Nintendo Confirms Two Directs With Major Zelda 40th Reveal

Nintendo is set to deliver two major presentations on consecutive days: a dedicated Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct, followed by a general Nintendo Direct packed with potential reveals.

Nintendo fans won’t have to wait long for a big news wave, as Nintendo has confirmed that two different Nintendo Direct presentations will take place on back-to-back days next week. Rather than cramming everything into one long demonstration, the company is planning a specific presentation for The Legend of Zelda, followed by a general Direct that will include the rest of Nintendo's roster.

Nintendo of America said the Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct would air September 8 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time and will run roughly 30 minutes. Nintendo will also host a regular Nintendo Direct at the same time on September 9, the day after, and the presentation will likely run roughly 45 minutes. Both showcases will be livestreamed, offering fans two straight mornings of new game announcements.

The presentations will differ, especially since we don’t often get back-to-back Nintendo Directs.

That special 30-minute Zelda presentation also hints that Nintendo has a lot more planned for the franchise than a quick section during a bigger Direct. As The Legend of Zelda turns 40, the business seems poised to make a big deal of the anniversary, rather than mark it with only a couple of announcements. 

The Zelda presentation will likely focus on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which has been widely reported as one of the largest projects tied to the anniversary. If Nintendo is gearing up for a full 30-minute presentation, fans might finally get a first look at the gameplay, mechanics, visuals, and overall direction of the game. There’s even talk that series producer Eiji Aonuma might make an appearance to show off some of the changes made to the classic adventure.

But Nintendo may have more than just Ocarina of Time up its sleeve. The business will have more time to show off anniversary projects, products, and other Zelda-related items in a 30-minute presentation. We may see some previously reported 40th anniversary products make an appearance, like a special Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 system, a themed Pro Controller, and possibly new amiibo.

Nintendo may also use the conference to announce more about the impending Zelda movie. A first trailer would add another big draw to the anniversary celebration beyond gaming. Similarly, Nintendo might also reveal updates on Zelda-themed additions or attractions to its Nintendo World theme parks. The most intriguing idea would be that Nintendo has another Zelda title ready to be announced.

Ocarina of Time might easily steal the show, but it would be unusual if a full 30-minute Direct was devoted to just one game.

This has led to rumors of more Zelda games in the pipeline, with potential ports for the Nintendo Switch. Another possibility is The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, which might get the same treatment as other Nintendo remasters that bring older games to modern technology with enhanced resolution and presentation.

Another persistent speculation is that HD versions of The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess would be packed together for Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has a history of bundling numerous titles together for anniversary celebrations, and the prospect of such a collection would be tantalizing. The general Nintendo Direct on September 9 could be even more significant for the company’s larger roster.

With Zelda getting its own presentation, Nintendo won’t have to waste too much time in the general Direct talking about Ocarina of Time or anniversary announcements. That may open up a lot more room for first-party games, third-party releases, and future projects. The largest possibility is a new 3D Mario game. If Nintendo is aiming for a 2027 release, then the September Direct could be where the company finally teases its next major Mario adventure.

There’s also conjecture that Pokémon’s reported Winds and Waves could take up the holiday slot in 2027, thus freeing Mario up to launch earlier in the year.

That seems like a smart schedule for Nintendo, with a huge 3D Mario game coming out in May, June, or July for a prominent summer release, and Pokémon getting the holiday focus. Nintendo probably doesn’t want to go head-to-head with two of its biggest titles. In addition to first-party titles, the September 9 Direct will also feature many third-party games.

Just Dance is pegged for September 10, while other expected appearances include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and possible Nintendo Switch 2 versions of the Resident Evil remakes. Crimson Desert is also reportedly in development for the Switch 2, but fans have yet to see the game run on Nintendo hardware.

Nintendo has a lot of stuff to share with two Directs in 24 hours. Could the Zelda presentation be the anniversary celebration fans have been waiting for? The next-day Direct may also finally reveal answers about Nintendo's larger 2027 lineup. Whatever Nintendo has in store, September 8 and 9 are building up to be two of the biggest days of the year for Switch and Switch 2 owners.