Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 Recap: Zelda, Fire Emblem, Xenoblade, Kingdom Hearts 4, and More
Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 has finally happened, and Nintendo did not hold back.
The presentation was packed with release dates, surprise ports, new game reveals, DLC updates, remasters, demos, and major franchise returns for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. From a new look at Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave to the reveal of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for 2026, this Direct gave players a much clearer picture of what the rest of 2026 and beyond looks like for Nintendo fans.
There was something for everyone here: RPGs, action games, platformers, party games, sports, fitness, horror, online multiplayer, and long-awaited classics.
Here is everything announced during the Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Returns in 2026
One of the biggest announcements from the Direct was the return of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, coming in 2026.
For many players, Ocarina of Time remains one of the most important games ever made, so seeing it return on modern Nintendo hardware is a massive moment. Nintendo did not need to say much to get fans excited. The name alone carries decades of history, nostalgia, and expectations.
This could easily become one of Nintendo’s biggest releases of 2026.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Launches September 17
Nintendo also confirmed that Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave will launch on September 17, 2026.
The Fire Emblem series has continued to grow into one of Nintendo’s most important strategy RPG franchises, and Fortune’s Weave looks ready to continue that momentum. With a confirmed date now locked in, fans will not have to wait much longer to dive into its next tactical adventure.
Xenoblade Chronicles Gets a Major Switch 2 Push
Xenoblade fans had a lot to celebrate during this Direct.
Nintendo announced a full Xenoblade Chronicles Switch 2 Trilogy rollout, bringing the beloved RPG series forward for a new generation of players.
The release schedule includes:
- Xenoblade Chronicles available later today
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2 launching July 30
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3 launching December 3
On top of that, Nintendo also revealed Xenoblade Genesis, coming in 2027.
This was one of the strongest RPG showings of the entire Direct and a clear sign that Nintendo sees Xenoblade as a major franchise going forward.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Confirmed for Switch 2
Square Enix made a major appearance with Kingdom Hearts 4, giving Nintendo fans another huge RPG announcement to talk about.
The long-awaited next mainline entry in the Kingdom Hearts series coming to Switch 2 is a major third-party win for Nintendo’s platform. For fans who have followed Sora’s journey across Disney worlds and original Square Enix storytelling, this was one of the biggest surprises of the show.
Nintendo also confirmed more Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III launching October 8, with a demo available. If you had the cloud edition on Switch 1, you could transfer your save data.
Rhythm Heaven Groove Arrives July 2
Rhythm Heaven Groove is launching on July 2, 2026, giving Nintendo fans another charming rhythm-based experience to look forward to this summer.
The Rhythm Heaven series has always stood out because of its simple controls, strange humour, and incredibly catchy music. This new entry looks ready to bring that same offbeat energy back to Nintendo players.
Donkey Kong Gets New Content and Mario Anniversary Tie-In
Donkey Kong had a strong presence during the Direct.
Nintendo announced DK Challenge Online, available later today, giving players a new way to test their skills and compete. The Direct also included a Donkey Kong Bananza update tied to the 40th anniversary of Mario, adding another layer of celebration to Nintendo’s classic character history.
With Donkey Kong already playing a major role on Switch 2, this update should give players another reason to jump back in.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort Launches October 22
Nintendo is bringing back the joy of motion-controlled sports with Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, launching October 22, 2026.
The original Wii Sports Resort became a defining multiplayer experience for many players, and this new version looks positioned to bring that same party-friendly energy to Nintendo Switch 2.
Expect this to be a major family and holiday title.
Star Fox Demo Arrives June 25
Nintendo also confirmed a Star Fox demo for June 25.
Any sign of Star Fox is enough to get longtime fans excited. While details are still limited, a playable demo means players will soon get a better idea of what Nintendo is doing with one of its classic sci-fi franchises.
Splatoon Raiders Revealed
Nintendo revealed Splatoon Raiders, a new project connected to the Splatoon universe.
The Splatoon series has always been one of Nintendo’s freshest modern franchises, blending colourful style, multiplayer chaos, and strong identity. Splatoon Raiders looks like another way to expand that world beyond traditional Turf War battles.
Duskbloods Network Test Coming Summer 2026
Duskbloods will receive a network test in Summer 2026, giving players a chance to experience the game ahead of launch.
As one of the more mysterious and anticipated Switch 2 titles, this network test should give fans their first hands-on feel for its online systems and gameplay direction.
Major Third-Party Games Coming to Switch 2
Nintendo also showed strong third-party support throughout the Direct, with several major releases confirmed.
Highlights include:
Onimusha: Way of the Sword, launching September 25
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, launching October 9
Stellar Blade, coming in 2026
Lords of the Fallen 2, coming Fall 2026
Lies of P: Complete Edition, launching August 6
Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition, launching June 23
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, coming Holiday 2026
- Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, launching August 27
- Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration, available later today
- Observer: System Redux, launching June 18
- DayZ: Cool Edition, coming in 2026
This was one of the most encouraging parts of the Direct. Nintendo showed that Switch 2 is getting stronger support from major publishers, especially when it comes to action games, RPGs, horror, and mature third-party releases.
Rayman Legends Retold Launches October 1
Ubisoft is bringing back one of its most beloved platformers with Rayman Legends Retold, launching October 1, 2026.
The original Rayman Legends was already one of the best modern platformers, so a retold version has a lot of potential. With updated content and a fresh presentation, this could be a great fit for both returning fans and players discovering Rayman for the first time.
Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest Get New Switch 2 Updates
Square Enix also had a strong showing during the Direct.
Announcements included:
Final Fantasy Resonance, launching October 22
Final Fantasy XIV, coming August 2026
Dragon Quest Monsters, launching December 3
For RPG fans, this was a massive Direct. Between Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Kingdom Hearts, Xenoblade, Fire Emblem, and Metaphor: ReFantazio, Nintendo is positioning Switch 2 as a serious home for role-playing games.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Comes to Switch 2
Atlus’ acclaimed RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio is coming to Switch 2 on November 12.
This is another major third-party RPG addition and a strong win for players who want massive story-driven adventures on Nintendo hardware.
One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Anime Games Join the Lineup
Anime fans also had a few announcements to watch.
The Direct featured:
One Piece: Grand Gourmet, launching October 23
Jujutsu Kaisen: Rumble Survival
Hello Kitty Party Land, launching October 29
Pokémon Pokopia Gets Expansion Pass and Free DLC
Nintendo announced new content for Pokémon Pokopia, including an Expansion Pass and free DLC titled Bubbly Basin, launching in August.
This gives Pokémon fans more to explore and helps keep Pokopia active beyond launch. Free DLC is always a welcome addition, especially for a game built around discovery, collecting, and world-building.
More Indie and Smaller Games Announced
The Direct also highlighted several smaller and creative games coming to Nintendo platforms.
Announcements included:
Orbitals, launching September 3
Big Walk, launching August 2
Pikuniku 2, coming in 2027
- Everbloom, coming Spring 2027
- Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer, launching July 16
- SnowRunner, available later today
- Tales of Eternia Remastered, launching October 16
- Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & The Guide of Memories, coming Early 2027
- Fitness Boxing 3: July 16
- Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2: August 27
Minecraft, coming in 2026
Ninjala 2
Muramasa Blade
This part of the Direct showed how wide Nintendo’s lineup is becoming. Not every game needs to be a massive blockbuster. Nintendo continues to give space to smaller, creative, cozy, strange, and experimental games that help fill out the release calendar.
Deltarune Launches June 24
Deltarune is coming on June 24, giving fans another major indie release to look forward to.
The Deltarune fanbase has been waiting patiently for more updates, so seeing it appear during a Nintendo Direct was a major highlight.
Runescape: Dragonwilds Launches September 15
Runescape: Dragonwilds is coming to Nintendo platforms on September 15.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort: October 22
And that does not even include bigger 2027 titles like Xenoblade Genesis, Pikuniku 2, Everbloom, and Atelier Karia.
Final Thoughts
Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 delivered exactly what fans were hoping for: a loaded lineup, surprise announcements, major release dates, and a clear look at where Nintendo Switch 2 is heading.
The biggest moments were easy to spot. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time returning in 2026 is massive. Kingdom Hearts 4 coming to Switch 2 is a huge third-party statement. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave finally has a release date. Xenoblade fans are getting a full wave of content. And the third-party support looks stronger than ever.
Nintendo came into this Direct needing to show momentum.
By the end, it did more than that.
It gave players a 2026 calendar that looks absolutely packed.