "Min Min" from ARMS in 2020 and up until the final presentation with "Sora" from Kingdom Hearts in 2021 (with the sole exception of Sakurai's appearance in the 2021 E3 Nintendo Direct following Kazuya's reveal). This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it difficult to record the voice-overs. Both the presenter and narrator are dubbed by separate narrators.

Since 2017, Nintendo of America has aired presentations focusing on indie games published for Nintendo Switch. Between 2017 and 2019, these were branded as "Nindies Showcase" hosted by Trinen, before aligning their branding to the Japanese "Indie World" banner.

Europe and Australia

European Directs were presented by former Nintendo of Europe president, Satoru Shibata and Ed Valiente. These presentations were also broadcast in Australia.

Australia generally only airs the European output, but one Direct was created specifically for the region, broadcast on September 24, 2014. This Direct was hosted by Tom Enoki.

For international Directs produced in Japan since 2017, Nintendo of Europe and Nintendo Australia airs the original Japanese audio for the presenters, but uses an English dub for the narrated sections. These are then subtitled for broadcast in other languages. Since 2019, the "Pokémon Direct"/"Pokémon Presents" are the only Directs that are dubbed for Europe and Australia in English, however, they are subtitled in different languages with the English dub.

Since 2017, Nintendo of Europe has broadcast presentations focusing on indie games published for Nintendo Switch. From 2017 to 2018, Nintendo of Europe broadcast the American "Nindies Showcase" presentations. In 2018 and 2019, Nintendo of Europe hosted its own "Indie Highlights" videos. Since 2019, they returned to broadcasting Nintendo of America's presentations, now under the "Indie World" banner, with Nintendo Australia broadcasting later on.

South Korea

South Korea has also aired exclusive Nintendo Directs hosted by Nintendo of Korea president, Hiroyuki Fukuda.

Hong Kong and Taiwan

A few Nintendo Direct presentations have been produced specifically for Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Types of Nintendo Direct presentations

Outside of the general Nintendo Direct presentations, which cover a range of titles, there are also Directs centred around specific titles or series. These are usually presented by the producer or director of the game or series, or employ a narrator.

List of Nintendo Direct presentation types
TypeLogoDurationContent
Nintendo Direct
25–50 minutesThe main type of Nintendo Direct presentation. Showcases information about software and hardware across all Nintendo platforms. Starting in 2017, a series of headlines during certain segments were introduced.
Nintendo Direct Mini
5–30 minutesA shorter version of the main type of Nintendo Direct that showcases information about software and hardware across all Nintendo platforms but may focus on some smaller releases. Starting in 2018, the hosts of this Nintendo Direct were removed and a series of headlines during certain segments were introduced. There is also a separate variant of this type of Nintendo Direct, named Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase that feature games from Nintendo's developing and publishing partners.
Nintendo Direct special5–50 minutesA presentation that covers specific software titles, both from Nintendo and third-party developers. Usually hosted by the game's producer or director or makes use of a narrator. Each Direct of this type has its own logo.
Pokémon Direct/Pokemon Presents10–27 minutesA presentation focusing on the Pokémon franchise, including games for the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. These presentations are organized by The Pokémon Company without direct involvement from Nintendo. This was known as "Pokémon Direct" from 2013 to 2020 and "Pokémon Presents" from 2020 onward.
Indie World17–28 minutesA presentation focusing on titles by independent developers coming to Nintendo Switch. This type of Nintendo Direct was originally only shown in Japan but later added to North America and Europe.
Discontinued Nintendo Direct presentation types
Nintendo Direct Micro
17 minutesA one-off presentation in 2015 that covered software and hardware across all Nintendo platforms. This type of Nintendo Direct was only shown in North America and has been discontinued.
Nintendo 3DS Direct
30–50 minutesA Nintendo Direct specifically concerning software and hardware related to the Nintendo 3DS family of consoles. This type of Nintendo Direct has been discontinued after its run from 2013 to 2016, although Nintendo 3DS games appeared outside of this type until 2019.
Wii U Direct
30–50 minutesA Nintendo Direct specifically concerning software and hardware related to the Wii U console. Running in 2012 and 2013, this type of Nintendo Direct has been discontinued following the end of Wii U production to make way for the Nintendo Switch.
Nindies Showcase
10–30 minutesA presentation focusing on titles by independent developers coming to Nintendo Switch. This specific presentation type was only shown in North America and Europe. This type of Nintendo Direct ran from 2017 to 2019 and was replaced by "Indie Highlights" in Europe in 2018 before both were replaced by "Indie World".
Indie Highlights17–23 minutesA presentation focusing on titles by independent developers coming to Nintendo Switch. This specific presentation type was only shown in Europe. This type of Nintendo Direct ran from 2018 to 2019 and was replaced by "Indie World".
Nintendo E3 Presentations/Directs20–45 minutesA presentation on upcoming first/third party games that aired live during E3. The presentation covered games that would release sometime between E3 and the end of the calendar year. Each Direct of this type had its own logo. There were no Directs of this type in 2016, as well as in 2020 and 2022 (due to E3 being cancelled these years because of the COVID-19 pandemic) and in 2023 (because multiple publishers including Nintendo pulled out of the event that year). This Direct type was discontinued in December 2023 after the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) permanently discontinued E3.[2]

Nintendo E3 Directs

From June 2013 to June 2021, in lieu of traditional large-scale Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) press conferences, Nintendo has opted to utilize the Nintendo Direct platform as an alternative method of conveying its news. Speaking at an annual March financial results briefing just two months prior, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata stated that the company's decision was determined by the fact that “different people demand different types of information”, and that the Nintendo Direct platform had established itself to the point that Nintendo would “be able to deliver [their] messages more appropriately and effectively … based on the various needs of different groups of people”.[3] Christopher Dring of GamesIndustry.biz observed that the last press conference that Nintendo held at E3 in 2012 featured too much of a mix between Nintendo's new hardware for the Wii U and game announcements. Compared to other press conferences held that year, Nintendo's presentation left little for fans of the company to be excited for. By switching to Nintendo Directs, Dring opined that the company was able to better connect to fans using the Nintendo Direct presentations, made the faces of Nintendo's executives more visible, as well as having Directs outside of the E3 cycle to provide more frequent updates on game and hardware releases.[4]

During the stream of the pre-recorded broadcast for E3 2013, Nintendo's website suffered from technical difficulties in the form of overloaded servers, rendering the live video unwatchable for many viewers, and prompting an official apology from Satoru Iwata.[5] Despite these difficulties, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé noted that secondary viewership following the initial broadcast still worked to popularize product promotion.[6]

The following year, in addition to the Direct, the company added "Nintendo Treehouse: Live @ E3" live streams to their presence at the trade event.[7] Named after the Product Development department at Nintendo of America, these are daily streams from the show floor that feature NoA localization staff and game developers demoing and giving in-depth coverage of titles that were announced during that year's Direct. The year also began a trend of Nintendo hosting a game tournament sometime during the week, in which the participants compete in titles that had yet to be released.

List of Nintendo E3 events
YearTitleSummary
2014Super Smash Bros. InvitationalSixteen professional Super Smash Bros. players get invited to play Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.[8][9]
2015Nintendo World Championships 2015Sixteen players, eight chosen from qualifying competitions throughout the United States and invited by Nintendo, compete in various Nintendo games, with the final game being Super Mario Maker.[10][11]
2016Nintendo lacked both an E3 tournament and an E3 presentation this year, only having Nintendo Treehouse Live streams that focused mainly on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Nintendo 3DS games.
2017Splatoon 2 World Inkling InvitationalProfessional Splatoon teams from the United States, Japan, Europe and Australia/New Zealand compete in a round-robin tournament with Splatoon 2's Turf War and Ranked Battle modes.[12][13]
Pokkén Tournament DX InvitationalFour two-player teams consisting of YouTube and Twitch personalities compete, with one member of each team using one of the new characters added for the Pokkén Tournament DX's Nintendo Switch release.[14][15]
Arms Open InvitationalFour convention attendees at E3 2017 compete against four professional fighting game players in a single elimination format with the various gameplay modes in Arms.[12][16]
2018Splatoon 2 World Championship FinalsSplatoon representatives from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Japan, compete in a series of ranked matches in Splatoon 2 for the grand prize at E3 2018.
Super Smash Bros. Invitational 2018Professional Super Smash Bros. players and selected convention attendees at E3 2018 get to play the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Ultimate title for the Nintendo Switch.
2019[17]Super Mario Maker 2 Invitational 2019Special guests invited by Nintendo get to play a wide variety of newly made courses in the upcoming Super Mario Maker 2.
Splatoon 2 World Championship 2019Splatoon teams from North America, Europe, Australia/New Zealand and Japan, each the winners of their respective tournaments, battle in Splatoon 2 after a year of events to be given the world number one title at E3 2019.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate World Championship 2019 3v3Qualified Super Smash Bros. teams of three from each of North America, Europe, Australia/New Zealand and Japan compete against each other in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate after each winning their regional tournaments.

After E3 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the video game industry. E3 2020 was cancelled in March 2020 due to the pandemic,[18] E3 2021 was held online, with Nintendo only holding an E3 Direct and Treehouse Live streams,[19] and E3 2022 was cancelled in March 2022.[20] Nintendo also pulled out of E3 2023,[21][22] which was cancelled in March 2023 due to the "lack of sustained interest".[23] The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) permanently discontinued E3 in December 2023, leading to more publisher-specific showcases, including main Nintendo Directs with headlines.[2]

List of presentations

Alongside Nintendo Direct presentations, other Nintendo-produced online presentations without "Direct" in its name are listed.

  Nintendo Direct
  Nintendo Direct held at E3
  Nintendo Direct Mini
  Nintendo Direct for a single game or game series
  Wii U Direct
  Pokémon Direct (formerly)/Pokémon Presents
  Nintendo 3DS Direct
  Super Smash Bros. Direct
  Nintendo Direct Micro
  Nindies Showcase/Indie Highlights/Indie World
  Super Nintendo World Direct
  The Super Mario Bros. Movie Direct
  Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase
List of Nintendo Direct presentations
Broadcast typeCoverageDateRegionsRef.
Nintendo DirectNintendo 3DS and Wii gamesOctober 21, 2011Japan, North America[24][25]
Nintendo DirectDecember 27, 2011Japan[26]
Nintendo DirectFebruary 22, 2012Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[27][28][29]
Nintendo DirectNintendo 3DS and Super Mario 3D LandApril 14, 2012South Korea[30]
Nintendo DirectNintendo 3DS and Wii gamesApril 21, 2012Japan, Europe, Australia[31][32]
Nintendo Direct Pre E3 2012Wii U built-in softwareJune 3, 2012Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[33][34]
Nintendo DirectNintendo 3DS XL reveal
Nintendo 3DS and Wii games
June 21, 2012Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[35][36][37][38]
Nintendo Direct MiniBrain Age: Concentration TrainingJuly 18, 2012Japan[39][40]
Nintendo DirectDragon Quest XJuly 30, 2012Japan[41][42]
Nintendo DirectNintendo 3DS and Wii gamesAugust 29, 2012Japan[43][44]
Nintendo Direct MiniBrain Age: Concentration TrainingSeptember 7, 2012Japan[45][46]
Wii U DirectWii U gamesSeptember 13, 2012Japan, Europe, Australia[47][48]
Nintendo Direct MiniNew Super Mario Bros. 2September 28, 2012Japan[49]
Nintendo Direct MiniOctober 2, 2012North America, Europe, Australia[50][51]
Nintendo Direct MiniNintendo 3DS XL & Nintendo eShopOctober 3, 2012Japan[52][53]
Nintendo DirectNintendo 3DS gamesOctober 4, 2012Europe, Australia[54]
Nintendo DirectAnimal Crossing: New LeafOctober 5, 2012Japan[55]
Nintendo DirectNintendo 3DS gamesOctober 25, 2012Japan, North America[56][57]
Nintendo DirectOctober 31, 2012South Korea[58]
Wii U DirectWii U, system apps and gamesNovember 7, 2012Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[59][60][61]
Wii U DirectWii U interface and MiiverseNovember 14, 2012Japan, North America[62][63]
Nintendo Direct MiniNew Super Mario Bros. 2November 27, 2012Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[64][65][66]
Nintendo DirectWii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesDecember 5, 2012Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[67][68][69]
Wii U DirectNiconicoDecember 6, 2012Japan[70]
Nintendo Direct MiniDragon Quest XDecember 19, 2012Japan[71]
Pokémon DirectPokémon X and YJanuary 8, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[72][73][74][75]
Wii U DirectWii U games, Miiverse and Virtual ConsoleJanuary 23, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[76][77][78]
Nintendo DirectAnimal Crossing: New LeafJanuary 24, 2013South Korea[79]
Nintendo DirectFebruary 1, 2013Japan[80]
Nintendo 3DS DirectYear of Luigi and Nintendo 3DS gamesFebruary 14, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[81][82][83][84]
Nintendo 3DS DirectNintendo 3DS gamesFebruary 21, 2013Japan[85]
Nintendo Direct MiniTomodachi Collection: New LifeMarch 12, 2013Japan[86]
Nintendo Direct MiniFlipnote Studio 3DMarch 13, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[87][88][89]
Nintendo Direct MiniNintendo 3DS gamesApril 1, 2013Japan[90]
Nintendo DirectTomodachi Collection: New LifeApril 3, 2013Japan[91]
Nintendo DirectYear of Luigi and Nintendo 3DS gamesApril 17, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[92][93][94][95]
Nintendo Direct[b]Wii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesMay 17, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[96][97][98][99]
Nintendo DirectMonster Hunter 4
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney − Dual Destinies
May 27, 2013Japan[100]
Nintendo Direct @ E3 2013Wii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesJune 11, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea[101][102][103][104]
Nintendo DirectPikmin 3June 26, 2013Japan[105]
Nintendo Direct MiniNintendo 3DS and Wii U gamesJuly 3, 2013Japan[106]
Nintendo Direct MiniJuly 18, 2013North America, Europe, Australia[107]
Nintendo DirectWii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesAugust 7, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[108][109][110][111]
Nintendo DirectThe Wonderful 101August 9, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[112][113][114][115]
Pokémon DirectPokémon X and YSeptember 4, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[116][117][118][119]
Nintendo DirectMonster Hunter 4September 8, 2013Japan[120]
Nintendo DirectWii Fit USeptember 18, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[121][122][123][124]
Nintendo DirectWii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesOctober 1, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[125][126][127][128]
Nintendo DirectPokémon X and Y
Monster Hunter 4
October 10, 2013South Korea[129]
Nintendo Direct MiniDaigasso! Band Brothers POctober 29, 2013Japan[130]
Nintendo DirectMonster Hunter 4November 12, 2013South Korea[131]
Nintendo DirectNintendo 3DS and Wii U gamesNovember 13, 2013North America, Europe, Australia[132][133][134]
Nintendo Direct MiniNintendo 3DS and Wii U Download softwareNovember 14, 2013Japan[135]
Nintendo DirectNintendo 3DS Guide: Louvre DistrictNovember 27, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[136][137][138][139]
Nintendo DirectWii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesDecember 18, 2013Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[140][141][142][143]
Nintendo DirectNintendo 3DS gamesJanuary 17, 2014South Korea[144]
Nintendo DirectWii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesFebruary 13, 2014Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[145][146][147][148]
Super Smash Bros. DirectSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii UApril 8, 2014Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[149][150][151][152]
Nintendo DirectTomodachi LifeApril 10, 2014North America, Europe, Australia[153][154][155]
Nintendo DirectMario Kart 8April 30, 2014Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[156][157][158][159]
Nintendo DirectTomodachi LifeMay 29, 2014South Korea[160]
Nintendo Digital Event @ E3 2014Wii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesJune 10, 2014Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea[161]
Nintendo DirectYo-kai Watch 2July 4, 2014Japan[162]
Nintendo 3DS DirectNintendo 3DS gamesJuly 11, 2014Japan[163]
Nintendo DirectHyrule WarriorsAugust 4, 2014Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[164][165][166][167]
Nintendo 3DS DirectNintendo 3DS gamesAugust 29, 2014Japan[168]
Nintendo DirectBayonetta 2September 4, 2014Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[169][170][171][172]
Nintendo 3DS DirectNew Nintendo 3DS revealSeptember 24, 2014Australia[173]
Nintendo DirectMonster Hunter 4GOctober 8, 2014Japan[174]
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U 50-Fact ExtravaganzaSuper Smash Bros. for Wii UOctober 23, 2014Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[175][176][177][178][179]
Nintendo DirectWii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesNovember 5, 2014Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[180][181][182][183][184]
Nintendo DirectNew Nintendo 3DS reveal
Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games
January 14, 2015Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[185][186][187][188][189]
Nintendo DirectXenoblade Chronicles XFebruary 6, 2015Japan[190]
Nintendo DirectNew Nintendo 3DS reveal and 3DS gamesMarch 19, 2015South Korea[191]
Nintendo DirectWii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesApril 1, 2015Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[192][193][194][195]
Nintendo DirectXenoblade Chronicles XApril 24, 2015North America[196]
Nintendo DirectSplatoonMay 7, 2015Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[197][198][199][200]
Nintendo DirectWii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesMay 31, 2015Japan[201]
Nintendo Direct MicroNintendo 3DS gamesJune 1, 2015North America[202][203]
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U – New Content ApproachingSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U DLCJune 14, 2015Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea[204]
Nintendo Digital Event @ E3 2015Wii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesJune 16, 2015Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea[205]
Nintendo DirectNovember 12, 2015Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[206][207][208][209]
Super Smash Bros. for 3DS / Wii U – Final Video PresentationSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U DLCDecember 15, 2015Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea[210][211]
Pokémon DirectPokémon Sun and Moon and 20th anniversaryFebruary 26, 2016Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[212][213][214][215][216][217]
Nintendo DirectWii U and Nintendo 3DS gamesMarch 3, 2016Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[218][219][220]
Nintendo DirectCuldcept RevoltMay 11, 2016Japan[221]
June 22, 2016[222]
Nintendo 3DS DirectNintendo 3DS gamesSeptember 1, 2016Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[223][224][225][226]
Nintendo DirectMonster Hunter XXOctober 27, 2016Japan[227]
Nintendo DirectAnimal Crossing: New Leaf – Welcome amiiboNovember 2, 2016Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[228][229]
Nintendo DirectMiitopiaNovember 5, 2016Japan[230]
Fire Emblem DirectFire Emblem gamesJanuary 18, 2017Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[231][232][233][234][235]
Special Video from Producer of Fire EmblemFebruary 13, 2017Hong Kong, Taiwan[236][237][238]
Nindies ShowcaseIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchFebruary 28, 2017North America, Europe[239][240][241]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS games, with a focus on Arms and Splatoon 2April 12, 2017Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[242][243]
Nintendo DirectArms (plus a small segment on Splatoon 2)May 17, 2017Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[244][245]
Pokémon DirectPokkén Tournament DX
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Pokémon Gold and Silver (Virtual Console)
June 6, 2017Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong[246][247][248][249][250]
Nintendo Spotlight: E3 2017Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS gamesJune 13, 2017Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong[251]
Nintendo DirectDragon Quest XIJune 21, 2017Japan[252]
Nintendo DirectSplatoon 2July 6, 2017Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[253][254]
Nindies ShowcaseIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchAugust 30, 2017North America[255][256]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS games, with a focus on Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Super Mario OdysseySeptember 13, 2017Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[257][258]
Mobile DirectAnimal Crossing: Pocket CampOctober 24, 2017Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[259][260][261]
Nintendo DirectXenoblade Chronicles 2November 7, 2017Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[262][263]
Nintendo Direct MiniSpring-Summer 2018 Nintendo Switch gamesJanuary 11, 2018Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[264][265]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS games, with a focus on Mario Tennis AcesMarch 8, 2018Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[266][267]
Nindies ShowcaseIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchMarch 20, 2018North America[268][269]
Indie WorldMay 11, 2018Japan[270]
Nintendo Direct: E3 2018Nintendo Switch games, with a focus on Super Smash Bros. UltimateJune 12, 2018Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[271][272]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DirectSuper Smash Bros. UltimateAugust 8, 2018Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[273]
Indie HighlightsIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchAugust 20, 2018Europe[274]
Nindies ShowcaseAugust 28, 2018North America[275][276]
Mobile DirectDragalia LostAugust 29, 2018Japan, North America[277][278]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS gamesSeptember 13, 2018[c]Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[279][280][281]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DirectSuper Smash Bros. UltimateNovember 1, 2018Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[282][283]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchDecember 27, 2018Japan[284]
Indie HighlightsJanuary 23, 2019Europe[285]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch games, with a focus on Fire Emblem: Three HousesFebruary 13, 2019Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[286][287]
Pokémon DirectPokémon Sword and ShieldFebruary 27, 2019Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong[288][289]
Nindies ShowcaseIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchMarch 20, 2019North America[290][291]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – New Content ApproachingSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate DLCApril 16, 2019Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[292]
Nintendo DirectSuper Mario Maker 2May 15, 2019Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[293]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchMay 31, 2019Japan[294]
Pokémon DirectPokémon Sword and ShieldJune 5, 2019Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong[295]
Nintendo Direct: E3 2019Nintendo Switch gamesJune 11, 2019Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[296][297]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Mr. Sakurai Presents "Hero"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLCJuly 30, 2019Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[298]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchAugust 19, 2019North America, Europe[299]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch games, with a focus on Luigi's Mansion 3 and Pokémon Sword and ShieldSeptember 4, 2019Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[300][301][302][303]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Mr. Sakurai Presents "Banjo & Kazooie"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLCSeptember 4, 2019Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[304]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Mr. Sakurai Presents "Terry Bogard"November 6, 2019Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[305][306][307]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchDecember 10, 2019Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[308]
Pokémon DirectPokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX and Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC Expansion PassJanuary 9, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong[309]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Mr. Sakurai Presents "Byleth"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLCJanuary 16, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[310][311][312]
Nintendo DirectAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsFebruary 20, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[313][314]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchMarch 17, 2020North America, Europe, Australia[315]
Nintendo Direct MiniNintendo Switch games releasing in 2020March 26, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[316][317][318][319]
Pokémon PresentsPokémon Café Mix, New Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC Expansion Pass – Part 1: The Isle of ArmorJune 17, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[320][321]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Mr. Sakurai Presents "Min Min"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLCJune 22, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[322][323]
Pokémon PresentsPokémon UniteJune 24, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[324]
Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner ShowcaseNintendo Switch games from Nintendo's developing & publishing partnersJuly 20, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[325][326]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchAugust 18, 2020North America, Europe, Australia[327]
Nintendo DirectRelease date and information regarding Ring Fit Adventure in ChinaAugust 19, 2020China[328]
Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner ShowcaseNintendo Switch games from Nintendo's developing & publishing partnersAugust 26, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[329][330]
Nintendo DirectSuper Mario Bros. 35th AnniversarySeptember 3, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[331]
Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner ShowcaseNintendo Switch games from Nintendo's developing & publishing partnersSeptember 17, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[332]
Nintendo DirectMonster HunterSeptember 17, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[333]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Mr. Sakurai Presents "Steve & Alex"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLCOctober 3, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[334]
Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner ShowcaseNintendo Switch games from Nintendo's developing & publishing partnersOctober 28, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[335]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchDecember 15, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[336]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Mr. Sakurai Presents "Sephiroth"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLCDecember 17, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[337]
Super Nintendo World DirectSuper Nintendo WorldDecember 18, 2020Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[338]
Nintendo DirectSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC and Nintendo Switch games releasing in the first half of 2021February 17, 2021Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[339][340]
Pokémon PresentsNew Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus and 25th AnniversaryFebruary 26, 2021Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[341]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Mr. Sakurai Presents "Pyra/Mythra"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLCMarch 4, 2021Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[342]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchApril 14, 2021Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[343]
Nintendo Direct: E3 2021Nintendo Switch gamesJune 15, 2021Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[344]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Mr. Sakurai Presents "Kazuya"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLCJune 28, 2021Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[345]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchAugust 11, 2021North America, Europe, Australia[346]
Pokémon PresentsPokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokémon Legends: ArceusAugust 18, 2021Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[347]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch gamesSeptember 23, 2021Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[348]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Battling with SoraSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate DLCOctober 5, 2021Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan[349]
Nintendo DirectAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsOctober 15, 2021Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[350]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchDecember 15, 2021North America, Europe, Australia[351]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch games releasing in the first half of 2022February 9, 2022Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[352]
Pokémon PresentsPokémon Scarlet and VioletFebruary 27, 2022Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[353]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchMay 11, 2022North America, Europe, Australia[354]
Nintendo DirectXenoblade Chronicles 3June 22, 2022Japan, North America, Europe[355]
Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner ShowcaseNintendo Switch games from Nintendo's developing & publishing partnersJune 28, 2022Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[356]
Pokémon PresentsUpdates on apps and video games from the Pokémon seriesAugust 3, 2022Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[357]
Nintendo DirectSplatoon 3August 10, 2022Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[358]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch gamesSeptember 13, 2022Japan, North America, Europe,[d] Australia[359][360]
The Super Mario Bros. Movie DirectWorld premiere of the teaser trailer for The Super Mario Bros. MovieOctober 6, 2022Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[361]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchNovember 9, 2022Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[362]
The Super Mario Bros. Movie DirectWorld premiere of the second trailer for The Super Mario Bros. MovieNovember 29, 2022Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[363]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch games releasing in the first half of 2023February 8, 2023Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[364]
Pokémon PresentsUpdates on apps and video games from the Pokémon seriesFebruary 27, 2023Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[365]
The Super Mario Bros. Movie DirectWorld premiere of the final trailer for The Super Mario Bros. MovieMarch 9, 2023Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[366]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchApril 19, 2023North America, Europe, Australia[367]
April 20, 2023Japan[368]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch games releasing in the second half of 2023, with a focus on Pikmin 4June 21, 2023Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[369]
Pokémon PresentsUpdates on apps and video games from the Pokémon seriesAugust 8, 2023Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[370]
Nintendo DirectSuper Mario Bros. WonderAugust 31, 2023Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[371]
Nintendo DirectNintendo Switch games releasing in Winter 2023September 14, 2023Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[372]
Indie WorldIndie games for the Nintendo SwitchNovember 14, 2023Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[373]
Nintendo Direct: Partner ShowcaseNintendo Switch games from Nintendo's developing & publishing partners in early 2024February 21, 2024Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[374][375]
Pokémon PresentsPokémon Legends: Z-AFebruary 27, 2024Japan, North America, Europe, Australia[376]

See also

Notes

References

External links