Nintendo Direct Scheduled for Friday Ahead of Mario’s 40th Anniversary

We’ve just gotten some big news from Nintendo. On Friday, September 12, 2025, Nintendo will hold a new Nintendo Direct presentation, about 60 minutes of announcements for both the Switch and the incoming Switch 2. This Direct comes just a day before Mario’s 40th anniversary, which makes it a very special occasion.

Mario has meant so much to gaming. Since the first Super Mario Bros. in 1985, the character has become iconic across generations. This anniversary is not just about looking back; it’s a chance to see what’s next. We expect Nintendo to reveal something big. Maybe a new Mario game. Maybe remasters or surprise collaborations.

We’re excited because when Nintendo aligns a Direct with a major milestone, magic tends to happen. We will study what Nintendo has planned and why this Friday carries more weight than usual.

The Legacy of Nintendo Direct

Nintendo Direct has become Nintendo’s main stage to share new games and hardware news.Itt started back in 2011, and since then, Nintendo has used it to make announcements both big and small, everything from new IPs to updates for beloved franchises.

We’ve seen these events shape expectations. Release dates, surprise trailers, or even remakes have all debuted during Directs. The format gives Nintendo direct access to its global audience. And the audience has learned to expect the unexpected.

Mario’s 40th Anniversary: A Milestone in Gaming

Mario turned from a pixel plumber into one of the most iconic characters in gaming history. The original Super Mario Bros. launched in Japan on September 13, 1985, and its influence has only grown since.

Over four decades, Mario has starred in platformers, sports games, RPGs, party titles, and more. Each anniversary has brought its own set of celebrations, like for the 25th, 30th, and 35th. During the 35th anniversary, Nintendo launched Super Mario 3D All-Stars along with exclusive hardware such as the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. edition.

This 40th anniversary feels especially symbolic. It’s not just a chance to look back. It’s a moment for Nintendo to show where Mario stands now, and where Mario will go next.

What to Expect from the Upcoming Nintendo Direct

Since Nintendo confirmed Nintendo Direct for September 12, speculation has run wild. We expect a mix of:

• Mario-themed announcements: A new Mario game? A remake? Or expanded ports of classic titles? Remasters or graphical updates seem likely.
• Hardware or system news: Maybe more about Switch 2, performance enhancements, or special Mario edition bundles.
• Releases or dates for long-promised games: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is one of them. Fans have heard about it for years, but want a clear release date.
• Classic content making a return: Mario trilogy remasters like Super Mario Galaxy or Sunshine are often rumoured. Also, older Mario titles for Switch Online or anniversary collections.

We believe Nintendo will balance surprises with realistic updates.

Spotlight on Mario’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations

What could make this anniversary stand out?

• Limited-edition merchandise: Collector’s items, Amiibo, statues, apparel. Celebrations like this usually come with special merch.
• Anniversary editions of games: Either remastered versions or special compilations. Perhaps with bonus content or restored material.
• Special events: Digital events, streams, community challenges. Maybe in-game items or bonuses tied to Mario’s history.
• Cross-media tie-ins: Movie updates, collaborations (e.g., with brands, artists), or soundtrack releases.

We hope to see something that pulls at nostalgic cords but also shows forward momentum.

The Business Side of Nintendo Direct

From a business angle, timing matters. Aligning Nintendo Direct with Mario’s 40th anniversary could boost both attention and sales. Nostalgia sells. A well-placed reveal might kick off holiday season momentum.

Also, for Switch 2, Nintendo needs strong content to keep adoption high. Game announcements, better visuals, or exclusive titles can persuade undecided buyers. We might see Nintendo using this Direct to reassure fans that the Switch & Switch 2 lineup is strong.

On the investor side, positive reactions can influence stock and market sentiment. Nintendo has in past anniversaries seen spikes in merchandise and game sales. So this Direct has both cultural and financial weight.

Broader Impact on the Gaming Industry

Nintendo’s Directs set trends. Other companies watch. When Nintendo makes a strong anniversary showcase, it pushes others to do similar cross-generational celebrations.

Also, the balance between new games and remasters/remakes is a signal. It shows how nostalgia and innovation coexist. If this Direct features many remasters, it might signal a shift: older IPs being mined more heavily. If new games dominate, it suggests risk appetite and investment in creation.

Plus, hardware tie-ins matter. If Switch 2 gets special coverage, that could shift how third parties plan support for Nintendo’s platforms. A strong showing may lead to more third-party games, better deals, or renewed confidence among developers.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Mario and Nintendo

Beyond Friday, what does the future hold?

• More frequent updates for Switch 2: We want to see sustained support, not just hype moments.
• New 3D Mario platformers: It’s been many years since Super Mario Odyssey. Many expect the next big step.
• Stronger third-party presence: For Nintendo to thrive, partners need confidence. Big releases or surprises from non-Nintendo studios could matter.
• Innovation and tradition: Mario has always balanced the two. New gameplay mechanics, new stories, new visuals, but honoring what made Mario Mario.

Conclusion

The upcoming Nintendo Direct is not just another event. It is timed to honor Mario’s 40-year legacy. We expect nostalgia, but also growth. We hope for announcements that make us look ahead with excitement.

As fans, we’ll watch, cheer, maybe even gasp. As observers, we’ll see what this moment reveals about Nintendo’s plans, for Mario, for Switch, for gaming as a whole. If done right, this Direct could be more than memorable; it could be a turning point.

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Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always conduct your research.