Nintendo Direct Happening in July and Xbox Might Steal the Show

Nintendo fans should get ready, because next week will bring a brand-new Nintendo Direct. However, industry experts are all warning that this will not be a regular showcase. Why? Because Xbox is planning to reveal the games they're going to release on Switch 2, and that's what's making everyone both excited and curious about it.

Insiders say this will be a "Big Direct", but it will mostly be about third-party games and not so much about first-party games we already know. Apart from the crazy rumors, like the one about a remake of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Let's keep things real. It would be great if there were a reboot, but don't expect it to steal the show this time.

The ranking for Metroid Prime 4 just showed up in Korea, which suggests that a release date is finally coming up. Since we don't know much about Kirby Air Riders and Splatoon Raiders, it makes sense to get updates on them, too. Don't forget about Camelot either—rumors say they're finishing up a game that's almost done, which could be a surprise Mario sports game coming out this summer. Fans of Golden Sun, that one probably won't be coming out just yet.

When third-party apps can be used, especially with the upcoming Switch 2, things really get interesting. It looks like this new console will be the best Nintendo platform for outside developers since the GameCube. The hardware will work with ports a lot better than the original Switch, which will let exciting new games and brands come out.

Atlus' ReFantazio and Persona 3 Reload are two of the best JRPGs out there, and they would both be great on the Switch 2. Both games would work well with Nintendo's other games, and they might be revealed during the Nintendo Direct.

This is where the big twist comes in: Xbox. Yes, Xbox. Microsoft is already mentioned as a Switch 2 publisher, so the deal between Nintendo and Microsoft is real. At first glance, this may only seem to be about Call of Duty, but rumors from within Xbox say they are planning to bring more games to Nintendo and maybe even PlayStation. The Nintendo Direct is the perfect place to make these kinds of announcements.

Live service hits like Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon 5 could find a new home on Switch 2, which would allow Nintendo to reach its massive and loyal fan base. With its bright, Nintendo-friendly art style, Sea of Thieves looks like it will do well on Switch, and Forza Horizon 5's performance on the Steam Deck is a good sign for a good port.

Xbox games from the past could also make waves: Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Gears of War Reloaded could be the first Xbox games to come out on Switch, letting Nintendo fans play some of Xbox's most popular games. Gears would need more power, but the Switch 2's better features might be able to make it happen. If Xbox's future Halo and Gears games stay exclusive, this could be a plan to get Nintendo fans to switch to Xbox.

Don't forget about Bethesda either. With games like Oblivion Remastered, Indiana Jones, Starfield, and Doom: The Dark Ages that have been big hits recently, Bethesda's show at the Direct could be a big deal. It seems obvious that Doom should get a new port since it works so well on Switch and Steam Deck.

This Nintendo Direct looks like it will be one of the most exciting shows in years. It will be a celebration of working together across platforms and open up exciting new worlds for Nintendo fans.