Nintendo has announced the surprise return of the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, confirming a new show will air on 31 July 2025 (ET/PT). Per the slim details mentioned, we’re set for 25 minutes of news and announcements on upcoming Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 games from Nintendo’s major publishing partners, likely with some new titles, and some previously announced titles, in the lot.

It’s worth mentioning there are quite a few upcoming third-party Nintendo games which feel due for updates in some form. Professor Layton and the New World of Steam was announced in early 2023, and was eventually delayed into 2025. Given we’re more than halfway through the year now, it feels high time for a new trailer and a firm release date. As one of the larger third-party games for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, this feels most likely to appear during the latest Nintendo Direct.

Level-5 may also be represented in DecaPolice or Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road. It feels too early for the company to have an update on Yo-kai Watch successor Holy Horror Mansion, but that title could also pop in briefly. Would it be too hopeful to ask that Yo-kai Watch itself also pops in? The time has passed, but I’m haunted by the knowledge that the series got multiple releases for Nintendo Switch (a remaster, a sequel) that never landed in Western regions. Perhaps I will be haunted forever.

Elsewhere, we can expect appearances from other games we know are launching on Nintendo Switch 2 in future, like Borderlands 4, Star Wars Outlaws, Little Nightmares 3, or even 007 First Light. More hopeful picks would be a new look at Elden Ring or The Duskbloods, or even the long-gestating Hollow Knight: Silksong.

At this stage, Hollow Knight: Silksong fans shouldn’t hold their breath – but given that game is about to get a demo at Gamescom, and feature in ACMI’s Game Worlds exhibition (alongside Neopets, The Elder Scrolls Online, The Sims, and more), it does feel like we’re getting closer to a formal announcement. No promises, as always. But one day, we will certainly see that game.

How to watch the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase in July 2025

Those keen to see which games do pop in to the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase should tune in at the following times, around the world:

Australia – 11:00 pm AEST | 10:30 am ACST | 9:00 pm AWST (31 July)

– 11:00 pm AEST | 10:30 am ACST | 9:00 pm AWST (31 July) New Zealand – 1:00 am NZST (1 August)

– 1:00 am NZST (1 August) United States – 6:00 am PT | 9:00 am ET (31 July)

– 6:00 am PT | 9:00 am ET (31 July) United Kingdom – 3:00 pm CEST | 2:00 pm BST (31 July)

As usual, you’ll find the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase streaming on the official Nintendo YouTube channels. You can now bookmark the placeholder video to be notified of when the show goes live.

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Also on ScreenHub: Hollow Knight: Silksong will be playable at Gamescom 2025

Long-anticipated Aussie-made game Hollow Knight: Silksong will officially be playable at Gamescom 2025, with a new demo available at the Xbox booth. Per a press release, the game will be available on PC and ROG Xbox Ally X, being optimised for both devices.

Hollow Knight: Silksong will appear alongside a raft of other games, including Roblox, Sea of Thieves, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, Grounded 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Age of Empires, Age of Mythology: Retold, and more. But it’s fair to say Hollow Knight: Silksong is the headliner, regardless of any other games announced. Since this title was announced way back in 2019, there has been a buzzing excitement to see more – and buzzing not only due to the franchise’s insect heroes.

Discover more screen, games & arts news and reviews on ScreenHub and ArtsHub.

Wayforward has announced the release date for Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution.

The “lost” game in the Shantae series will release on August 19th 2025 for Switch, PC, and other consoles. A deluxe edition has also been announced, which includes three alternate outfits for Shantae with different abilities:

Relic Hunter Costume – Powers up Pike Ball attacks.

– Powers up Pike Ball attacks. High Voltage Costume – Powers up Storm Puff attacks.

– Powers up Storm Puff attacks. Sizzle Armor Costume – Powers up Fireball attacks.

All physical releases for the game will include the Deluxe edition content on cart.

Check out the latest trailer below:

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Yoshiki Okamoto, the producer of Street Fighter II and long-time developer at Capcom, has shed light on how much Nintendo made selling an NES cartridge to third-party publishers 40 years ago.

According to the producer, Nintendo was the only company that had a steady source of revenue thanks to their business model of selling cartridges. At the time, publishers like Capcom had to borrow from banks to fund the production of game cartridges, and production could only start once payment is made. It took 1.5 to 3 months for the cartridges to be delivered after payment.

Okamoto illustrated the breakdown of a 10,000 yen NES game. Out of 10,000 yen, 3,000 yen went to the retailer, 4,000 yen went to the publisher, and 3,000 yen went to Nintendo. Out of Nintendo’s share, 1,500 yen went to manufacturing contractors, so Nintendo effectively took 1,500 yen.

It should also be noted that Nintendo wasn’t responsible for unsold stock, so publishers could incur losses from stock that isn’t sold.

On the other hand, PlayStation discs were much more cheaper, as the publisher only paid 1,800 yen to Sony Interactive Entertainment. Out of the 1,800 yen, 200 yen was the production cost, and 1,600 yen was Sony’s cut. Sony accepted returns for surplus stock if the game didn’t sell well, and reimbursed their 1,600 yen cut to the publisher, thereby reducing the risk.

Okamoto claimed that Sony’s business model helped to boost Capcom’s profits, and explains that is the reason why many third-party publishers and developers at the time jumped from Nintendo to PlayStation.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Nintendo has announced a Direct “Partner Showcase” presentation scheduled to air tonight, dedicated to Switch and Switch 2 games made by third-party developers.

That means we won’t see any games made by Nintendo’s internal team, so don’t expect any Metroid Prime 4 news. However, the Partner Showcase could reveal more information about Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a Zelda spin-off being made by Koei Tecmo. There’s also a chance of Hades II getting a release date, following the success of Supergiant Games’ original mythological dungeon crawler.

There was speculation that Nintendo was preparing for its first Direct not focused on one game since launching the Switch 2 in June. Despite concerns over tsunami warnings for Japan, everything looks to be going full-speed ahead.

Australians can tune into the 25-minute Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase tonight (31 July 2025) at 11 PM AEST via the company’s YouTube channel.

With August just around the corner, it means there’s a whole batch of new games on the way to the Switch and Switch 2.

Nintendo has once again put together its own round of highlights – spotlighting some of the experiences players can look forward to next month. This includes the return of titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and the new online multiplayer experience Drag x Drive.

So, here’s the full rundown:

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 – August 5th

Destroy demons with the power of forged bonds in Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2! Take on the role of Tanjiro Kamado and relive famous story arcs from the anime, taking on new challenges both solo and online. Players of other games in the series can also enjoy bonuses for linking their save data.

GRADIUS ORIGINS – August 7th

The pioneer of the side-scrolling shoot ‘em-up genre makes a triumphant return, complete with a new entry! The GRADIUS ORIGINS collection features 18 versions across all seven arcade titles in the series, along with new features like save states, rewind and Training Mode. It also includes a brand new title in the series: SALAMANDER III.

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 – August 14th

Dominate the league in EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 on Nintendo Switch 2. Years of NFL game data powers next-level coaching, QB authenticity, and explosive gameplay. Every game is a new challenge on your path to becoming an NFL legend.

Drag x Drive – August 14th

The next generation of 3-on-3 sports is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in Drag x Drive! Hold each Joy-Con 2 controller like a mouse for tight control of both your wheels as you speed around the court. Raise your hand and flick your wrist to shoot…and score! Team up with – or take on – friends and players from around the world online in fast-paced 3-on-3 matches.

STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar – August 27th

Breathe new life into in Zephyr Town’s once-famous bazaar and start a new life in STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar. Set up your stall to sell produce and goods from the crops and animals you raise on your farm, and meet charming townsfolk to befriend and romance as you help the close-knit community thrive.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World – August 28th

Kirby’s adventure continues in Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World for Nintendo Switch 2. After the world is struck by a powerful meteor, Kirby must use his amazing abilities – including all-new Mouthful Modes – to clear a trail through uncharted territory in this exciting adventure!

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance – August 29th

The iconic ninja returns in SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, an all-new 2D action platformer with a hand-drawn look. Play as the legendary Shinobi Joe Musashi, master of the ninja arts, wielding your vast arsenal and unleashing unique combat moves as you overcome obstacles and uncover new paths.

If you’re still seeking more games, Nintendo has announced it will be hosting a Partner Showcase featuring around 25 minutes of announcements. This will air later today and we’ll sharing all the news here on Nintendo Life.