The first full Nintendo Direct of the year could be coming next week.
In his latest video on Monday, known insider NateTheHate spoke about when Nintendo fans should expect the first full Nintendo Direct showcase.
UPDATE 1/29: NateTheHate has reported that the direct will be a Partner Direct, meaning it’s focused on third-party titles.
“From what I have been told, the first Direct of 2026 will be held during the opening week of February,” he said.
He then said that the expectation is that the show will take place on Thursday, February 5.
While he mentions next week as being the time, NateTheHate did leave it a bit open. He said that that he had yet to confirm the information with his “best contacts just yet”. Should he have to give an update or amend anything, he says, he’ll do it on social media when he can.
He added that he didn’t know the type of Nintendo Direct it would be, nor did he mention any possible games.
“While I hope it will be a general direct so Nintendo can really start the year with strong momentum—begin to detail some of those brand new first party games coming out in 2026, let us know what they have planned for The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary—it could just as easily be a partner showcase,” he said.
As with all rumors, please take this information on the Nintendo Direct with a grain of salt until it’s been independently verified by Insider Gaming or confirmed by Nintendo.
In the meantime, Nintendo isn’t leaving fans waiting too long for some news regarding its games. The company announced on Monday that it was holding a Tomodachi Life-specific Direct on January 29.
What are you hoping to see from the first Nintendo Direct of 2026? Leave your thoughts down in the comments below, and join the discussion in the official Insider Gaming Discord.
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Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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Project Watari? Happening? Honestly I guess Sonic Heroes remake could be announced that’s really it. Maybe Castlevania but that seems more likely for its own Konami show. Kingdom Hearts Intergrum Masterpiece is confirmed I think
Yeah with all the third party ports no surprise. Hope new games are announced. Makes me assume Duskbloods is late this year or delayed