A newly announced maintenance period for theNintendoeShop 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 upcomingNintendo Switch 2titles.
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 WorldandDonkey Kong Bananzahave 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 necessaryfor the continued success of the Switch 2, and if a new rumor is to be believed, one such event may only be days away.
An announcement on theofficial Nintendo Japan site(and spotted byDualShockers) 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 thata 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 getaMetroid Prime 4: Beyondlaunch date, or more information aboutHyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Additionally,Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais 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 ofupcoming Switch 2 gamesis lengthy, though many of these titles are third-party ports. August will see the updated release ofKirby and the Forgotten Land, while September’s launches includeStar Wars Outlaws,EA Sports FC 26, andFinal Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles.
