Nintendo fans had their eyes glued to the screen on July 31, 2025, as the long-awaited Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase unveiled a cascade of third-party game announcements for both the Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2. The 25-minute presentation may have skipped first-party titles, but it delivered a powerful lineup that thrilled the community and strengthened Switch 2’s expanding ecosystem.
Let’s dive into everything that made this showcase a must-watch!
Major Highlights From the Showcase
From RPG legends to musou brawlers, the Direct was packed with electrifying announcements.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
Capcom turned heads by revealing Monster Hunter Stories 3 — exclusively built for the Nintendo Switch 2. Featuring upgraded visuals and deep narrative branching, the game is set for a 2026 release. This title alone proves the next-gen system is ready for more ambitious storytelling and scale.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero – Dual Platform Glory
Fans of anime brawlers were thrilled to hear that Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero will launch on both Switch and Switch 2 on November 14, 2025. Pre-orders are already open, making it one of the most anticipated dual-gen titles this year.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Makes Its Explosive Debut on Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch 2
Drag x Drive – Speed Hits the eShop
Coming August 14, 2025, this brand-new futuristic racing title combines cyberpunk flair with high-speed chaos. It’s shaping up to be a favorite among arcade racing fans.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
In a surprise reveal, Hyrule Warriors returns — but not as you remember it. Age of Imprisonment drops you into a brutal timeline filled with untold stories. This musou-style spinoff isn’t from Nintendo’s internal studios, but it’s set in Hyrule’s universe and arrives late 2025.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – Zelda’s Boldest Battle Yet
Switch 2 Editions: Upgrades of Fan Favorites
Nintendo confirmed that Switch 2 enhanced editions of beloved titles are in the works. These aren’t remakes, but rather boosted ports offering improved frame rates, resolution, and faster loading.
Here’s what’s coming:
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Xenoblade Chronicles
- Kirby Star Allies
These revamped titles will be available to new Switch 2 owners looking for better performance from their existing libraries.
Retro Hype: N64 Classics Teased
Among the most thrilling moments, viewers spotted subtle nods to Donkey Kong 64 and the classic Super Smash Bros. during a retro segment. While not officially confirmed, these hints suggest upcoming support for nostalgic content — a move that could supercharge Switch Online’s retro catalog.
No First-Party Bombshells — And That’s Okay
Unlike a typical Nintendo Direct, this Partner Showcase stayed true to its promise — no first-party reveals. That means no fresh Zelda or Mario trailers. Still, the event highlighted just how crucial third-party developers are in building a diverse and long-lasting Switch 2 game library.
Final Thoughts: A Solid Third-Party Showcase That Sets the Stage
While it didn’t deliver blockbuster reveals from Nintendo itself, the July 2025 Partner Showcase proved that third-party support is thriving. With major franchises embracing Switch 2 and retro rumors buzzing, this Direct laid the groundwork for an exciting future. Whether you’re ready to hunt monsters or drift through futuristic cities, Nintendo fans have a lot to look forward to.
Stay tuned to Baskin Gamer as we bring you the latest updates on game news, releases, and more!