Nintendo Direct September 2026 Predictions: Just Dance, 007 First Light, & More

From new 2D Metroid teasers to Pokemon DLC, here are our top September Direct predictions.

An image featuring three characters: a female character with pointed ears, Mario driving a go-kart, and a serious-looking male character. At the bottom, there is the text "Nintendo Direct."

Published: Sep 07, 2026, 2:51 pm Updated: Sep 07, 2026, 2:51 pm

Primary Subject: Nintendo Direct (September 9, 2026)
Key Update: An opinion feature outlines key predictions for Nintendo’s September 9 showcase, highlighting updates for Pokemon Pokopia, Xenoblade Genesis, and rumored Switch 2 ports.
Status: Opinion
Last Verified: September 7, 2026
Quick Answer: Airing September 9, 2026, Nintendo's 45-minute broadcast focuses on upcoming Switch 2 releases, major DLC updates, and first-party game reveals.

It's been confirmed that the next Nintendo Direct will air on September 9, just 24 hours after a separate showcase has taken place to mark Zelda's 40th Anniversary.

The latest Direct is expected to be filled with long-awaited announcements and updates, and while nothing has been officially revealed yet, I have my suspicions about what games will be included throughout the showcase.

With that said, here are seven titles I predict to make an appearance during the upcoming Nintendo Direct!

The Duskbloods

Whenever I hear about The Duskbloods, it usually concerns the network test. However, now that the network tests have closed, I suspect we'll receive some major updates about this Soulslike title.

A dramatic fantasy scene featuring a battle in a dark, atmospheric setting, with gothic architecture and an eerie sky. Figures wielding weapons confront an ominous creature, while a woman appears to flee in the foreground.

I'm guessing that we'll finally get a firm, locked-in release date alongside a gameplay trailer to showcase its dark gothic action and a specific launch date for this year.

2D Metroid

Metroid Dread proved that a 2D side-scrolling Metroid is exactly what the people want. With the last 2D Metroid game having come out in 2021, I think it's safe to assume we're likely getting the next installment soon.

A character in a sci-fi environment, shooting at an unseen enemy, with various machinery and structures in the background.

I'm not expecting anything major. I don't think we'll get an in-depth gameplay teaser or a look into any new mechanics. Instead, I think we'll likely get a small teaser and a release date window.

Mario Kart World

For a while, fans speculated we'd get news on 3D Mario sometime this year. At first, I thought so too. But the more I think about it, the less convinced I am - wouldn't Nintendo have revealed it in June if they wanted to release it by the holiday season? Although I don't think we're getting 3D Mario, that doesn't necessarily mean we won't hear from the franchise altogether.

A character driving a go-kart on a racetrack in a desert-like environment, with a scoreboard indicating the player is in 2nd place.

Instead, we're probably getting a Mario Kart World DLC. Hopefully, this will include new characters, the addition of classic retro tracks, and fresh Knockout Tour Routes.

Xenoblade Genesis

We already know Xenoblade Genesis is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027, but we have no idea of the exact date. I think that will change with this upcoming Nintendo Direct.

A character with pink hair and blue eyes, wearing a blue and white outfit, holds a staff while looking at another character. The other character has dark hair and pointed ears, dressed in a blue and white outfit.

For this Direct, I'm expecting we'll get a brand new trailer featuring a deep dive into the gameplay. After the trailer, the release date will likely be revealed. My guess? It will probably release in the first half of 2027.

007 First Light

007 First Light was initially meant to release on Switch 2 the same day it released on other platforms back in May. However, it was ultimately delayed, with no release date mentioned. Considering it's been nearly four months since launch, I think we're definitely due for an update.

A close-up of a young man with dark hair and a slight smile, wearing a black jacket, against a background with a textured wall. The text "FIRST LIGHT" is displayed at the bottom.

I believe we'll finally get an official release date for the Switch 2 version, and hopefully it will be before the holiday season.

Pokemon Pokopia

Cozy gamers have no doubt sunk many hours into the Bubbly Basin Expansion Pass. However, people are itching to get part two of the DLC, since it will give them the ability to dress up Pokemon.

Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass featuring animated characters and playful designs.

The latest announcement stated it would come out sometime in late 2026. Well, that period is fast approaching, so it's only a matter of time until we learn of the exact release date. Soon, we'll be counting down the days until we can put a bow on Pikachu.

Just Dance

This one feels obvious. Before Nintendo Direct was confirmed, leaks of the upcoming Just Dance title appeared online. As Ubisoft has historically been part of the September Nintendo Directs, it felt like confirmation that they would appear.

Three colorful characters posing together in a vibrant, stylized scene with bright lights and playful expressions. One character wears a black leather top and pink hair, another sports a yellow and blue jacket with blue hair and glasses, and the third has a green, whimsical outfit with a pink hat and playful makeup.

Just Dance has since released a statement, urging fans to wait until September 9 for more updates. Since that date coincides with the Direct, I'm sure they'll appear in one form or another. Perhaps a trailer with a release window?

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