Latest news with #KirbyAirRiders
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Is a Nintendo Direct releasing tomorrow? Key dates, leaks in July for major game announcements revealed
As July draws to a close, anticipation brews in the global gaming community amid swirling speculation of an imminent Nintendo Direct presentation. While official confirmation remains elusive, industry watchers and gaming enthusiasts are eyeing the end of the month—July 23, 24, 30, or 31—as potential dates for the next showcase, as mentioned in a report by Nintendo Everything. Based on industry cues and prior announcements, a range of new titles, updates, and surprises could be on the horizon. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Technology Data Science healthcare Healthcare Public Policy others Leadership Product Management Artificial Intelligence Project Management CXO MCA Cybersecurity Degree MBA Digital Marketing Management Design Thinking Data Science Finance PGDM Data Analytics Others Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details Why a Nintendo Direct Feels Imminent Nintendo typically spaces its announcements carefully across the year, and the mid-year Direct has historically served as a strategic platform to unveil release dates and gameplay footage for upcoming titles. With multiple high-profile games such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond , Kirby Air Riders , and the rumored Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment all slated for 2025, the absence of fixed release dates makes a late-July Direct not only probable but necessary for planning the remainder of Nintendo's calendar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo High Stakes for Release Date Confirmations Among the most awaited updates are the release timelines for flagship titles. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond , long in development, has generated considerable excitement. Similarly, Kirby Air Riders , helmed by celebrated director Masahiro Sakurai, is expected to further expand the franchise's popularity. The Hyrule Warriors sequel, tentatively subtitled Age of Imprisonment , was earlier tagged for a "winter" release—leaving open the question of whether it will land in December or early January. Without confirmed launch windows, fans are left guessing, making the upcoming Direct crucial. Live Events Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Rumors Intensify In addition to new titles, Nintendo's retro catalog may be about to grow. Clues embedded in a recent Nintendo 64 promotional trailer have fans speculating that classics like Super Smash Bros. (N64), Donkey Kong 64 , and others might soon arrive on Nintendo Switch Online. With no new Smash Bros. installment on the docket—owing to Sakurai's involvement in Kirby Air Riders —a re-release of the original version could satisfy long-time fans. Further intrigue surrounds the potential launch of GameCube titles on the platform, which could arrive via a surprise drop or a timed announcement. These expansions continue to form a critical part of Nintendo's strategy to offer nostalgia-fueled content on modern hardware. Mario Kart World: Costumes and Character Theories Another likely update centers around Mario Kart World , a key Nintendo Switch 2 title. Despite offering costume variants for many racers, characters like Donkey Kong and Pauline are curiously limited to a single outfit each. This has led to speculation about an incoming update that might introduce alternate looks, or even new racers altogether from the Donkey Kong universe, such as Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, or Cranky Kong. Though King K. Rool remains a long shot, his inclusion could coincide with another major Donkey Kong announcement. Switch 2 Lineup Already Packed, But New Game Teases Possible The Nintendo Switch 2 slate is already brimming with blockbuster titles including Pokemon Legends: Z-A , Drag x Drive , and Donkey Kong Bananza . However, Nintendo is known for staggering its releases to avoid cannibalizing sales, with most games spaced roughly a month apart. Still, speculation persists about titles likely scheduled for 2026, as mentioned in a report by Nintendo Switch. These could include a return of Tomodachi Life in its new iteration Living the Dream , or rhythm-based entries like Rhythm Heaven Groove . Camelot Software Planning, Nintendo's sports game developer, has not released a title since Mario Golf: Super Rush in 2021. This adds weight to theories that a new Mario Sports title—or possibly a Golden Sun remake—could be in the works and ripe for a Direct announcement. Nintendo Switch 2 Editions: Performance Boosts for Legacy Titles To keep up momentum without overwhelming the calendar with fresh titles, Nintendo may turn to performance-enhanced re-releases for the Switch 2 platform. These "Switch 2 Editions" could offer better resolution and frame rates for existing fan favorites. Titles such as Xenoblade Chronicles , Bayonetta 3 , Pokemon Legends: Arceus , Kirby Star Allies , and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are prime candidates for such treatment. Such upgrades would not only rejuvenate the playing experience for long-time fans but also offer an incentive for Switch 2 adoption among undecided players. Old Favorites Reimagined for the Present While much of the Direct may focus on new content and Switch 2 exclusives, Nintendo has historically invested in ports of previous generation titles. Rumors are gaining traction around a potential re-release of Kirby: Planet Robobot —originally for the 3DS—retooled for the Switch ecosystem. If announced, this could pair well with a remastered edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land , offering Kirby fans both legacy and new-generation experiences. This strategy of low-investment ports has proven commercially effective given the continued strength of the Nintendo Switch's install base, despite the newer console's arrival. Third-Party Announcements: Xbox, Ubisoft, and Beyond The third-party landscape remains one of the most tantalizing areas for speculation. While the launch period for Switch 2 brought marquee games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Street Fighter 6 , the months since have been relatively quiet. Industry insiders suggest this lull may end soon, with a surge of announcements expected during the next Nintendo Direct. Microsoft's rumored collaboration on Switch 2 projects, alongside further Ubisoft support, could form a significant part of the showcase. With Xbox's internal shakeups and layoffs earlier in the year, questions linger about whether original plans remain intact—but any Direct in July could provide needed clarity. A Direct Worth Waiting For While Nintendo has yet to officially confirm a Direct for July 2025, the conditions are primed. The need for clarity around major game releases, the promise of online platform expansions, and the potential unveiling of new games or remasters make this an announcement cycle fans won't want to miss. Whether via traditional livestream or through more modern channels like the Nintendo Today app, gamers are watching closely—and waiting eagerly. FAQs Is a Nintendo Direct officially confirmed for July 2025? No, as of now, Nintendo has not officially announced a Direct for July 2025. However, industry speculation strongly suggests it could take place on July 23, 24, 30, or 31, based on historical patterns and media reports, including from Nintendo Everything . Why do fans believe a Nintendo Direct is imminent? Nintendo typically holds a mid-year Direct to announce release dates, show gameplay, and preview upcoming titles. With several major games still lacking confirmed timelines, a July Direct is seen as both likely and strategically necessary.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Super Smash Bros. director's Kirby Air Riders will come to the Switch 2
Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products. The Switch 2 Nintendo Direct has officially come and gone, leaving in its wake some big news about the system and its upcoming games. One of arguably the cutest announcements came courtesy of Kirby Air Riders, a new game from Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai. So, while there's sadly no new Smash game on the horizon, you can glide around with Kirby and friends. Kirby Air Riders comes over two decades after Sakurai designed Kirby Air Ride for the GameCube. Yes, you can now take a moment if reading this has made you feel old. After nearly a minute of build-up, the trailer shows Kirby riding along on the Warp Star machine, through a pleasant looking valley. It ends with the "rs" being dramatically attached to the original Kirby Air Ride title. We don't have an exact release date for Kirby Air Riders yet, but Nintendo says it will be sometime this year. As for the Switch 2, you can pick one up for $450 on June 5, along with new games like Mario Kart World.
