Get ready to clear your schedules, Nintendo fans. The house of Mario has officially announced its next major Nintendo Direct presentation, set for this Friday, September 12th.

The showcase will kick off at 9 a.m. EDT / 6 a.m. PDT and is slated to run for roughly 60 minutes, promising a deep dive into the future of Nintendo gaming. As always, you can tune in live on Nintendo’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, or via the Nintendo Today app.

According to the announcement, this Direct will primarily focus on the software lineup for the Nintendo Switch and the highly anticipated successor, often referred to as the "Switch 2," with games planned for release in 2025 and beyond.

This event is particularly significant for a few key reasons. Fans are eagerly awaiting substantial updates on already-announced titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, both slated for a 2025 release. We're also likely to see more of recently unveiled games like Kirby Air Riders and get potential confirmation on long-rumored projects such as Rhythm Heaven Groove and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.

Beyond the game-specific news, this Direct carries the weight of major milestones. 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the North American release of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the console that revitalized the video game industry. More immediately, September 13th, 2025, is the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. on the Famicom.

Nintendo is known for its celebratory releases—remember the incredible *Super Mario 3D All-Stars* collection for the 35th anniversary? While nothing is confirmed, the timing of this Direct, just one day before this historic date, has fans speculating about potential anniversary announcements, re-releases, or new Mario-themed merchandise.

This September showcase continues a busy season for Nintendo, which has recently held a Partner Showcase for third-party games, an Indie World spotlight, and a dedicated Kirby-focused Direct.

What to Watch For:

Game Updates: Deep dives into Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
The "Switch 2" Question: While it may not be officially named, we expect to see games that are clearly designed for the next-generation hardware.
The Mario Factor: How will Nintendo celebrate one of gaming's most iconic birthdays?
Surprise Reveals: A Nintendo Direct is never complete without a "one more thing" moment.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Friday morning—this is one presentation you won't want to miss.