Even though it just recently hosted itsSuper Mario Bros.35th Anniversary presentation, Nintendo decided to host yet another Nintendo Direct in September. This time around, Nintendo hosted a Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase, which focused on upcoming third-party games that are in development for the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo had some surprise game announcements during its Nintendo Direct Mini presentation, and it also gave fans updates on previously-announced third-party games. Some of the games shown were made immediately available on theSwitch, whereas some of the other titles will be looking to bolster the console’s list of new releases for 2021.
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Here is everything that was announced during the Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase presentation on June 19, 2025.
Monster Hunter Games
Nintendo kicked off its Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase presentation with the big reveal of a brand newMonster Huntergame.Monster Hunter Riseis coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switchon August 04, 2025, letting players battle fan favorite beasts as well as completely new monsters.Monster Hunter Risehas a host of improvements for the series, particularly when it comes to maneuvering around the battlefield and exploring the game world. Players will have a grappling hook of sorts that they can use to help scale mountainsides, plus a “canyne” companion that offers a significant speed boost and can literally climb up walls.
In a followupMonster Hunter-specific Direct that aired immediately after the Partner Showcase, more details aboutMonster Hunter Risewere revealed. This included the reveal ofspecialMonster Hunter Riseamiibo figures, which are scheduled to launch alongside the game itself on June 29, 2025. Fans will be able to select from a standard or special edition of the game when it launches next year.
Monster Hunter Risewasn’t the onlyMonster Huntergame Capcom revealed for the Nintendo Switch, though. It also revealed a sequel to theMonster Hunterspin-off gameMonster Hunter Storiesin the form ofMonster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, which is currently scheduled for release in the summer of 2021.Monster Hunter Stories 2is far more focused on story and character development thanMonster Hunter Rise, and it also features vastly improved visuals when compared to the originalMonster Hunter Stories3DS game. Fans should learn more details about it some time next year.
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm and Exercise
Nintendo consoles often have exercise games released for them, whether it’s first-party games likeWii FitorRing Fit Adventureor third-party offerings.Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm and Exercisefalls into the latter category, giving players the chance to exercise with gameplay mechanics similar to those in rhythm/music games. While it may have limited appeal for core gamers, those who are looking for another exercise game for their Switch will be able to tryFitness Boxing 2: Rhythm and Exercisebeginning December 4.
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny
One of the bigger surprises during the Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase was the reveal ofDisgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny. The first main seriesDisgaeagame sinceDisgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeancelaunched in 2015.Disgaea 6looks like it will be just about what fans expect from the franchise, and it will be interesting to see if it lives up to the hype once it launches in the summer of 2021.
Empire of Sin
John Romero is a legend in the video game industry, having been involved in the development of a slew of classic games, including premiere FPS titles likeDoomandQuake. Now teaming with his wife Brenda, Romero is returning to games withEmpire of Sin, a new turn-based strategy game about mobsters.Empire of Sinwill launch on December 1, and looks like it should be well-received by fans of the genre.
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Sniper Elite 4
TheSniper Elitegames are a somewhat of an acquired taste, but fans of the franchise will soon have the opportunity to try it on the go.Sniper Elite 4has been confirmed for release on the Nintendo Switch, three years after it launched for other platforms.Sniper Elite 4on Switch looks like it will be pretty much what fans should expect if they played the original game, but the ability to play it on the go may be too hard to pass up.
September Launches
Nintendo has made a habit of surprise-launching games during and after its Nintendo Direct presentations, and the latest Nintendo Direct Mini was no exception. Among the surprise-launched games includeThe Long Dark, a first-person survival game, as well asHades, the latest fromBastionstudio Supergiant Games.Hadeshas quickly earned widespread critical acclaim, with an impressive 92 rating on review aggregate OpenCritic at the time of this writing.
Nintendo also pointed out thatPGA Tour 2K21will be available for Switch starting September 25.
Balan Wonderworld
Back in July, it was revealed that the creators ofSonic the Hedgehogwere teaming with Square Enix to create a unique new 3D platforming game calledBalan Wonderworld. Nintendo was sure to showcaseBalan Wonderworldduring its latest Nintendo Direct presentation, confirming its August 02, 2025 release date, as well as revealing a 2-player co-op mode for the game.
Rune Factory 5
Ever since the firstRune Factorygame released for the Nintendo DS back in 2006, the franchise has been closely tied to the Nintendo brand. Unfortunately for fans, there hasn’t been a newRune Factorygame sinceRune Factory 4released for the 3DS in 2012, but that’s looking to change soon. Nintendo gave fans a new look atRune Factory 5during its Nintendo Direct presentation, showing off gameplay and the game’s expansive world. Fans will be able to explore it for themselves whenRune Factory 5launches exclusively for the Nintendo Switch at some point in 2021.
Ori Collector’s Edition
Nintendo capped off its Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase with the reveal that the critically-acclaimedOri and the Will of the Wispsis surprise-launching for the Switch today. It also revealed aspecialOriCollector’s Editionthat bundles together both games in the series, along with some artwork and other collectible items.
