With the Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct only a week away, it would be safe to assume that the company's sole focus will be on this presentation. With Nintendo's new console set to begin an ambitious new era for the company, it is adamant that the Switch 2 is given as much of the spotlight as possible, in order to prove itself as a worthy successor to the original Switch. Moreover, with the many titles Nintendo will likely be showcasing alongside the new console, it would seem unusual for the company to move attention away from the Switch 2 Direct.

That being said, Nintendo may be preparing for another event before the Switch 2 Direct takes place. While a surprise presentation is always a possibility with Nintendo, the timing of this rumored presentation places more uncertainty than usual. Even with the major games that are still releasing on the Switch, the imminent broadcast of the Switch 2 Direct plays a major risk of making this rumored presentation feel redundant.

Rumors Suggest A Nintendo Direct Could Be Happening This Week

The Format Of The Presentation Is Still Up In The Air

Rumors have begun to circulate that Nintendo is planning a surprise event later this week. As reported by My Nintendo News, a number of well-known leakers have come forward over the past few days, stating that Nintendo is currently preparing for a presentation of some kind. One prominent leaker, known as NateTheHate, has specifically mentioned that the planned event will be a Nintendo Direct, and that the presentation will occur on Thursday, March 27.

This isn't the first time that rumors of a Nintendo Direct prior to the Switch 2 presentation have occurred. In January, it was reported that a Direct was planned for February to serve as a sendoff for the original Switch, which never came to fruition. However, it should be noted that the current rumors surrounding a Nintendo Direct are being corroborated by leakers who have made accurate predictions in the past, such as PH Brazil, who accurately predicted a Direct showcase in August of last year, adding some credibility to the rumors.

It's also unclear in what format the presentation will take place, with NateTheHate stating that he is "not 100% certain" about the kind of Direct that Nintendo is planning. This could mean that instead of a general Direct presentation, Nintendo could be planning a Mini showcase, or a Partner and Indie showcase to highlight titles from other developers. Nintendo has a history of doing smaller presentations alongside larger Directs, making this a very possible scenario.

The Switch Still Has Major Games

Titles Such As Metroid Prime 4 Are In Need Of An Update

The news of a Nintendo Direct right before the Switch 2 presentation may initially come as a bit of a shock. However, when looking at the Switch's current line-up of games, the need for another Direct becomes a little clearer. Although the Switch is certainly on its way out, there are still a number of titles coming to the console that are in need of an update, and a Direct focused on the original Switch would be a great opportunity to highlight these games.

For example, a Switch-focussed Direct would be the perfect time to provide a much-needed update on one of Nintendo's biggest titles, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Since its initial gameplay reveal in June 2024, players have been given virtually no updates on the status of Metroid Prime 4 and when the game will release. As Metroid Prime 4 currently stands as one of the last Switch-exclusive titles, an appearance during the rumored Direct this week would allow players to learn about everything this game has to offer.

While no confirmation has been made, another rumor suggests Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to make an appearance at the Switch 2 Direct rather than the rumored presentation for this week, as it will be announced as a cross-gen title.

Even if the rumored Direct is merely a Partner or Indie showcase, there's still a multitude of games that can be shown off. For example, Hollow Knight: Silksong is a hugely anticipated indie title, and a game that Nintendo has showcased in the past. Plus, with an update to Silksong's Steam page hinting that an announcement is on the way, the rumored Direct would be the perfect time for Team Cherry's sophomore game to make another appearance that fans are in desperate need of.

A Direct Would Be Overshadowed By Switch 2 Direct In April

Attention Will Be Solely Placed On Nintendo's New Console

Unfortunately, as much as a Nintendo Direct this week would help to boost some of the Switch's titles, it feels incredibly unusual to have the presentation so close to the Switch 2 showcase. Although Nintendo is no stranger to announcing some surprising showcases, it feels too crucial of a time for the company to make such a move. Nintendo will want to place its sole focus on the Switch 2 to prove that the console has what it takes to continue the success of its predecessor, something that a Direct this week would impede on.

Players will be more likely to overlook this rumored presentation due to the larger announcements that will be reserved for the Switch 2 Direct.

Moreover, a Nintendo Direct this week will likely not have the effect that the presentations usually do. With the attention of most players being moved towards the Switch 2 Direct, another presentation this week will be overshadowed. Players will be more likely to overlook this rumored presentation due to the larger announcements that will be reserved for the Switch 2 Direct, failing to highlight the games releasing on the original Switch while proving why a showcase this week would be redundant.

Only time will tell whether Nintendo indeed has another presentation planned before the Switch 2 Direct in April. Regardless, it's hard to see how an additional Direct so close to the Switch 2 showcase would provide any real benefit. Even with the number of games still coming to the Switch, the excitement and anticipation of the Switch 2 will only prevent these titles from receiving any significant attention, making a Nintendo Direct in March feel pointless as a result.

Source: My Nintendo News, Nintendo of America/YouTube