Nintendo Direct Unveils New Monster Hunter, Katamari, and Octopath Traveler Titles

Nintendo Direct Showcases Partner Games

As promised, Nintendo delivered a new Direct presentation today, focusing entirely on games from its development and publishing partners. The broadcast, lasting just over 25 minutes, was packed with announcements, revealing new titles, highly anticipated remakes, and popular games making their way to Nintendo platforms, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

The show kicked off with a major reveal from Capcom: Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. This new entry in the narrative-driven JRPG spin-off series, known for its turn-based combat and Monster Riders, is set to arrive in 2026. The story follows an heir of Azuria, the sole rider of a Ratalos, who, alongside Princess Eleonora of Vermeil, ventures into forbidden lands to uncover the true causes of a devastating cataclysm affecting two dying nations. The game is planned for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Later in the Direct, Bandai Namco announced Once Upon A KATAMARI, marking the return of the beloved Katamari series. Players will experience the classic gameplay of rolling objects into an ever-growing ball to destroy everything in their path. The plot sees the Prince tasked with restoring the night sky after the King of All Cosmos accidentally destroys Earth and the stars. This new installment promises diverse historical levels, character customization, a creative soundtrack, and online multiplayer when it launches on October 24 for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch. Pre-orders are open today.

The presentation concluded with another significant HD-2D RPG from Square Enix: Octopath Traveler 0. Unlike previous titles, this installment will feature a single protagonist created by the player, exploring the kingdom of Orsterra, forming alliances, uncovering secrets, and combating a great evil. It will retain the familiar gameplay mechanics of the original duology while introducing new features like a settlement-building system. Octopath Traveler 0 is scheduled for a December 4 release on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Remakes, Remasters, and Ports Galore

The Direct was also a treat for fans of classic games, with several remakes and remasters on the way:

• Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, a remaster of the iconic tower defense game, arrives on October 23 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and both Switch generations, boasting updated graphics and local co-op PvP.
• Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, a full remake of the 3D action-platformer, is set for September 26 on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2, featuring enhanced graphics, expanded levels, and local co-op.
• Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a remaster of the beloved tactical RPG, will launch on September 30. It offers both classic visuals with improved localization and a modern mode with enhanced graphics, UI, story changes, and full voice acting. It will be available on PC (Steam), PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
• The highly successful Persona 3 Reload remake is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on October 23, bringing its updated graphics, gameplay, and voice acting to the new console.
• Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, a remake of the classic JRPG, is getting a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 version and a global update (1.1.0) on all platforms, allowing players to control a dynasty of heirs with experience transferring between generations.
• Yakuza: Kiwami 2, the remake of the second Yakuza game, will make its debut on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 13, the same day the first Kiwami also gets a dedicated Switch 2 version.

Many existing popular titles are also expanding their reach to Nintendo's consoles:

• DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO, the arena fighter, lands on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on November 14.
• Electronic Arts highlighted their sports lineup with EA SPORTS FC 26 launching September 26 and Madden NFL 26 on August 14, both coming to various platforms including Nintendo Switch consoles.
• Apex Legends is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 5, coinciding with its 26th season, 'Showdown'.
• Ubisoft's Star Wars: Outlaws will also arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 4.
• The post-apocalyptic horror title Cronos: The New Dawn will be available on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 5.
• NBA Bounce, the arcade basketball game, showcased new gameplay and is set for a September 26 release on Switch.
• Finally, the action-packed Borderlands 4 will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 3, following its September 12 release on other platforms.

New Adventures and Cozy Experiences

Beyond the major franchises, the Direct introduced a variety of new and intriguing games:

• Ubisoft's ever-popular dance franchise continues with Just Dance 2026 Edition, featuring over 40 new tracks and cooperative party modes, launching October 14.
• Koei Tecmo Games unveiled Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, another musou spin-off set before The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, featuring beloved Hyrule heroes, including Princess Zelda herself, arriving this winter exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.
• For those seeking a calmer experience, Chillin' by the Fire, a "bonfire simulator" with various weather conditions, was announced for a same-day release on Nintendo Switch 2, playable solo or co-op.
• The adventure game Hela, where a brave mouse seeks ingredients for a healing potion, was confirmed for a 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2.
• SEGA's Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, an action-platformer about a shinobi avenging his clan, reminded players of its active demo and August 29 release.
• Square Enix announced another HD-2D action-RPG, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, from the lead developers of Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default. This title, set in the kingdom of Hather, has an exclusive demo available now for Nintendo Switch 2 ahead of its 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Switch 2.
• And for fans of cute adventures, Hello Kitty: Island Adventure will receive a global expansion called 'Wheatflour Wonderland', adding new locations and content.

Overall, this Nintendo Direct provided a comprehensive look at a diverse range of partner games coming to Nintendo platforms. From action-packed new entries in beloved series like Monster Hunter and Katamari, to anticipated remakes, and popular games arriving on the Switch and its successor, there's something for every type of player to look forward to in the coming months and years.