A newly announced maintenance period for the Nintendo eShop is fueling rumors that the July 2025 Direct is right around the corner. Throughout the month, several insiders have hinted that the event was incoming, though no concrete details have popped up so far. Now, it looks like a Direct stream may be coming this Thursday, July 31, finally providing gamers with more information about upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles.

The launch of the Switch 2 on June 5 made history, with the new hardware becoming the fastest-selling Nintendo console of all time with over 3.5 million units sold in its first four days globally. Despite this, many fans were disappointed with its day-one offerings, especially when it came to first-party releases. Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza have quickly become bestsellers, but players are eager to get their hands on more Nintendo games in the near future. To many console owners, a Nintendo Direct stream is necessary for the continued success of the Switch 2, and if a new rumor is to be believed, one such event may only be days away.

Mario Galaxy character artwork emerging out of hand-held Nintendo Switch 2 on red background
Nintendo Switch 2 Features Convenient Change

Nintendo confirms that its newly announced Switch 2 includes one super convenient change compared to its immediate predecessor.

An announcement on the official Nintendo Japan site (and spotted by DualShockers) states that the eShop will be taken down for maintenance on both the Switch and Switch 2 from Wednesday, July 30 at 11 PM PT to Thursday, July 31 at 12:30 AM PT. Typically, this happens ahead of large-scale events, such as a Nintendo Direct, as games are often shadow dropped or put up for pre-order following release date reveals. Only days ago, leaker CentroLeaks took to Twitter to claim that a Nintendo Direct was still coming at the end of July. As several heavy-hitting Nintendo titles are slated to be released in 2025 yet are still lacking release dates, this would be the perfect time for the company to share more information with its fanbase.

A Nintendo Direct Might Happen on Thursday, July 31

If the rumored Direct does take place this week, players may finally get a Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launch date, or more information about Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Additionally, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is still slated for an October release, though it will be available on both the Switch and Switch 2. Given the hefty price of the console, many consumers are hoping to see more exclusives on the market sooner rather than later.

The list of upcoming Switch 2 games is lengthy, though many of these titles are third-party ports. August will see the updated release of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, while September's launches include Star Wars Outlaws, EA Sports FC 26, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles.

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Nintendo Switch 2 Tag Page Cover Art
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Brand
Nintendo
Original Release Date
June 5, 2025
Original MSRP (USD)
$449.99
Operating System
Proprietary
Resolution
1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
HDR Support
Yes
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