Nintendo Direct rumored for later this month, according to reliable insider NateTheHate

Today, rumors have surfaced thanks to prominent insider NateTheHate about a Nintendo Direct scheduled for later this month. NateTheHate has had a track record lately of revealing Nintendo’s plans before they go public, perhaps most notably confirming the date that the Nintendo Switch 2 would be revealed. Apparently, the newest Nintendo Direct is planned to take place some time after Donkey Kong Bananza’s release, which makes sense so as not to overshadow the exciting new game. But Nintendo also has several notable titles planned for this year that we need to know more about.

Nintendo Direct rumored to be planned for later this month after Donkey Kong Bananza, says NateTheHate

From the latest episode of NateTheHate’s podcast, he said: “I have been told there is a Nintendo Direct this month, the month of July, but that the Nintendo Direct will not take place until after Donkey Kong Bananza releases.” Should this turn out to be correct, it could provide some much-needed answers on a few major Nintendo games revealed during the April 2nd Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.

First, one of the biggest, most anticipated games planned for later this year is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The latest entry in the fan-favorite series has been in development since at least 2017, so the fact that it’s only coming out now is a big enough deal. However, we still don't have a release date for this game. Metroid Prime 4 plans to release for both Nintendo Switch consoles, just like Pokémon Legends: Z-A, but there will be a Switch 2 version that feels like the ultimate experience. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could be one of the main games that showcases the Switch 2 Joy-Con’s mouse functionality.

Speaking of mouse functionality, we could also learn more about some other Nintendo Switch 2 titles, like Drag x Drive. This game focuses directly on the mouse functionality, where players need to use both Joy-Cons to control a wheelchair and throw a basketball into a hoop. Drag x Drive is planned to be released on August 14th, 2025, but this would be a great opportunity to learn more about what to expect from this unique game.

There are two other Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades planned to be released later this year. Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV is scheduled to launch on July 24th. This upgrade will include a new mode to the already popular and well-received party game. Many of the mini-games added in this upgrade will use mouse functionality and the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera to add more fun to the game. Kirby and the Forgotten Land DLC, Star-Crossed World, is also planned for August 28th, adding some notable content to the Kirby adventure from 2022. But that may not be the only Kirby-related update we could receive during this potential Nintendo Direct.

Kirby Air Riders is still planned for this year. The game is being directed by Kirby creator and Super Smash Bros. director, Masahiro Sakurai. So far, we’ve only seen a cinematic trailer near the end of April 2nd’s Nintendo Direct. This month, if there is a Nintendo Direct, it would be the ideal opportunity to learn more and hopefully finally see some gameplay. However, it feels just as likely that this game will be delayed, given that we’ve learned so little about it in the last few months. For now, we’ll have to wait to see how credible this rumor is.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

December 4, 2025

Rate It!

• Overview

• Nintendo
• Metroid (series)
• Nintendo Direct
• Nintendo Switch 2