Absolutely — the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase on Thursday, July 31 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events of the year, especially as the Nintendo Switch 2 settles into its first full year of life. With a crisp 25-minute runtime and no first-party announcements from Nintendo itself, the spotlight is firmly on third-party studios and publishers to deliver big news on their upcoming Switch 2 and Switch titles.
Here’s what we’re all waiting to see:
🔥 Top Rumored & Expected Announcements:
1. Hollow Knight: Silksong – Is a Release Date Finally Here?
- After years of teasing and a highly anticipated Gamescom 2024 demo, many fans believe this could be the moment Team Cherry drops a confirmed 2025 release window — or even a full launch date.
- Could we see a new trailer showing off the final boss, new mechanics, and a full playable section of the Pillar of the End?
- A solid reveal here would not only validate the game’s long development but also send a strong signal that third-party support for Switch 2 is serious and mature.
2. The Duskbloods (FromSoftware) – What’s Next?
- This Switch 2 exclusive from the creators of Elden Ring and Sekiro has been shrouded in mystery — but now, with 2026 on the horizon, we expect more.
- Could we see a new cinematic trailer, gameplay footage, or even a release date confirmation?
- The fact that FromSoftware is investing in a Nintendo-exclusive title (and not a cross-gen release) signals deep confidence in the Switch 2’s future.
3. Call of Duty: Nintendo Edition – Silence Broken?
- Activision has been frustratingly quiet on its rumored Call of Duty title for Switch 2, but with the console already launched and Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza pulling in huge crowds, this could be the moment they finally show up.
- A full trailer, gameplay reveal, or even a multiplayer demo would be massive — not just for fans, but for the credibility of Switch 2 as a first-party gaming platform.
4. Borderlands 4 – Is It a Switch 2 Launch Title?
- 2K Games has already confirmed Borderlands 4 is coming to Switch 2 — but will it launch exclusively on the new console? Or will it be a timed exclusive?
- With epic multiplayer co-op, new Vault Hunter abilities, and a fresh setting, this could be a flagship console launch title.
5. 007: First Light – A Big Swing for the Franchise
- James Bond returning to Nintendo? Yes — and with a dramatic, action-packed aesthetic, a time-travel twist, and stealth-focused gameplay, this could redefine how we think about licensed shooters.
- Could we see a new gameplay demo, voice actor reveal (maybe Daniel Craig in a surprise role?), or a full release window?
6. Other Possible Surprises:
- Metroid Prime 4 – Could Retro Studios surprise us with a new trailer, even if not a full reveal?
- Star Fox 2 – With Star Fox making a comeback on Switch 2, a teaser for a new installment could be in the cards.
- Xbox and EA Titles – With EA’s Dragon Age and Frostpunk 2 confirmed for Switch 2, could we see a surprise from EA Sports or a Halo spin-off?
📺 How to Watch:
- Date: Thursday, July 31
- Time:
- 6:00 AM PT (Pacific Time)
- 9:00 AM ET (Eastern Time)
- 2:00 PM UK Time
- Where: Official Nintendo Direct Page | Nintendo’s YouTube / Twitch channels | IGN will provide live, real-time coverage with instant analysis and updates.
✅ Final Thoughts:
This isn’t just another Direct — it’s a statement of intent from Nintendo. The Switch 2 isn’t just a hardware upgrade. It’s a third-party powerhouse, and this showcase will prove whether developers truly believe in its future.
If you’re a fan of exclusive gameplay, deep developer reveals, and major studio investments, don’t miss it.
See you at 6am PT — the Switch 2 era just got real. 🎮💥
🔥 Live coverage starts at 6am PT — follow IGN for instant updates, trailers, and reactions as they happen.