Nintendo may have promised no Nintendo Switch 2 news, but that didn’t stop them from delivering one of the wildest, most nostalgia-loaded Directs in years, including the revival of Tomodachi Life.
Held on March 27, 2025, the 37-minute showcase went full throttle, slamming fans with remakes, revivals, and curveballs so sharp they practically sliced through social media. From psychic-powered Samus to a surprise Tomodachi Life revival, here’s the full lowdown on what went down at Nintendo’s last big Switch bash before the next-gen handover.
Biggest Shocker: Tomodachi Life Returns
Yes, it’s real. After a decade in meme-limbo, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was confirmed for 2026. Nintendo saved it for the final moments of the Direct, and fans (and their Miis) lost their collective minds.
Expect chaotic romances, talking ravioli baths (we hope), and new social features designed to make your Mii’s drama even more unhinged.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Looks Unreal
Samus Aran returned in a big way with a gorgeous new trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. We got our first look at Planet Viewros, her mysterious new playground, and surprise: Samus now has psychic powers. Nintendo’s clearly aiming for a swan song title that flexes both current and future hardware.
Still set for 2025. Expect it to headline the Switch 2 launch slate.
Patapon & Pac-Man Rebooted?!
In a move no one saw coming, Patapon 1+2 Replay is coming to Switch. Yes, the rhythm-strategy god sim that once defined the PSP is back, with HD visuals and presumably, that glorious chanting intact.
Also, Shadow Labyrinth introduces a weird sci-fi take on Pac-Man. Hack-and-slash mechanics. Purple lasers. Existential dread? This ain’t your granddad’s waka-waka.
Virtual Game Cards: Nintendo’s Boldest Digital Move Yet
Nintendo announced a new digital format – Virtual Game Cards – designed to let players shift digital games across consoles like physical cartridges. Ideal for those with multiple systems. Cynics are already calling it DRM in disguise, but convenience-wise? It’s a win.
More Big Titles Revealed
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Showed off its battle royale-inspired Wild Zones. Launching late 2025.
- Rhythm Heaven Groove – Coming in 2026 with full rhythm minigame mayhem.
- Raidou Remastered – The cult Shin Megami Tensei spinoff gets a modern facelift.
- Disney Villains: Cursed Cafe – Disney’s baddies, your new baristas. Available now.
- The Eternal Life of Goldman – Old-man action-platforming. We’re in.
- Gradius Origins & Salamander 3 – Retro fans, rejoice.
- Witchbrook – From Chucklefish. Think Stardew Valley meets Hogwarts.
Also Announced
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar – August 27.
- Tamagotchi Plaza – June 27.
- Monument Valley 1 & 2 Ports – April 15. Monument Valley 3 hits this summer.
- Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots – Swings into 2025.
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion – Holiday 2025 retro-style beat-em-up.
Want daily Nintendo content on your phone? The Nintendo Today app launched right after the Direct, promising news, updates, and exclusive features directly from the source.
One Last Hurrah Before Switch 2
This Direct was a love letter to the Nintendo Switch era: remasters, final sequels, and bold experiments that likely won’t fit into the next-gen mold.
Nintendo kept its promise: no Switch 2 news. But with this much heat packed into 37 minutes? Fans walked away more than satisfied.
Your move, April 2.
