Nintendo Confirms Two Directs for September, Zelda 40th Anniversary Spotlighted

Nintendo is setting the stage for a blockbuster September, officially confirming two distinct Nintendo Direct presentations and a Nintendo Treehouse: Live stream scheduled for September 8 and 9, 2026. The announcements, made via Nintendo's official Direct archive page and the Nintendo Today! mobile app, signal a significant push for upcoming titles, particularly celebrating The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary and showcasing the future of the Switch platform.

The series of events kicks off with a dedicated The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct on Tuesday, September 8, at 7:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM ET. This will be followed by a Standard Nintendo Direct on Wednesday, September 9, at the same 7:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM ET slot, with a Nintendo Treehouse: Live stream immediately after.

What will the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct cover?

The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct, running approximately 30 minutes, is set to deliver "a variety of The Legend of Zelda related information," according to Nintendo's YouTube description, as reported by Medium. The franchise celebrated its 40th anniversary in February 2026, and a major focal point for fans is the highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, which Nintendo previously confirmed would launch in 2026. Updates, including potential trailers and a release date, are expected for this title.

Beyond games, a live-action The Legend of Zelda movie is slated for release in 2027, and IGN reports that a first proper look at the film, alongside official casting announcements, is anticipated. Rumors also mentioned by IGN suggest a "leaked Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console and Pro Controller," though these remain unconfirmed by Nintendo.

What is the focus of the Standard Nintendo Direct?

The standard Nintendo Direct on September 9th, with an approximate runtime of 45 minutes, is expected to be a broader showcase. Shattered.io reports it will cover the "wider Switch and Switch 2 lineup," while IGN specifies it as a "general showcase featuring upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games." This phrasing suggests the Direct might not be exclusively for Switch 2 titles, though many reports imply a strong focus on the next-generation console.

This annual September Direct typically highlights games scheduled for release in the final months of the year. Men's Journal has suggested that the original Nintendo Switch era is "unofficially over," with all games discussed in the upcoming Directs expected to be Switch 2 titles. One of the last first-party titles for the original Switch was Rhythm Heaven Groove, released in Summer 2026, further supporting the shift.

Known upcoming Switch 2 titles include Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, launching September 17, and Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, slated for October. Further out, Xenoblade Genesis and Pokémon Winds and Waves are both expected next year.

What is the Nintendo Treehouse: Live?

The Nintendo Treehouse: Live stream, scheduled immediately after the September 9th Direct, will offer an extended look at gameplay. Running for approximately 110 minutes (nearly two hours), it "will feature gameplay of select titles featured during the Nintendo Direct," according to a Nintendo push notification reported by Medium. This typically provides deeper dives and developer insights into newly revealed or highlighted games.

What are fans hoping for?

Beyond the confirmed information, fan anticipation is high for several potential announcements. As mentioned, the Ocarina of Time remake is a top priority for the Zelda Direct. Many are also keenly awaiting a first glimpse of the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, along with further casting details as IGN reports. Additionally, Men's Journal reports significant anticipation for new 3D Mario experiences, given the nearly nine-year gap since Super Mario Odyssey. However, Nintendo has not officially hinted at such an announcement.

While Nintendo has confirmed the events and their focuses, specific game reveals beyond general categories remain under wraps. The upcoming Directs will provide a clearer picture of Nintendo's strategy for the rest of 2026 and into 2027, particularly as the company transitions fully into the Switch 2 era.