The latest Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase saw several titles showcased to fans, from upcoming partnered games to fan favourites coming to the Switch 2.
From fighting games, sports franchises, classic RPGs and new titles releasing later this year, here is an esports-focused perspective on the July 31st direct.
Popular Esports Games Head to Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a sizeable jump in performance compared to its predecessor, and plenty of competitive games are looking to take full advantage of the system’s new hardware.
Apex Legends was the star competitive battle royale in the showcase, scheduled to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 5th, 2025 during Season 25: Prodigy. Both the Battle Royale and Mix Tape modes will see enhanced resolution and smoother performance.
Various sports games were also revealed to be moving to the Switch 2 upgrade. EA Sports FC 26 will be available on both handheld consoles by Nintendo. Pre-orders are currently available, with the game launching on September 26th, 2025. EA’s other flagship sports simulator, Madden NFL 26, will be available on the Switch 2 on August 14th, 2025.
Finally, Bandai Namco’s recent smash hit arena fighting game, DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO, will be arriving on the Nintendo Switch 2. The title will also utilise the Joy-Con motion controls to perform specific attacks.
The Potential of NBA Bounce
During the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, several new titles were revealed. Out of all the games on display, NBA Bounce stood as the most competitive.
Developed by Outright Games, it is a multiplayer sports game where players control cartoon players and mascots in a basketball court. The game is scheduled to release on the Nintendo Switch on September 26th, 2025.
Whether it will evolve into an esports title depends entirely on the popularity on the game and the demand to see higher levels of play. Splatoon is an example of a more cartoony take on a popular esports genre (FPS) that became a popular esports title thanks to Nintendo’s support.
New games are capable of creating an esports scene, like Marvel Rivals. Despite being out for less than a year, Marvel Rivals has already fostered a large esports ecosystem. FragPunk is also another title released this year that has hosted several tournaments.
Nintendo’s Other Major Announcements
Outside of the competitive announcements, Nintendo also shared various gaming news with fans who tuned in to the broadcast. These are the biggest announcements revealed from the Nintendo Direct.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: twisted Reflection was revealed for the Nintendo Switch 2, and will launch sometime in 2026.
Ubisoft also threw its hat into the ring. Just Dance 2026 edition will launch with 40 tracks, and will be available on the Switch on October 14th. Star Wars: Outlaws, an open-world action-adventure game, is also coming to Switch 2 on September 4th, 2025.
The classic tower defence game by EA, Plants vs Zombies, will also launch on both Switch and Switch 2 with a new Replanted edition. The game will now come with multiplayer features in local co-op and pvp. Pre-orders are open for its October 23rd, 2025 release.
Square Enix also revealed several titles coming to Switch 2. These games include Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles (September 30th, 2025), a new 2D action RPG called The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (2026), and its final reveal was the announcement of Octopath Traveller 0 (December 4th, 2025).
