الوسم: Direct

  • Completing Metroid Prime 4 Is Likely the Focus of This Month’s Direct

    Recently, there has been a lot of talk about an upcoming Nintendo Direct following the release of Donkey Kong Bananza. Former marketing lead Kit Ellis has shared his thoughts on this topic.

    With the busy year Nintendo has had, including the launch of the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 and a new Mario Kart game after ten years, it doesn’t seem like things are slowing down. The release of Donkey Kong Bananza is just around the corner and it has been receiving great reviews. Plus, there are several other games we know are on Nintendo’s schedule.

    One of the most anticipated first-party games confirmed by Nintendo for 2025 is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Despite being shown off multiple times, we still don’t have a release date. Kit Ellis believes that this could change soon.

    Metroid Prime 4 might be key evidence for a Nintendo Direct this month

    The long wait for a release date might be over soon

    Every year, there are whispers about a new Nintendo Direct. Recently, reliable leaker NateTheHate mentioned that Nintendo might hold a Direct after the release of Donkey Kong Bananza.

    Reports from GamesRadar+ suggest these rumors are becoming more credible. In a recent video, Kit Ellis commented on this, saying that NateTheHate’s suggestion “makes a lot of sense for Nintendo.”

    Ellis pointed out that one of the main reasons for a Direct this month is the lack of release dates for some of Nintendo’s big titles, including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. It’s unusual that such an important game doesn’t have a release date yet.

    Ellis stated, “I generally agree with his points. I think a Nintendo Direct in late July makes a lot of sense. They still have many games this year without release dates, like Metroid Prime 4, which will likely be one of their biggest games.”

    He believes that many Nintendo Switch 2 games are still not revealed, making a Nintendo Direct likely this month unless Nintendo decides otherwise.

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: How To Watch And What To Expect

    Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: How To Watch And What To Expect


    After much anticipation, Nintendo is finally ready to unveil the Switch 2. Following a brief preview earlier this year, the company will host a dedicated Direct event on April 2. Though specific details remain under wraps, you can expect announcements regarding the release date, price, and initial game lineup. This promises to be one of the most exciting live stream events of the year, and it would be wise to tune in, even if you're not considering purchasing a Switch 2 right away.

    If you're looking to catch the event, here's what you need to know about the April 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: when it airs, where to watch it, and what you can look forward to. If you can't catch it live, we will provide a comprehensive recap as it unfolds.

    When is the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct?

    The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, starting at 6 a.m. Pacific Time. Fans on the West Coast will need to rise early for this event. While Nintendo hasn't specified the duration, the 2017 presentation lasted a little over an hour, so expect something similar this time around.

    Where to watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct

    Nintendo's official YouTube channel. We'll embed the stream here as soon as it goes live. It’s also likely that Nintendo will stream it on its official website for those who prefer to watch it there.

    What to expect from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct

    Mario Kart running on a Switch 2.
    Nintendo

    Don't be fooled into thinking this will be just another teaser; this event is expected to be substantial. Drawing parallels to the 2017 Nintendo Switch reveal, we can anticipate a wealth of information spanning hardware details, online service changes, and game announcements. Crucially, we expect the reveal of the price and release date. The 2017 event unveiled the Switch's upcoming release just two months later, suggesting a similar timeline for the Switch 2, potentially setting a June launch—aligning with current rumors. Pricing, however, remains uncertain, especially with recent tariffs possibly affecting costs. If the price is unexpectedly high for a Nintendo console, the tariffs could be a factor.

    It's likely we'll gain insights beyond just pricing and release details. Specifications for the Switch 2 are still under wraps, so this may be the moment we hear about them, especially if the console is capable of 4K output. Expect more information about the unique “mouse-con” controllers and perhaps a brief update on how Nintendo Switch Online will operate, assuming there aren't major changes from the previous version. With limited time available, expect minimal elaboration on features that remain unchanged.

    But the main attraction will undoubtedly be the games. Currently, we know very little about what's in store for the Switch 2, and this is Nintendo's chance to change that narrative. Major titles like Mario Kart 9 and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are likely to be prominent, but there may also be some unexpected reveals. A new 3D Mario game seems plausible given the considerable gap since Super Mario Odyssey. I wouldn’t be surprised if titles from the Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing franchises make appearances as well. Additionally, we can anticipate a selection of third-party games, much like the significant focus during the 2017 showcase.

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Arrives In Early April

    Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Arrives In Early April

    Nintendo Switch 2 – First-look trailer

    Nintendo has officially announced its Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation, set for April 2 at 9 AM ET (6 AM PT). This event was anticipated following Nintendo’s initial announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2. However, as is typical for the company, only minimal details have been provided thus far. Despite knowing when the stream will occur, there are still no additional insights about the console itself.

    Nintendo states that this Direct will provide a deeper look at the upcoming console and is likely to introduce several new games. Although speculation surrounds the handheld device, no specifics have been confirmed yet.


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    Based on what has been revealed so far, it seems we can expect more details about the new Mario Kart 9, including potential gameplay mechanics. Additionally, there’s a decent chance that we might see more about the anticipated Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, perhaps with both games being announced as launch titles.

    Mario Kart running on a Switch 2.
    Nintendo

    Nintendo has confirmed that the majority of the current Switch library will be compatible with the Switch 2; however, some titles may not make the transition. While specific games that will be excluded have yet to be announced, it is rumored that games utilizing the Switch’s integrated IR sensor might not work. There are whispers that the Switch 2 could feature an improved IR sensor which could allow for compatibility, but until then, we can only speculate.

    One of the most eagerly awaited details is the release date for the Switch 2. At this point, Nintendo has only provided a broad timeframe of 2025. This upcoming event could potentially confirm both a release date and pricing details.

  • All Announcements From Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct

    All Announcements From Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct

    Blizzard Entertainment hosted an exciting virtual event on Wednesday to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Warcraft franchise, opting for an online format instead of an in-person convention this year. The presentation looked back at the series’ rich history, featuring a concert performed by a full orchestra, while also revealing a remaster of the original Warcraft RTS—the franchise’s debut title—and updates for World of Warcraft Classic. Additionally, the current version of World of Warcraft is set to receive significant updates, including a long-requested feature that players have awaited for decades.

    This showcase was surprisingly full of announcements (it’s easy to forget just how extensive the Warcraft lineup is), so here’s a summary of the highlights you may have missed.

    World of Warcraft: The War Within receives its first major update

    A golden statue of a man holding a large bowl atop a roof, with a pink and purple world around him.
    Blizzard Entertainment

    World of Warcraft debuted its latest expansion, The War Within, back in August, and it’s now getting its first substantial content update. Titled Undermine(d), this update will transport players to the hidden goblin city of Undermine, where they will confront Xal’atath the Harbinger. Players can expect a new dungeon and two additional delves. In a fun twist, Blizzard will introduce a ground mount that enables players to speed through Undermine, along with races to showcase their driving abilities. This update is slated for release on November 23.

    Housing is set to be introduced in World of Warcraft

    Most modern MMOs incorporate some form of housing system, and now World of Warcraft is finally following suit after two decades. While Blizzard only shared a brief teaser without many details, a housing system is expected to be included in the upcoming Midnight expansion, which is planned for a formal reveal in the summer of 2025.

    World of Warcraft Classic revisits Mists of Pandaria

    Continuing its nostalgic journey, World of Warcraft Classic will be reintroducing the beloved Mists of Pandaria expansion. Originally released in 2012, this expansion took players to the Pandaria continent and introduced the pandaren—initially a humorous concept that evolved into a unique playable race. It remains the only faction-neutral race in the game and also marked the debut of the Monk class.

    Blizzard is remastering the original Warcraft RTS games

    Although Warcraft is widely recognized as the foundation for the popular MMORPG, it originated as a series of real-time strategy games in the 1990s. The first Warcraft Battle Chest from that era included the original title and its expansion, but the newly announced remaster will encompass all of the RTS games. Available for $40 (with pricing adjustments if you own any of the titles), this remaster features significant graphical enhancements, along with various quality-of-life improvements, plus the option to switch between classic and updated visuals.

    Additionally, Warcraft 3: Reforged, the 2020 remaster that garnered mixed reviews, will receive a 2.0 update aimed at addressing its prior shortcomings.

    Additional announcements

    • World of Warcraft Classic: 20th Anniversary Edition will launch on November 21, allowing Classic Era players to start anew.
    • Hardcore servers will also be available, allowing players to progress through content updates into Burning Crusade Classic.
    • Players can transfer their hardcore characters to a non-hardcore mode.
    • A new mini set, Heroes of Starcraft, will be released for Hearthstone.
    • In 2025, three expansions will come to Hearthstone, beginning with Emerald Dream, followed by The Shrouded City and The Heroes of Time.
    • Warcraft Rumble will be available on PC, with an open beta scheduled for December 10.
    • This game will introduce a feature that lets players engage two families simultaneously.
  • Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct: Watch It And What To Expect

    Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct: Watch It And What To Expect

    This year has been quite eventful for Blizzard Entertainment. After Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the studio enjoyed the successful launch of titles like World of Warcraft: The War Within and Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, while also facing challenges such as significant layoffs and the release of Jason Schreier’s insightful book, Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment. To conclude this whirlwind year, Blizzard is opting for a Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct livestream instead of its usual BlizzCon event.

    The franchise began with Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, which debuted on November 15, 1994, ultimately putting Blizzard on the gaming map. Fast forward thirty years, and the series has grown with beloved titles such as World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Warcraft Rumble. Now, Blizzard plans to honor all these games during a single livestream, making it a must-watch event for any Warcraft enthusiast. If you’re curious about how to catch the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct and what to anticipate, I’ve gathered all the essential details for you.

    When is the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct?

    The Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct is set to start at 10 a.m. PT on November 13. While Blizzard hasn’t specified the duration of the livestream, they have confirmed that a concert titled World of Warcraft: 20 Years of Music will follow right after.

    How to watch the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct

    This livestream marks a first for the franchise, as it will be streamed on the official World of Warcraft YouTube channel as well as the Warcraft channels on Twitch and TikTok. Once the YouTube premiere for the event goes live, I’ll embed it on this page for easy viewing. On Twitch, Blizzard will also offer in-game rewards for titles such as World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Warcraft Rumble to viewers.

    30th Anniversary art for the Warcraft franchise.
    This is the official 30th Anniversary artwork for the Warcraft franchise. Blizzard Entertainment

    What to expect from the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct

    “It’s a big year for the Warcraft universe! Whether you’re a fan of Hearthstone, have dived into the chaos of Warcraft Rumble, have experienced the adventure of Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, or are immersed in World of Warcraft, there’s something in our Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct stream for everyone,” the official event description states. It’s reasonable to expect announcements about upcoming updates for titles like World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Warcraft Rumble.

    Speculation surrounds what surprises Blizzard has planned for this direct presentation. One intriguing possibility appears to be a potential leak involving Warcraft II Remastered, which seems to be an enhanced version of the classic Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, originally released in 1995. If you’re eager to discover more about this and other upcoming Warcraft initiatives, tuning in to the 30th Anniversary Direct is certainly advisable.

  • Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct: Watch And What To Expect

    Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct: Watch And What To Expect

    A group of Warcraft characters charging to the right against a backdrop of an orange sunset.
    Blizzard Entertainment

    Instead of a traditional BlizzCon announcement, Blizzard Entertainment is staging a streaming event to mark the 30-year journey of the Warcraft series.

    The stream will encompass all aspects of the Warcraft universe, spanning from World of Warcraft to Hearthstone, Warcraft Rumble, and even the series’ original title: Warcraft: Orcs and Humans. Expect a reflection on Warcraft’s legacy, discussions about its future through the Worldsoul Saga, and possible unexpected reveals. Here’s what you need to know to tune in.

    When is the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct?

    The 30th anniversary event is set to begin at 10 a.m. PT on Wednesday, November 13. Although session length hasn’t been confirmed, it will be succeeded by a concert titled “World of Warcraft: 20 Years of Music,” featuring an orchestra and several choirs.

    How to watch the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct

    You can catch the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct on Blizzard’s official channels, including Twitch and YouTube. Additionally, this year’s streaming will extend to TikTok. For fans of the games, there will be opportunities to watch within Hearthstone, Warcraft Rumble, and World of Warcraft to earn in-game rewards, with more details about these rewards to come later.

    What to expect from the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct

    The anniversary stream will delve into the rich history spanning 30 years of Warcraft, starting with Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, a groundbreaking real-time strategy game that featured multiplayer when it launched on November 15, 1994. The launch of World of Warcraft on November 23, 2004, propelled the franchise into mainstream awareness and marked a pivotal moment in gaming history. The event will host developers from various points in the series’ evolution to reflect on its milestones over three decades.

    Blizzard also plans to discuss the future, building on the Worldsoul Saga announced in 2023, which introduces a primary storyline to be split across three expansions. The first installment, The War Within, released on August 26 of this year, with the upcoming expansions, Midnight and The Last Titan, set to conclude the saga by 2030. According to Blizzard, “With the Worldsoul Saga, the World of Warcraft team aims to usher in a new era of gameplay and storytelling, featuring narratives that span multiple expansions and inviting players to witness the culmination of 20 years of adventures as they advance into the next two decades.”

    Audiences can anticipate a few surprises as well. “You won’t want to miss a second—or a single surprise,” according to a blog post.

    This event is taking place in lieu of BlizzCon 2024, which Blizzard decided not to host this year but indicated plans for future events. Instead, the company has been showcasing its franchise announcements and events separately throughout the year.