Although most Nintendo Directs generally center on games coming to the Switch, Nintendo's last presentation gave fans a preview of Super Nintendo World located in Universal Studios Japan. Given that the new year is now just around the corner, it is safe to say that the special Super Nintendo World Direct is the last showcase for 2020.
Now, for Nintendo Switch players looking forward to hearing about Nintendo's future lineup of Switch games, the company still hasn't announced when the next Direct presentation will occur. Of course, given the wide amount of new games releasing in the next months due to the recent launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the big question that Nintendo fans may have is what's next for the Switch, and when will they hear more about its upcoming lineup of games?
The Next Nintendo Direct Will Likely Happen in January 2021
Looking at Nintendo's history, it is worth noting that the company has always hosted a direct presentation at the start of each year, except for 2016. Given this pattern, it is likely that Nintendo would want to give fans an update and a preview on what to expect for the Switch in the year ahead. Additionally, Nintendo has several first-party titles that are currently in development, and the start of 2021 would be the perfect time for the company to give players an update on their progress.
In January of 2020, Nintendo held a Pokemon-centered Direct presentation, which revealed many exciting things for the Pokemon franchise. Of course, players would know now that the presentation unveiled the Expansion Pass for Pokemon Sword and Shield called The Isle of Armor, released in June 2020, and Crown Tundra, which was added to Sword and Shield in October. Now, for those wondering what Nintendo plans to showcase at the start of 2021, it is likely that, similar to 2020, the first Direct presentation of 2021 will center around another of Nintendo's most important video game franchises.
Will Nintendo Host a Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Direct Presentation?
Although the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has long been confirmed, specific details regarding its story, and most importantly, its release date, are still being kept under wraps. However, given the tight competition between video game consoles, especially after the release of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, it is likely that Nintendo would want to start the year with a bang, and confirmation of Breath of the Wild 2's release date could give Sony and Microsoft a run for their money.
Additionally, Zelda fans know that the Legend of Zelda franchise is turning 35 years old in 2021, making it the perfect year to release the highly-anticipated game. Of course, before even thinking of what the upcoming game will offer Zelda fans, Nintendo should first settle Breath of the Wild 2's release date, and a Direct presentation centered around the upcoming game would definitely be a good way to start the year. Although an update on Breath of the Wild 2 will most likely happen sometime next year, there is a possibility that it may not be included in Nintendo's January Direct presentation. If it's not the highly-anticipated sequel, what will Nintendo present in its first Direct of 2021?
Nintendo Switch Pro Perhaps?
The Nintendo Switch Pro has been rumored for quite some time now. Initially, the Switch's more powerful version was thought to release this year, but Nintendo shot down speculation when it confirmed that it has no plans to release new hardware in 2020. Although the Switch Pro remains a rumor, Nintendo may have already started its development, especially since it has filed patents suggesting an improved version of the Switch. The decision not to reveal anything this year likely is to distance the rumored Switch Pro with the PS5 and Xbox Series X's launch.
However, now that both Sony and Microsoft's newest consoles are already out in the market, 2021 is the perfect opportunity for Nintendo to keep up with the competition and reveal its plans for a more powerful Nintendo Switch. Again, given that Nintendo hasn't really announced anything about a new version of the Switch, it is likely that the Switch Pro won't be announced in January. But given the latest products of its competitors, it is more than likely that Nintendo will make some sort of an announcement next year regarding the Nintendo Switch's future.
